But, like I said, I made it, and all is well.
I listened to The Prince by Machiavelli on the way down. And one thing was very clear to me, Machiavelli's reputation is undeserved. For one thing, he is talking entirely in this book about princes, I.e. Despotic rulers. He very clearly states that he discusses leaders of republics elsewhere. He also describes a number of different situations in which a prince might rein and he stresses two things: be flexible, and know who it is that is helping to keep you in power and be good to them--but not too good. Anyone who tries to use the advice of The Prince to run a republic is missing the point.
Anyway, I worked late last night and had to get up early, so I am probably going to veg out here for a while. Later on tonight, around 8ish, there is a "Dessert Extravaganza" to which I have a ticket! Christopher Hitchens, Julia Sweeney, Matthew Chapman, and a surprise, are supposed to be there.
Now I'm not making any promises about anything. I didn't bring my audiobook of God is Not Great to be signed (autographs are not my thing), and a room full of strangers is not exactly my forte. But I will see what I can do.
I guess my 2+2=5 t-shirt may not be entirely appropriate for that? But forget about the blazer!
I suppose I should also think about a light dinner.