• We were all sitting around on chairs and couches after dinner. I asked Thomas Homer-Dixon to come over and answer a student's question about the feasibility of using nuclear as an alternative power source, because the student was too shy to go over and ask him.

  Thomas Homer-Dixon: ... Nuclear power also poses a huge disposal problem. These nuclear cores have to be dismantled, and humans can't do it because these cores are so radioactive. They have to use special robots and equip these robots with diamond cutters. And then they have to figure out how to get rid of the materials...
  Me: And the robots!
  Thomas Homer-Dixon: (annoyed look)

  I'm sorry, Tad. I just love robots. And if you think about the spectre of having radioactive robots running around, I think you'll agree that we have to always be on our guard, against the inevitable uprising.

• A conversation I had about a zillion times:

  What I said:

  Me: ... and I'm also the Federal NDP Candidate for Kingston & the Islands.

  What they heard

  Me: ... and I'm also a leper! I advise that you back away slowly and avoid eye contact!

More later. Now, I'm off to Earth Hour, to give a speech! With words and everything!