Negative Data Observations: Introduction
In the January to June 2024 timeframe, I collected a series of data points from articles and op ed pieces published in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Facts. Being in somewhat of a negative frame of mind these days, it is not surprising that the resulting observations matched my mood. The […]
Green and Orange
For a really long period, Green has looked down on Orange, kicking it out of town whenever it needed somebody to blame for whatever was troubling Green. Orange would move to wherever, only to find the seemingly nice Green neighbor down the road required little provocation, none actually, to become un-nice. But time passed and […]
A Unique Diet
Ice Cream, Basketball, and Parking: Components of a Diet Barnes & Noble has shelves which carry approximately three dozen varieties of diet programs, none of which are sustainable. It does not yet have a copy of the ICBP book which provides the detail behind this unique diet. It’s probably only a rumor that Amazon is […]
Curiosity Survey
SUMMARY OF RESPONSES Data are the percentage of responses in each quartile. From left to right, the quartiles are 0-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, and over 75%. Comments are by the survey’s author, Bob. What % believe that if any person works hard, they can move ahead in life? 0 30 35 35 Comment: Responses were more optimistic […]
Succinct Guide
A SUCCINCT GUIDE? TO UNDERSTANDING? THE CAMPUS PROTESTS To stay sane (it’s a relative concept), I needed to write something. So I slipped on my sarcasm shirt (given me by a friend) and let loose. To say that I am thoroughly depressed — by the absence of civil debate, by the boisterous few (another relative […]
Gun Reform and the Legal Liability Ledger
This essay has three components. The first is a list of gun reform suggestions from the best article I have read on the subject. The second is an extended discussion about legal liability. The latter includes both commentary on specific gun decisions and the growth in liability decisions elsewhere that are establishing new legal ground […]
Four Corners
At a certain stage in life, even as you might attempt to swallow the phrase, it will slip from your mouth: “back in the day” – and your conversational partner will immediately recognize that a walk down memory lane is about to commence. They may smile politely, perhaps stifling a grimace in the process, or […]
Batteries Not Included
Ah yes, the existential question: who am I? And its accompaniment: why am I here? Resolving the second question will require a different essay and the finest effort of the newly formed AI community. One can envision an ultra-fast search for answers that will take us factually back to our very origins and philosophically through […]
A Short History Primer
Once upon a time, we had slavery. It was an excellent business strategy because it drastically reduced labor costs, thereby increasing profits. Once upon a time, women could not vote. Another excellent idea as they could then focus their energies on making babies and putting a good hot meal in front of their families. Once […]
Gun Survey Response Data
This survey of twenty questions created by the author was sent to 63 people, of whom 28 responded. Some chose more than one answer. Some struggled with understanding whether their response was about “what is” or “what should be.” The instructions could have been clearer. Results are being posted on my blog and being sent […]