Music!

Last night, I was listening to some music using my Koss PortaPro's. Every time I use them, I feel like I am rediscovering my music. They are so exceptionally good, I can't believe I don't use them all the time. Who needs a high-end stereo system?

To read a good review of them, go here.

Heat!

Here in Princeton, I am getting the full summer experience. For the past few days, the high temperatures have been in the mid-90s. I haven't felt heat like this in years. San Francisco always had moderate-to-cool temperatures, which didn't vary much all year. On the other hand, I am seeing rabbits, fireflies, and groundhogs, which is exciting.

Computers and Typewriters

I just read an article about people who prefer using typewriters to computers. I have to admit that I am sympathetic. On the one hand, when you use a typewriter, you don't have to worry about losing data, or making sure that a battery is charged. On the other hand, typing on a computer makes editing far, far easier: I would much rather write a 40-page essay on a computer than on a typewriter. I would have to have to retype all 40 pages, rather than just change a sentence here or there.

I feel similarly about cell phones. I like having a land line because I never have to worry about reception, or dropped calls, or whether the battery has enough charge. On the other hand, cell phones are extremely convenient. So, I'm torn.

Rain, and Physics

It is raining in Princeton, and I am enjoying hearing it hear the roof outside my room. (It's strange to hear a rainstorm that is not a deluge, like the storms in San Francisco.) I am also looking forward to next week, when my bike should arrive at the local UPS store. I am itching to ride around town, and explore the paths along the river near campus.

Another note: I have been using my two Lamy fountain pens to take notes during my daily lectures, and I have been surprised at how long the ink supply has been lasting, and how smooth the nibs have been. Hooray for fountain pens! The person who sometimes sits next to me takes notes on an iPad: what an interesting juxtaposition of technologies that is.

Princeton!

I have arrived at Princeton University, where I will the spend the summer as a science writing intern. So far, I love the town. I have missed being around deciduous trees, and dogwoods, and I find that I even missed summer weather. I walked along Nassau St., and was happy to find deli's, bakeries, a running supply store, a cupcake shop, a book store, and even a small movie theater. Very nice, Princeton: very nice.

Also, I am looking forward to a summer full of thunderstorms. Hooray!

A Single Word

A few days ago, I came across an article in the New York Times about All Souls College at Oxford University. It seems as though the college had an entrance exam that consisted of one word, like "justice." Applicants had three hours to write an essay about the word, or topic. This idea is fascinating to me. I also loved the scenario that the writer describes below:

"The unveiling of the word was once an event of such excitement that even non-applicants reportedly gathered outside the college each year, waiting for news of the word to waft out."

Unfortunately, the exam has been discontinued.

Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/world/europe/28oxford.html?no_interstitial

All Souls College: http://www.all-souls.ox.ac.uk/

Bacon Syrup

I never would have thought that anyone would have a need for bacon syrup, but Torani obviously thought there was a hole in its flavored syrup offerings. This site also suggests using bacon syrup on milkshakes, which sounds odd, though bacon and chocolate do go well together.

http://www.torani.com/products/bacon-syrup