It was a rough opening weekend for Jem and the Holograms.
I think she should be the winner.
Bob Ross is now available online.
What do you think of LEGO's position here?
Earworms seem to be a recurring theme on YLT.
Reviews on the new Apple TV are out.
Responses:
1. Moose! Get that out of here! (But formal apology was funny.)
2. I would not like to spend my Saturday night in jail.
3. Maybe the way social media can redeem itself is by allowing people to review the unhinged ravings of these people and get them some help (and/or just stop them) before they turn into rampage killers.
4. This article probably comes closer to describing the unpleasant experiences of many women that do not constitute rape but are potentially being shoehorned into that description, and it is certainly a problem. Experts always say that communication is one of the most important aspects of sex, and while I don't doubt that there are enough times where a terrible boyfriend or husband will sexually assault his significant other, I would think that sex within the confines of a relationship would at least open up the possibility of communication taking place. Nobody is talking about likes and dislikes or preferred methods of consent in the course of a drunken hookup. (I would further note that the sort of communication necessary for many women to enjoy sex often doesn't happen in the confines of a relationship either, and that's something worth considering.) It's a shame to me that women hear these judgments and feel bad because the sort of guys that would be interested in listening and communicating and being part of a mutually enjoyable experience probably aren't paying attention to this gossip.
This statement is a problem, though: “What I want is not for me to have that burden. I want one of my male partners, who are wonderful men who care about me, to have just once been like, ‘No, this is unacceptable to me. I’m not going to continue to have sex with you when you’re not getting off!’ And I can’t imagine that happening.” What she wants is the thing that will never happen unless she at least communicates her dissatisfaction, for two reasons: 1) guys often believe (rightly) that confidence in the bedroom is a turn-on, and thus will be loathe to display weakness or what they perceive as weakness, which will often constitute "is this okay?" questions; and 2) guys worth having will be responsive to the needs of their partners, and if only to ensure return visits to the bedroom, will be happy to respond to any direct requests or feedback.
Also, the abortion piece is in my view irrelevant to the overall problem.
5. That's very charitable of her.
R2R:
1. I actually don't have much qualm with their actions, and while I will only rarely question the decision of a woman to call 911 when she feels danger (better safe than sorry), I think this all could have been solved in short order if the guys just stayed and talked to the cops in a civil manner. These cops clearly weren't trying to shoot people (my evidence being that they didn't shoot anyone). I don't really like the argument that, because there have been a few instances elsewhere that resulting in deaths by police officer, then running, fighting, resisting arrest, or otherwise being confrontational with a police officer is therefore a reasonable response.
2. This is the substitute for inability to explain science to people, as well as a way to discredit people's arguments without responding to them. I am saying nothing about the arguments of the 3% or the 97%, but the problem is that that statistic isn't either. I think there are good arguments for acting reasonably in the face of uncertain data (an analogy might be drinking lightly/moderately during pregnancy), and a cleaner environment is unquestionably a good thing, which is why I think the approach in this article is noteworthy.
3. I want to understand the mom's frame of mind at each stage of this: when she first got the call, when she brought in her kids, and when she was deciding to write a book about it. Is it all just short-term decisions to profit without any coherent long-term morality considerations? I only ask because she seemed more than happy to engage, but now she's writing this book, and the implicit moral position behind the value of the book is that Louisville did something wrong, which has to mean on some level that she did something wrong. But maybe she has just declined to think about this - I'll never know because I'm not buying her book.
4. How did you not respond to 4???
R2R2R:
5. We can celebrate alone together!
R2R2R2R:
3. I just didn't want the grievance... But really, it wasn't a terrible experience - the band played some songs I like. But the whole idea of it is kinda ridiculous. Also, if you want to start enforcing YLT, you're going down a dangerous path.
R2R2R2R2R2R:
4. The manager would have to use judgment, which is the one skill that people seem to be forgetting about. I listened to a podcast recently where the guest was talking about how as a society we've gone too far in the direction of rules to the point that we no longer know how to exercise good judgment. For example, it used to be that good teachers knew how to reach their students in somewhat individualized ways, paying attention to some more than others and tailoring incentives and penalties to the particular student, with some overall general rules to which everyone is subject. But nowadays many teachers are implicitly (or explicitly) barred from doing so, out of fear than an angry parent will sue or otherwise cause problems if her child is treated differently. A manager has to evaluate each situation within reasonable parameters to decide what accommodations would benefit the firm and the employee. It's fine if circumstances change, and it's also fine if someone asks primarily because they now realize that "yes" is a possible answer to a question they've been dying to ask, but the default to equal treatment in every way ultimately does more harm than good: it either eliminates the possibility of help because now nobody can get help or requires the firm to spend too much money on one form of compensation to the detriment of other forms (e.g. money) or their bottom line.
B
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
On carrying fake guns on Halloween
Halloween costume idea: formal apology
Also we could be: Pulp Fiction (although you need plastic guns to complete the look and then you would get arrested)
This is kind of an old article about profiling rampage murderers but I found it interesting.
I thought I'd hate this article but I thought it was pretty interesting.
This was a nice story - or at least it had a happy ending.
Responses
1. I mean, don't run, and don't loiter around ATM's. Also it is weird for someone to open the door for you and not go in after you. Why are they just hanging around being an unpaid door opener? That's like the guy who cleans your windshield for "free."
2. this: "At least 97 percent of active climate scientists say that climate-warming trends are the result of human activity." I thought it was 100% and that's why you can't doubt it. What's up with that 3%? And what do the inactive climate scientists say?
3. ""I believe that McGee came to my mom and said something to her about it, and my mom came to me and I was like 'OK,' and we went in another room and we had sex," Lindsay Powell said."
This is sad on top of sad. I mean, if someone asked to sleep with my daughter, I would not say ok. And you can't even say the money was a motivating factor because it was only $100. That's like drug addict-turned-prostitute money. So, I mean, the finances make absolutely no sense. I also kinda wonder how this has been hush hush for so long. I mean, how could that many 16- and 17-year old boys keep this a secret?
All we know for sure is that Powell is the worst mother of the year:
"Powell insists her three daughters were all at least 18 the first time they were paid to have sex. "
5. Yeah, my next pair of glasses is definitely going to come from a store. I fall under the extremely nearsighted category and even being a little off is a big deal.
