h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

'You've got to hang your balls out, man!'

Not the words of a man disposed to expose himself in public, but those of a colleague of mine. I've got to say, I hadn't heard the expression before and the thought makes me feel rather uncomfortable. I guess the sentiment is the same as 'stick your neck out'; voice an opinion; make a statement; impose yourself on a situation. Needless to say, I don't agree the sentiment and my balls are to remain discreetly stowed away.

Another colleague, later the same day, said to me, 'are you sure you're not going back into research to hide from something?'. I could only reply 'but what?'

So if I'm not exposing myself, and I'm not hiding, then what the hell am I doing? I think there's another state of mind. I'm just there. I stand, visible but not exposed, and invite attention. I do not demand it. I make my case, I present my work for scrutiny. When I need to shout, I shout. If someone asks for help, I give it.

In the end, though, it's laziness. To demand attention requires effort, and to maintain interest requires effort. Similarly, to remain concealed effectively means moving quietly to new hiding places. To hold completely still is hard work. So I stand innocently on the pavement, against the wall, hands in pockets, hat askew. I have a purpose, perhaps, but its not ready yet. Grolsch. Man, I need a beer...