"We look to exploit political and economic crises in emerging markets," said Mr. Madden, who considers himself a value investor with a contrarian streak.

He's rather solicitous, in fact, though he does have a mischievous, contrarian streak.

Lindzen's graduate students describe him as "fiercely intelligent, with a deep contrarian streak."

Mr. Freeman's investment in Tyco, made earlier this year at around $35 a share, is an example of his contrarian streak.

His contrarian streak resulted in him being isolated within the Democratic caucus, which later led to him switching parties.

Although Wilson says he works well with Lamoriello, he admits to a contrarian streak that sometimes ruffles the feathers of authority figures.

Like his party leader, Mr. Sari has a contrarian streak.

Yet they have not lost their contrarian streak, and they have a way of catching audiences off guard.

Admittedly, though, North Carolina has a contrarian streak that does not play particularly well on the big stage.

There is, of course, a reason for flight that goes beyond faulty eyes to a contrarian streak on wide display.