Daily Image
01-04-2010
Symbiosis
| Submitter: | Madroon, E. J. |
| Description: | Dear Mike, The other day, you were kind enough to worry about the day that all the greybeards will have left ASTRON (and JIVE?). And indeed, I can confirm that the new generation of opinion leaders seems to share your apprehension. They exhibit a touching eagerness to listen to what we still have to say. Of course we respond with alacrity and generosity. With characteristic optimism, you also said you were serene in your knowledge that none of us have a life, and that it would be difficult to stop us coming in, until death do us part. However, you then warmed to the suggestion that, in order to express the very real appreciation of ASTRON management and staff, the present "dinosaur room" in the wooden shack at the unfashionable west-end could be replaced with more suitable quarters in the new building. Assuming that you were not just humouring an old man, perhaps you will permit me to make a few suggestions to ease your task: 1) In view of the projected demografic, and the future ambitions of ASTRON, a small wing will be sufficient. Preferably in a quiet part of the building (especially between 14:00 and 16:00). 2) I trust that the architect will know about the necessary provisions to facilitate horizontal mobility (we rather try to avoid vertical mobility in this stage). 3) We would like a modest fridge, to keep our medication, but also to allow us to properly entertain visitors like yourself. 4) Since our present hovel will disappear, could we have the red couch, and the two picnic tables under the trees? After so many years, I like to be surrounded by some of my visible achievements. 5) Would it be possible to appoint an extra IT person to keep our favourite software tools (and the necessary hardware) up and running? We would also like an overhead projector for our irreplaceable hand-written transparencies. 6) Since it would be a tragedy to lose our vast but sometimes conflicting knowledge, our duty to posterity probably requires a full-time secretary to sort things out. 7) And finally, perhaps a part-time nurse, just for emergencies? If necessary, we would be prepared to share her services, for instance with those above pay-scale 15. Even though I am not in the habit of consulting them, I am certain that I speak for my fellow venerables in expressing my gratitude for your sentiments. We greatly look forward to many more years of fertile symbiosis. |
| Copyright: | NORTSA |
| Tweet |  |