I’ve just returned from a quick trip to Edinburgh and London, where  I spoke at the Edinburgh International Book Festival to a very engaged audience.  Not only did people have great questions about Rocky Flats and the nuclear history of the U.S., but we had a lively twitter exchange going on during and after the event, with people tuning in from all over the world.  Several people asked: How could something like Rocky Flats happen in the United States?  How did local populations not know what was going on?  That led to a lively discussion of moral and ethical issues related to the Cold War and its lingering environmental and health effects — as well as what’s happening at Rocky Flats today and the construction of new homes on contaminated land.

I was in Edinburgh just long enough to enjoy some of the local libations, and then took the train to London.  After recording a podcast for Random House, I was interviewed at the BBC London studio for BBC World Service (“Toxic Childhood Beside a Nuclear Plant”).  It was a great privilege to meet Pooneh Ghoddoosi, and interesting to hear reactions from readers as the story aired all over the world.  I had to head home to get back in time for the fall semester, but not before catching Noel Coward’s Private Lives at the Gielgud Theatre.  Love that show.  Love London.  Can’t wait to go back.  Now, back to reality!