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Cherrie's TIGBlog
The Big Smoke
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 I departed WGTN at 9:30 AM on Wednesday. Excited, apprehensive and sleep deprived (which goes without saying, really).
An hour later, I stepped onto AKL. An hour later, I stepped into the flat. An hour later, I was in the lab. | Auckland
Gave TK, DB, MK texts during the journey here and grateful that NM rang home while I was semi-unpacking. Then bumped into RY on Grafton Bridge, which was nice and then caught up with IV briefly before saying hi to PD, NL and a few others. I felt a sense of familiarity as I watched the streets between the airport and the flat crawl by and an even more grey and 'status-quo' feeling as we entered the city. I have been here a long time, it seems and there is a noted absence of that 'fresh' feeling I get strolling down Wellington streets.
Uni
It felt so weird to be back at Uni - the energy is so different to that at work. I'd forgotten all the relatively-carefree hustle and bustle of this miniature city, full of people rushing to and fro lecture halls, flinging around books, book bags, clutching coffees, chatting with friends to catch up on 'important happenings' since the last update yesterday. I was a bit taken aback at first, until I realised that this is the way I am, too - over-dramatic, over-driven, over-committed... full of stresses that are only charming when worn by the young and naive. Lab
Then I floated up to the lab and was met by its lovely constituents!! It was so good to see everyone again - I know I say this all the time, but it's the people that make this place worthwhile. I must say the actual premises were smaller than I had remembered, in an exact opposite psychological trick to that I experienced for my flat. Drastic changes that I'd been expecting did not materialise in front of me and I found myself slowing down to the pace of this institution again. I find that a bit ironic considering I slowed down upon entering CE as well. I guess there is always build-up time before plateauing to a good steady pace. I guess. But even just trying to register/enrol and hearing of the various fiascoes running their course, I was reminded of the sludge- and debris-covered road that NZ lies down for its 'intellectuals'. It was not as comforting as I thought it'd be (and actually, more disappointing) to give up the power/responsibility, accessible utility and responsiveness of CE - it was almost whatever it takes to get the job done well. But here? Whatever it takes is a distant concept and people are making do with sticks and stones (to build 21st century knowledge that 22nd centurions can be proud of). Good luck, she puffs sarcastically. But I managed to get all the requirements together and even caught up with a few more buddies strolling around the place - RS, AB, NE, ND, KV... Mind you, I'm still nervous about Monday, since I haven't actually done any real work yet and even hearing 'light chatter' about photons, resolution and binding efficiency has my head spinning. I'm might hazard a guess that this must feel like a version (though inferior) of love. And yes, I am aware this sounds crazy, as I was reminded by my kind friends on Tues night. Wellington So in the few days leading up to my departure, I focussed on wrapping things up at work (although I still have a few things to do) and making some last minute plans with friends I hadn't had a chance to see very much of yet. It's ridiculous, I know - that in 3 months, I have seen some of these people once or twice. In any case, I am very grateful for LR - who is a wonderful, loyal, irreplaceable friend and a genuine trooper. I think my emotional life would be much more stable with her around. In saying that, I have heaps of beautiful friends, who are kind and generous - for that I am eternally grateful. I should mention that on my last day at CE, KG, ML, JL and I went for a nice coffee at Fresco (poor NJ didn't understand!) and then there were drinks after work, which were fab also. Friday night was a bit harrowing tying up loose ends at work, which meant I didn't leave the office until about 10 PM.
Thurs/Fri/Sat in the Big Smoke
Coming back to the title of the entry, Thursday was spent choring, getting the regalia (!!), PGSA event-ing and was supposed to culminate in lab drinks at 5 PM. Needless to say, this didn't happen to my great disappointment, BUT thankfully, LZ, NK and I went out for a long Korean dinner and then a long chat back at NK's. Come Friday morning, I trooped home and chored some more. A few hours spent at KV and NW's, then off to the Comedy Club to see Josie Long, who is quite funny. I'd say 7.5/10 if Russell Peters is 10/10 and say, Mike King is like 0/10 and Raybon Khan 2/10. Just my taste, don't have a beef. Sat was more choring and a run and now I'm still choring although I took some time to write this and I'll also write another post regarding NZ science that some of you might be interested in.
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Sleep!
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 Oh my goodness, last night I got some decent sleep. It's amazing - I can conquer the world, again! Oh, sleep - how I miss thee.
