The Latest AAS Meeting, So What?
Right now, all the cool kids are playing astronomical kickball in Austin this week without me. Sure, they get lots of stuffs to post about, new science discovery-thingys to regurgitate. They even get to podcast. I didn’t see AstroProf in the photo guys, he’s there too lurking behind a laptop at the talks furiously typing away, you should include him in your reindeer games.
Me? I’ll be OK. Really. I’m fine.
They all met up and talked to each other. I’m not sure what I’d say to a fellow blogger face-to-face anyway.
“Hey.”, I say sheepishly.
“Hey.” he responds.
“So, you’re the Bad Astronomer?”
“Yep.” he said, looking at his shoes.
“How’s that working out for ya?” I mumble, looking at the ceiling.
“Good.”
“Couldn’t think of a better name besides ‘The Bad Astronomer’?”
“Nope.”
“Okay then. Nice meeting ya. Good luck with that book-thing.”
“Thanks.”
Then I’d go home and fervently expound how great it was to meet the Bad Astronomer in a 2000 word post. Let’s just say I’m better behind the keyboard. [BTW Phil, if you read this, I'm not insulting you, I just hate calling you the bad astronomer. You're not a bad astronomer. I'm just sayin'...]
I didn’t want to go to your dumb-old meeting anyway, even if you are screening Real Genius (quick question: WHY is there a screening of that movie at a scientific conference? I loved the movie, I just don’t get why they’re showing it. The image of a room full of astronomers sitting the dark watching Val Kilmer is an unsettling one.). I’m just gonna stay here in Illinois and look for Dark Energy. And when I find it, man will you guys be jealous.
And no, you can’t have any.
this was not an ordinary showing the the movie…. everyone had laser pointers and tasty beverages… and they threw popcorn on us for about ten minutes at the end of the movie! look up the alamo drafthouse in austin for an idea of the fun that ensued!
Ahh, I see. Kind of a Rocky Horror Picture Show for astronomers?
“Like your neck!” (if you guys have never been to Rocky then you have no idea what I just said).
I guess I’m gonna have to plan on the next AAS meeting, I have a laser pointer.
OOh, if you go, Tony, you know you gotta bring the ME. If you bring me, you know you’ll get more than popcorn on ya.
Heh. Actually, a bunch of folks came up to me at the meeting, and I had lots of great conversations. And some people came up to me, and I danced with them! I love the last night of a meeting.