Famous People

Academia is interesting, because it makes rock stars out of geeks. Walking through a research facility or university, you will often pass by random people that look no different than the average Joe, but to his research community, is absolutely famous and adored.  It is interesting that "famousness" goes with the territory: if you're not in the research community, this guy's just an average Joe with average Joe problems.

Case in point, yesterday evening, I saw SUPER famous guy having to deal with his kids. The funny thing is that his kids will never really understand just how famous he his. To them, he's just, "Dad -- the guy who doesn't let me eat ice cream for breakfast."

Wisdom of the karpar: On Geekiness

I spent the weekend with my good buddy KP, of "there's a frog in my salad" fame, who lives down in the Bay Area.

T: I find I am pretty geeky.  Even for geeks.

K: Try being down here.  You'll realize either you're not as geeky as you think, or you'll be like, "I'm finally home." Soon, you'd find Transformer bumper sticker on your car.

T: Really?

K: Oh yeah. Transformers bumper stickers are far more common than is comfortable.

T: Is that why all the women are single here?

K: Disappointment at every turn.