Some Fibre Each Day Keeps Your Nut Allergy Away, Well Possibly

New research by Tan and colleagues suggests that a high fibre diet could prevent nut allergies in humans. It is important to note that Tan and colleagues’ research was conducted on mice, which doesn’t always crossover well to humans. Mice specifically bred to have this allergy were less likely to experience anaphylactic shock from peanuts… Read More

War Philosophy: Science, Art or Trade

“War is a science for those who are outstanding; an art for mediocrities; a trade for ignoramuses.” Frederick II, aka Frederick the Great (1712 to 1786) The King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, he is renowned for his reorganisation of the Prussian Army and military victories.

Doing Things Better: Last War versus Next War

“Organizations created to fight the last war better are not going to win the next.” Lieutenant General James Maurice Gavin (1907-1990), …”a top Army administrator, a diplomat and a leading management consultant…” (Fowler, 1990) Sometimes presented as “Generals always fight the last war.” Of course, this does not take account of the fact that sometimes… Read More

Pass the Sick Bag: A New Low in Weight Management Therapy

Wow was the politest mono-syllable I could mouth when I read this… A device, known as Aspire Assist, that allows people to empty some of their stomach contents into a toilet after a meal has just got the go ahead from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA, 2016). The (stomach-churning) device is approved for… Read More

Failure in War: A Matter of Timing

“The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.” Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) An American five-star general (aka General of the Army) and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He was Chief of Staff of the US Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific… Read More

Easy Cure vs Difficult Recognition…

“And what they say about a disease applies here. What is at first easy to cure but difficult to recognize is later, left unrecognized and untreated, easy to recognize but difficult to cure.” Attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (In this context we are talking about military operations, either at the strategic or tactical level)