(And also GREAT catchups with MR and LR) ROCK ON! It's so weird how my mood is SO dependent on the amount of rest I get these days. I used to have way more energy than that. It must be that I'm getting old and/or maybe I'm just really really tired, since the things I do now are more difficult than before (perhaps). Or rather, the people stuff is more complicated these days. Never used to have to worry about such things.
Regardless, I have a MEGA to-do list this week, spanning two cities. FRACK! (it's ok, I can handle the jandle - just the to-do stuff, but maybe a bit of assistance with the emo stuff). I am SO EMO. Without even wanting to be! Or maybe I'm too happy (generally) to be an emo.
But I think I've finally come to terms with my feelings on this work/Welly experience - acceptance, gratitude and humility in the lessons learned, people met and weaknesses revealed. Perhaps one day I'll be able to say something akin to "pride in things achieved", but I don't think I'm very comfortable with feeling self-pride just yet. Not that I'm completely self-deprecating or anything tragic like that.
But oh! Fine - I admit it! I'm going to miss my family, Wellington and CE like those Labour fools missed the key. Pun is poor, but I'm just mocking the journalists. Gees! 
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Conversations
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I have had many thoughts lately, none of which have reached here. Things personal, things I can't seem to describe in words. But maybe my eyes are open wider from my time here.
It's not that I don't want to tell someone, I do. But I can't get it out. I don't know how, I don't know of a good time, I don't know who and I don't know if it really matters that they know. The things are revelations about life, revelations about me. Comfort tinged with sadness at the realisation of what is true. For me. Wonderment covered in a fabric of numb caution.
But I guess the theme is that what I want and what will contribute to my happiness won't arrive directly and I cannot directly get there. The things I do every day are merely things and I am merely me. The people I want to stay, almost always don't and the people that stay won't realise their worth until I do - and I don't. It's a conversation or two that needs to happen soon and something new needs to begin. I don't think it's anywhere I've seen or been - it must be somewhere I've never imagined. But where do I find it?
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The God Delusion
About the book: "The God Delusion"
available in: (original) | | | | | | | | |
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I just finished 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins. I thought that Dawkins was quite charming (more so than on The Root Of All Evil) and even witty (maybe more of a reflection of my taste in humour :P). The book proved easier to read than I thought, many parts of it made me laugh out loud and it had many interesting stories and minor tangents. I guess I am slightly unimpressed because I have heard many of his arguments before and I don't think they are satisfactory in the debate against God and religion. I was hoping for something more. That isn't to say that Dawkins himself could not provide further insight for each chapter, but perhaps he did not have the space in a book that is already quite long. Indeed, he did devote a lot of effort (explanation, examples) to present basic ideas, which is important. I'm not saying that because I am not satisfied with the arguments that I don't think along the same lines. But it's hard to define religion and it is hard to define God, then argue against them in a way that is accepted by every person. There is just such a range, such disagreement, such denial of each other - that what really is the point? I guess at the end of the day, the only conclusion I can come up with is that human beings are fallible, stubborn and blind, so of course our ultimate truths and beliefs can be the same.
L'illusion de Dieu
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
J'ai juste fini « L'illusion de Dieu » par Richard Dawkins. J'ai pensé que Dawkins plein d'esprit charmait tout à fait (plus ainsi que sur la racine de tout le mal) et égal (peut-être plus d'une réflexion de mon goût dans l'humeur : P). Le livre a prouvé plus facile à lire que la pensée d'I, beaucoup de parties de elle ont rendu me le rire dehors fort et il a eu beaucoup d'histoires intéressantes et tangentes mineures. Je devine je suis unimpressed légèrement parce que j'ai entendu plusieurs de ses arguments avant et je ne pense pas qu'elles sont satisfaisantes au cours de la discussion contre Dieu et la religion. J'espérais quelque chose plus. Ce n'est pas de dire que Dawkins lui-même ne pourrait pas fournir davantage de perspicacité pour chaque chapitre, mais peut-être il n'a pas eu l'espace dans un livre qui est déjà tout à fait longtemps. En effet, il a consacré beaucoup d'effort (explication, exemples) aux idées fondamentales, qui est important. Je ne dis pas cela parce que je ne suis pas satisfait des arguments que je ne pense pas le long des mêmes lignes. Mais il est difficile de définir la religion et il est difficile de définir Dieu, puis discute contre eux d'une manière dont est accepté par chaque personne. Là juste une telle gamme, un tel désaccord, un tel démenti est-elle de l'un l'autre que ce qui est vraiment le point ? Je devine à la fin du jour, la seule conclusion que je peux monter avec est que les êtres humains sont faillibles, têtus et aveugles, ainsi naturellement nos vérités et croyance finales peuvent être identiques.