R2R
1. Just close your eyes!
3. Cats ARE dumb.
5. So a minimal celebration it is! Should we celebrate alone?
R2R2R
3. I don't understand this. You talked about it in not a very positive way when you first heard of it. Then you read this article and you make me read this article. When did your opinion of this band change? Why are you posting articles talking about things you don't like? Would I like this? Remember the name of the blog!
4. What you were missing is the marketing campaign.
R2R2R2R
1. Maybe it's the Friends/Seinfeld effect where they would always reject people for the stupidest reasons and the audience is supposed to think, oh what a stupid reason! You shouldn't discount that person because of her big hands! But then we realize we are the same so we make them out to be psychos.
3. =D
R2R2R2R2R
4. How would a manager determine if someone really needs an accommodation that they hadn't received before? If they were fine before the other person getting special treatment, why couldn't they be fine now? Aren't they all reactions to the company possibly being more lenient?
R2R2R2R2R2R
4. We shall soon see how receptive to criticism this distant law student is....
Also we could be: Pulp Fiction (although you need plastic guns to complete the look and then you would get arrested)
This is kind of an old article about profiling rampage murderers but I found it interesting.
I thought I'd hate this article but I thought it was pretty interesting.
This was a nice story - or at least it had a happy ending.
Responses
1. I mean, don't run, and don't loiter around ATM's. Also it is weird for someone to open the door for you and not go in after you. Why are they just hanging around being an unpaid door opener? That's like the guy who cleans your windshield for "free."
2. this: "At least 97 percent of active climate scientists say that climate-warming trends are the result of human activity." I thought it was 100% and that's why you can't doubt it. What's up with that 3%? And what do the inactive climate scientists say?
3. ""I believe that McGee came to my mom and said something to her about it, and my mom came to me and I was like 'OK,' and we went in another room and we had sex," Lindsay Powell said."
This is sad on top of sad. I mean, if someone asked to sleep with my daughter, I would not say ok. And you can't even say the money was a motivating factor because it was only $100. That's like drug addict-turned-prostitute money. So, I mean, the finances make absolutely no sense. I also kinda wonder how this has been hush hush for so long. I mean, how could that many 16- and 17-year old boys keep this a secret?
All we know for sure is that Powell is the worst mother of the year:
"Powell insists her three daughters were all at least 18 the first time they were paid to have sex. "
5. Yeah, my next pair of glasses is definitely going to come from a store. I fall under the extremely nearsighted category and even being a little off is a big deal.
R2R
1. Just close your eyes!
3. Cats ARE dumb.
5. So a minimal celebration it is! Should we celebrate alone?
R2R2R
3. I don't understand this. You talked about it in not a very positive way when you first heard of it. Then you read this article and you make me read this article. When did your opinion of this band change? Why are you posting articles talking about things you don't like? Would I like this? Remember the name of the blog!
4. What you were missing is the marketing campaign.
R2R2R2R
1. Maybe it's the Friends/Seinfeld effect where they would always reject people for the stupidest reasons and the audience is supposed to think, oh what a stupid reason! You shouldn't discount that person because of her big hands! But then we realize we are the same so we make them out to be psychos.
3. =D
R2R2R2R2R
4. How would a manager determine if someone really needs an accommodation that they hadn't received before? If they were fine before the other person getting special treatment, why couldn't they be fine now? Aren't they all reactions to the company possibly being more lenient?
R2R2R2R2R2R
4. We shall soon see how receptive to criticism this distant law student is....
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Common Sense
How is this story anything other than "don't run from the police"? If this kid didn't run, none of this would have happened.
Republican environmentalism is not that crazy of an idea, and it's certainly not an oxymoron.
The Louisville basketball team may be in big trouble. Can we please go ahead and pay players now?
This makes a lot of sense when you think about it, but it's still an interesting finding.
You may find this useful when buying your next pair of glasses (or would have found it useful before).
Responses:
1. It's a clever idea, but I'm not sure how I feel about the ability to check without consent.
2. It's Buzzfeed at its best.
3. All the cats were dumb. All the dogs were awesome.
4. The positive spin was editing. Who knows how the whole conversation went?
5. It's nice that societal expectations and norms have changed such that women can eat alone if they choose, but I'm not sure how much celebration is in order. As long as it's about choice, then I usually think it's at least minimally positive.
6. The first one seems more appealing than the second, if only because dark meat is better than boneless chicken breast. But I'm sure both are yummy.
R2R:
3. I'm sorry for sharing the events of my life with you... :/
4. I thought I was missing something, and I clearly still am given your response. I too thought America was the sort of place where you could have choices. I would also like to try one of these $11 breakfast sandwiches...
R2R2R:
1. I think some people want to justify their often irrational decisions with respect to rejecting other people. If the guy was just a little awkward, then everyone is (at least) just a little awkward, and that's hardly a justification for moving on, so make him a creep and you have grounds for dismissal. Dating is one of the few arenas where pure unfiltered critical, and often irrational, judgment is totally necessary and appropriate, but when that fact is juxtaposed with a person's current and enduring state of singleness, sometimes rationalizing the lack of merit in the opposite sex makes it easier to live with oneself.
3. Death awaits those who stand between a bunny and her crispy potatoes!
R2R2R2R2R:
4. It's ultimately a judgment call that the manager has to make based on available resources, staffing needs, the quality of the employee, etc. Basically, you have to decide if these people are popping up to ask because they are also in need and saw that the firm might be receptive to their request or because they just don't like that someone else
R2R2R2R2R2R:
4. If people respond poorly to criticism - and this has been known to happen from time to time - then you know that they aren't interested in getting better or making your visit worthwhile, and that means it's time to go and never come back. I think most restaurant managers are comfortable accepting criticism that comes from the right place, and they chose the wrong line of work if customer service isn't important to them.
B
Republican environmentalism is not that crazy of an idea, and it's certainly not an oxymoron.
The Louisville basketball team may be in big trouble. Can we please go ahead and pay players now?
This makes a lot of sense when you think about it, but it's still an interesting finding.
You may find this useful when buying your next pair of glasses (or would have found it useful before).
