Lost/Idiot

Well, I managed to lose my keys. That's my house keys, aren't I a clever boy? Dont know how I managed to do it, but I'd just come in through the door, dropped off my lid and gloves and picked up my bike cover to run out and cover up my poor baby who had to sit outside in a downpour for an hour whilst I was a t rehearsal. And in that space of about ten seconds I managed to lose my keys.

Numpty, eh? So I shoved the door on the latch while I ran downstairs to check around outside, and to turn my bike back on so I can actually see the floor - very dark around my door, the light's on the fritz - and no keys to be seen. Oops.

Turns out I'd actually shoved them into my pocket, but the one on the left side where I normally have nothing but my phone. Took me a good five minutes to work it out though; I'm officially a dopey old man, becoming more like my own father with each passing day, yuck.

So, otherwise I've been totally into reading around the Manhattan Project. It's turning out to be fascinating reading, with plenty of drama (not surprising when it considers the invention of the first so-called doomsday weapons) and psychology. Absolutely fascinating, and a good introduction to some cold war history that I shall be going in to. Not so far distant that it seems less meaningful to life, but not been done to death a la Nazis. And actually explains why the world is somewhat like it is, with the first development of the so-called scientific-millitary hegemony and the current state of funding of original research *scraping of grindstone*

Some insight I have is that this little period of history moved the centre of what is considered the important knowledge base of the educated person. Previously, the study of classics, sociology and philosophy might have been considered critical to play a contributing role in the great debates of the day. In the nuclear age, an understanding of things scientific and technological would be considered necessary to make an informed contribution, and the strict evaluation of evidence. I'm sure there's a thesis of some description in there, but I'll donate that one to any passing kibbitzer who needs inspiration (:-)

At any rate, I can highly recommend looking into that period, especially if you like the spy-thriller sort of novel or film, because that period of history is totally that sort of environment! I shall be continuing to look into this, and at the development of Japan before and after Hiroshima/Nagasaki, since this naturally follows on and I'm a bit of a japanophile.....

Tomorrow may be a slooooow day. I'm trying to read up on my organometallic chemistry but it's not really that fun. Anyone remember all that d-block rubbish? I'm having to rediscover.....

Freaked

So I bought this book. Supposed to be a good introductory text, and that's exactly what I need, to do a bit of learning in a new but related field (though I'll probably be fleeced as that, the latest edition, was published in 2005 and there's probably a new one coming along soon). Turns out that someone I used to work around and got along with quite well had a hand in reviewing and helping with the editing process. So obviously the name and title go down in print in the front of the book.

Very odd to see that, because everyone else in that list is highly distinguished and imposing sounding (not that Stuart isnt). And the guy I know, I know, which kinda contrasts very starkly with it. To the extent that I had pasted his head onto a dancing Scissor Sister to general amusement and my intense lack of professionalism.

Begs the question of what the other people in the list are like; surely the same thing applies about them to someone else (not the dancing toon part), which means that the whole imposing edifice of academia really shouldnt be. This might help in my sense of intimidation, but.....

Anyhew, felt I should blog something!

Wow

Well, I'm still alive. Not through any grand design, but still alive.....though having just ruined a very good day at a stroke, I feel rather more than a bit of an idiot; people all reckon they are beyond reproach when it comes to driving.....though I think something is amiss with persons who feel the need to overtake in a 30 zone when barely a minute away from their home. A mystery.

Not a pleasant post to which to return to blogging, but I shall endeavour in the coming days to pad myself out again with niceness and calm, and compassion for idiots. Some chance, eh? We'll see. In point of fact, it is highly unlikely since the family is coming to visit tomorrow, something I dont deal well with on the best of occasions, and I'm scared tomorrow will send me into another pit of depression.

I'm an ungrateful sod, aren't I?