Random Ramblings

I think I'm now an outsider even in my Masters programme: everyone is linked to either the Bijvoet centre or the IB (Institute of Biomembranes) and hence has seminar days of those organisations. There are some vague links between the department that I work in and the IB, though only on a very limited level. Aparently the Institute of Environmental Biology is the place to be. Yup, I really have reached the plant world.

As most of you will know, the IgNobels have been awarded some time ago (of course Wageningen University is one of the winners), but the best one is still the prize for Literature, which this year was awarded for work entitled: "Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly." Though last year it went to: "The Internet entrepreneurs of Nigeria, for creating and then using e-mail to distribute a bold series of short stories, thus introducing millions of readers to a cast of rich characters -- General Sani Abacha, Mrs. Mariam Sanni Abacha, Barrister Jon A Mbeki Esq., and others -- each of whom requires just a small amount of expense money so as to obtain access to the great wealth to which they are entitled and which they would like to share with the kind person who assists them." Full list at the Journal of improbable research Ig Nobel prize winners page.

Also good is the famed Journal of Irreproducible results, which also features an article on why the National Geographic magazine is the doomsday machine

And to revisit the NS-by-the-ways: On the 18th of October there will be a disaster exercise on platforms 18 and 19 involving one blown up train and trained actors. More info in the Utrecht city council press release over here.