Ever since they unionized it has become too expensive... They demand humpback benifits... I cant afford the insurance on insane demented evil assistants...

While I dont have evil demented help I kinda like working with the professionals that are devoted to the project... Still it would be great to have an army of of ninjas I could sick on my nemesies....

Seriously, I really respect the people that we hire as airplane spotters... They stand out all night on the summit and watch for planes for 10 dollars an hour, I make damn sure to thank them... they are astronomy enthusiasts and make it possible for us to do our job... standing in the cold for hours is not pleasant! But honestly, seeing the laser project is a real experience.... it is disorienting... In my opinion they do it not for the measly pay, but because they like being part of of the project...

To see the laser turn on, and form a solid looking pillar to infinity is really stunning... :) I have to admit I like my job...

I have a lot of work to do to improve the beam quality, but I enjoy it- The next generation scopes will have MANY lasers...

:) funny thing is I never expected to work on lasers for a living...but I love this so far...