Thanks to Max Power for this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23377190
I think it's pretty cool.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
My Spring Training Game
I always wondered what would happen if a college sports team played a professional sports team (you know, in the sport they both played).
The University of Michigan's baseball team just played the New York Mets, projected to win the NL East (one of the more competitive divisions in baseball) this year. The final score was 4-4.
Four to four?! A tie?! There's no WAY they're even close in ability (for starters, not every player on the Michigan team will play in the majors, much less start their first year out...). Chuck said it's because of how baseball works: randomly. And I agree. The winner of a baseball game is only loosely correlated with which team is better. In fact, I recall statisticians calculating that even in a 162 game season with 7 game series in the playoffs, a team which is clearly the best won't even win the World Series 50% of the time. Yet one more reason why baseball is in decline: the outcome is fairly random. So much so that a college team can tie one of the better professional teams.
For reasons that should be obvious, I can't wait until Michigan's football team plays the Eagles.
The University of Michigan's baseball team just played the New York Mets, projected to win the NL East (one of the more competitive divisions in baseball) this year. The final score was 4-4.
Four to four?! A tie?! There's no WAY they're even close in ability (for starters, not every player on the Michigan team will play in the majors, much less start their first year out...). Chuck said it's because of how baseball works: randomly. And I agree. The winner of a baseball game is only loosely correlated with which team is better. In fact, I recall statisticians calculating that even in a 162 game season with 7 game series in the playoffs, a team which is clearly the best won't even win the World Series 50% of the time. Yet one more reason why baseball is in decline: the outcome is fairly random. So much so that a college team can tie one of the better professional teams.
For reasons that should be obvious, I can't wait until Michigan's football team plays the Eagles.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
My Hungry Children
No, this isn't some bleeding-heart liberal post. It's actually a reference to one of my favorite Jonathan Coulton songs, in which a super villain is singing a love song to his pretty lady love interest. It's hilarious and called "Skullcrusher Mountain," and contains a line "Hear them howling, my hungry children" which refers to the wolves that live on the mountain.
This is a roundabout way of me bringing up the subject of wolves, while making it look like I'm aware of music written after Pachelbel epitomized the baroque period.
Anyway, wolves. Lizmonster (and through her the NYTimes) have reported that the Bush Administration is ending it's federal protection of gray wolves in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Let's play a little game called "Am I being paranoid and cynical?" in which my reads read the following, then post in the comments section just how paranoid and cynical they think I've become.
Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. I wonder how much of this decision had to do with the facts about wolves and how much of it had to do with the fact that we're in an election year and traditionally Republican ranchers really want to be able to start shooting wolves again willy nilly.
Not to be cynical (ok, fine, to be cynical), but McCain doesn't appeal to many in those states, and as long as he's sure to be running against someone favoring gun control, they might as well have ranchers, and ergo people who care about the local economy, cheering Republican. That way they might not have to spend a dime in what's been their own political backyard recently,
which helps them out when they're at a fundraising disadvantage and they don't have much recent experience playing while behind (in polls or money, much less both). I think there's some political motivation behind this move.
OK, your turn. Is there a snowball's chance in a global-warming created post-apocalyptic mutant society that there's anything to my idea, or do I need to stop watching primary coverage the West Wing and get back to my Star Trek roots so my ideas will at least be a little more down to Earth?
This is a roundabout way of me bringing up the subject of wolves, while making it look like I'm aware of music written after Pachelbel epitomized the baroque period.
Anyway, wolves. Lizmonster (and through her the NYTimes) have reported that the Bush Administration is ending it's federal protection of gray wolves in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Let's play a little game called "Am I being paranoid and cynical?" in which my reads read the following, then post in the comments section just how paranoid and cynical they think I've become.
Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. I wonder how much of this decision had to do with the facts about wolves and how much of it had to do with the fact that we're in an election year and traditionally Republican ranchers really want to be able to start shooting wolves again willy nilly.
Not to be cynical (ok, fine, to be cynical), but McCain doesn't appeal to many in those states, and as long as he's sure to be running against someone favoring gun control, they might as well have ranchers, and ergo people who care about the local economy, cheering Republican. That way they might not have to spend a dime in what's been their own political backyard recently,
which helps them out when they're at a fundraising disadvantage and they don't have much recent experience playing while behind (in polls or money, much less both). I think there's some political motivation behind this move.
OK, your turn. Is there a snowball's chance in a global-warming created post-apocalyptic mutant society that there's anything to my idea, or do I need to stop watching primary coverage the West Wing and get back to my Star Trek roots so my ideas will at least be a little more down to Earth?
