Smells Like VSS

Certain times of year are associated with certain activities. Oftentime, I find that the change in season will elicit some sort of visceral memo that events are about to take place. The first true day of spring, where I don't mock those who don shorts to go outside, used to be an indication that school was over and that I would have to start work soon (this was many, many years ago, when work included a hard-hat, shovel and safety goggles). As such, I used to have a love/hate association with the first true indication of summer.

Now, however, the first warm day is a new CS. In fact, it is a CS for VSS (I'm a poet, and, well, you get the picture). This is the time of year when all vision scientists scramble to finish collecting data for our Mecca. The halls are buzzing with people running in and out of labs asking "Will you be a subject for me? Please? I'll buy you beer...". UberGeek is usually a mess. All are wracked with insecurity regarding their results. And the poster machine is busy mentally preparing himself for 96 solid hours of work.

But for all the stress and insecurity that this time of year elicits, there is also an undercurrent of excitement. This is of course for two reasons: the first (and more mature) of which is the anticipation of learning new and exciting research being conducted within the field. Yes, there is nothing that fosters academic creativity more than 5 solid days of nothing but vision-speak. The second (and decidedly less mature) reason is because of the Good Times to be had by all. I've even got my glow-in-the-dark t-shirt that will be donned for Club Vision. UberGeek is jealous, as he may not be belle of the ball this year.

Yes, today was the first day that smelled like VSS. Let the good times roll.