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Saturday, December 03, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Conformity in the name of diversity
I find George Will to be one of the more insightful contrarians on the opinions page. Here's a good article from him again.
For those not interested in clicking, here's an excerpt:
For those not interested in clicking, here's an excerpt:
Although Vanderbilt is a private institution, its policy is congruent with “progressive” public policy, under which society shall be made to progress up from a multiplicity of viewpoints to a government-supervised harmony. Vanderbilt’s policy, formulated in the name of enlarging rights, is another skirmish in the progressives’ struggle to deny more and more social entities the right to deviate from government-promoted homogeneity of belief. Such compulsory conformity is, of course, enforced in the name of diversity.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A deficit is not a deficit
The word deficit is used in two political context as those it had the same meaning in each. It isn't.
When we talk about the federal budget deficit we are talking about the government spending more than it raises in taxes in a given year. Over time, government can't spend more than it taxes. To do so this year, it has to borrow, which means today's spending gets paid for later, by us or our children.
When we talk about the trade deficit, we are talking about net imports. The US runs a trade deficit with China because they ship us more than we ship them in goods. My family runs a trade deficit with A Fresh Market - they sell me more than I sell them. My family runs a trade surplus with my supplier - I sell them more than they sell me. Resolving a trade imbalance is non-sensical. There's no reason any two entities should be equal in trade. That doesn't mean the ledger doesn't balance. It does. If China gives us a bunch of stuff for little green pieces of paper, they can either buy our stuff with it or invest in our country. Either way, the dollars come back. Whether you area country or a company, it is not a bad thing for people to want to invest in you.
Budget deficit and trade deficit sound like related concepts. They aren't.
When we talk about the federal budget deficit we are talking about the government spending more than it raises in taxes in a given year. Over time, government can't spend more than it taxes. To do so this year, it has to borrow, which means today's spending gets paid for later, by us or our children.
When we talk about the trade deficit, we are talking about net imports. The US runs a trade deficit with China because they ship us more than we ship them in goods. My family runs a trade deficit with A Fresh Market - they sell me more than I sell them. My family runs a trade surplus with my supplier - I sell them more than they sell me. Resolving a trade imbalance is non-sensical. There's no reason any two entities should be equal in trade. That doesn't mean the ledger doesn't balance. It does. If China gives us a bunch of stuff for little green pieces of paper, they can either buy our stuff with it or invest in our country. Either way, the dollars come back. Whether you area country or a company, it is not a bad thing for people to want to invest in you.
Budget deficit and trade deficit sound like related concepts. They aren't.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Monday, October 03, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 09, 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
18th Anniversary Dinner at Home
Tomato and Basil Towers (forgot to shoot it before it was half eaten)
Butternut Squash Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Beet Ravioli
Salmon in Cardamon Broth
Blueberry Pie with Lemon Yogurt Sorbet
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Butternut Squash Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Beet Ravioli
Salmon in Cardamon Broth
Blueberry Pie with Lemon Yogurt Sorbet
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:The Spruces
Saturday, September 03, 2011
My new favorite business
I wish this was me, riding around delivering jam. I think we'd have to live in a tent in the park...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Happy Birthday, Katie
Today's a huge day for my sweet Kate. She turns 40. In 40 years Katie has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime. She graduated from college (first woman in her family, I believe?), has six kids, and has made friends in many places, including the three continents where she has lived and one more where she we to get a baby. I feel lucky to be with her and have been with her. Except today.
Today I don't get to be with her. I wish she had her backpack and hiking shoes on and was sleeping on the ground with me in Sweden. What a horrible birthday to miss.
I miss you Katie and hope you have a wonderful day. It will be wonderful if, even for a moment, you realize how amazing, and how loved, you are.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Where to buy glasses
Check out glasses.com if you're in the market for a pair of glasses. The prices are unbeatable for a great quality product. Each pair comes with polycarbonate lenses and anti-glare coatings. The service is also untouchable. If you don't like your glasses, send them back. Free shipping both ways. 1-800 CONTACTS is changing the way people buy eyewear. Again.
My favorite men's glasses are these Smith Broadcasts in matte blue.
My favorite women's glasses will be up later this week (also Smith). But these Oakley Permissives are a close second.
