Editors comment

I often wonder to myself, (and sometimes aloud), whether regular columnists and other scribes suffer from a total and utter revulsion to their biros (or keyboards) from time to time.I am not referring to "writer's block", a virtually incurable disease more prevalent among the blockbuster fraternity, manifesting as a total absence of ideas or inspiration, leading to alcoholism, penury, death and ultimately fame and notoriety (albeit posthumously). No, for the regular contributor i.e. monthly, weekly, or, God forbid, daily, there must be times despite an abundance of material to work with, that they become absolutely leaden and morbid at the very notion of simply sitting in front of a blank sheet and attempting to fill it. I think you can see where this is leading. I am currently afflicted as described above, and despite some fairly robust 'encouragement' from Rory Culliton and others, I find myself more inclined to do my VAT return than write an essay on the trials and tribulations of those magnificent men on the Pharmachem Committee. A quick inspection of the preceding mournful palaver, however, happily reveals close on 200 words (however unworthy) already committed to paper. This is good. One can almost feel the clouds lifting, the mist burning off and the watery winter sunshine beginning to filter through to a hitherto foggy and damp brain. This does not in any sense imply an improvement in quality, but at least the resentment at having to try is abating. 
One unfortunate side-effect of a clearer mind is that one is forced to acknowledge one's lack of recent participation in matters related to one's subject. In other words, my writing this article is akin to Tom Humphries attempting to describe Sonia O'Sullivan's Olympic exploits having limited his research to recent episodes of "The Simpsons" and whatever gossip he manages to overhear - which still puts him in a stronger position than myself given the recent popularity of his subject. Current gossip on the Pharmachem home front is by contrast extremely limited (or at least hasn't filtered down to Carnew yet). It is reported, however, that having reached agreement in principle on a number of topics concerning POM(E) and new legislation with the concerned parties i.e. Dept. of Ag., I.V.U., I.V.A. etc. it transpires that a fly has been located in this once smooth ointment. A case of left hands being kept in profound darkness regarding the activities of their chiral opposites (c.f. 3rd. yr. Organic Chemistry notes). I hasten to add that I am not referring to our own exalted committee here, whose left and right hands are famed throughout the land for their exquisite synergy and beautifully coordinated synchronicity. No, it's the other lot. Suffice to say that all the negotiations will be re-negotiated and the circle will once again be squared. I envisage frosty handshakes at the next summit. All part of life's great tapestry (said he from the safety of the sideline). 
I spy the end of the page. If the foregoing muddle is incomprehensible I must apologise. If on the other hand it makes perfect sense, you have my deepest sympathy. 
Best regards, 
Ian McGirr