Responses:
1. It's a clever idea, but I'm not sure how I feel about the ability to check without consent.
2. It's Buzzfeed at its best.
3. All the cats were dumb. All the dogs were awesome.
4. The positive spin was editing. Who knows how the whole conversation went?
5. It's nice that societal expectations and norms have changed such that women can eat alone if they choose, but I'm not sure how much celebration is in order. As long as it's about choice, then I usually think it's at least minimally positive.
6. The first one seems more appealing than the second, if only because dark meat is better than boneless chicken breast. But I'm sure both are yummy.
R2R:
3. I'm sorry for sharing the events of my life with you... :/
4. I thought I was missing something, and I clearly still am given your response. I too thought America was the sort of place where you could have choices. I would also like to try one of these $11 breakfast sandwiches...
R2R2R:
1. I think some people want to justify their often irrational decisions with respect to rejecting other people. If the guy was just a little awkward, then everyone is (at least) just a little awkward, and that's hardly a justification for moving on, so make him a creep and you have grounds for dismissal. Dating is one of the few arenas where pure unfiltered critical, and often irrational, judgment is totally necessary and appropriate, but when that fact is juxtaposed with a person's current and enduring state of singleness, sometimes rationalizing the lack of merit in the opposite sex makes it easier to live with oneself.
3. Death awaits those who stand between a bunny and her crispy potatoes!
R2R2R2R2R:
4. It's ultimately a judgment call that the manager has to make based on available resources, staffing needs, the quality of the employee, etc. Basically, you have to decide if these people are popping up to ask because they are also in need and saw that the firm might be receptive to their request or because they just don't like that someone else
R2R2R2R2R2R:
4. If people respond poorly to criticism - and this has been known to happen from time to time - then you know that they aren't interested in getting better or making your visit worthwhile, and that means it's time to go and never come back. I think most restaurant managers are comfortable accepting criticism that comes from the right place, and they chose the wrong line of work if customer service isn't important to them.
B
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Feminism and fried chicken
The breathalyzer gets revamped.
aww man I miss funny Buzzfeed. I feel a little bad that it seems like a lot of black people get wrong-numbered.
the cats are the weakest links. as always.
Not sure what the positive spin we're supposed to put on this is.
Also not sure what to think about this:
The latest Kate Spade ad is out featuring the always charming Anna Kendrick, and this time it has a very special guest star: Gloria Steinem. On top of the fact that the ad is really charming, it also has a really important message. As the ad plays out, you learn that Kendrick’s date cancels on her and she ends up dining alone—and spying on fellow lone diner, who happens to be Steinem. SPOILER ALERT: Kendrick and Steinem end up sitting together and talking about how awesome it is for women to do independent activities. “When I started out, you couldn’t go into a certain number of hotels alone if you were a female. You couldn’t be seated alone. There was something scandalous about it,” Steinem said in the video interview for Kate Spade. “Finally if you were seated alone, it was by the kitchen. So it’s actually a civil right to dine alone.” Next time you can’t find a dining buddy, just grab a book and remember that 40 years ago, you wouldn’t have had that luxury.
Yay! Men don't give up their seats for us anymore and we can dine alone! Progress!
What say you to this or this?
Responses
1. That sounds like a really good bill, or if not, a really good conversation. It's too bad that it won't pass. Unfortunate that the article was written in the most biased way possible.
2. "on the lamb"! Hilarious! I don't know why you can't just be someone who tries to eat mostly vegetables. You can reduce your own meat consumption without being a jerk. That would probably convince other people to do the same rather than just not invite you to anything.
3. I can't believe you posted this. Grievance! Why?
4. Best comments of the first article:
Comment 1: Didn't Bernie Sanders get riled up about this last night?
Comment 2: That was Col. Sanders..
Anyway, I can't believe you posted these 2 non-articles either. It's America! It's in our nature to make something better. Do they also find fault when Apple upgrades its phones? Or when we find better ways to do things? Why not better food, better breakfast sandwiches? Some of us eat every day and want variety.
I wonder if we should really be concerned with our media's lack of transparency over these 2 articles because they both namecheck this soon-to-open BEC place to show that it will sell $11 breakfast sandwiches. This isn't new or crazy like the $100 hamburger. That's an expensive breakfast sandwich but I doubt it's the most expensive in the city. So why have this article except that BEC has an in with Wapo and NYT?
R2R
1. Though I feel that dating stories are hilarious good fun, it seems that people are primed to be hyperbolic when discussing their dates. It's not just that he's got an undesirable seedy job - he's a sex fiend! He's not just awkward - he's a psychopath! Can't we all just not get along?
3. The crispy potato topping!
R2R2R
2. Ok I give you mind-blowing.
4. Well, maybe they thought they needed it. Perhaps they're exceptionally bad at managing their time or affairs. What say you if they ask for time for that?
R2R2R2R
4. You've really made me rethink my Yelp-ing. I mean, maybe I should just tell the manager in person on a bad visit. That would mean we could possibly eat at Stone Street Tavern again (ugh). Though I guess I would feel bad for looking complain-y or maybe they'd yell at me. Don't know how likely those would be. But then if they made me feel bad, I would definitely post a poor review and not feel bad. And I hope no one gets fired!
From now on, we're going confrontational!
aww man I miss funny Buzzfeed. I feel a little bad that it seems like a lot of black people get wrong-numbered.
the cats are the weakest links. as always.
Not sure what the positive spin we're supposed to put on this is.
Also not sure what to think about this:
The latest Kate Spade ad is out featuring the always charming Anna Kendrick, and this time it has a very special guest star: Gloria Steinem. On top of the fact that the ad is really charming, it also has a really important message. As the ad plays out, you learn that Kendrick’s date cancels on her and she ends up dining alone—and spying on fellow lone diner, who happens to be Steinem. SPOILER ALERT: Kendrick and Steinem end up sitting together and talking about how awesome it is for women to do independent activities. “When I started out, you couldn’t go into a certain number of hotels alone if you were a female. You couldn’t be seated alone. There was something scandalous about it,” Steinem said in the video interview for Kate Spade. “Finally if you were seated alone, it was by the kitchen. So it’s actually a civil right to dine alone.” Next time you can’t find a dining buddy, just grab a book and remember that 40 years ago, you wouldn’t have had that luxury.
Yay! Men don't give up their seats for us anymore and we can dine alone! Progress!
What say you to this or this?