My Business Trip to NY
Yesterday I had to travel with some others to New York City.
First let me explain something: I'm not really supposed to blog about my job, as I now work in public finance. Many of you may wonder or have wondered why I've failed to even mention, much less talk about, my new job. Well, it's a cool job in which I get to help with the building of bridges and schools and hospitals and saving cities in distress. That said, given the nature of the business, should anything we work on become a matter of public interest or investigation, everything I say in any venue about it can be subpoenaed. Plus even without a subpoena I might get in trouble. Basically, I'm happy to talk about a lot of it with people (especially since I'm still in training)--so feel free to bring it up when chatting--but we've all been strongly advised not to scatter lots of written records and opinions all over the world. Also, in many cases we'll have a "no comment" on-the-record policy with the press unless specifically asked to explain something by a client (and we can't say "no comment" while posting online comments)...and I know at least one journalist who reads this blog fairly regularly. Sorry, Lizmonster.
So back to my story, a bunch of us had to go to New York, and the line of the day came from someone who had lived in NY for a while an loved it. For some reason I'm thinking of "Princeton" from Avenue Q as a good way to describe him, so we'll go with that pseudonym.
Princeton: "Why does it smell like urine?"
Me: "Because we're in a train station and we're in New York."
Princeton: "Oh. Right."
Also the weather sucked. True story.
And for those of you who lived with me in college, I ran into a certain panda bear near ground zero. 4 million people on the island and I actually ran into someone I knew. The mathematics behind the probability of that happening are more interesting than anything else that happened on the trip.
First let me explain something: I'm not really supposed to blog about my job, as I now work in public finance. Many of you may wonder or have wondered why I've failed to even mention, much less talk about, my new job. Well, it's a cool job in which I get to help with the building of bridges and schools and hospitals and saving cities in distress. That said, given the nature of the business, should anything we work on become a matter of public interest or investigation, everything I say in any venue about it can be subpoenaed. Plus even without a subpoena I might get in trouble. Basically, I'm happy to talk about a lot of it with people (especially since I'm still in training)--so feel free to bring it up when chatting--but we've all been strongly advised not to scatter lots of written records and opinions all over the world. Also, in many cases we'll have a "no comment" on-the-record policy with the press unless specifically asked to explain something by a client (and we can't say "no comment" while posting online comments)...and I know at least one journalist who reads this blog fairly regularly. Sorry, Lizmonster.
So back to my story, a bunch of us had to go to New York, and the line of the day came from someone who had lived in NY for a while an loved it. For some reason I'm thinking of "Princeton" from Avenue Q as a good way to describe him, so we'll go with that pseudonym.
Princeton: "Why does it smell like urine?"
Me: "Because we're in a train station and we're in New York."
Princeton: "Oh. Right."
Also the weather sucked. True story.
And for those of you who lived with me in college, I ran into a certain panda bear near ground zero. 4 million people on the island and I actually ran into someone I knew. The mathematics behind the probability of that happening are more interesting than anything else that happened on the trip.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
My New Reality Show?
Sports Illustrated has reported that NBC is planning a curling reality show, hosted by Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. The winner would reportedly get a spot on the 2010 US Olympic Curling Team.
Physics? Bruce and Bon? Olympics and national pride? Count me in.
Right now I'm wondering how much of their plan--if any of it--will actually come to fruition. This might be one reality show I'll actually check out.
PS - I know I toss around the word "ridiculous" a lot, but Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi co-hosting a curling reality show? How did NBC manage that?
Physics? Bruce and Bon? Olympics and national pride? Count me in.
Right now I'm wondering how much of their plan--if any of it--will actually come to fruition. This might be one reality show I'll actually check out.
PS - I know I toss around the word "ridiculous" a lot, but Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi co-hosting a curling reality show? How did NBC manage that?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
My Review of the American Gladiators Finale
Eight weeks ago 24 hopeful gladiators set out on a journey that would test their physical limits. Tonight, two men and two women stand poised to face off, vying for the simple title of “Champion.”
This will be, by far, my longest post ever, since it will be a free-associating unedited running commentary and play-by-play. I have no idea how it will turn out. It might be bad. If you’re not interested, I highly recommend you skip this post. I’ll be back to my usual commentary, humor, analysis, ideas and stories soon enough.
A youth counselor. A sales clerk. A high school teacher. A soccer mom. These are the contenders on the brink of money, fame, a new car, a title, and undying glory.
