It is impossible to deny the importance of any microscopy technique as applied to research and problem solving.  However, the foundation to all our endeavors is and must be communication.  What we perceive and understand with the photon and electron remains a mystery until it is communicated to another. 

Communicate is from the Latin verb, communicatus, meaning “to participate.”  Merriam-Webster defines communicate as, “to transmit information, thoughts or feelings so that it is satisfactorily received or understood.”  It is the satisfactorily received or understood aspect of this definition with which we constantly struggle.

A central aspect of successful communication is having shared goals and terms.

A helicopter pilot found himself confused in a fog over a major northwest city.  Hovering next to a tall building, he quickly drew a crowd at the upper floors.  He held up a clipboard with the printed message: "Where am I?"

It was a matter of seconds before a pair of binoculars were located, the message read and a reply formulated.  Holding up large poster board sheets, the office people responded: "You're in a helicopter."

The pilot immediately set a course, flew safely to the nearest airport and landed.

His amazed passenger asked the pilot how that information helped.  The pilot replied that the information was totally correct and absolutely useless and where else could he be but the Microsoft building.

There have been times that I have felt like the office dwellers.