What Makes Me Tick?
Science and Technology
I just don't understand how anyone cannot find science and technology amazing. Maybe it's my curious nature or the onset of madness, but I can't help but get excited about the latest scientific discoveries, next world changing experiment or debates about theories on how the world around us works. Add to that technology, which makes what seems impossible... possible, and I'm sold!
Art, Design and Shiny Things
Before focusing on a life in science, I did consider becoming a designer or architect. To this day I am still fascinated by what makes good design and the creative process in general. Unfortunately I don't get as much time as I'd like to mess about with some paints or sketch with my trusty biro, however, am hopeful one day I'll find a way to incorporate this outlet into my work. Until then I'll just have to manage with the odd excursion to an exhibition over lunch.
Fly Fishing and "The Great Outdoors"
A major love of mine is fishing and specifically the fly fishing variety. It gives me a means to be alone and away from the hustle and bustle of the world, and provides time to think about the important things. Ever since I was was little I've wanted to travel to the remotest parts of the world and fish in some of the most unspoiled places. Hopefully soon that'll become a reality with the Alaskan wilderness top of the list.
Sports with a Bat
With a mild addiction to endorphins, sport allows for my regular hit and ensures a sleepy body and mind at the end of the day. Although I like to participate in most I seem to have gained a keen interest in those involving various types of bat. I have no idea why but I'm not too shabby and can be caught at least a couple times a week on the badminton or tennis court.
A Few Favourite Books
As a child I was never that keen on reading with the only exceptions being various tales by Roald Dahl, the Narnia books or the latest instalment of Asterix. That didn't really change until I reached university and began to realise the fascinating views many people had towards the world we live in. Since then I've become addicted to various theories of the way our mind might work, the development of art and creative expression, and the mystery of how Nature manages to create the complexity in all living systems through the process of evolution. Find below a small selection of books I thoroughly enjoyed and which you might also find interesting.
Cryptonomicon
N. Stephenson
Originally recommended by a friend this book is a bit of a monster and took me a good while to get through to the end. That said it was well worth the effort and a real roller-coaster of a pseudo-fictional story. Set in the second world war you follow the stories of several of the great code-breakers and soldiers during the conflict. Try to not be put off by the size, the story is awesome.
A Load of Bull
T. Parfitt
I've always had the desire to work abroad and gain a real feel for what living in another culture is really like. This book is just about such an adventure with the a work related move from London to Madrid and the events that happen along the way. Hugely funny in places, the story is warming and enjoyable so if you like a light-hearted read this one is for you.
Concerning the Spiritual in Art
W. Kandinsky
After seeing an exhibition of Kandinsky's work at the Guggenheim in New York I was really taken back by the depth and beautiful aesthetics of the pieces - they made you feel different. I'm a big fan of abstract work, however, often find it highly superficial and merely self fulfilling. Intrigued to understand what made Kandinsky unique, I was lucky enough to find this book lurking in the gallery shop. It is a real gem written by the man himself whom has a deeper understanding of our basic comprehension of form and colour than anyone I have seen before. Being a big believer of the arts having the ability to reveal deep characteristics in the workings of our mind, this book helps dissect some of these attributes in a very personal way. I'd recommend to anyone interested in what makes us tick but from a less scientific perspective.
Second Nature: Brain Science and Human Knowledge
G.M. Edelman
I've always had a soft spot for Edelman's work and this book gives an excellent description of his ideas about the brain. There are lots of books out there on this subject and the infamous "What is conscicousness?" debate, but this one manages to layout a fascinating and plausible understanding of both. Add to this a beautiful hard-back presentation and elegant choice of typography and in my eyes at least you have a real winner.
The Plausibility of Life: Resolving Darwin's Dilemma
M.W. Kirschner and J.C. Gerhart
I bought this book for some light reading while on holiday after finding Gerhart and Krischner's paper on 'The Theory of Facilitated Variation'. Little did I know how engrossed I would become! The book provides the necessary space with which to flesh out the subtleties of their theory and presents some highly compelling examples. A lovely written book with nice illustrations that really help communicate the scope and possible impact of their work.
First Signals: The Evolution of Multicellular Development
J.T. Bonner
This is a strange little book I bought after becoming interested in why living systems have a tendency to see increases in complexity. One of these big shifts was from the single cellular forms of bacteria to the multi-cellular animals, plants and insects we see today. The story of why and how this happened is starting to be uncovered and this little gem gives a great account of the first steps.
