Brains, brains, I won't lie

[austin_dern]

An e-mail to the faculty invited all to a talk about modern theories the brain's working and controversies about brain injuries. This isn't even faintly related to my research, but I don't mind novel-to-me talks, and I've been growing more interested in biochemistry lately. I don't know whether that's a natural evolution of my interests or just a reflection that since I'm no longer a graduate student, expressing interest in biochemistry doesn't put me at risk of someone on my thesis committee asking me to volunteer for a nutrition-deprivation experiment. I need my riboflavin.

But the organization putting on the talk pleaded limited seating and asked people to pre-register, and didn't specify a date or location in the initial mail (a too-common attitude of withholding information for little obvious reason). I got back an e-mail that the addresses of the original e-mail were invalid, and none of the accounts listed were valid. Apparently the talk can't be registered for or attended; they just wanted to brag they were holding one. I have to suppose the people behind these mind games are connected to the 7-Eleven fraud of the other day.

The BBC reports, with a straight face, that officials for the United Arab Emirates have decided starting with next year's camel racing season to use robot camel jockeys. I hope the robot camel jockeys will also team up to fight the forces of evil.

Trivia: Henry Hudson's contract with the Dutch East India Company provided he should be paid 800 guilders for a successful expedition; if he died or was lost at sea his wife would receive 200 guilders. Source: Nathaniel's Nutmeg, Giles Milton.

Currently Reading: Asimov's New Guide to Science, Isaac Asimov.

Comments

[magnavixen.livejournal.com]

Interesting how a talk about the working of the brain seems to involve mind games. Perhaps arrival at the talk would be a selection criteria for research.

--G.R.R.

[austin-dern.livejournal.com]

Precisely my thoughts. There's been no update or amending of the announcement, either, so this is some very peculiar game being played on anyone trying to sign up.