Yesterday: use of an electron microscope in bio lab, viewing of an episode of House that I loved unconditionally, downpour and subsequent sprint through the raindrops to get free chocolate croissants for roommates.
Today: lecture by Edmund White, discussion of research vs. making things up (solution: a combination of both, but make it good), scheduling of tomorrow's haircut.
So far, when it comes to hearing authors speak:
Report Card (> means greater than)
Public Speaking Skills
Edmund White > Joyce Carol Oates > Anne Enright >Colm Toibin
Writing Style (personal preference)
Colm Toibin > Joyce Carol Oates and Edmund White (tie) > Anne Enright
Humor when Speaking
Colm Toibin and Edmund White (tie) > Anne Enright > Joyce Carol Oates
Thought Provocation
Joyce Carol Oates >>>>>>>> all of those other people. Although I would be less likely to take her advice about writing than theirs. She just had so many things to say that flabbergasted me.