Cliff Stoll on (and off) the Stage - Numberphile

When Brady and Cliff took the stage at the National Math Festival in 2017, the results were chaotic. Impromptu camera work by our own Matt Parker. Additional crowd shots by Luke Mazurek.
More Cliff videos: bit.ly/Cliff_Videos
Matt Parker videos: bit.ly/Matt_Videos
National Math Festival: www.nationalmathfestival.org/
Numberphile T-shirts: teespring.com/stores/numberphile
Objectivity T-shirt: teespring.com/stores/objectivity
NUMBERPHILE
Website: www.numberphile.com/
Numberphile on Facebook: / numberphile
Numberphile tweets: / numberphile
Numberphile is supported by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI): bit.ly/MSRINumberphile
Videos by Brady Haran
Support us on Patreon: / numberphile
Brady's videos subreddit: / bradyharan
A run-down of Brady's channels: www.bradyharan.com
Sign up for (occasional) emails: eepurl.com/YdjL9

[@BlobVanDam]

I get the feeling Cliff would be both the best and worst housemate ever at the same time. He'd probably steal your electricity for a week for an experiment and keep you awake all night learning to yodel, but then make a week's supply of pancakes at 4am in the morning.

[@12mjk21]

then starts drawing on the pancakes to explain Gaussian curvature.

[@Ceelvain]

He's the kind of person I love. The kind of person so much into his own thing he doesn't care about what people think. His math geekiness is contagious. Even if he's a bit odd, and sometime annoying, you can never be mad at him for very long. Honnestly, he's the kind of friend I want in my life. :)

[@JohnnyYenn]

BlobVanDam This was an excellent comment.

[@BlobVanDam]

I bet he'd be awesome to hang out with. I hope by that age I can have that much enthusiasm and passion for something. :)

[@andomadsen3743]

I'm a math teacher in training, and watching the videos featuring Cliff, among all the others, renew my enthusiasm for being that person so overtly passionate about their subject that it inspires engagement. =]

[@conrad5721]

This is your brain on Klein bottles. Any questions?

[@Stjaernljus]

Don't do Klein bottles kids.

[@slendy9600]

Con rad "stop it. get some help."

[@anomalapithecus]

Where can I get some??

[@tombandhazko]

Klein bottles... Not even once

[@anomalapithecus]

All day everyday. Cliff is life goals

[@kcwidman]

Cliff is like a 75 year old man with the excitement and enthusiasm of a 8 year old on Christmas morning that has an IQ of 140.

[@zacharyhizon5165]

Kai Widman If he had an IQ of 140 at age 8 I wonder what his IQ would be today.

[@alexwang982]

Kai Widman 140

[@alexwang982]

unless brain transplant or something

[@Kaiwala]

Hello Kai. I am you from another dimension where your mother remarried before having you. Whether this was a smart decision or not is up to debate.

[@Desuxis]

Too much math for his meth

[@Pooopers]

Rumour has it that Cliff start his day with 976 cups of coffee.

[@notchad6772]

people get mad you mean 976 KLEIN BOTTLES of coffee?

[@livedandletdie]

No, klein bottles have zero volume, so that can't be it.

[@Jkirek_]

He starts his day smoking loads of weed to calm down to this level. We couldn't handle him on coffee

[@ooos2989]

An astronomer drank 976 cups of coffee. This what happened to his klein bottle.

[@FaerieDogs]

It's so cool to think that the Klein bottle on my shelf was fished out from under Cliff's house with a little forklift robot.

[@otakuribo]

+

[@acos21]

Early 90's as a kid i was hooked on his book "The Cuckoos egg". When i got myself my first internet connection as a 17 year old 1997something one of the first things i did was sending Cliff an actual email. Can you imagine directly contacting your favorite AUTHOR? Wow. The power of the Internet. I sent him a mail asking if he could sign a book. I asked him were to ship it to and provided my overseas address so he could tell me the cost for him to send it back to me after he signed it. I would include dollar bills in the package, so i proposed. I didnt receive an answer. And stopped expecting one 3 weeks later. Then, four weeks later, there was a letter in my snailmailbox that a package was waiting for me at the post office: it was a signed fresh copy of Cliff's book!

