Throughout the summer, Proctor's facilities are used by Gordon Research Conferences. We make a little money, and the staff stays employed. Every Sunday another group of scientists arrives, and every Friday they leave. Someone should do a scientific study of scientists, because I swear you could prove general "types." Last week we entertained people studying Proteoglycans. Unathletic, independent, and weak on social cues, they swam in The Pond instead of hiking to Bradley Lake as advised. This week we are hosting 103 folks who are in to Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity. I asked them what that meant, and they said "germs." They travel in tight packs...moving toward lunch "...like a herd of turtles" in the words of one maintenance employee.
People who study germs are a fun-loving, jovial crowd. They defy the popular dress code for Gordon Research Conferees (sandals, black knee socks, tight T-shirts, etc.) in favor of jeans and polo shirts. For nourishment they prefer chicken salad wraps, slaw and iced tea.
A relatively athletic lot, microbial toxicologists play a peculiar form of volleyball (seen below on Carr House Beach) and eschew tennis.
Next Corner: Tuesday 7/23.