Chuck and I are pulling for Monica, the soccer mom, in the women’s competition. She’s nice, friendly, positive, and fun-loving, thriving in and on this competition and shattering the stereotypes of being “just a mom.” This is Super Mom, one of many unappreciated American heroes who collectively do far more for us, whose efforts have a more positive impact, than every actor, athlete, member of Congress and other so called leaders and “role models” put together. [Chuck: “It also helps that she’s cute.”]
In the men’s competition, we’re pulling for Alex, the high school teacher and wrestling coach who doesn’t want the money for himself—but for his school’s athletic programs. He’s doing it for his kids, proving that anything’s possible and showing that putting greater things above oneself can unlock the potential of that self.
Alex’s opponent, Evan, is bigger, younger, faster, and most importantly his abilities are perfectly tailored for the Eliminator, the final, and by far the most important, event. Monica’s opponent, Shanay, is a little too intense and annoying. [Chuck, watching her lift an interviewer: “She also has a history of abusing newscasters…but it’s not like we don’t like her; we just like Monica more.”]
They’ve added interviews and backstories for the final contestants—which helps them fill the two hours. [Chuck: “We’re 15 minutes into the show, and not a single competition has happened yet.” Lots of commercials though.]
Ladies’ Event 1: Hang Tough: The ladies take turns trying to get from one platform to another by swinging from rings suspended high above a pool of water while a gladiator tries to take them down. In this case, Siren is the opponent. (Side note: I think Siren’s the cutest female gladiator, but Chuck has a crush on Crush.) Siren quickly got a hold of Monica and took her down, but Monica is still good spirited. This raises an interesting question of long-term strategy: if a gladiator’s hanging on, do you fight? Or should you not tire yourself out given how many more events are ahead of you? Your odds of winning are virtually none, and a tie only gets you 5 points. I say just drop, but then again, I like Excel and these fierce contenders like exercising. Shanay is downright terrible at this event tonight, barely able to swing from ring to ring. Siren made quick work of her using her “powerful legs” (as observed by one of our hosts for the evening, the famous and infamous Hulk Hogan).
Men’s Event 1: Hang Tough: In this one, the guys have to go up against Wolf, the gladiator with the most personality. His animal persona, beast-like attitude, and hilarious comic-book like taunts. In the first episode, when told he was mean “up there” (in this event) he announced, “I’m mean everywhere!” and wandered off. Alex got past him in a prior episode, but Wolf got the best of him tonight. Wolf slipped, however, when facing Evan, who, though shocked, managed to get to the other side for 10 points. [Chuck: “Evan’s ‘flail like a fish strategy’ pays off.” Hulk Hogan agrees: “You looked like a monkey who couldn’t find his banana.”]
[Chuck: “It’s been 45 minutes and we’ve gone through all of one competition for each gender.”]
Ladies’ Event 2: Assault: A gladiator in front of a large target fires tennis balls at contestants, who run from projectile to projectile. If hit, the contestant leaves. If they stay alive for a minute, the contestant gets 5 points. If the contestant hits the target, the gladiator is subjected to a fireworks-escorted launching into a pool of water. Shanay used my strategy to start, and didn’t even try with the slingshot (the first projectile). It’s almost impossible to get a hit with it, and it takes a lot of time. After firing a token shot, however, she screwed up later and got hit. She started out smart, but didn’t keep her head in the game. Energy and athleticism don’t make up for bad decisions and overly rushed aiming. WOW! Monica just hit the target with the slingshot! Out of nowhere, doing what no one has ever done before, she hit the target with a slingshot, and Hellga got dunked. Monica in an interview: “Work smarter not harder!” I am THOROUGHLY impressed. [Chuck: “That just happened.”] Monica’s stock is rising, and receives 10 points to Shanay’s 3.
Men’s Event 2: Assault: Alex shows his sense of humor by mock-throwing the slingshot ball. His slingshot attempt predictably misses, and then he gets hit. This wasn’t so much a bad run by Alex, but amazing sharp-shooting by Justice and some bad luck. Evan manages to hit the target with the second device, the turret, using my strategy of spending lots and lots of time lining up the perfect shot (this station comes with cover and is by far the easiest to aim). Evan wins points because he’s competing in part to honor the memory of his deceased mother, but he needs to calm down when he talks.
