April Fool's Day in Laboratory Informatics

Here in the US, we’re a bit silly on April 1^st, our April Fool’s Day, a day to play practical jokes and be a bit ridiculous. Despite being a person who normally prides myself on my professionalism, I still enjoy a bit of lighthearted fun.

I’d considered telling a laboratory informatics joke here in my blog to mark the day, but I only know one and it’s too product-specific for most people to “get.” Instead, here is my favorite joke web-site:   http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/chuck-norris-top-50-facts

Even though this doesn’t appear at first glance to have anything to do with laboratory informatics, it’s at least got some science-based jokes. My favorite is: “Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table of the elements because the only element he believes in is the element of surprise.” Plus, throughout the year, I find these to be a great way to spice-up a dreary project day. My project team members might or might not agree, though.  ;-)

On a totally different topic, I’d been thinking lately that it’s probably time for me to find my second career. I was reading that it’s pretty common for people to start a second career when they’re in their 40’s and a good time to do it. I was thinking that maybe the laboratory informatics gig won’t really last until retirement. Maybe I need to take this second career thing seriously. With that in-mind, on a day like today, I’m thinking of some potential second careers:

• Permanent Judge on Iron Chef America. There currently is no such thing but I came up with idea and plan to make it my own. On a different topic, did you notice the chairman is the only person on the show with his own sound effects. I’d love to have a job where I had my own sound effects (please, no rude responses that this will happen as I get older) but I can’t do a backflip so I don’t think I can convince the producers of the show to let me take that over.
• Editor of Mental Floss Magazine. Well, I’m not saying I want the strenuous job of editing a magazine, but there’s a certain coolness factor to being involved with something that’s so terribly nerdy. I guess that’s where it’s a good fit for me.  ;-)
• World Famous Race Car Driver. That would be just super-cool and if only I could get my poor old sedan to move a little faster I’d be on my way to greatness. First, I have to work my way up to a guest spot on Top Gear (the UK version, of course) and I’m convinced that will set me on my way.
• Reality Show Star. Hey, everyone else is doing it! Before you ask me what my talents are, I tend to think that’s not always a requirement.
• Spokesperson for Cheese from Switzerland. Yes, that’s right “cheese from Switzerland” not “Swiss cheese” (ain’t ours a grand language!). Think of it: travelling the world, getting lots of free samples. I love cheese. This might be the perfect job for me. Or, if someone out there needs a “Chocolate Champion,” “Pie Pusher,” “Beer Ambassador” or “Tea Drinker Extraordinaire” please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy April Fool’s Day, all!!!

Gloria Metrick
GeoMetrick Enterprises
http://www.GeoMetrick.com/