CALL ME SNAKE

I spent all afternoon talking about string theory, inflation, and the universe with a leading theoretical physicist, and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable "work" days I've had in awhile. I usually have plenty to gripe about, but today there's not much to say in the way of negativity. This was one of those days where I consider myself lucky to have such a fun job. Not that it's always fun. And not that I'm always lucky. But for a few hours, at least, all was well in the world of work. (Lest the title mislead, I don't have a proper "office," and I was not in the one that I have, which might have been part of the fun.)

There was one funny thing about the afternoon (and I'm not going to start complaining after holding back and being so good), but this physicist did say on a few occasions that he worries that blogging could prove to be very bad for science--all the negative press that some scientists (like him) get in the blogosphere could provide fodder for the religious right and wrongheaded politicians. I didn't mention that I have occasionally indulged in the aforementioned four-letter word ("b-l-o-g"). I just kept quiet. Not that I've ever said anything bad about him--or about science, for that matter--in these pages.

That's not the first time this habit has come close to getting me in trouble. A couple of generals, as I mentioned before, didn't talk to me on account of some questionable things I've written about the commander in chief, and that could have spelled trouble for my article had not others in the military talked to me. But we're getting off track here: I had a day with few complaints, which is nice for a change. Will it last? Probably not, but let's enjoy that warm fuzzy glow while it's still hanging on. (Update[one minute later]: It's already starting to fade.)