Ladies’ Event 3: Joust: The quintessential American Gladiators event pairs contestants up with Crush, Chuck’s gladiator crush. Two combatants. Two elevated platforms. Two large sticks with big padded cylinders on the end. Last one standing wins. Monica’s head took a beating as soon the whistle blew, but managed to stay in until there were less than 2 seconds remaining. Were the event 28.3 seconds long, she’d have had a 5 point draw. But the ever-positive and good-spirited soccer mom finishes out with zero. Though her body is soaked, her spirit is far from doused, as evidenced by her jubilant post-joust interview with Hulk. She’s got her eye on the prize, and her disposition seems to surpass even what one would expect from a champion: she acts like a champion living her dream. (Shanay managed to hang on for 5 points, though she landed on her butt, for which a gladiator was once declared the loser. Different rules for the two combatants, or did the judges not notice or not call it soon enough? If the rules are different, I still say the dominant strategy is to hug the platform, as nothing the gladiator’s allowed to do could knock you off from that position.)
Men’s Event 3: Joust: Titan, who reminds me of Cyclops the X-man in his clean-cut good-looking team spokesperson role, will be the enormous opponent dwarfing our intrepid, though comparatively diminutive, contestants. The last time he fought Evan, he knocked Evan off with one hit. This time, it took almost a full 20% of the time it took me to type that last sentence to drop Evan in the drink. [Chuck: “Evan’s problem is that he told Titan his strategy before facing him.] To Evan’s credit, he did double the number of hits he took compared to last time. Alex, now behind 20-1, remains behind 20-1, though he lasted more than twice as long and kept his good spirits, admitting his tiny size gave him virtually no chance. Knowing physics can only get you so far against a guy who has twice the mass, twice the reach, and four times the strength.
Women’s Event 4: The Pyramid: Our heroes try to hit a button at the top of an Agro-Crag style pyramid made out of gym mats and cushions while gladiators try to stop them. Both contests go at once, with one gladiator assigned to each. If they can get above a dotted line, they get 5 points. Hitting the button ends the competition with a reward of 10 points. This actually looks like a LOT of fun, because people throw each other all over the place and off of pyramids, meanwhile everything is so soft and padded that the contestants would be laughing were it not for the excruciating agony of failure, which hurts more than any ankle sprain of concussion ever could. Good spirits and the right attitude are the best long-range weapon in this competition, which means Monica has an edge. These gladiators leave both contestants scoreless, and Chuck and I especially enjoyed the part where Crush kept throwing Shanay. She looked frustrated.
Men’s Event 4: Pyramid: If Alex can’t score points here, Evan’s lead going into the Eliminator, where points translate into a head start, may be insurmountable, especially given Evan’s talent for the event. Our second favorite male gladiator, Toa, is paired up against Evan. Toa’s cousin is none other than The Rock, and Toa frankly has more brawn and personality in his laugh than Mr. Rock has in his whole so-called-acting career. Dressed like a ceremony-performing island-dweller, Toa shouts “It’s my volcano!” while Alex gets past the dotted line to ensure a 5 point minimum. I personally think Alex’s dominant strategy here is to just impede Evan rather than going for the win. Oh well, Evan finishes scoreless anyway.
Ladies’ Event 5: The Wall: Contestants have a head start climbing a rock wall. Gladiator’s follow and try to pull them off. First one to the top gets 10 points, second gets 5, getting dunked in the water below results in a goose-egg, as well as the chance the crowd will chance “nananana nananana heyheyhey goodbye.” Also, that looks ridiculous when typed out. Monica and Shanay are close, and the gladiators are close to both of them. Shanay wasn’t paying attention and had her foot grabbed, meanwhile Monica sidestepped danger and scampered up the final quarter for 10 points. Shanay just barely hangs on for 5. Monica gives a happy, giggly, and very straightforward interview. Shanay uses terrible analogies, and not in the funny-on-purpose way. Going into the Eliminator, Monica’s 20-13 score gives her a 3.5 second head start.
Men’s Event 5: The Wall: [Chuck: “I feel like this was rigged against Alex.”] He’s got a point. Alex has a sense of humor about it, but all of these events favor Evan’s skills, whereas events like Quake, Hit and Run, the Gauntlet and Powerball favor Alex’s. Either this is by design, or Alex has the unluckiest random event-selection possible. Bee Tee Double-you, it turns out that Alex is a rock climbing instructor who’s been climbing for years. No surprise, he breaks a record to score 10 points, but Alex still beats his gladiator for 5. Evan’s 19 point lead (and 9.5 second head start) will probably be decisive in the Eliminator, as it’s an event that favors Evan even without a point differential.
MEN’S ELIMINATOR: This is it. Winner gets a cool hundred grand, an SUV, and the chance to come back as an American Gladiator next season. The men are going first, and Chuck surmises that this is because it’s not a very exciting race (at least compared to the women’s race). Given Evan’s 9.5 second head start, I’m inclined to agree with his speculation as to why the pattern was broken. Evan’s talking about how much his mother taught him and his family about commitment, serving others, and perseverance.
