Re:"star gazers"

["Sharon A. Calpin (717) 621-3118" <CALPIN.SHARON@a1.pader.gov>]

On Jan. 17, Thomas R. Lipka wrote:

"The en vogue thing today is to "specialize" in some subfield of some 
subdivision of some '_ology'..."

"Personally, I am intensely interested in just about anything 'geo' or 'paleo' 
related."

        I can't imagine a scientist with some degree in the geosciences not 
being interested in several aspects of geology. I always felt it was a shame to 
narrow your focus so much as to miss out on the exciting happenings in other 
disciplines. However, I got the impression from the scientific community that 
the expression "Jack of all trades - Master of none" applied. I was at a loss 
because I had more than one interest.
        I find that, in the real world, dealing with the general public, it 
really pays to have varied interests and knowledge of diverse subjects. People 
can relate to you and you can relate to more people. It doesn't get you the 
designation of "expert" in anything but it helps you keep an open mind and 
possible realize the odd ways that seemingly unrelated things can be connected.


Sharon Calpin
Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection