He’s trying to destroy me, I think. Look what showed up today, the day after Spring Break, just when I’m getting geared up for my classes: Transformer: The Deep Chemistry of Life and Death.
That’s my most eagerly anticipated book of the summer — it’s release date is in July. But see, it’s an “Advance Reading Copy”. I had it in my head that I’d finish finals week, then check my mailbox daily for it, and get it at sometime when I could sit out on the deck and read it in a leisurely fashion. But no! It’s already here! Beckoning, luring, tempting me constantly. I know I’m going to succumb and at some point I’m going to set grading and lecture prep aside and read it instead, greedily, surreptitiously, lustfully, sinfully indulging in biochemistry and evolution.
Maybe I can put on a down jacket and clear off a spot on the snow-covered deck and read it there anyway.
Don’t any of you dare order an advanced copy, or the publishers will take that as permission to disrupt my professional responsibilities with the temptations of their houses of wicked knowledge!
It’s so huge, about three times the size of your head. You’re going to have to buy a coffee table to hold it.
Are you certain that I don’t have a very tiny head, about a third the size of a typical paperback book?
Well, ok. But we’re going to expect a number of lengthy book reports.
Child of the 80s that I am, I can’t read that tile and not think:
“Nucleic Acids, TRANSFORMER AND ROLL OUT!”
(Yes, I am imagining that in Peter Cullin’s voice.)
@Akira 4
Actually between rDNA (ribosome genes) and ribosomes you have a very transformable nucleic acid molecular factory. Lots of kinds of ribosomes for different translational needs.
Have pre-ordered on kindle, sorry PZ…
@ 5
YOU’RE RUINING THIS FOR ME!
;)
Pity so many scientists and science writers praised the book, yet the lead blurb is from…Bill Gates. We truly live in the age of plutophilia.
On the size of poopyhead’s head and that of the book, clearly a case of Father Ted: ‘Small’ vs ‘Far Away’ (video).
Ooooh oooh oooh oooh!
Loved everything he’s done, from mitochondria to evolution to alkaline seeps to power laws to … you know, everything.