Could it be that the theme for this season of American Gladiators will be motherhood? We could very well be looking at two champions, one there because of and to honor his mother, the other there as a soccer mom living her dream and showing her kids, and kids everywhere, that they really can do anything.
Folks, this one was never even close. Evan shatters his own eliminator record, and combining that with his 9.5 second head start, he wins by a wide margin. He credits his mother with the inspiration and motivation to do this. He dug deep, thought of her, and conquered what may be the world’s most famous obstacle course race. Alex finishes out with a great attitude, ready to “go back to [his] classroom with his head held high.” I’m sure he’ll still be a hero to them as he goes back to being an average every-day hero, teaching history and coaching wrestling.
WOMEN’S ELIMINATOR: Monica is excited, feeling blessed, and happy. She’s also amused by her kids’ advice (backseat gladiatoring?). This has drama: Monica has a 3 second head start, while Shanay’s best time is 3 seconds faster than Monica’s.
Monica starts off by climbing over the wall without even using the rope. Good for her. Shanay’s close behind, but Monica’s leap seems to have extended her lead to almost 5 seconds (I estimate). Shanay closes the gap on the cargo-net climb to a mere 1 second. Shanay’s upper body strength seems to be failing, as Monica pulls away on the hand-bike. Monica beats Shanay to the top of the pyramid, and hits the Travelator first. Both women slip a little on the 45 degree fast moving treadmill, but Shanay slides down while Monica holds on, bursting through the wall to become the American Gladiators Champion! Go Monica! Her husband and daughters run out to congratulate her, and she introduces them to her adoring fans, who will have the chance to stay her fans as she becomes the next American Gladiator. Her husband on being married to a gladiator: “I’d better watch my back at home a little more…”
The story of the season: In a battle that included personal trainers, doctors, United States Marines, and plenty of athletes, a soccer mom has become the American Gladiators Champion. She’s the kind of role model I’d want my daughters to look up to, and the first example I’d bring up (along with my own mother) to confront any stereotypes about a stay-at-home soccer mom. And to any readers out there who want to be a full-time mom but feel like you should be something else (or something “more”), to you I say look at Monica. She was just as awesome before American Gladiators proved it to the world, and she clearly proves that being a soccer mom doesn’t cut off your possibilities. I know there are a few of you out there, and I believe there are more than I know.
Cheesy (and ergo appropriate for American Gladiators) moral: follow your dreams.
When American Gladiators made its comeback, Chuck did a live blog entry (with color commentary provided by yours truly), conveying in a post, as soon as the event was over, the ridiculous and dramatic nature of this blast from our past.
Tonight the phenomenon's resurgence caps off with its season finale, and two of the four remaining contestants will win $100,000, an SUV, and the chance to come back as one of the gladiators next season. And to celebrate what is a thoroughly frivolous 2 hour dose of pure unadulterated competition, I will be simulblogging with Chuck providing additional commentary.
So if you don't have two hours of your life to waste, and would prefer a recap full of what is sure to be funny analogies and overly dramatic narration (or if you DO have 2 hours of your life to waste, and even that's not enough time devoted to modern gladiatorial combat for your tastes), log onto Nobody Doesn't Like Molten Boron shortly after 9pm tonight for commentary and reactions documented in real time.
Tonight the phenomenon's resurgence caps off with its season finale, and two of the four remaining contestants will win $100,000, an SUV, and the chance to come back as one of the gladiators next season. And to celebrate what is a thoroughly frivolous 2 hour dose of pure unadulterated competition, I will be simulblogging with Chuck providing additional commentary.
So if you don't have two hours of your life to waste, and would prefer a recap full of what is sure to be funny analogies and overly dramatic narration (or if you DO have 2 hours of your life to waste, and even that's not enough time devoted to modern gladiatorial combat for your tastes), log onto Nobody Doesn't Like Molten Boron shortly after 9pm tonight for commentary and reactions documented in real time.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My Advice for Baby Management
The Netflix model has been extended to toys, to the joy of infants and toddlers--and to the great relief of parents. Tired of spending lots of money on toys your baby gets sick of, doesn't like, or quickly outgrows? Wish your house wasn't so cluttered with old toys no one ever uses?
Tired of stressful shopping ships? Just tired, and wish you could find a way to relieve some of your motherly or fatherly duties?
