Few things bring me greater joy than reading books that cite other books I’ve read / discussed. A recent example comes from “Mistakes Were Made,” wherein the author cites “Stumbling Upon Happiness” and, more coincidentally, a book about the Lincoln cabinet which I’d previously discussed with my roommate.
The Simple Things
August 5, 2008
Unfortunate Contrast
May 9, 2008
Today hasn’t been my day at the office. I’m more than a little tired and distracted by the double-edged sword of great material online.
Battle at Kruger goes mainstream.
An Inconvenient Emotion.
Cathedral Lights, like Zoo Lights, only at church.
600 dollar checks aren’t the best method of economic stimulus?
Rational addictions
April 15, 2008
Thomas Schelling is a titan of modern game theory (Nobel Prize and everything). He’s done considerable research on rationality underlying addiction. I’m reminded of Schelling when I think about my carnivorous habits. Considering my pro-animal stances, you’d think I’d go vegetarian. But I haven’t; cognitive dissonance is funny like that.
Science and the Face
April 10, 2008
While this study of sub-conscious impressions merits a stand-alone post, the most interesting aspect thus far has been my unscientific survey of friends. Girls find the male pictures easy to read but the female is difficult. The results are reversed for guys. Is this the case for everyone?
Nothing is funnier than dating
February 27, 2008
Dating is the total package, a 5 tool joke. It’s frequently the subject of my random musings and analogies. Here are some classics that you might like.
Ever wanted business consultants to make powerpoint slides about your relationship? (PDF)
The Ladder Theory is always a gold standard.
Apparently white people like difficult breakups.
Overwhelmed into Inaction
February 25, 2008
The Paradox of Choice is, perhaps, the most daunting obstacle in my life. When beset with a plethora of options, I’m overwhelmed into inaction. Blogging, shopping, etc., nothing is safe. Typically, my paradoxes are confined to irrelevant decisions like spaghetti brand. I suspect, though, that its manifestation is different for others.
Every Cloud, except for this one, has a Silver Lining
February 11, 2008
The people have spoken. Depressing. To summarize, Gottlieb argues that women should be more concerned with “Mr. Good Enough.” Reader reactions were often visceral; it was a personal attack on their values. Fortunately, her argument isn’t directed at individuals, but at expectations v. averages. Unless there’s something perfect in life, taking the best available path and enjoying it makes sense.
7, 8, 9, Theory
February 1, 2008
If recommendations were plotted on a 10-point scale, the 10-90 range would be 7s, 8s, and 9s. The same is likely true of job reviews. Unless you’re truly exceptional (good or bad), it’s extremely difficult to objectively evaluate your evaluation. The difference between good and great can be very gray.
Thanks to Malcolm Gladwell, I have a camera
January 21, 2008
I have a habit of making decisions suddenly and randomly, but only after I deliberate and research the topic obsessively. I pore over reviews and become paralyzed with indecision.
Predictably, I bought my latest obsession tonight, a digital camera, without doing any research.
Soon FWoL will have pictures. Very exciting.
Apparently H.L. Mencken was right
January 19, 2008
“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