Responses
1. That sounds like a really good bill, or if not, a really good conversation. It's too bad that it won't pass. Unfortunate that the article was written in the most biased way possible.
2. "on the lamb"! Hilarious! I don't know why you can't just be someone who tries to eat mostly vegetables. You can reduce your own meat consumption without being a jerk. That would probably convince other people to do the same rather than just not invite you to anything.
3. I can't believe you posted this. Grievance! Why?
4. Best comments of the first article:
Comment 1: Didn't Bernie Sanders get riled up about this last night?
Comment 2: That was Col. Sanders..
Anyway, I can't believe you posted these 2 non-articles either. It's America! It's in our nature to make something better. Do they also find fault when Apple upgrades its phones? Or when we find better ways to do things? Why not better food, better breakfast sandwiches? Some of us eat every day and want variety.
I wonder if we should really be concerned with our media's lack of transparency over these 2 articles because they both namecheck this soon-to-open BEC place to show that it will sell $11 breakfast sandwiches. This isn't new or crazy like the $100 hamburger. That's an expensive breakfast sandwich but I doubt it's the most expensive in the city. So why have this article except that BEC has an in with Wapo and NYT?
R2R
1. Though I feel that dating stories are hilarious good fun, it seems that people are primed to be hyperbolic when discussing their dates. It's not just that he's got an undesirable seedy job - he's a sex fiend! He's not just awkward - he's a psychopath! Can't we all just not get along?
3. The crispy potato topping!
R2R2R
2. Ok I give you mind-blowing.
4. Well, maybe they thought they needed it. Perhaps they're exceptionally bad at managing their time or affairs. What say you if they ask for time for that?
R2R2R2R
4. You've really made me rethink my Yelp-ing. I mean, maybe I should just tell the manager in person on a bad visit. That would mean we could possibly eat at Stone Street Tavern again (ugh). Though I guess I would feel bad for looking complain-y or maybe they'd yell at me. Don't know how likely those would be. But then if they made me feel bad, I would definitely post a poor review and not feel bad. And I hope no one gets fired!
From now on, we're going confrontational!
Hunger Pangs
This is one proposal that seems to have some common sense in it, its chances of passing notwithstanding.
In addition to being annoying, vegetarians also appear to be unprincipled.
This is the band I saw with the Tims, and apparently they've been written up in the Wall Street Journal.
I'm posting this because it's about breakfast sandwiches, but I'm left mostly confused as to why this is a problem. (This article was mentioned in the above, and it's even worse.)
Responses:
1. I don't have a lot of thoughts about these people except to say that there are bad people everywhere, and I am sorry they had to experience them. I don't think the guy is a sex fiend - he probably likes porn, but he could get to his idea with just that and an appreciation for Pandora. The Chicago guy seemed like the annoying know-it-all friend that everyone has - not great, but certainly not a sociopath. The New Orleans guy was an idiot - I would have much preferred a blurb from her about how her stupid date was too busy being a vapid asshole to get to know her. As for waterboarding, I think the question of whether it is torture is beside the point because it's either definitional (in which case we are just talking about language, not whether it should be proscribed) or conclusory (i.e. if it's torture, then it has to be illegal, regardless of whether it should be on the merits). But if you're asking whether I think it should be allowed, then I don't really have a strong opinion. :)
2. There are some good choices in there. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is not one of them.
3. I'm not sure the tactics he deployed are persuasive or otherwise effective. As for the recipes, I certainly enjoy shepherd's pie and slow-roasted pork shoulder, but 1) my Southern and Puerto Rican heritages have yielded me two foolproof ways of roasting a pork shoulder to perfection, and 2) I'm not sure what value he adds with his shepherd's pie recipe.
4. I will build a tree house. Decorating it every year for Christmas? As impressive as this one is, that might be a bridge too far...
R2R2R:
2. The idea that a father would be that magnanimous (there goes that word again) to a person with whom he likely found himself in competition, for better or worse, on one of the most important days of his life as a father where he discharges his final duty, is mind-blowing to me. Most stepfathers would have in their heads negotiated away any desire to walk their stepdaughters down the aisle, and I'm sure this one was plenty surprised.
4. I think some of these people thought that it was fair to ask for help when they didn't need it. I think of it as thinking you have a right to receive food stamps because poor people, who are poor through some unknown combination of bad luck and bad decisions (such combination varying depending on whom you encounter), get food stamps.
R2R2R2R:
4. I think it depends on the purpose of the speech and the foreseeable effects. Complaining to the manager won't get someone fired unless people are complaining all the time. Most managers understand that mistakes are made every now and then. Posting on Yelp has a more diffuse but also more public impact, but they have the added value of avoiding confrontation. In my view, if the purpose of the speech is to improve the next interaction, then speaking to the manager and not exaggerating is the way to go. They know how to run their restaurants better than they do, and I imagine that the only time someone gets fired is if he makes a huge mistake or else he's been making smaller mistakes for weeks. Also, most people who have a bad experience just never return, and I think managers appreciate feedback as long as the feedback is constructive. My fear with Yelp in some cases is that some reviews are so harsh that they risk having a bad publicity effect that overwhelms any attempts on the part of the manager to improve. I have definitely passed over restaurants that have one or two horrible reviews, and in retrospect realized that there are any number of reasons why those reviews could be flawed or, even if true, irrelevant to my experience. I have also seen plenty of attempts by managers to contact the reviewers in an attempt to solve the problem and make things right. So in summary, yes, I think talking to the manager is the best solution.
B
In addition to being annoying, vegetarians also appear to be unprincipled.
This is the band I saw with the Tims, and apparently they've been written up in the Wall Street Journal.
I'm posting this because it's about breakfast sandwiches, but I'm left mostly confused as to why this is a problem. (This article was mentioned in the above, and it's even worse.)