Then you might want to check out www.BabyPlays.com, a fledgling business that allows a family to go through toys the way Netflix customers go through movies. Depending on your plan, you can keep 4 or 6 toys at a time, and keep them for 30 days or more. The company has over 1400 toys (of over 200 different types), and is growing quickly. I think this is a great idea. It's a way to provide lots of toys for your kids without breaking the bank, and the program appeals to the age group. Just as an adult would prefer a new movie to one they've seen, kids get sick of toys at amazing speeds (and prefer new exciting ones). It also mitigates risk that a child won't like a toy at all, and allows parents to be more adventerous with the variety (and educational content perhaps) of the toys they present to their children.
I'd even wager that participation in such a program would create faster-learning children. Kids learn from experiences and interactions with the physical world. They develop by testing the limits and characteristics of their surroundings (they're like tiny, adorable, and smelly scientists). And if signed up for BabyPlays, a child would be exposed to far more new toys than the parents would otherwise be able to provide (plus many of the toys themselves are educational).
For all these reasons and more, I expect BabyPlays, or at least the concept, to be a rising star to keep an eye on--especially if kids are in your future.
[Editor's Addendum: In response to comments, yes, BabyPlays does thoroughly sanitize and disinfect the toys between uses. Furthermore, damaged toys are taken out of commission, and toys that are or could easily become dangerous to small children are never even purchased in the first place.]
Tired of stressful shopping ships? Just tired, and wish you could find a way to relieve some of your motherly or fatherly duties?
Then you might want to check out www.BabyPlays.com, a fledgling business that allows a family to go through toys the way Netflix customers go through movies. Depending on your plan, you can keep 4 or 6 toys at a time, and keep them for 30 days or more. The company has over 1400 toys (of over 200 different types), and is growing quickly. I think this is a great idea. It's a way to provide lots of toys for your kids without breaking the bank, and the program appeals to the age group. Just as an adult would prefer a new movie to one they've seen, kids get sick of toys at amazing speeds (and prefer new exciting ones). It also mitigates risk that a child won't like a toy at all, and allows parents to be more adventerous with the variety (and educational content perhaps) of the toys they present to their children.
I'd even wager that participation in such a program would create faster-learning children. Kids learn from experiences and interactions with the physical world. They develop by testing the limits and characteristics of their surroundings (they're like tiny, adorable, and smelly scientists). And if signed up for BabyPlays, a child would be exposed to far more new toys than the parents would otherwise be able to provide (plus many of the toys themselves are educational).
For all these reasons and more, I expect BabyPlays, or at least the concept, to be a rising star to keep an eye on--especially if kids are in your future.
[Editor's Addendum: In response to comments, yes, BabyPlays does thoroughly sanitize and disinfect the toys between uses. Furthermore, damaged toys are taken out of commission, and toys that are or could easily become dangerous to small children are never even purchased in the first place.]
My Cheeseburger-Cake
This news headline goes out to Rick Blaine: "I Love You, but You Love Meat," brought to you by the paper of record. The pictures is of a couple in his situation: an omnivore man and his vegan wife. I feel like a kindred spirit, as the firm embrace of kosher rules lovingly, but ominously, looms on my dietary horizon.
The argument goes that shared meals are an integral part of courtship. Luckily for me it's not detrimental to my relationship. Think about it: either we go out (in which case we can eat different things); Cynara cooks (in which case it's all kosher anyway); or I try to cook (in which case we wind up going out and can eat different things). Furthermore, if she eats three times a day and I eat five times a day, I can have my cheeseburger-cake and eat it to.
[Editor's Addendum: Does anyone but me think one of the vegans quoted, Lisa Romano, is probably a horrible person based on her quotes? She found her boyfriend's fondness for grilling, despite his complete willingness to accommodate her diet, "unenlightened and disturbing" and wanted someone who is more "ethically on the same page." I'm kind of hoping those were taken WAY out of context.]
The argument goes that shared meals are an integral part of courtship. Luckily for me it's not detrimental to my relationship. Think about it: either we go out (in which case we can eat different things); Cynara cooks (in which case it's all kosher anyway); or I try to cook (in which case we wind up going out and can eat different things). Furthermore, if she eats three times a day and I eat five times a day, I can have my cheeseburger-cake and eat it to.
[Editor's Addendum: Does anyone but me think one of the vegans quoted, Lisa Romano, is probably a horrible person based on her quotes? She found her boyfriend's fondness for grilling, despite his complete willingness to accommodate her diet, "unenlightened and disturbing" and wanted someone who is more "ethically on the same page." I'm kind of hoping those were taken WAY out of context.]
Monday, February 11, 2008
My Ridiculous News Headline
So every now and then I like to look at the hilarious things that pass for "news" on the major cable news network sites. But today's gem of a headline comes from my hometown Philly Daily News--the less reputable cousin of the good and increasingly insightful Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Xanax-free, porn starlet thinks both Democrats are just fine."
