“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Yesterday was a lesson in non-linear dynamics. No matter how hard you set up initial conditions and painstakingly execute planned actions, results are not always what you wanted them to be.
Good: The abstract I submitted (with the Department Chair) for an academic conference in Cyprus (May 2006) got accepted. It’s something about memetics and constitutional change in the Philippines.
Bad: Imagine the work involved to get there. The thing has transformed from Clever Idea into a Project You Have To Do. I have to carve out the paper, and raise funds to go to Cyprus. I’m wondering now what to do with another paper idea I have, this time for Intellectual Property. I’m willing to sell the outline for a bag of beans.
Good: Got lots and lots of good reading for the holidays. My reading fare used to consist only of 1) Academic works/”Idea” books 2) science fiction and 3) fantasy. This time I’m rounding it out with comedy, political satire, and a work of fiction that has no spaceships or swordfights.
Bad: I think I’m going to need eyeglasses soon. Years of reading (reading while reclining, against the light, even!) and years in front of the computer staring at endless strings of code didn’t damage my vision, but now I’m finding it harder to focus, and my head aches after a few chapters (oh the pain!). I honestly think it’s the SCRA, and all those horribly typeset student-made reviewers.
Good: Party. Good food and beer. Videoke. Full sentences!
Bad: Not enough face time. Never enough face time.
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