My favorite men's glasses are these Smith Broadcasts in matte blue.
My favorite women's glasses will be up later this week (also Smith). But these Oakley Permissives are a close second.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Summer math
Friday, May 06, 2011
Groceries and schools
Few economists are so insightful, yet unrelenting, as Don Boudreaux of George Mason University. His take on school choice, in comparison to grocery store choice here.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Second funniest man alive
Has to be Adam Carolla. After Brian Regan. I wish he'd leave out all the eff bombs so I could listen to his podcast.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
IQ test
Congress and the President finally agreed on a $38B spending cut, right? So does that mean that we'll spend $38B less than last year?
Actually, last year we spent $3,456B and this year the CBO projects we'll spend $3,800B with the cuts.
Actually, last year we spent $3,456B and this year the CBO projects we'll spend $3,800B with the cuts.
Glad I'm not alone asking this question
Why has no one gone to jail? Who is the Kenneth Lay of this debacle? They should hold a ticker tape parade in Manhattan with nothing but frog-walking bankers.
Forget gold
A flight to bitcoin is so much cooler. I so hope this catches on. I'm a huge fan of a non-national, open source currency.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The truth about American manufacturing
It is not in decline, but growing (pdf). Jobs have not been lost overseas, but to technology. If they were lost overseas, American output would be in decline. It isn't.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Summary from October 2010
5 - Pride and the Priesthood - Uchtdorf
We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves.
4 - Of Things That Matter Most - Uchtdorf
[I]t is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.
3 - Reflections on a Consecrated Life - Christofferson
True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes.
2 - Receive the Holy Ghost - Bednar
These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon.
1 - The Transforming Power of Faith and Character - Scott
We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.
We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves.
4 - Of Things That Matter Most - Uchtdorf
[I]t is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.
3 - Reflections on a Consecrated Life - Christofferson
True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes.
2 - Receive the Holy Ghost - Bednar
These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon.
1 - The Transforming Power of Faith and Character - Scott
We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
More Rosling genius
Currently my favorite Swede, though it is a close call between him and several friends from Taby forsamling.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Mankiw for President
Another insightful article from my favorite moderate economist in yesterday's NYT.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday best
Putting two and two together:
White is a symbol of purity and holiness.
Pork is the other white meat.
Pulled pork is a great way to break a fast.
White is a symbol of purity and holiness.
Pork is the other white meat.
Pulled pork is a great way to break a fast.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Deep thoughts
I'm on the road this week so I got to spend some time in my current book - The Story of Philosophy - sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off. I bit more weighty than my usual fare, but it has given me some good stuff to think about. Here are a few such things:
Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.
~ Henrik Ibsen (actually from my Sunday School reading)
Blessedness is not the reward of virtue, but virtue itself.
~ Spinoza
Men who are good by reason desire nothing for themselves which they do not also desire for the rest of mankind. To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling others; but to stand above the partialities and futilities of uniformed desire, and to rule one's self.
~Spinoza
It is to him who masters our minds by the force of truth, and not to those who enslave them by violence, that we owe our reverence.
~ Voltaire
Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness. Let us seek happiness in others; but for ourselves, perfection - whether it bring us happiness or pain.
~Kant
When mere creeds or ceremonies usurp priority over moral excellence as a test of religion, religion has disappeared.
~Kant
Look at me - I actually want to read Voltaire and Kant and wish I had the intellectual horsepower to make it through Spinoza. I'm sure it will quickly wear off and the next time you see me I'll be reading some low brow paperback.
Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.
~ Henrik Ibsen (actually from my Sunday School reading)
Blessedness is not the reward of virtue, but virtue itself.
~ Spinoza
Men who are good by reason desire nothing for themselves which they do not also desire for the rest of mankind. To be great is not to be placed above humanity, ruling others; but to stand above the partialities and futilities of uniformed desire, and to rule one's self.
~Spinoza
It is to him who masters our minds by the force of truth, and not to those who enslave them by violence, that we owe our reverence.
~ Voltaire
Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness. Let us seek happiness in others; but for ourselves, perfection - whether it bring us happiness or pain.
~Kant
When mere creeds or ceremonies usurp priority over moral excellence as a test of religion, religion has disappeared.
