I don’t have anything today. That’s mostly due to one singular event of which I’m still slightly mortified. This event consists of a number of factors, contributing to the fabled, “perfect storm”. These things are largely irrelevent, considered individually, but together form an excuse. Because what it really comes down to is me not paying attention to my environment while in thought, as is my wont. You see, I locked myself out of the house last night.

Even more annoying is that, not fifteen feet from the door, a key was stashed, the intent being to correct just such an oversight. Did I know this? No. So I visited a neighbor’s house for the hour or so I was unable to access my abode. This time, of course, was intended to be used for writing this entry—on what subject, I had no idea—and so now as I type (last night), being both late in writing and flustered, I have nothing.

Fortunately other bloggers have carried the ball for me, going so far as to suggest a topic in which many are participating on this day, December 20, 2006. The topic is “Carl Sagan”; today is the tenth anniversary of his death. I myself, being the Not A Blog™ger that I am, was not originally intending to talk about Mr. Sagan because, frankly, I don’t really know anything about him. I’ve read a few of his books, and watched a few episodes of his TV show on YouTube and soforth. But by and large, the man himself remains a figure of which I know little.

He was a pretty good writer, a decent television host, and a fantastic popularist—which was, naturally enough, the largest criticism levied against him. He was a scientist—an astrophysicist—but much like the artist who goes around advertising how avant garde he is, no actual scientist would fall to such depths. Real scientists are those in the lab and fie on the layman who does not understand. After all, if it were worth it to the layman, they have the ability to reach out and drink.

But for the most part the image of him in the public eye was a positive one—at least I like to think that. If nothing else, I think he paved the way for later science popularizers to be more accepted within the scientific community. I believe this is the case, particularly if those such as Brian Greene are any indication. Or, for that matter, Bill Nye.

So that’s all I’ve got. But if you’re still looking for something to do, you could do worse than read up on Carl Sagan.

-Ted