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24 January 2008

Comments

John B.

Proust knew stuff, indeed he did. But not the way scientists know stuff, you know? Or, rather, he knows a different language for describing what he knows; as Lehrer appears to conclude, based on your excerpt, what differs is not so much the knowledge as the language used to convey that knowledge.

I don't think I knew you have a fig tree. My dad's mother had a large fig tree in her yard; it was all I could do, during the summer, to keep from picking them too early. Now that I think about it, it may have been because of my desire for that fig tree's fruit that I was introduced to the concept of ripeness.

In those birds in your fig tree, there's a poem in there somewhere.

Sorry for any weirdness you may detect in this comment--it's the (one) beer talking, I do believe.

Pam

Perhaps the common denominator is simple observation? Then comes the language to describe that observation...

After reading your comment, I couldn't help but think back about when I became aware of the concept of 'ripeness'. Your story was a nice one. I'm guessing mine was associated with my parent's vegetable garden - but there's not a specific memory there I don't think. And yes, I would agree that there is a poem - or perhaps several - tangled up in the branches of that fig tree.

Les

I have really been enjoying your blog lately. I used to live in the Low Country in another life. I lived on Folly Beach and then moved to the Seabrook. I see you also have a Virginia connection, which is where I am now. I have just started my own gardening blog and have linked your site to mine, and if you like mine I would appreciate it if you would reciprocate.

Thank You!
Les
atidewatergardener.blogspot.com

The County Clerk

Geeez...

Quite a post.

First things first: 54 degrees??? Hell, it is January. 54 won't even prompt dormancy in a tropical plant. You are just in flux.

Also... the food we eat keeps us warm. When it is chilly, eat something non-dietetic. Burn. Burn. Burn.

I heard the same NPR thing (and thought of you). That's a guy who has his talking points together. I remember thinking, at the time (-5 degrees F according to the vehichle):

I wonder if that guy tells his "students/employees" to "explore" or to "solve." I'm an engineer (in theory). To me, we solve. But we do so hoping that somewhere scientists are out there "exploring."

The whole story seemed a little too "packaged" for my taste. I bet the guy is a good scientist. But I felt a little like I was listening to the "Google Boys" talk about a new product/service that is "in development."

And then I thought (apologies for my polarizing POV): "I bet this cat gets federal dollars... I bet the dude just owns the grant scene." And this upset me.

Discovery dollars (our money) doesn't go to product development... or it shouldn't. That is what "private money" is for. Discovery dollars go to crazy Italian navigators who, in Spain, convince victorious princes and princesses to give them money so they can sail into oblivion... or not.

The guy actually agitated me. "I'll be disappointed if we don't get that done in six months."


I thought of you.

I bet you could be very famous and moderately wealthy if you only "prentended" to be a scientists (or... my favorite thing to be: a scholar).

Of course, I am aware that I certainlly have this wrong... that I am unfair... that "I leave a wake of damage behind me"1.

Yeah... I'm wrong.

But if this cat has it so "figured out" I'd rather he spend some enegry looking into things we don't know anything about.

If our acientists can't be lunatics, then who can?

Unfair and Stupid. Accept my apologies.

Hank


1 A recent description of me, from a colleague, observing my sensistive-people-skils. I am clearly a jerk.

The County Clerk

Oh... the poem...

Many thoughts...

But i must sleep.

The morrow...

The County Clerk

And the books.

This is a monster post. It hit all my buttons.

Pam

Les: I'm glad you've enjoyed visiting here - and yes, I'm now in South Carolina but definitely have a strong Virginia connection.

County Clerk: Well. Did I say that it was 54 and HUMID? :) And yes, I'd like to think that scientists can be lunatics, but yesterday I was told that my 'asylum' sign over the lab's door would have to come down, because of a new 'policy' (my door is the only door with anything on it). Geez. I had policies - especially ones that constrain lunacy.

Annie in Austin

This is just why we come here - for posts you can get your teeth into and comments like bittersweet chocolate for dessert.

Annie

Pam

Thank you Annie. (Bittersweet chocolate for dessert...yum).

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