This month I got a taste of English culture and science, with a capital T.
First, Tokomaks. The JET Tokomak is a toroidal structure that was the first to produce fusion energy on earth, 16 megawatts worth, in 1997. Plasma is heated to three times the temperature of the sun (another small fusion generator). JET, the Joint European Toros, was proceeded by another Tokomak, called MAST (Mega-amp spherical Tokomak). Both are located at a research facility at Culham, near Oxford. Marc and I had the priveledge of visiting these amazing structures, giving us a glimpse of a possible worldwide solution to the energy crisis, and to Marc, a glimpse of his own future, as a fusion physicist. It was exciting to see the hope exhibited by the scientists who are part of this team, as well as hearing about their trials and tribulations in making the thing work. Think of this: the amount of lithium in your laptop battery plus half a bathtub of seawater would supply your energy needs for 30 years! The new one in France, caled ITER, is poised to supply 500 megawatts by 2028. Incredibly expensive, but very safe and no carbon discharge, just inert helium. Go for it, Marc!
Second, Turkeys. Forty-seven "Americans" crowded into a small room at Darwin College to celebrate US Turkey day. All the food was lovingly made by my fellow Darwin College students, and voraciously consumed, with a wee bit of wine. But before the feast began, we played some yankee football. After made from scratch pumpkin and apple pie, we tried unsuccessfully to pull in a weak, web signal so that we could watch the big boys play. Everyone wanted to be an American for just a few minutes, so the Europeans joined in, too. Note - I did play for the winning football team!
Third, the tie, black and to be tied in a bow, apparantly. Well, that goes with the Tuxedo. I finally bought both, at the same Harry Potteresque store where i bought my gown. The sign in the window said £100 off for October, so on Halloweeen I took the plunge. The tux(called a dinner lacket here) is a a thing of grace and beauty, but oh, that &TI&^R%I*^% tie! I had three sets of instructions, one that came with the tie, and the other two on dueling laptops, and I could NOT tie that ^*&%*^^ thing. The taxi was waiting to bring us to the LLM Christmas formal at Trinity Hall, and I was sweating buckets. Susanne to the rescue, it got beautifully tied and I had the chance to show off the tux, tie, Susanne and Marc to my colleagues at the LLM dinner. It was a perfect night - good food, great company and an incredible historic setting.
Next, tides. On a chilly Saturday morning, 8 brave souls set off into the shallow North Sea for a battle with the English tides, aboard a beautiful 42 foot Jenneau. Leaving Shotley, where the River Stour meets the River Orwell, we first met up with the other 2 boats in the floatilla. They immediately challenged us to a race around a few navigational bouys. Susanne skippering we, of course got a great start, but alas the wind came up and we were a bit overpowered. We tried to keep the faster boat (Kestel, the Cambridge U Yacht Club boat, a Sigma 38) at bay behind us, but she eventually powered past us to leward, much to our chagrin. I did remark as she slid past that the winners were to buy the ales. After the race, (we came in second) the tides were in full force as we fought our way out to sea until we were in sight of our destination, a country called Sealand (look it up).
Finally, Troubled Felix. Michaelmas term ends tomorrow. I get to catch my academic breath, and get caught up on the missed voluminous readings. But first, Friday is Troubled Felix's first gig. Yes I am in a rock band. It is a very talented bunch, and we shall attempt to play: Hit the Road Jack, Killing Me Softly, Reckoner (Radiohead - how 'bout that Scott!), an original called Beaverage, Sweet home Alabama, Highway to Hell and Wish You Were Here. We have two amazing female vocalists and some awesome musicians. I shall try to put some video footage on the blog next week. I am incredibly excited and honoured to play with this talented bunch, (see group picture above) by far the biggest thrill in a very thrilling two months.
Oh I forgot one more T word - The Queen. Marc and I saw her in front of King's College on a fine day where we bicycled all over Cambridgeshire. She was very cute in her orange bonnett.
Miss you all!
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