Hi Everybody! Not much of a post, but if you don't care about the doings a-transpiring in my life, then why are you here?
So it's been another fun week here in the 'Bridge as I like to call it. Well, actually I haven't even spent most of my time here. Last week the CTP had a retreat to New Hampshire for a series of talks & hot tub sessions. What happens in New Hampshire, stays in New Hampshire. Has there ever been a better motto than adultery doesn't count in Las Vegas? The talks were pretty good, and I got one of my quantum field theory textbooks signed by Michael Peskin. Those in the field (theoretical high energy physics) know how exciting this is. I joked with him before he signed it that the reason I went into physics was to "live like a rock star". He didn't get it, and I told him that it must be fun having adoring students come up to him asking to sign their copy of his book. He just laughed and told me he hated writing this book. Why else do we do what we do? It's all about the ladies & the benjamins. Also, the Inn we were staying at (The Common Man Inn, for those looking for a nice getaway to The Granite State) had an awesome hot tub. During the afternoon free time, everyone went off to eat their lunch, but I decided a nice swim would put me in a good mood to eat, so I put on my trunks and headed downstairs. Well, I turned on the jets and hopped in. It took a second, but they started to roll - and then - the waterfall started up. Yes, the hot tub had twin waterfalls cascading about 4 feet into the middle of the tub. I just hunched under them for about... Well, I don't know how long because you kinda lose track of time under there, but it was amazing. And then I got a massage. Sadly, the CTP didn't pay for that, but it was worth it. I got a lot of tension, you know. Well, I think I learned some physics, too. But it was a good time.
The Advisor gave me the speech that I've been expecting for a while. He told me how hard it is to get a position in theoretical high energy physics and such. And he's right. I don't think my prospects are high for a faculty position somewhere. But that's a bridge I'll cross in a few more years. But this is what I've always wanted to do, and maybe this physics gig only lasts a few more years, but that doesn't mean not do it at all, it just means to enjoy what time there is here. That's why I go to sleep at night reading a Thermal Field Theory book rather than Harry Potter. It's not about the future prospects, it's about loving physics and doing it right now.
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5 comments:
You're a good husband.
Eric, if anyone could be a rockstar physicist, it's you. Seriously. I can see it now- a darkened lecture hall with floorlights dimly illuminating the whiteboard, a chugging bass and drums line revving the crowd up. And then, with the ascending thunder of an rockin' guitar, you slide out onto the stage, marker in hand, and rockout esoteric quantum shit like it's Eruption or something.
Seriously- the kids will love.
I hate the whole "If I probably can't do this professionally I just won't do it at all" mentality! Because get this: I have a totally useless master's degree in a subfield of a subfield of a fricking social science and I actually got a job using the skills I learned in my useless field. Dude: it happens! And it can happen to you. So look out! The lesson here? Shine on, you crazy diamond! Shine on!
You know, Joe (and this is totally tangential to the post and everything). I actually watched a video of Eddie Van Halen (or whoever the fuck the guitarist was) performing Eruption in concert, and I came to a realization. That song is profoundly boring. I mean really, painfully boring. I made it through about 30 seconds of the video before I just couldn't take it anymore.
Hey, Eric. I actually got a job with the skills that I learned in my major and I'm trying to throw it away and pursue a totally useless degree (AI? Who the fuck cares about AI and playing Go and shit like that?). Take heart!
Joseph-
Later, when you die and discover that Eddie is God, you will be punished for your heresy.
I've got to chime in that I also don't like the idea of college as purely a job-training program. As romantical and idealistic as it may sound, I really do believe that knowledge for its own sake is something with true value. Of course, someone who studied philosophy kind of has to say that.
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