El Delusion del dios
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
Acabo de acabar “El Delusion del dios” por Richard Dawkins. Pensé que Dawkins absolutamente encantaba (más tan que en la raíz de todo el mal) y uniforme ingenioso (quizá más de una reflexión de mi gusto en humor: P). El libro probó más fácil leer que pensamiento de I, muchas partes de él hicieron me risa hacia fuera ruidosa y tenía muchas historias interesantes y tangentes de menor importancia. Conjeturo soy unimpressed levemente porque he oído muchas de sus discusiones antes y no pienso que son satisfactorios en el discusión contra dios y la religión. Esperaba algo más. Ése no es decir que Dawkins mismo no podría proporcionar la penetración adicional para cada capítulo, sino que quizás él no tenía el espacio en un libro que está ya absolutamente de largo. De hecho, él dedicó muchos del esfuerzo (explicación, ejemplos) a las actuales ideas básicas, que es importante. No estoy diciendo eso porque no estoy satisfecho con las discusiones que no pienso a lo largo de las mismas líneas. Pero es duro definir la religión y es duro definir a dios, después discute contra ellos de una manera que sea aceptada por cada persona. ¿Allí es justa tal gama, tal desacuerdo, tal negación de uno a que cuál realmente es el punto? Conjeturo en el final del día, la única conclusión que puedo subir con es que los seres humanos están falibles, obstinados y ocultos, así que por supuesto nuestras últimas verdades y creencia pueden ser iguales.
Il Delusion del dio
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
Ho rifinito appena “Il Delusion del dio„ da Richard Dawkins. Ho pensato che Dawkins abbastanza stesse affascinando (più così di sulla radice di tutta la malvagità) e witty perfino (forse più di una riflessione del mio gusto nell'umore: P). Il libro ha dimostrato più facile leggere che il pensiero di I, molte parti di esso hanno reso me la risata fuori forte ed ha avuta molte storia interessanti e tangenti secondarie. Indovino sono un po'unimpressed perché ho sentito prima molte delle sue discussioni e non penso che siano soddisfacenti nel dibattito contro il dio e la religione. Stavo sperando per qualcosa più. Quello non è di dire che Dawkins egli stesso non potrebbe fornire ulteriore comprensione per ogni capitolo, ma forse non ha avuto lo spazio in un libro che è già abbastanza lungamente. Effettivamente, ha dedicato lo sforzo molto (spiegazione, esempi) alle idee di base attuali, che è importante. Non sto dicendo quello perché non sono soddisfatto con le discussioni che non penso seguendo le stesse linee. Ma è duro definire la religione ed è duro definire il dio, quindi parla contro loro in un senso che è accettato da ogni persona. Là è giusta una tal gamma, tale disaccordo, tale smentita di a vicenda che che cosa realmente è il punto? Indovino alla conclusione del giorno, l'unica conclusione che posso fornire è che gli esseri umani sono fallible, testardi e ciechi, in modo da naturalmente le nostre ultime verità e credenza possono essere le stesse.
Die Gott-Wahnvorstellung
Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
Ich beendete gerade „Die Gott-Wahnvorstellung“ durch Richard Dawkins. Ich dachte, daß Dawkins durchaus bezauberte (so als auf der Wurzel alles übels) und gleichmäßiges witty (möglicherweise mehr einer Reflexion meines Geschmacks in der Stimmung: P). Das Buch prüfte einfacheres als I Gedanke zu lesen, bildeten viele Teile von ihm mich Lachen heraus laut und es hatte viele interessante Geschichten und kleine Tangenten. Ich schätze, ich etwas unbeeindruckt bin, weil ich viele seiner Argumente vorher gehört habe und ich nicht denke, daß sie in der Debatte gegen Gott und Religion zufriedenstellend sind. Ich hoffte für etwas mehr. Das ist nicht, zu sagen, daß Dawkins selbst nicht weiteren Einblick für jedes Kapitel zur Verfügung stellen könnte, aber möglicherweise er nicht den Raum in einem Buch hatte, das bereits ziemlich lang ist. In der Tat widmete sich er eine Menge Bemühung (Erklärung, Beispiele) anwesenden Grundideen, die wichtig ist. Ich sage nicht den, weil ich nicht mit den Argumenten zufrieden bin, die ich nicht entlang den gleichen Linien denke. Aber es ist hart, Religion zu definieren und es ist hart, Gott zu definieren, dann argumentiert gegen sie in einer Weise, die von jeder Person angenommen wird. Dort ist solch eine Strecke, solcher Widerspruch, solche Ablehnung von einander - daß gerecht, was wirklich der Punkt ist? Ich schätze das Ende des Tages, ist die einzige Zusammenfassung, die ich mit oben kommen kann, daß Menschen fallible blind sind, störrisch und, also selbstverständlich können unsere entscheidenden Wahrheiten und Glaube die selben sein.
