The implications of finding life elsewhere in the solar system are gigantic. It would mean life is everywhere in the universe. It would be the most important discovery in human history.
I have always wondered why when humans are abducted by aliens, they have to have a probe stuck up their bums?
They don't have to but ... ... too good an opportunity to pass up tbh 'I resisted pet but the buggers had six arms and were incredibly strong'.
Bit of an update on the Mrs....progress. (Sorry if it's a bit of a long post) I posted earlier in the year about the Mrs having a siezure on NYD, and renal failure resulting in dialysis. She really didn't take well to it initially, but has improved massively over the last couple of months. Improved enough that she is now looking to return to work at UHND in mid July. Work, with dialysis three times a week? We had a visit yesterday from the dialysis team at the Freeman to assess the suitability of our house, and us, for home dialysis....and we got the go ahead. There is some modifications to be done in the spare bedroom....a fresh water supply and a waste water outlet needs fitted, but they arrange and carry out all the work. We get the same dialysis unit they use in the Freeman, a recliner chair, and all the necessary equipment required. The work will be done in a day, and will be within the next 4 weeks. So, on Monday 19th June, I start my dialysis training. I basically take the Mrs to dialysis at the Freeman, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and they show me what to do...the same training a nurse on the dialysis unit gets. How to set up the machine, connect her up etc...the whole lot. I'm looking forward to it, but a bit nervous at the same time. It will make a massive difference to us both to be able to do it at home. There's more...... I'm also about to start tests (its not just blood type) to see if I would be a suitable donor. She has already had to tests to check her suitability for a transplant, which she passed. Her blood group is 0-negative, which is quite rare apparently, so the chances of a match are quite slim. Im agreeing to an "exchange" type scheme (this sounds mad) but basically, if one of my kidneys isn't suitable for her it may suitable for someone else, whose partners kidney may be suitable for my Mrs. Then they do both ops at the same time. Strange times ahead....nervous, excited, hopeful, scared even.....just some of the emotions going through our heads. Big progress though. Just want end by saying I think our NHS is absolutely fantastic, and The Freeman Hospital....I really can't praise them enough.
Great to hear some positive news Snaggey. A former colleague of mine was in a similar position as your wife and his wife was a match and donated a kidney. I have been retired ten year but as far as I am aware it was a complete success and he is still going strong.
Great news Snaggey, you two are certainly on a journey and love the positivity of you both. Yes the NHS get things wrong but they get an awful amount right as your finding out so long may that continue. We wish you both all the best for what lies ahead, keep going and hope you find that matching donor in the not too distant future.
It would certainly be a stand out discovery. The possible/likely/hoped for implications could be a thread of it's own
Just on this subject I’m busy working my way through The Three Body-Problem trilogy by Cixin Liu. It’s about Earth making contact with another civilisation 4 light years away. Its absolutely brilliant if you are into Sci-fi (Netflix have bought the rights).
Aye I've read the first one. Canny. A bit unusual because of the Chinese cultural reference points, but canny. I usually recommend Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky and the Dark Eden Trilogy by Chris Beckett.
I'm almost finished the second book, yeah it can be confusing at times with it being translated and heavy on the Chinese culture and names but its definitely worth sticking with. Can't put it down now! I'll take a look at those books too, thanks. I have Necromancer to read after the trilogy (William Gibson)
I listened to Cage of Souls by Tchaikovsky and it was very good, might have to give this a try (I listen to a lot of audio books over reading these days as I can spend a few hours a day traveling between sites for work).
Fingers crossed snaggy hope all goes well and you can some semblance of order back in your life mate.
