Hey Everyone,
With the ability to blog intermittently, I have taken to collecting my random thoughts for the week, and then when I get over to the library, posting and sharing them with all of you.
First, since I shelve DVD’s as part of my job, I have been reading the list of special features on each disc. The most disturbing one is Titanic, a film I have never seen. Ever. I don’t plan to. However the new edition of the disc contains the usual documentaries on how the film was made, deleted scenes and an alternate ending…consider that carefully. Doesn’t the boat sink every time? Christina suggested that perhaps Jack lives and the boat still sinks? Anyone know the answer to this mystery?
Second, ever try to imagine what George W. dreams about? To be honest, I’m not sure why this thought popped into my head when I was driving home from work one night, but it did. Does he dream about a world without Democrats to question him? Does he dream himself up as a Caesar? Does he dream of puppies? Llamas? Anyone got any ideas?
Third, Freakonomics! This is a book that interested me, so when I came across a copy at the Barrington Library, I picked it up. Frankly, I’m not convinced or impressed. The book is well written, and flows rapidly. It is definitely aimed at the non-economist masses and only probably bugs me because I am trained as an economist (other people may get a kick out of certain sections, like the one on sumo wrestling being rigged). Levitt (co-author and economist) first admits he is not an econometrician, and then spends the entire book drawing odd relationships using econometrics. While he may technically be correct, he openly admits to data mining (a serious ethical violation). The way econometrics is supposed to work is that you find a question, propose a theory as to why it’s right, and then use the data to test the theory. Not go get some data, play with it, and twist it around until it answers the question. Is it possible there was a sound, properly done research project that has been turned into a book that seems inaccurate? Yes. Do I believe that to be the case? No.
Fourth, bridal fairs are a curse upon mankind. I went to one with Christina last Sunday, and it was interesting to say the least. I expected the formal wear, DJ's, photographers, videographers, etc.....What I did not expect was the plastic surgeons, teeth whitening clinics and laser hair removal vendors. Also, I noticed that vendors got more deceitful and desperate as we neared the end of the fair. Much like a casino, there is readily apparent exit. you wind up and down aisles until you find the door! What was funny was the whole time I kept saying to myself, “there’s a great economics paper in this somewhere”. Weirdest dress of the fashion show: a Chicago Bears wedding gown.
No pictures this time, I'll have to work on that for next time!
-Paul
21 Months
11 years ago
2 comments:
Paul,
As I recall it isn't that the boat sinks or not, it's how the director/producer chooses to dramatically portray the tragedy: I think they showed a bunch of dead people frozen in the water. Or would that be frozen people dead in the water. Whatever. Some would have preferred Shakespeare's vehicle: important (death) actions occur off stage.
Paul,
As I recall it isn't that the boat sinks or not, it's how the director/producer chooses to dramatically portray the tragedy: I think they showed a bunch of dead people frozen in the water. Or would that be frozen people dead in the water. Whatever. Some would have preferred Shakespeare's vehicle: important (death) actions occur off stage.
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