Responses:
1. I don't have a lot of thoughts about these people except to say that there are bad people everywhere, and I am sorry they had to experience them. I don't think the guy is a sex fiend - he probably likes porn, but he could get to his idea with just that and an appreciation for Pandora. The Chicago guy seemed like the annoying know-it-all friend that everyone has - not great, but certainly not a sociopath. The New Orleans guy was an idiot - I would have much preferred a blurb from her about how her stupid date was too busy being a vapid asshole to get to know her. As for waterboarding, I think the question of whether it is torture is beside the point because it's either definitional (in which case we are just talking about language, not whether it should be proscribed) or conclusory (i.e. if it's torture, then it has to be illegal, regardless of whether it should be on the merits). But if you're asking whether I think it should be allowed, then I don't really have a strong opinion. :)
2. There are some good choices in there. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is not one of them.
3. I'm not sure the tactics he deployed are persuasive or otherwise effective. As for the recipes, I certainly enjoy shepherd's pie and slow-roasted pork shoulder, but 1) my Southern and Puerto Rican heritages have yielded me two foolproof ways of roasting a pork shoulder to perfection, and 2) I'm not sure what value he adds with his shepherd's pie recipe.
4. I will build a tree house. Decorating it every year for Christmas? As impressive as this one is, that might be a bridge too far...
R2R2R:
2. The idea that a father would be that magnanimous (there goes that word again) to a person with whom he likely found himself in competition, for better or worse, on one of the most important days of his life as a father where he discharges his final duty, is mind-blowing to me. Most stepfathers would have in their heads negotiated away any desire to walk their stepdaughters down the aisle, and I'm sure this one was plenty surprised.
4. I think some of these people thought that it was fair to ask for help when they didn't need it. I think of it as thinking you have a right to receive food stamps because poor people, who are poor through some unknown combination of bad luck and bad decisions (such combination varying depending on whom you encounter), get food stamps.
R2R2R2R:
4. I think it depends on the purpose of the speech and the foreseeable effects. Complaining to the manager won't get someone fired unless people are complaining all the time. Most managers understand that mistakes are made every now and then. Posting on Yelp has a more diffuse but also more public impact, but they have the added value of avoiding confrontation. In my view, if the purpose of the speech is to improve the next interaction, then speaking to the manager and not exaggerating is the way to go. They know how to run their restaurants better than they do, and I imagine that the only time someone gets fired is if he makes a huge mistake or else he's been making smaller mistakes for weeks. Also, most people who have a bad experience just never return, and I think managers appreciate feedback as long as the feedback is constructive. My fear with Yelp in some cases is that some reviews are so harsh that they risk having a bad publicity effect that overwhelms any attempts on the part of the manager to improve. I have definitely passed over restaurants that have one or two horrible reviews, and in retrospect realized that there are any number of reasons why those reviews could be flawed or, even if true, irrelevant to my experience. I have also seen plenty of attempts by managers to contact the reviewers in an attempt to solve the problem and make things right. So in summary, yes, I think talking to the manager is the best solution.
B
Monday, October 12, 2015
Life Goals
I found this very entertaining especially with its state stereotypes. Some thoughts - I don't think that guy is a "sex fiend" but it's probably a legitimate dealbreaker if he's that into porn. The Chicago date didn't seem that bad. Also, how do you feel about waterboarding?
Speaking of state stereotypes
I have a bit of a bias against Jamie Oliver because I didn't like his TED talk. I mean he showed a video where he was talking with an overweight mother surrounded by the food she feeds them and said "You're killing your children." So just a big manipulative. Even so, his website is on point and I'm super excited about this Shepherd's Pie Recipe.This pork shoulder looked pretty good too.
Life goals
He's got a good walk to him.
Responses!
1. I mean, if that's the woman's most important political issue, then it seems reasonable for her to choose her life partner to some degree based on agreement on that issue.Perhaps the bigger issue is she's unlikely to choose this guy even as a friend and is probably misconstruing all his political arguments.
2. True. I hate making phone calls to companies. The Billfold has a "Do 1 Thing Thursday" feature where people do the thing that they've been procrastinating about and it's a lot of "call [cable company/bank/store]."
3. It's just well-reasoned. It's hard to have a strong opinion when it all makes so much sense.
4. Love this: “I basically grew up on the stuff,” he said, adding that he planned to order extra for dinner and return for lunch on Wednesday. “It definitely lived up to my dreams.”
It's so nice that Chikfila really thought about its customers. I mean it could just be "open a store in NYC and make millions!" but they really took the time to make it a good experience. Good on you, Chikfila!
5. I saw this article weeks ago and was surprised that I hadn't posted it. This reminds me of that time when I think TC Williams' Math Team beat our math team in some competition and it was front page of the Washington Post. But that was the only year we'd lost and it never so much as made the community paper.
A few points:
I like how the inmates came up with a creative defense. I feel like if they were millenials, they would have rejected the side out of principle.
I like how this brings up the idea that maybe criminals are smart. I mean, you could say that they can't be that smart if they get caught, but they have all that time to work on debate and legal arguments. It is totally in their self-interest.
R2R
1. Yay! I can't wait for our weekly dinners! Hottest ticket in town.
2. Mind-blowing?
3. Yes, if you are obese, that's on you. But if you're just a bit heavier than normal, then it's harder to lose that weight.
4. I think that people have a right to request leave to care for people that aren't their kids. That's fair. You might need to take care of elderly relatives, for example. Of course, it seems a little rough for them to ask for a flexible schedule if you're not a single mother with a difficult child. It's hard to draw the line on what's fair though.
5. We can be productivity buddies!
R2R2R
4. Do you think I should complain to the manager instead of posting on Yelp? It's just on sitcoms, when you complain to the manage,r you get them fired and that's much worse than a bad review because you ruined one person's life.
5. Ooh I forgot to respond. I've always judged people based on whether I think they know the correct grammatical rules.So a their/there misuse is a red flag whereas lack of capitalization is not a big deal (particularly for me because I do that all the time). I know this article makes it seem like Bear would be the most popular of them all on online dating but I think too-correct grammar and punctuation can be a turn-off to some. =P
Speaking of state stereotypes
I have a bit of a bias against Jamie Oliver because I didn't like his TED talk. I mean he showed a video where he was talking with an overweight mother surrounded by the food she feeds them and said "You're killing your children." So just a big manipulative. Even so, his website is on point and I'm super excited about this Shepherd's Pie Recipe.This pork shoulder looked pretty good too.
Life goals
He's got a good walk to him.
Responses!
1. I mean, if that's the woman's most important political issue, then it seems reasonable for her to choose her life partner to some degree based on agreement on that issue.Perhaps the bigger issue is she's unlikely to choose this guy even as a friend and is probably misconstruing all his political arguments.
