Two pieces worth pointing out, in this, our week of Nobel frenzy. One which provides a sentiment we've probably all experience (well, maybe not), and the other... some constructive advice on how to win one.
I didn't win the Nobel Prize in Physics again this year. What's a guy got to do to win that thing? I was made to win that prize, but for like the umpteenth time in a row I've been given the shaft. Annoying! Who cares if I'm not a physixcist or however you spell it? I've been doing lots of cool physics-type stuff forever and deserve some recognition and money. (more)
As of November 2005, 776 Nobel Prizes have been awarded (758 to individuals, 18 to organizations) in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics. In that same month, according to the U.S. Bureau of Census, there were an estimated 6,469,818,677 people alive in the world. Consequently, the average person (or even the average scientist) has a very small chance of winning a Nobel Prize or even ever knowing anyone who has done so. However, there is a very small group of people whose odds of winning this estute award are exponentially increased. These people were the members of an elite brotherhood consisting of 20 members, known as the RNA Tie club. Eight of these members went on to win Nobel Prizes making the odds of winning a Nobel Prize in this specific 'population' 2 in 5. Indeed, this crude analysis is riddled with copious confounders. However, for the purposes of this discussion they have been wittingly ignored. (more)
Shameless self-promotion dept.: an additional semi-serious Nobel-related item is my song "The Swedish Thing," a parody of U2's "The Sweetest Thing." You can check out the lyrics at: faculty.washington.edu/crowther/Misc/Songs/swedish.shtml