[@MattyFez]

This man needs to be shown to the world

[@kcwidman]

They simply couldn't handle it.

[@BoundlessxArts]

"Cliff's just doing stuff now." Cliff in a nutshell.

[@bangboom123]

Today I Learned: This guy outed an international hacker selling military secrets to the KGB because he spotted a 75c accounting error when working as a sysadmin in Berkeley.

[@romajimamulo]

Rockerchavnerdemo source?

[@jackozeehakkjuz]

Source?

[@romajimamulo]

Jackozee Hakkiuz it's in a video Clif did for AT&T

[@joelbolt359]

Read the book "Cuckoos Egg". It goes through the whole story on the Hanover case

@@joelbolt359 actually he wrote the book. Because that book I know about him

[@Stormorbiter]

Someone introduce this guy to 3-D printing

[@austynhughes134]

I love Cliffs enthusiasm!

[@Superphilipp]

Understatement of the century.

[@ffnovice7]

On a bad day, if I were in that room I would not be so thrilled at his hyperactivity

[@shell_jump]

"Are you gonna be talking about knots?" "I'm not sure yet."

[@Jkirek_]

"can you make a knot in 2 dimensions?" "You can knot"

[@VikeingBlade]

Reminded me of his TED talk

[@Doc_Fartens]

Cliff entertains me a whole lot more than he probably should.

[@sleepydog9968]

what's that supposed to mean? :v

[@numberphile2]

If you are watching this video while it is still UNLISTED do not panic, it will be changed to listed a bit later.

[@duck6872]

why is that, might I ask

[@heliocentric1756]

"No one reads the comments" NOOOOOOOOOOOO I'm wasting my time

[@Theraot]

Duck, do not question the illuminati

[@ihrbekommtmeinenrichtigennamen]

Cliff is the best. He is so enthusiastic and full of energy about the things he loves. I strive to be more like him in that regard.

[@casey6556]

No offence to the various professors (they're all fantastic), but Cliff will always be my favourite Numberphile presenter 😆

[@slendy9600]

Casey Broughton same, Tadashi is a close second imo

[@U014B]

Casey Broughton I'd actually put Tadashi above Cliff. He has the same enthusiasm and personability, but he's much more self-controlled. Kinda like the difference between a barbarian wildly flailing his sword versus a trained swordsman considering his moves. Anyway, James Grime is best Numberphile waifu.

[@alexwang982]

Will Smith cliff Tadashi Matt parker Grime Everyone else

[@courtney-ray]

James Tadashi Matt The Australian guy with curly dark hair Cliff The one that does 60 symbols Everyone else

[@B1GB1RDB4G3L]

NOW MAKE CLIFF READ NICE COMMENTS ABOUT HIM!! Here's mine: When I'm feeling sad, I re-watch Cliff's videos to cheer me up. His positivity and excitement can't help but brighten my day :)

[@sebastianjost]

Videos involving him really have soo many nice comments.

[@papa515]

When the video on Klein Bottles first came out I purchased three, one each, for my kid's Christmas presents and they are still on display in places of honor in each of their homes.

[@damienw4958]

Matt did a Parker Square at that cameramanship!

[@davecrupel2817]

I was wondering when a Parker Square joke would show. Lol

[@peterw9006]

The thing w/ the storage under his house is totally impressive

[@DeathlessIce]

I see Cliff Stoll, I like. I'm a simple man.

[@E1craZ4life]

Would you say Matt was a Parker Square of a cameraman?

[@peterw9006]

E1craZ4life I would totally agree! - He at least tried. Might've worked out, but unfortunately didn't

[@connorp3030]

At least he gave it a go.

[@wilson.adam.82]

This was my thought too. Just checking the comments section before making this same observation.

[@MrxstGrssmnstMttckstPhlNelThot]

Cliff, don't ever die on us please. You're too great and fun!!