O Delusion do deus
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
Eu terminei apenas “O Delusion do deus” por Richard Dawkins. Eu pensei de que Dawkins completamente charming (mais assim do que na raiz de todo o Evil) e witty uniforme (talvez mais de uma reflexão de meu gosto no humour: P). O livro provou mais fácil de ler do que o pensamento de I, muitas partes dele fizeram me o riso para fora alto e teve muitos histórias interessantes e tangents menores. Eu suponho eu sou unimpressed ligeiramente porque eu tenho ouvido muitos de seus argumentos antes e eu não penso que são satisfatórios no debate de encontro ao deus e à religião. Eu esperava para algo mais. Aquele não é dizer que Dawkins ele mesmo não poderia fornecer uma introspecção mais adicional para cada capítulo, mas talvez não teve o espaço em um livro que seja já completamente por muito tempo. Certamente, devotou muitos do esforço (explanação, exemplos) às idéias básicas atuais, que é importante. Eu não estou dizendo aquele porque eu não sou satisfeito com os argumentos de que eu não penso ao longo das mesmas linhas. Mas é duro definir a religião e é duro definir o deus, a seguir discute de encontro a eles em uma maneira que seja aceitada por cada pessoa. Lá é justa tal escala, tal disagreement, tal negação de se que o que é realmente o ponto? Eu suponho no fim do dia, a única conclusão que eu posso vir acima com é que os seres humanos são fallible, stubborn e cegos, assim que naturalmente nossas verdades e opinião finais podem ser as mesmas.
Gudvillfarelsen
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
I precis färdig ”Gudvillfarelsen”, vid Richard Dawkins. Jag tänkte att Dawkins var ganska charmigt (så än på ondskan för rota allra) och jämnt kvickt (kanske mer av en reflexion av min smak i humor: P). Boka bevisade lättare att läsa än I-tanke, gjorde många delar av den mig skratt ut högt, och det hade många intressant berättelser och minderårigberörings. Jag gissar I-förmiddag unimpressed litet, därför att jag har hört många av hans argument för, och jag inte funderare som de är tillfredsställande i debatten mot gud och religion. Jag hoppas för något mer. Det är inte till något att säga som själva Dawkins inte kunde ge mer ytterligare inblick för varje kapitel, men han inte hade kanske utrymmet i en boka, som är redan ganska long. Sannerligen ägnade han ett raddaförsök (förklaring, exempel) till närvarande grundidén, som är viktigt. Ordstäv för förmiddag I inte som, därför att I-förmiddagen som inte tillfredsställs med argumenten, som jag inte funderare längs samma, fodrar. Men det är hårt att definiera religion, och det är hårt att definiera guden, då argumenterar mot dem i långt som accepteras av varje person. Där är en precis sådan spänna, sådan motsättning, sådan förnekande av varje annan - att vad är egentligen peka? Jag gissar på avsluta av dagen, är den enda avslutningen som jag kan komma upp med, att människor är fallible, envisa och blinda, så naturligtvis kan våra ultimat sanningar och troar vara samma.
Бог Delusion
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
Я как раз закончил «Бог Delusion» Ричард Dawkins. Я думал что Dawkins довольно очаровал (более так чем на корне зла) и ровное шутливое (возможно больше из отражения моего вкуса в юмористике: P). Книга доказала легкую для того чтобы прочитать чем мысль I, много частей ее сделали мной смех вне громко и он имел много интересных рассказы и небольших тангенсов. Я угадываю я небольш unimpressed потому что я слышал много из его аргументов раньше и я не думаю они удовлетворительны в debate против бога и вероисповедания. Я надеялся для что-то больше. То не сказать что Dawkins себя не смогло обеспечить более дальнеишую проницательность для каждой главы, но возможно он не имел космос в книге которая уже довольно длиння. Деиствительно, он посвятил множество усилия (объяснения, примеров) к присытствыющим основным мыслям, которое важно. Я не говорю то потому что я не удовлетворяюсь с аргументами я не думаю вдоль таких же линий. Но трудно определить вероисповедание и трудно определить бога, тогда спорит против их в дороге которая принята каждой персоной. Там справедлив такой ряд, такое рассогласование, такое запирательство себя что реально будет пунктом? Я угадываю на конце дня, единственное заключение, котор я могу come up с что людские существования fallible, твердолобы и слепы, поэтому of course наши предельные правды и верование могут быть этими же.