2. True. I hate making phone calls to companies. The Billfold has a "Do 1 Thing Thursday" feature where people do the thing that they've been procrastinating about and it's a lot of "call [cable company/bank/store]."
3. It's just well-reasoned. It's hard to have a strong opinion when it all makes so much sense.
4. Love this: “I basically grew up on the stuff,” he said, adding that he planned to order extra for dinner and return for lunch on Wednesday. “It definitely lived up to my dreams.”
It's so nice that Chikfila really thought about its customers. I mean it could just be "open a store in NYC and make millions!" but they really took the time to make it a good experience. Good on you, Chikfila!
5. I saw this article weeks ago and was surprised that I hadn't posted it. This reminds me of that time when I think TC Williams' Math Team beat our math team in some competition and it was front page of the Washington Post. But that was the only year we'd lost and it never so much as made the community paper.
A few points:
I like how the inmates came up with a creative defense. I feel like if they were millenials, they would have rejected the side out of principle.
I like how this brings up the idea that maybe criminals are smart. I mean, you could say that they can't be that smart if they get caught, but they have all that time to work on debate and legal arguments. It is totally in their self-interest.
R2R
1. Yay! I can't wait for our weekly dinners! Hottest ticket in town.
2. Mind-blowing?
3. Yes, if you are obese, that's on you. But if you're just a bit heavier than normal, then it's harder to lose that weight.
4. I think that people have a right to request leave to care for people that aren't their kids. That's fair. You might need to take care of elderly relatives, for example. Of course, it seems a little rough for them to ask for a flexible schedule if you're not a single mother with a difficult child. It's hard to draw the line on what's fair though.
5. We can be productivity buddies!
R2R2R
4. Do you think I should complain to the manager instead of posting on Yelp? It's just on sitcoms, when you complain to the manage,r you get them fired and that's much worse than a bad review because you ruined one person's life.
5. Ooh I forgot to respond. I've always judged people based on whether I think they know the correct grammatical rules.So a their/there misuse is a red flag whereas lack of capitalization is not a big deal (particularly for me because I do that all the time). I know this article makes it seem like Bear would be the most popular of them all on online dating but I think too-correct grammar and punctuation can be a turn-off to some. =P
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Big Plans
Having encountered this phenomenon before, it's not altogether surprising, even if it's still disappointing.
They could charge $50 for this and still have a line out the door.
James Taranto talks about guns and the media.
The NYC Chick-fil-A store was in the works for quite some time.
This program raises some interesting questions about how we should think about prison in America.
Responses:
1. This is the best idea I've heard in a while. Once we have a dining room table, we have to do this at least once a month. I would say Friday night and Sunday night are the big possibilities, though every Friday night might be tricky with our work schedules. Also, we could mix up the menu! I have so many ideas...
2. That's mind-blowing. I am glad that there are nice, good people out there.
3. See my comment below, but fair enough. The penultimate paragraph is the one that I'm concerned about: "'There's a huge weight bias against people with obesity,' she said. 'They're judged as lazy and self-indulgent. That's really not the case. If our research is correct, you need to eat even less and exercise even more' just to be same weight as your parents were at your age." Fair enough, but I don't think the judgment and bias are causing diabetes and hypertension.
4. These decisions are difficult, but ultimately the company had to decide whether she was adding value commensurate with her compensation. If not, then it's hard to retain her. I don't know the circumstances of her weak performance, but if the woman (and/or her former colleagues) cared about her as a person, then they should have taken a collection or offered to help her personally. To me, it's an abuse of power to use your power within a company (certain one that you do not own) to provide charity for other people. The mother was doing the best she could, but she was unable to do her job satisfactorily. All that said, her colleagues were wrong for being busybodies - sure, they weren't receiving the same accommodations, but that is beside the point. I'm sure that if they began to struggle with their job performance because of problems at home, they would have appreciated personal consideration from the company, but they shouldn't receive it just because someone else does. It would be as if everyone started requesting paternity/maternity leave each year, regardless of whether they had kids.
5. It seems like a very good system, primarily because it includes everything without allowing things to slip through the cracks with time. I recently listened to a podcast where the guest advocated a related (though not quite similar) method. I'm trying something similar with my Reminders app, but the nice thing about the journal is that you have a record of your productivity. Maybe I'll try it for 2016.
R2R:
4. I think the real issue I have with rating people is that those ratings reduce you to a number and follow you around indefinitely. It's certainly appropriate to want to steer clear of a person who does something inappropriate on a date (or in life generally), but I think it's also appropriate to expect that person to have a chance to reform. Separately, I think businesses sometimes struggle with the same issue, which is why I could propose weighted rankings for Yelp, etc., where more recent rankings are more important than more distant ones. Finally, I also worry that people are defaulting to telling "the world" (via the internet) when something goes wrong rather than telling the offender. How many ladies tell the guy what he did wrong (or vice versa)? How many people complain to the restaurant manager before turning to Yelp?
5. No response to the fifth article?
R2R2R:
1. I think my response is more that this is likely to give people who aren't losing weight but should coverage, not unlike being "big-boned," having a "glandular problem," etc. Obviously I hope the research continues and leads to a better understanding of our bodies and the obesity problem, but 1) I question the motives whenever a scientific development is reported by the media and 2) I question attempts by people to suggest that being unhealthily overweight is okay.
R2R2R2R:
1. Exactly. Recycling isn't per se better, and it is important for us to think critically about our usage decisions. To be sure, I still sometimes use reusable bags (especially when I'm buying a lot of things). Environmentalism for many people (and science for many others) is a religion, with believers and non-believers.
B
They could charge $50 for this and still have a line out the door.
James Taranto talks about guns and the media.
The NYC Chick-fil-A store was in the works for quite some time.
This program raises some interesting questions about how we should think about prison in America.
Responses:
1. This is the best idea I've heard in a while. Once we have a dining room table, we have to do this at least once a month. I would say Friday night and Sunday night are the big possibilities, though every Friday night might be tricky with our work schedules. Also, we could mix up the menu! I have so many ideas...
2. That's mind-blowing. I am glad that there are nice, good people out there.
3. See my comment below, but fair enough. The penultimate paragraph is the one that I'm concerned about: "'There's a huge weight bias against people with obesity,' she said. 'They're judged as lazy and self-indulgent. That's really not the case. If our research is correct, you need to eat even less and exercise even more' just to be same weight as your parents were at your age." Fair enough, but I don't think the judgment and bias are causing diabetes and hypertension.
