Why do we like sheep hanging out with dogs?

Because of the element of the remarkable.

Sheep are supposed to hang out with other sheep. Dogs are supposed to hang out with other dogs. That's normal.

But when we see sheep running around with dogs (even if they were raised together), for a moment we believe in the idea that what the sheep is doing is brave, risky, and creative.

Normal is predictable. Normal is safe. Normal is boring.

Remarkable is scarce. That's why we seek it out. That's why others notice it in us.

Michael Hankinson: A photo taken back in the late 1970's just after the Johannesburg City Hall organ had been "rebuilt" by Henry Willis IV. I was Curator of the organ and City Organist in Durban which also had a four manual Willis rebuild. Neither instruments were very successful and both are now derelict, vandalised and unplayable. The original Jo'burg organ was a magnificent Norman and Beard of 97 stops (over 6000 pipes) with a floating bombarde section and a massive orchestral section. Designed by the blind organist Alfred Hollins it was a joy to play and I have recorded one lp on the instrument many years ago. There is a detailed report on the organ here: http://www.albany.edu/piporg-l/JCH.html