ianbee: this is instead of getting a dog

Thwopa thwopa thwopa

Busy week last week. I was billeted near London on an Aviation Medicine course. One of the highlights was a visit to the London air-ambulance pad.

 

They've got a lovely red helicopter. If you look carefully it hasn't got a tail rotor. No, it didn't fall off. It doesn't need one - which makes it ideal for landing in an urban environment. The way this tail-rotor-less aircraft works was carefully explained to us, and after listening intently I understand that it uses a combination of magic and fairy-dust to stay in the air.

 

During the time that I was visiting, the team responded to three separate incidents. It was amazing to stand on the roof-top and watch the machine take off, fly towards the horizon, circle, hover and drop down in the distance between the buildings. After a brief pause it took off again and appeared in the sky, returning to the pad. I'm not exposed to much trauma, as a paediatric nurse, so it was sobering to consider the volume, scale and range of tragic events that were unfolding beneath me.

Badges - the winners

Here we are. The long awaited results of the badge competition. Thank you for your patience; it was tough to judge. I need to make it clear that I had no help, there was no lobbying, I made the decision on my own without any external influence or coercion. The standard of entries was high, and I'm pleased that most people got the point and saw their badge as a mark of honour - something to be proud of and to be celebrated. You all deserve your badges. Well done.

Such was the quality of material, I have decided to award first, second and third prizes and also two highly commended awards. The prize is the badge, just right-click and 'Save Image As'. Sorry but there are no sweeties in the post!

 

Can pee on a campfire (female)

First prize was a fair bit ahead of all other entries, I have to say. Well done Anna.

 

Amazing (16 hour) daytime bladder capacity (male)

Second prize continues the theme. Nice one Matthew.

 

Built a life-size dalek

Third prize just seemed fun to draw! Thanks Simon.

 

Accidentally asked a girl on a bus out on a date whilst already going out with someone else

Kenny gets a highly commended award for public transport semi-flirting.

 

Hurt my knee at Flodden

And finally Louise gets a mention for abstract Scottish injury.

 

Washing machine repair badge

I'm ready to reveal the results of the badge competition, but before I do that please permit me to award myself another badge by way of a warm up ...

 

Can fix a washing machine

This involved diagnosing the problem, going to the washing machine shop, buying bits, un-plumbing it, turning it upside down, removing old bits, putting new bits in and re-plumbing it.  All on my own.
(My neighbour said he'd help, but he forgot and went to the pub.)

Badges

I came across this website a while ago. A bunch of scientists, who are into 'science and badges', decided to award themselves badges. Probably because no-one else will. There are some brilliantly funny ones - go and look at them now before reading any further. (The rest will make more sense if you do.)

I liked the idea, so on a recent rainy day (goodness knows there's enough of them at the moment) I awarded myself some badges, then I drew them. I might get them sewn onto a jumper. That would be cool.

Maybe, if you're inspired, you could leave a comment saying what badge you would award yourself. I will design the person who leaves the best suggestion their very own badge. Go on, have a think!

 

Has a job that impresses women
(Works as a neonatal nurse)

Has a job that impresses men
(Works in ambulances)

Owns at least three power tools
(Drill, jigsaw and plane)

Doesn't panic if asked to bake a cake
(Particularly good at muffins)

Makes great compilation CDs
(Finely crafted and bristling with innovative track selections)

Plays bass - level IV
(4 string guitar, 5 string guitar, fretless guitar and double bass)

Has demolished a wall - level II
(Wall was in own house)

Has been trained to escape from helicopters underwater - level I
(Skill has not yet been tested)