4. These decisions are difficult, but ultimately the company had to decide whether she was adding value commensurate with her compensation. If not, then it's hard to retain her. I don't know the circumstances of her weak performance, but if the woman (and/or her former colleagues) cared about her as a person, then they should have taken a collection or offered to help her personally. To me, it's an abuse of power to use your power within a company (certain one that you do not own) to provide charity for other people. The mother was doing the best she could, but she was unable to do her job satisfactorily. All that said, her colleagues were wrong for being busybodies - sure, they weren't receiving the same accommodations, but that is beside the point. I'm sure that if they began to struggle with their job performance because of problems at home, they would have appreciated personal consideration from the company, but they shouldn't receive it just because someone else does. It would be as if everyone started requesting paternity/maternity leave each year, regardless of whether they had kids.
5. It seems like a very good system, primarily because it includes everything without allowing things to slip through the cracks with time. I recently listened to a podcast where the guest advocated a related (though not quite similar) method. I'm trying something similar with my Reminders app, but the nice thing about the journal is that you have a record of your productivity. Maybe I'll try it for 2016.
R2R:
4. I think the real issue I have with rating people is that those ratings reduce you to a number and follow you around indefinitely. It's certainly appropriate to want to steer clear of a person who does something inappropriate on a date (or in life generally), but I think it's also appropriate to expect that person to have a chance to reform. Separately, I think businesses sometimes struggle with the same issue, which is why I could propose weighted rankings for Yelp, etc., where more recent rankings are more important than more distant ones. Finally, I also worry that people are defaulting to telling "the world" (via the internet) when something goes wrong rather than telling the offender. How many ladies tell the guy what he did wrong (or vice versa)? How many people complain to the restaurant manager before turning to Yelp?
5. No response to the fifth article?
R2R2R:
1. I think my response is more that this is likely to give people who aren't losing weight but should coverage, not unlike being "big-boned," having a "glandular problem," etc. Obviously I hope the research continues and leads to a better understanding of our bodies and the obesity problem, but 1) I question the motives whenever a scientific development is reported by the media and 2) I question attempts by people to suggest that being unhealthily overweight is okay.
R2R2R2R:
1. Exactly. Recycling isn't per se better, and it is important for us to think critically about our usage decisions. To be sure, I still sometimes use reusable bags (especially when I'm buying a lot of things). Environmentalism for many people (and science for many others) is a religion, with believers and non-believers.
B
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Now with more Gluten
I hope this will be something we incorporate
every now and then, a good story
squarely on the side of accepting all body types
where do you weigh in on this? I mean, yeah the employee was in a tough situation but the company can't float her forever either. Maybe they could have floated her a little longer, which is I guess the regret she talks about.
I haven't seen the video yet but it seems to have a positive response. Way more positive than you'd expect for a to-do list method.
Responses
1. I was seriously hoping the tontine was a french pastry.It seems like a good idea and as long as the group was big enough, the idea of you taking the shares of your fallen comrades seems more abstract and less vile. But I feel that as an Asian woman, no one would want me in their tontine! (we live so long).
Also what a sad family:
"The idea didn’t catch on at first, and Tonti eventually landed in the Bastille (while his son, an explorer, would eventually help found the city of Detroit)."
2. That was sad! If it's going to be sad like that, it should at least have funny animated gifs!
3. Yeah, I've been hearing about this and we talked about it briefly on our FaceTime call.
4. I was going to add this to my YLT! (I was entitling it "The Circle is coming!") I've heard so many things decrying this. However, I had already seen an app (I think it's called Lulu) that lets you rate people with online dating profiles so that they don't continue to keep getting terrible dates, and that seemed like a reasonable thing to do. Then again, there is also that site about celebrities being nice and it really lets anyone post anything about someone without verification and it seems useless and mean. I mean, it was only a matter of time before this app happened. Although maybe it'd be more useful if it was a composite of all your rankings - like your Uber ranking, if your company is ranked on Yelp, your Lulu rating, etc.
R2R
1. I dunno, I found that compelling. It might actually be tougher to lose weight now.Not saying you shouldn't keep trying, because there is no other option. But some things just were easier for our parents!
R2R2R
1. I get that too. I've been thinking about recycling lately because someone at community group said they were a big climate change fanatic and everyone's like "I recycle!" But I'm not sure recycling is all that big a deal. First of all, if you reduce, then the companies will make less and that will save all that energy from creating. If you reuse, then that saves all the energy of recycling and doesn't go to waste. If you recycle, then it takes all that energy to sort and recycle the object. I've heard that scrap aluminum or paper doesn't make that much money some years and there are rumors that it just gets thrown in the trash anyway. Even if that's not true, I've heard that in some instances it takes less energy to harvest from new materials than to recycle old ones. I guess the benefit is still that you're making less trash but if you just reduce and reuse, then whether you recycle or not doesn't seem like such a terrible thing.
Likewise, though I think reusable bags make a ton of sense, mostly logistically, sometimes you need a plastic bag.
R2R2R2R
2. Yeah I think bread needs a resurgence. With all the gluten-free and paleo people, good bread has taken a backseat! Come back, bread! We love you!
R2R2R2R2R2R2R
1. Fair.
4. It will be brung. Brought. Brang.
every now and then, a good story
squarely on the side of accepting all body types
where do you weigh in on this? I mean, yeah the employee was in a tough situation but the company can't float her forever either. Maybe they could have floated her a little longer, which is I guess the regret she talks about.
I haven't seen the video yet but it seems to have a positive response. Way more positive than you'd expect for a to-do list method.
Responses
1. I was seriously hoping the tontine was a french pastry.It seems like a good idea and as long as the group was big enough, the idea of you taking the shares of your fallen comrades seems more abstract and less vile. But I feel that as an Asian woman, no one would want me in their tontine! (we live so long).
Also what a sad family:
"The idea didn’t catch on at first, and Tonti eventually landed in the Bastille (while his son, an explorer, would eventually help found the city of Detroit)."