Het waanidee van de God
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
Ik eindigde enkel Het „waanidee van de God“ door Richard Dawkins. Ik dacht dat Dawkins (dan op de Wortel van Al Kwaad) vrij charmerend en meer zo zelfs geestig was (misschien meer van een weerspiegeling van mijn smaak in humeur: P). Het boek bewezen gemakkelijker te lezen dan de gedachte van I, vele delen van het maakte me lach uit luid en het had vele interessante verhalen en minder belangrijke raaklijnen. Ik veronderstel ik lichtjes ben unimpressed omdat ik veel van zijn argumenten heb gehoord vóór en ik niet denk zij in het debat tegen God en godsdienst bevredigend zijn. Ik hoopte meer voor iets. Dat moet niet zeggen dat Dawkins zelf geen verder inzicht voor elk hoofdstuk kon verstrekken, maar misschien had hij niet de ruimte in een boek dat reeds vrij lang is. Hij wijdde namelijk heel wat inspanning (verklaring, voorbeelden) aan huidige basisideeën, die belangrijk is. Ik zeg niet dat omdat ik niet tevreden met de argumenten ben geen die ik volgens de zelfde lijnen denk. Maar het is moeilijk om godsdienst te bepalen en het is moeilijk om God te bepalen, dan tegen hen op een bepaalde manier te debatteren dat door elke persoon wordt goedgekeurd. Daar is enkel zulk een gamma, dergelijk meningsverschil, dergelijke ontkenning van elkaar - dat wat werkelijk het punt is? Ik veronderstel begin de dag, de enige conclusie ik kan komen op met ben die de mensen fallible, koppig en blind zijn, zo natuurlijk kunnen onze uiteindelijke truths en geloven het zelfde zijn.
الإلهة وهم
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
أنا فقط أنهيت "الإلهة وهم" ب ريتشارد [دوكينس]. كان أنا فكّرت أنّ [دوكينس] الى حدّ بعيد فتن (أكثر هكذا من على الجذر من كلّ شر) ويتساوى بارعة (ربّما أكثر من إنعكاس من ذوقي في مزاج: [ب]). برهن الكتاب يتيح أن يقرأ من أنا فكرة, كثير أجزاء من هو جعلوا ي ضحك خارجا مرتفعة وهو تلقّى كثير ممتعة قصص ومماسات ثانويّة.
أنا أخمّن أنا قليلا [أونيمبرسّ] لأنّ أنا قد سمعت كثير من حجاته من قبل وأنا لا أفكّر هم مرضية في المناقشة ضدّ إلهة ودين. أنا كان أملت ل شيء أكثر. أنّ ليس أن يقول أنّ [دوكينس] بنفسي استطاع لم يزوّد تبصر بعيد ل كلّ فصل, غير أنّ ربّما لم يتلقّى هو الفراغ في كتاب أنّ يكون سابقا الى حدّ بعيد طويلا. حقّا, كرّر هو [ا لوت] الجهد (شرح, مثل) إلى [بسك يدا] حاضرة, أيّ يكون مهمّة.
أنا لا أقول أنّ لأنّ أنا أكون لا أرضى مع الحجات أنّ أنا لا أفكّر على طول ال نفسه خطوط. غير أنّ هو يستعصي أن يعيّن دين وهو يستعصي أن يعيّن إلهة, بعد ذلك يجادل ضدّ هم في طريق أنّ يكون قبلت ب كلّ شخص. هناك يكون صحيحة هذا مدى, هذا خلاف, هذا إنكار من بعضهم بعضا [- ثت] ماذا حقّا يكون النقطة?
أنا أخمّن في النهاية من اليوم, الاستنتاج وحيد أنا يستطيع تحت مع أنّ [هومن بينغ] لامعصوم, استعصى وعمياء, لذلك [أف كورس] نا نهائيّة حقائق وإعتقاد يستطيع كنت ال نفس.
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