[@toropazzoide]

Man I love Cliff X°D "Are you going to talk about knots?" "I'm not sure yet!"

[@techno0b467]

Cliff has more energy than a 4-year-old. He's amazing!

[@SuperStingray]

Why doesn't Cliff Stoll have his own educational TV show yet?

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

He keeps bursting through into other studios.

[@HellsBergel]

How it feels to chew Klein bottle. *insert Cliff Stoll here* Klein bottle, stimulate your senses.

[@kennethsizer6217]

Cliff Stoll for President! If any math professor can say that no student has ever fallen asleep in any of his lectures, it's this guy.

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

Of all of the Numberphile videos ftg. Cliff Stoll that I've so far seen (and I've seen a lot of them), this one is now my top-fav

[@dineshjagai]

Love this guy - his passion and enthusiasm for math and Keith bottles is something I admire.

[@cycklist]

Was that your Hello Internet shoe Brady?

[@TheTechnoLocker]

Based on the "Do you know how much they cost?" comment, I'm guessing they are!

[@karrotsrkool]

Can confirm!

[@courtney-ray]

PompeyDB that's precisely what I wanted to know!

[@jasonblewis]

Cliff should definitely be given intangible asset status.

[@rickseiden1]

OMG!OMG!OMG! 6:10! That's my brother and my nephew! They're IN a Numberphile video! OMG!

[@stocktonjoans]

I've coiled a lot of audio cable, the struggle is real

[@alexwang982]

4:23 That's me!

[@scottgriz]

I love that I now own one of his Klein bottles. Everyone should. The purchase experience is well worth it. Cliff is a real treasure.

[@hitchikerspie]

Cliff is like Maths Gollum he loves his fourth dimension!

[@pvf6996]

Matt is a parker square of a cameraman!

[@athanasiuscontramundum4127]

I love cliff stoll. He is one of my numberphile favorites.

[@fuzzylilpeach6591]

This video made my day. I dont care if its about something lame or dumb, but I hope when I'm as old as he is I am that passionate about something.

[@djguydan]

So....when is the Cliff video showing us his DeLorean DMC-12?

[@charliespinoza1966]

Thanks for sharing Brady, Cliff is such a special guy. ♥️

[@woodfur00]

B-but, what's the complement to a figure eight knot?

[@KunamaElgar]

My thought exactly!

[@livedandletdie]

infinite space minus a figure eight knot.

[@emanonmax]

Sometimes I ask myself: How what where when why is Cliff Stoll?

[@ZapAndersson]

There's literally not enough like buttons in the universe for this.

[@stocktonjoans]

don't even have to watch, instant thumbs up, LOVE this guy!

[@moritzkockritz5710]

Please give us the part with matt as well :)

[@MazeFrame]

Not entierly sure what I just watched... But would totaly watch again! I love the multi-camera video!

[@Isaki_1]

Cliff is such a beautiful human being☺️

[@DaKnightsofawesome]

Is that an official hello internet sneaker?

[@planetsoccer99]

indeed it is!

[@jaidenboucher0]

Tim?

[@Bajeeebus]

Chandler Gloyd is that an official hellbenders channel icon?

[@JM-us3fr]

Seriously, I hurt a little when he violently tore the shoe string from it. That thing is freaking expensive

[@johndriscoll7803]

I am never more afraid for my life than when I ask Cliff Stoll not to move.

[@rickrijpers4730]

nice hello internet shoes you have there. what a shame if someone knotted the laces...

[@jaidenboucher0]

This is the best video.

[@harrytsang1501]

So this is Rick's life without alcohol nor portal gun

[@nihonium]

The world needs more Cliff Stoll :D

[@dudeno123456789]

I love how enthusiastic Chris is. he seems like he genuinely has fun with math!

[@jackwisniewski3859]

i love this man

[@patjohbra]

His enthusiasm is so contagious, it's the best

[@Cernoise]

I already loved the humor on his web site when I bought. Klein bottles from him about ten years ago, but with every video I love him more. I want to be like him when I'm his age. ❤️

[@BobOgden1]

Love Cliff so much

[@CthulhusDream]

Cliff is my spirit animal.