There's a headline for you. This narrowly edges out a headline I recently found on MSNBC.com: "Marriage: It's only going to get worse," (which linked to this slightly more innocuous article about how people start to annoy the bejeezus out of each other after spending a few decades in close quarters).
"Xanax-free, porn starlet thinks both Democrats are just fine."
There's a headline for you. This narrowly edges out a headline I recently found on MSNBC.com: "Marriage: It's only going to get worse," (which linked to this slightly more innocuous article about how people start to annoy the bejeezus out of each other after spending a few decades in close quarters).
Sunday, February 10, 2008
My Theory on Female Leaders
Dr. Nicholas Kristof is generally one of my favorite columnists (he write for the NY Times). He tends to highlight important issues and to go straight to important details. He's not the type to give unnecessary analysis, and he's not anything close what I'd call a talking head (or writing head in this case).
Today, though, he posted an interesting editorial with which I have to take exception. For the first time since I started reading his column, he's overthought and overcomplicated an issue. And that issue is the success of female leaders. He explains that studies routinely show that women are better at consensus-building, a key skill for successful leaders. He notes that female monarchs had better success running nations (on a per-leader basis) than their male counterparts. He also points out that women haven't done as well in Democratic societies. And here's his "pet theory" as to why:
"In monarchies, women who rose to the top dealt mostly with a narrow elite, so they could prove themselves and get on with governing. But in democracies in the television age, female leaders also have to navigate public prejudices — and these make democratic politics far more challenging for a woman than for a man."
I think that if we're going to base our answer off his premises, a much simpler theory provides a much better explanation: in monarchies, the leader was in a very masculine power role, and having a consensus-building monarch helped balance the pressures of the system of government. Meanwhile, in a government centered around building consensus, like a democracy where things happen by voting, one needs that masculine type of leadership to navigate and rise above the system.
It's a simple matter of balance. Under my theory, the only thing you need is to acknowledge that leaders with more tools and skills at their disposal will do better than an equally talented leader with fewer options and strengths.
Maybe I'm oversimplifying things. But it seems to me that a consensus-builder with top-down power or a powerful figure in a consensus-building system would make for a more effective leader than another face in the crowd of aspiring consensus builders or an iron fist personality with powers to match (and powers to abuse).
Any thoughts?
Today, though, he posted an interesting editorial with which I have to take exception. For the first time since I started reading his column, he's overthought and overcomplicated an issue. And that issue is the success of female leaders. He explains that studies routinely show that women are better at consensus-building, a key skill for successful leaders. He notes that female monarchs had better success running nations (on a per-leader basis) than their male counterparts. He also points out that women haven't done as well in Democratic societies. And here's his "pet theory" as to why:
"In monarchies, women who rose to the top dealt mostly with a narrow elite, so they could prove themselves and get on with governing. But in democracies in the television age, female leaders also have to navigate public prejudices — and these make democratic politics far more challenging for a woman than for a man."
I think that if we're going to base our answer off his premises, a much simpler theory provides a much better explanation: in monarchies, the leader was in a very masculine power role, and having a consensus-building monarch helped balance the pressures of the system of government. Meanwhile, in a government centered around building consensus, like a democracy where things happen by voting, one needs that masculine type of leadership to navigate and rise above the system.
It's a simple matter of balance. Under my theory, the only thing you need is to acknowledge that leaders with more tools and skills at their disposal will do better than an equally talented leader with fewer options and strengths.
Maybe I'm oversimplifying things. But it seems to me that a consensus-builder with top-down power or a powerful figure in a consensus-building system would make for a more effective leader than another face in the crowd of aspiring consensus builders or an iron fist personality with powers to match (and powers to abuse).
Any thoughts?
My Roommate's Electronic Mall Madness
Chuck just acquired Electronic Mall Madness. He found it. For most of us, this is a bizarre throwback to an era when tween girls were even more annoying than they are now, to an era where hairstyles were large and in-your-face, to an era where making a board game talk was considered "special effects" and to an era when boys would roll their eyes uncomfortably and the now-retroactively hilarious commercials for such products.
If, however, for one of you out there, it is also a throwback to a nostalgic bit of childhood from which you drew enjoyment and would now derive some measure of inner happiness by indulging the Electronic Mall Madness playing child you left behind long ago, I believe Chuck doesn't have any idea what to do with it and is considering selling the item.
