There is a great list of problem solving techniques at the Seeing into the True Nature. They are all hilarious. Here are a few of my favorite.

• Have you tried becoming the problem?
• Have you tried not having been born?
• Have you tried making the problem worse?
• Have you tried dropping boxes of Modafinil all over the place?
• Have you tried hiring the problem to afflict your enemies?
• Have you tried making the problem into a brand?
• Have you tried abolishing the concept of property so no one “has” any problems?
• Have you tried praying for the courage to change the things you can?
• Have you tried writing bitter letters to the editor explaining that you have solved the problem but academy politics torpedoed your career?
• Have you tried renaming the problem a conjecture and moving on?

Many more great techniques at the link.