[@TheRandomSpectator]

How can you NOT love Cliff Stoll???

[@tabletoparcade4203]

I love this man so much

[@theinter-dimensionaltravel2798]

Keep living in the moment Cliff; it's awesome seeing your "Authentic Self."

[@ChrisLuigiTails]

Matt & Cliff. My favorites

[@dx3nexus536]

No! The sacred Hello Internet shoe. It has been violated!

[@anthonyhunt6048]

A wonderful, wonderful man :-)

[@lukewaite9144]

I assure you cliff that your videos are very interesting and entertaining

[@Seth4All]

This guy is crazy. Love it.

[@anynomouse]

love him !!!

[@holysumon]

Wow, i like this channel, but man, honestly, i can't watch all of its videos... But when I read "Cliff..." I said "I MUST WATCH THIS ONE!"

[@LateNightHacks]

Hehehe, he is as crazy as crazy as he looks! awesome!

[@derKarl_stp]

he's just amazing :D

[@Marre2795]

Cliff should watch this video.

[@wahffle6729]

Cliff is not a force of nature, nature is a force of cliff.

[@AgentM124]

I love that Professor Cliff Stoll. His enthusiasm is through the roof. (well almost, he jumps high though)

[@SkateGeneva]

topologists are absolutely insane lmao

[@Indian_Ravioli]

Cliff is the best... If I have that much excitement at his age I would have lived a good life.

[@axelstoll6536]

Cliff is crazy. i love him

[@hdaalpo]

May we all find something that makes us this excited about.

[@cosmicvoidtree]

I deserve a medal for filming with Cliff. Now everyone knows how hard he is.

[@makjude]

When the world is facing an apocalypse and all the smartest people are in one room trying to find a solution for humanity. Cliff Stoll will be their leader.

[@Lampyboi]

I was there, it was soo cool. I even got to meet Matt

[@dogeeseseegod5450]

As soon as I saw Colin I thought , this guy has 100% brought a Klein Bottle

[@jellybeany3120]

I need Cliff's autograph.

[@scottgriz]

If you all haven't read Cuckoo's Egg, drop everything and do it.

[@galenguo7570]

This guy is hysterical and hilarious.

[@rossmiller8457]

Cliff is just the best guy in the world

[@landspide]

Magic...

[@TheNefari]

I just realise, that the mini klein bottle warehouse has a close resemblance with the salt mine storage. Amazing.

[@pedroscoponi4905]

Oh, boy, now all we need is Tadashi sensei and we'd have a video with my top 3 Numberphile professors :o

[@missingntldr4179]

Is this the guy from Back To The Future?

[@alexwang982]

Missing NTLDR no

[@ferbfreeman9239]

@@alexwang982 He hasn't gone back yet. He needs to go back and tell the world about Klein Bottles

[@NickVanCash]

1:41 Well thank you! must have been one of these alter egos of mine

[@naota3k]

HAHA! We absolutely *love* Cliff.

[@azertyuiop432]

I hope that all people from the 4th dimension are as enthusiastic as him !

[@danielchequer5842]

*"I HAVE TO LIFT IT OFF THE FLOOR"*

[@spnativ]

cliff is a madman! i was line number #1 when he spoke at a dayton, oh, library in the late 1980s/early 1990s and he signed my copy of the cuckoo's egg. he loves chocolate milk (someone brought him a thermos of it) and was a lot like he is in this video, climbing on tables and chairs and jumping around all over the place! lots of fun to watch!

[@cosmicvoidtree]

How to make a cliff: Steal an aged mans body with his intelligence but replace his energy with a child who found the sugar aisle in a store.

[@practive65]

For most videos I play them at about 1.5 but with every Cliff video I watch on any channel, it's 1.25 or just normal

[@rogerlie4176]

Stolle in Swedish means madman...

[@wilson.adam.82]

I'm just wondering when that shoe will be up on eBay?