6 comments August 27th, 2008
Odd Man Theory.
Have you ever heard of the Odd Man Theory? A novel called Andromeda Strain written by Michael Crichton is a story that tells of how a group of scientists with very advanced knowledge of micro biology set up in an underground germ warfare laboratory in a desperate attempt to neutralize an alien microbe captured by a satellite and brought to earth. The microbe is killing people left and right turning the blood to dust and this team is given the task of saving earth from certain death. Amongst this group of scientists is, of all people, a pediatrician! This guy knows nothing about microbes. is not a research scientist and is puzzled by the decision to include him in this intellectual group. Well, as it turns out, guess who discovers the answer to the problem? the pediatrician, a baby doctor!
The fact that this a book of fiction may prompt others to think that this theory is little more than a convenient fabrication for the purpose of entertainment that perhaps it’s not likely in the real world. That would be a mistake. There are a lot of people who are aware of this principle, agree that it does operate but when asked are unable to shed light on its origins. My limited understanding of the underlying principle is that those who are trained within a common paradigm or scientific philosophy think along the same lines. Others who are trained differently, think differently and are thus more likely to come up with novel solutions. The scientific community is rich with examples of how ideas that should not work but actually did, and contradicted accepted thinking. So the “Out of the box” thinking is more likely to occur from the “. . . odd man. . . ” who takes a different perspective and who doesn’t know he’s not supposed to ask certain questions.
1 comment August 26th, 2008
Pub Lunch
Saturday afternoon I decided to get out of the mayhem of Eastbourne and took the girls for dinner at the Berwick Inn, it seems they use the Airbourne weekend to change the menu as everyone is in Eastbourne and it’s usually very quiet. So not much to choose from, I had a very tasty Ratatouille half of which ended up down my shirt (I have airbrushed the food stains in the pictures). Kayleigh couldn’t have the Lasagne she normally has so had a mix and match of a starter and side as did Franki. Jade kept it simple with Ham, Egg and Chips 😉
1 comment August 17th, 2008
Plain Trains and Automobiles
A new exhaust was required this week, after driving to Wales last week with a detour on the way back to pick the kids up from North Nibley (snigger) nr Gloucester, I eventually got home sounding like I was making preparations for a Monster Truck competition across the pond. So during the week I’ve been getting the train to work which maybe cheaper than the petrol I put in the car? Though I have to cycle 15 minutes to the station, lock up my bike and then walk 30 minutes from the other end of the line to work. I’ve found out I can actually take my bike on the train only I couldn’t be arsed to negotiate the terrain in St. Leonards, other than that it’s quite possible some drug crazed lunatic will attempt to rob it from me on the way (nice place). Just up the road from where I work is Part Co., a vehicle parts trade counter, having ordered a new exhaust and associated gaskets I picked it up Thursday to carry home, after a treacherous ride from the station on my push bike I considered it would’ve been a better idea to have the parts delivered to the Eastbourne branch. Anyway, I put it on Yesterday and it’s fine. Off to Wales to see Julie next weekend, communication has been a bit thin on the ground this week as I left my bloody mobile phone on the train.
Add comment August 17th, 2008
Saturady Night…
New car, no money, usual trip to Wales… Odd set of circumstances on top, Hmmm, I am in one of those “I have no fucking idea!” situations that usually turn up trumps. I see Russia have taken the opportunity to instigate global chaos in the midst of Olympic euphoria. How strange is that for timing? This world is a complicated network of political obscurity, who would have thought and who the hell are South Ossetia anyway?
1 comment August 10th, 2008
080808
I’ve just realised the date:
08-08-08
Isn’t the number “8” considered lucky in China? What time do the Olympic opening ceremonies begin I wonder?
1 comment August 8th, 2008
New Thunderstorm Link
What a mental thunderstorm we had last night! Right overhead, best one for a long time. I have updated the Lightning Strike Indicator link as I noticed it showed bugger all last night.
1 comment August 7th, 2008
Photos Of BBQ
1 comment August 4th, 2008
Pics Soon.
The subject of the day has to be my BBQ. My nearest and dearest all convoluted into a frenzy of alcoholic and musical turmoil, with only an odd burger and drumstick to intervene. One of the most prominent times of the year happens to be now…August, as more seems to happen in this month that the rest of the year! I’ve always considered the balance of happiness and necessity, but it seems to be always tipped towards the latter. Is it all really that necessary or should we all just go with the flow?
2 comments August 3rd, 2008
How Much Spare Time Do You Have?
Add comment July 28th, 2008