~Kant
Look at me - I actually want to read Voltaire and Kant and wish I had the intellectual horsepower to make it through Spinoza. I'm sure it will quickly wear off and the next time you see me I'll be reading some low brow paperback.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Are you smarter than an eight grader?
From today's Freakonomics blog, here's a final exam from 1895 for eighth graders. For the record, I'd be halfway through my 28th year of eighth grade if this was our test.
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay and run.
5. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7 – 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu., deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per m?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per are, the distance around which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of theRebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates:
1607
1620
1800
1849
1865
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret ‘u’.
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final ‘e’. Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono,super.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd,cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences, Cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
Physiology (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Where are the saliva, gastric juice, and bile secreted? What is the use of each in digestion?
2. How does nutrition reach the circulation?
3. What is the function of the liver? Of the kidneys?
4. How would you stop the flow of blood from an artery in the case of a laceration?
5. Give some general directions that you think would be beneficial to preserve the human body in a state of health.
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay and run.
5. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7 – 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu., deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per m?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per are, the distance around which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of theRebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates:
1607
1620
1800
1849
1865
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret ‘u’.
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final ‘e’. Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono,super.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd,cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences, Cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
Physiology (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Where are the saliva, gastric juice, and bile secreted? What is the use of each in digestion?
2. How does nutrition reach the circulation?
3. What is the function of the liver? Of the kidneys?
4. How would you stop the flow of blood from an artery in the case of a laceration?
5. Give some general directions that you think would be beneficial to preserve the human body in a state of health.
Tax the Rich
Useful data from Russ Roberts on the realities/myths behind the narrative that our fiscal predicament is because of tax cuts for the rich. IMHO, the stronger narrative is, as Russ alludes to, that the relationship between Wall Street and the Federal government is where we should be looking. Crony capitalism and rent seeking behaviors are on fire on lower Manhattan. I'll always thumb a post that's dismissive of Paul Krugman anywho. His union narrative is either insanely smart and way over my head, or the Nobel has lost some luster.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Apple - Worst Customer Service?
In our business, we define satisfaction as reality minus expectations. We try hard to set reasonable expectations and then over-deliver against them.
Many companies set very low expectations and then deliver against them, for example cable companies, telephone companies, and pretty much every agency of the government, particularly federal. Their service sucks, but this is pretty much expected. Other companies set high expectations and then massively miss their mark.
I believe Apple delivers the worst satisfaction equation I can recall in recent memory. This is partially because they set a high expectation with great product design and a smooth sales process. However, I've now had at least three abysmal customer service experiences as an owner of Apple products. It is astounding to me how badly they take care of people that have already paid.
In business, I've heard this called "taking bad profits". Eventually this catches up with you. I, for one, will be looking for ways to reduce my addiction to all things that start with a lower case i.
Many companies set very low expectations and then deliver against them, for example cable companies, telephone companies, and pretty much every agency of the government, particularly federal. Their service sucks, but this is pretty much expected. Other companies set high expectations and then massively miss their mark.
I believe Apple delivers the worst satisfaction equation I can recall in recent memory. This is partially because they set a high expectation with great product design and a smooth sales process. However, I've now had at least three abysmal customer service experiences as an owner of Apple products. It is astounding to me how badly they take care of people that have already paid.
In business, I've heard this called "taking bad profits". Eventually this catches up with you. I, for one, will be looking for ways to reduce my addiction to all things that start with a lower case i.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Jack Daniels Explains The Deficit
For those that prefer booze and videos to pie charts.
I'm no pie chart fan either.
I'm no pie chart fan either.
Graphical representation of budget cuts
Here.
Here's the first image, for the OCD among you.
Dangit, I hate it when I bring in images behind my right nav. Even worse when that hides the legend. Click if you want. Red is the deficit. Green is the proposed cuts. Yes, green.
Here's the first image, for the OCD among you.
Dangit, I hate it when I bring in images behind my right nav. Even worse when that hides the legend. Click if you want. Red is the deficit. Green is the proposed cuts. Yes, green.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
WTF - Win the Future
Mankiw recasts the future in tomorrow's NY Times. Why is Goolsbee not explaining this to his boss?
Friday, February 04, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, January 07, 2011
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