2. That was sad! If it's going to be sad like that, it should at least have funny animated gifs!
3. Yeah, I've been hearing about this and we talked about it briefly on our FaceTime call.
4. I was going to add this to my YLT! (I was entitling it "The Circle is coming!") I've heard so many things decrying this. However, I had already seen an app (I think it's called Lulu) that lets you rate people with online dating profiles so that they don't continue to keep getting terrible dates, and that seemed like a reasonable thing to do. Then again, there is also that site about celebrities being nice and it really lets anyone post anything about someone without verification and it seems useless and mean. I mean, it was only a matter of time before this app happened. Although maybe it'd be more useful if it was a composite of all your rankings - like your Uber ranking, if your company is ranked on Yelp, your Lulu rating, etc.
R2R
1. I dunno, I found that compelling. It might actually be tougher to lose weight now.Not saying you shouldn't keep trying, because there is no other option. But some things just were easier for our parents!
R2R2R
1. I get that too. I've been thinking about recycling lately because someone at community group said they were a big climate change fanatic and everyone's like "I recycle!" But I'm not sure recycling is all that big a deal. First of all, if you reduce, then the companies will make less and that will save all that energy from creating. If you reuse, then that saves all the energy of recycling and doesn't go to waste. If you recycle, then it takes all that energy to sort and recycle the object. I've heard that scrap aluminum or paper doesn't make that much money some years and there are rumors that it just gets thrown in the trash anyway. Even if that's not true, I've heard that in some instances it takes less energy to harvest from new materials than to recycle old ones. I guess the benefit is still that you're making less trash but if you just reduce and reuse, then whether you recycle or not doesn't seem like such a terrible thing.
Likewise, though I think reusable bags make a ton of sense, mostly logistically, sometimes you need a plastic bag.
R2R2R2R
2. Yeah I think bread needs a resurgence. With all the gluten-free and paleo people, good bread has taken a backseat! Come back, bread! We love you!
R2R2R2R2R2R2R
1. Fair.
4. It will be brung. Brought. Brang.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Two More Steps Forward
Is it time to bring back the tontine?
Here are some good lawyer tips.
We will have to pay closer attention to our data usage with the new iOS.
This is not a good development for society.
This should hopefully lead to a better society, though.
Responses:
1. Of course millennials would bitch and moan about how it's not fair. If it's not this, then it's housing prices, real wages, or something else.
2. The title in the link is different from the title of the article. In any case, it's a nice list.
3. Now that is aspirational. And inspirational.
4. That is also inspiring. If we didn't have these pesky millennials complaining about how everything is too hard, then that would be 3 for 3!
R2R:
1. The thing that mostly bothers me - as well as the author, I suspect - is how the users of reusable bags treat the non-users as anti-environment, ignorant, or otherwise a nuisance for asking questions and daring to think about this question in a more holistic way. Also, the notion that reusable bags are so clearly the easiest solution while at the same time requiring plastic bag bans or taxes is puzzling to me.
R2R2R:
2. Better, more delicious bread buns are the answer. Also, you should note that all of the bun alternatives I listed earlier (chicken, donuts, and of course mac and cheese) are delicious and delicious as buns. But I worry that going down the road of replacing bread with more flavor, which has been a trend in fast food and pizza, just makes good bread less of the focus.
R2R2R2R2R2R2R:
1. It's a problem insofar as there are social consequences to saying offensive things. Subjective offense has existed as a helpful concept for a long time, but we have not subjected people to social (or, God forbid, civil or criminal) penalties for saying something subjectively offensive. That said, we have for a while subjected our friends and family members to penalties for knowingly or recklessly saying subjectively offensive things. If Adam has a bad breakup with Becky, and Cindy is friends with Becky, Becky would likely have a strong claim of offense against Cindy if Cindy decided to start talking about Adam in a positive way or named her new puppy Adam or something like that. But she would have no claim against a new acquaintance Denise who did the same thing. The difference between being objectively offended and subjectively offended is that, when it comes to society at large, we expect people who are subjectively offended to cope with it themselves or else seek a therapist, but we also expect our friends and loved ones to know us and know how we tick so that they can provide a safe space for us in our time of need. Basically these trigger people are trying to turn the entire world into a safe space tailored just for them, which in my view is ridiculous on its face.
4. Bring it.
B
Here are some good lawyer tips.
We will have to pay closer attention to our data usage with the new iOS.
This is not a good development for society.
This should hopefully lead to a better society, though.
Responses:
1. Of course millennials would bitch and moan about how it's not fair. If it's not this, then it's housing prices, real wages, or something else.
2. The title in the link is different from the title of the article. In any case, it's a nice list.
3. Now that is aspirational. And inspirational.
4. That is also inspiring. If we didn't have these pesky millennials complaining about how everything is too hard, then that would be 3 for 3!
R2R:
1. The thing that mostly bothers me - as well as the author, I suspect - is how the users of reusable bags treat the non-users as anti-environment, ignorant, or otherwise a nuisance for asking questions and daring to think about this question in a more holistic way. Also, the notion that reusable bags are so clearly the easiest solution while at the same time requiring plastic bag bans or taxes is puzzling to me.
R2R2R:
2. Better, more delicious bread buns are the answer. Also, you should note that all of the bun alternatives I listed earlier (chicken, donuts, and of course mac and cheese) are delicious and delicious as buns. But I worry that going down the road of replacing bread with more flavor, which has been a trend in fast food and pizza, just makes good bread less of the focus.
R2R2R2R2R2R2R:
1. It's a problem insofar as there are social consequences to saying offensive things. Subjective offense has existed as a helpful concept for a long time, but we have not subjected people to social (or, God forbid, civil or criminal) penalties for saying something subjectively offensive. That said, we have for a while subjected our friends and family members to penalties for knowingly or recklessly saying subjectively offensive things. If Adam has a bad breakup with Becky, and Cindy is friends with Becky, Becky would likely have a strong claim of offense against Cindy if Cindy decided to start talking about Adam in a positive way or named her new puppy Adam or something like that. But she would have no claim against a new acquaintance Denise who did the same thing. The difference between being objectively offended and subjectively offended is that, when it comes to society at large, we expect people who are subjectively offended to cope with it themselves or else seek a therapist, but we also expect our friends and loved ones to know us and know how we tick so that they can provide a safe space for us in our time of need. Basically these trigger people are trying to turn the entire world into a safe space tailored just for them, which in my view is ridiculous on its face.
4. Bring it.
B
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