One of the most beloved words among the physicists is "negligible".

This is why I could never be a physicist -- I'm really not comforted by the fact that the particles that make up my body probably won't cease to exist from one moment to the next. Dabbling is all the knowledge my brain can handle without rolling itself up into a fetal position and sobbing desperately in the corner.

All the flowering crap does make me more cheerful in the morning, I must admit.

I just wanted to see this sentence again.

I'm really not comforted by the fact that the particles that make up my body probably won't cease to exist from one moment to the next.

Well, I guess it's all about the "how probable" is that probably. I mean, when the chances are 1 to 10-to-the-power-of-17, or "once in a million billion years", then it's pretty safe. It's never just "negligible", it's always "negligible when compared to" something. But I think I get what you mean - for example, grasping how the solid bodies are actually mostly just, well, vacuum, no matter how solid they feel they are, is a strange thing to hold in one's mind.

I should probably put this in Bitches, but I'm behind there....

From Wired:

All-Around Moisturizer
It seems counterintuitive, but a Maryland dermatologist says a 58-year-old woman is not entirely off the mark for applying vaginal cream on her face. Vicki Mackarvic said on the Oprah talk show that she started using Premarin cream after a doctor suggested it would help fight dry skin. While the estrogen in the cream irritates the skin, dermatologist Dr. Terry Hoffman said studies indicate vaginal cream can improve skin thickness and reduce wrinkles. Still, Hoffman said there are more sensible ways to care for the skin, and cautioned against using Premarin around the eyes. "Personally, if something is meant for my 'hu-ha,' I don't think I'm going to put it on my eyes."

screaming at people will only put me in a better mood, Nilly. never fear. nothing cheers me up like getting to be mean to people.

Well, I guess it's all about the "how probable" is that probably. I mean, when the chances are 1 to 10-to-the-power-of-17, or "once in a million billion years", then it's pretty safe.

The way I look at it - you're much more in danger of being killed by a meteorite or an engine falling off a 747.

Wait, I'm not helping, am I?

I'm reading The Elegant Universe. It's perfect for the subway, because 20 minute bits is about all I can understand at a time.

Agreed on the funny bits of 24 last night. Did anyone else watch Las Vegas? Because for whatever reason it was cracking me up last night with the funny. Plus, Booger.

'hu-ha,'

Wonderful use of medically correct language, Dr. Hoffman.

"Personally, if something is meant for my 'hu-ha,' I don't think I'm going to put it on my eyes."

I can't believe a doctor used the word "hu-ha."

Bwah! X-post.

The way I look at it - you're much more in danger of being killed by a meteorite or an engine falling off a 747.

But see, I can those are ways of ceasing to exist that my mind can process. I'm not fundamentally disturbed about the nature of the universe by the thought that I could die in a plane crash.

I can't believe a doctor used the word "hu-ha."

That term looks weird - like a Hawaiian "hoo-hah." (which is how I spell it in my head) (though maybe I'm just not looking at the right websites)