If, however, for one of you out there, it is also a throwback to a nostalgic bit of childhood from which you drew enjoyment and would now derive some measure of inner happiness by indulging the Electronic Mall Madness playing child you left behind long ago, I believe Chuck doesn't have any idea what to do with it and is considering selling the item.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
My New Quarter
I was walking to Cynara's last night, and a girl/woman (don't know what to call people about my age anymore) dropped some change about 7 meters ahead of me. At first I didn't think anything of it--it's not usually worth bending over for change--but then I saw it was a quarter. A precious activator of laundry machines lying right there in front of me. I picked it up.
Then I felt guilty, because, like Space Invaders, people who drop quarters need to do laundry too. So I accelerated my walking pace and proferred the coin, saying, "I think you dropped this."
"Oh..." replied the girl/woman, "Yeah...I did that on purpose. I don't like change so I let other people have it. You can keep it if you want."
This caught me off guard. After reiterating my offer to return to her what I saw as a not-insignificant fraction of a load of laundry or vending machine purchase, all I was left able to say was "Well...thank you. You're a very nice stranger."
People confuse me, but at least this time it was a pleasant experience. I'm going to use that quarter to do my laundry.
Then I felt guilty, because, like Space Invaders, people who drop quarters need to do laundry too. So I accelerated my walking pace and proferred the coin, saying, "I think you dropped this."
"Oh..." replied the girl/woman, "Yeah...I did that on purpose. I don't like change so I let other people have it. You can keep it if you want."
This caught me off guard. After reiterating my offer to return to her what I saw as a not-insignificant fraction of a load of laundry or vending machine purchase, all I was left able to say was "Well...thank you. You're a very nice stranger."
People confuse me, but at least this time it was a pleasant experience. I'm going to use that quarter to do my laundry.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Wired Magazine's blog posted a list of history's greatest gadgets. I was quite skeptical when I heard about it, but it won me over when I found out we had the same first choice to top such a list.
Given that I've been so busy with work, I've been outsourcing some of my blogging. I hope you guys don't mind. Enjoy this latest.
Given that I've been so busy with work, I've been outsourcing some of my blogging. I hope you guys don't mind. Enjoy this latest.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
My 24,000 Calorie Breakfast
Yesterday morning, Joey Chestnut, the first and only human being (and the second Earthling*) to ever beat now-retired eating champion Kobayashi, won his third consecutive Wing Bowl Title. While the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (where Chestnut beat his eastern rival) may be the most famous eating contest in the world, the Philadelphia Wing Bowl, always held early in the morning a couple days before the Super Bowl, has grown from a radio publicity stunt to the largest competitive eating event in the entire world.
Every year there's a sell-out crowd of around 20,000, with other gluttony-fans turned away at the door. And Joey Chestnut, 2 years after he made his glorious debut, has won his third straight crown, breaking the record with a hearty breakfast of 241 chicken wings (in under 45 minutes of eating). It was reported that each chicken wing is about 100 calories, making Joey's triumphant feast probably close to the--if not the single--most caloric breakfast in history. That's almost 2 weeks worth of calories for a normal person in one meal.
I don't like to toss around the word "hero" too liberally, but that's impressive. And it makes me hungry.
* - For those of you who are wondering, Kobayashi once lost a hot dog eating contest to a 900 pound Kodiak bear on Fox's "Man vs. Beast" special. I saw it; it was impressive. He had the lead for a while until the bear started swallowing multiple dogs at a time without chewing. Kobayashi retired after breaking his own world record for hot dog eating--in the same contest in which Chestnut broke it by slightly more. The Asian eating phenom had been having jaw problems and sought not to exacerbate them.
Every year there's a sell-out crowd of around 20,000, with other gluttony-fans turned away at the door. And Joey Chestnut, 2 years after he made his glorious debut, has won his third straight crown, breaking the record with a hearty breakfast of 241 chicken wings (in under 45 minutes of eating). It was reported that each chicken wing is about 100 calories, making Joey's triumphant feast probably close to the--if not the single--most caloric breakfast in history. That's almost 2 weeks worth of calories for a normal person in one meal.
I don't like to toss around the word "hero" too liberally, but that's impressive. And it makes me hungry.
* - For those of you who are wondering, Kobayashi once lost a hot dog eating contest to a 900 pound Kodiak bear on Fox's "Man vs. Beast" special. I saw it; it was impressive. He had the lead for a while until the bear started swallowing multiple dogs at a time without chewing. Kobayashi retired after breaking his own world record for hot dog eating--in the same contest in which Chestnut broke it by slightly more. The Asian eating phenom had been having jaw problems and sought not to exacerbate them.
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