Rather than regaling my friends and family with some newly read snippet of information (at great length and several times over, regardless of reciprocated interest), I can now detail these troubling, enthralling or peculiar tales here. And as a bonus, I save my companions the effort of feigning interest in my new and passing fancies!
These all-consuming interests are typified by my wondering where all the bees have gone and my fear of the looming helium crisis, but extend to various areas of science.
Are you sure that your friends and family do not appreciate your snippets of information? While I love reading this blog, I do worry that you may be diverted from entertaining and educating those souls who surely eagerly await the latest mini-talk on a new and passing fancy.
Thanks for your concern, but no need to worry, there’s enough science to go around!
Do you do requests? If so, would you consider writing something about jökulhlaups? If you would include even a passing reference to the recent Eyjafjallajökull jökulhlaup, that would be most excellent. Thank you.
Interesting thoughts here. The Eyjafjallajökull is an ice cap in Iceland that covers the caldera of a volcano. Others might remember that recently volcanic ash from its activity disrupted flights over Europe in 2010. Now a jökulhlaup refers specifically to a glacial outburst flood, much like the one I described for Lake Agassiz, not just any environmental event. But I certainly like the idea of broadening its usage, it’s a great word that I’ve managed to avoid having to try to pronounce! Do you use it in conversation?
i wrote a piece a few years ago, when i first heard of the varroa virus. there was no other way to express my fears…
thought you might like it anyway.
[thanks for your great site – hoping to read some of the blogs, and some of your pieces in the smh(?) please tweet them…]
Thanks for your comments – I’m also very concerned about the Varroa mite. Hope you keep reading!