the golden statistic

Up early to re-bag my rubbish, which had been opened in the night (my neighbour's too; I was not singled out)and its contents strewn all over the pavement. One of my more indigent neighbours, I can only presume.

Then off to our local baker to purchase a large granary loaf (non-organic; they're too heavy) followed by a very satisfying 1 hour walk on a nearby hillside in pleasant conditions. When we have high pressure over Britain, they often get it in the neck in France and Spain, both have which have endured unseasonal snowstorms, while we bask in Spring sunshine.

In the afternoon, I explain to the student (and illustrate it with a profusion of examples) what I call "the golden statistic". This, and research has proved its validity more than once, is the fact that 90% of problems brought to a GP will clear up within 2 weeks, even if the doctor doesn't do anything. The tension comes, of course, with the remaining 10%. And that's a very different story...