British sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein was once visited in his studio by the eminent author and fellow Briton, George Bernard Shaw. During their chat, Shaw noticed a huge block of marble standing in one corner and asked what it was for.
“I don’t know yet, Epstein replied. œI’m still making plans.”
Shaw was astounded. “You mean you plan your work? Why, I change my mind several times a day!”
“That’s all very well when you’re working with a four-ounce manuscript,” replied the sculptor, “but not with a four-ton block of marble.”
-Story relayed by Lee Colan, PhD.
Author: Bobby Rockers
Matt’s Test Post
Please ignore this… just messing around.
The Weekly Geek Revolt
Ever wonder why (knowledgeable) IT folk continue to hate Microsoft? Check out this article by Randall Kennedy. Kennedy talks about The Great Moore’s Law Compensator (TGMLC), and euphemism for Microsoft’s constant expansion with regards to system requirements. This constant bloating from software version to software version happens regardless of the actual proportional improvement to the software. The effect is that we run hardware that is a 1000 times more powerful and it was just a dozen years ago; but the speed at which are applications run are basically identical (and in many cases actually SLOWER.)
The second link is to the video presentation of Mark Pesce discussing the role of piracy in the film/television industry. It is a great rundown of the state and future of TV/film and the opportunities in those industries. The basic rundown is that everyone is going to be better off except for the broadcasters; who will see their virtual Monopolies disappear and, with them, their huge profits.
No trick to being a humorist
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
–Voltaire
I just LOVE this post by Harry Browne titled The 7 Vital Principles of Government. My favorite quote from the article comes in the conclusion:
If you really want to cure a pressing social problem, take steps outside the realm of government. If you don’t see how you can convince people to help you succeed in a non-governmental endeavor, how can you expect to control politicians who care nothing for your desires?
These principals may seem alien to many modern Americans; but it is exactly the mindset of the founders of our country.
Quick Zinger
What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination.
–Zig Ziglar
Because Government is so Great?
I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.
–Bob Dylan
The National Post has this article which talks the Wal-Mart’s actions during the Hurricane Katrina response. Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, I have an innate bias towards Wal-Mart (I am sure that my tenancy towards Libertarianism doesn’t have anything to do with it either.) It is was nice to see them get some, much deserved, good press.
Here is a quote by Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart. The quote comes from the memo that Lee Scott sent out to all the regional and store managers regarding the Katrina tragedy:
A lot of you are going to have to make decisions above your level,” was Scott’s message to his people. “Make the best decision that you can with the information that’s available to you at the time, and above all, do the right thing.
The article reminded of one of my favorite episodes of Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
If this had been a REAL post
This has been posted with Deepest Sender. Another Firefox add-on that I am testing. Basically it creates a sidebar for posting to Livejournal/WordPress/Blogger. It seems to work OK, but I really wish it didn’t re-login every time I closed/opened the sidebar. It includes a full mini-GUI for editing/adding posts that is reachable via shortcut key (Ctrl+\).
The Time You Enjoy Waisting
Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else.
–Will Rogers
- Identity Management Methodology — Joel on Software’s article on Identity Management. Talks about developing vision and motivating employees.
- How to Hire Software Developers — Another gem by Joel. Covers pay, benefits, and environmental obstacles to hiring and retaining quality employees.
Something Free
Comments are free but facts are sacred.
–Charles Prestwich Scott
This was my response to a reddit post that the linker titled “More Economists Agree We Are In A Recession – Well duhhh!.” I wanted to save it for reference:
A recession is (by definition) two quarters of negative economic growth. We haven’t seen results from the first quarter yet… and what is more; January and February results show slow BUT NOT negative growth (like 0.2%.) This means that even IF we have enough negative growth in March to overcome Jan & Feb (something that is likely to happen) we still have-to-have another FULL QUARTER of negative growth before we will know if we were in a recession.
We may very well have a recession; but there is a moderate chance we will not. Why? Because the slow economy has put downward pressure on the dollar… causing exports to actually INCREASE against foreign currency. If this continues for another quarter, there is a moderate opportunity that net exports will keep our economy in the positive. Just look at Caterpillar. There US sales are AWFUL! But they are expected to have 20% GROWTH for the year because of foreign sales. The dollar has lost what? Like 15% over the last year? That makes Caterpillar 15% cheaper overseas that it was last year.
Most economists are looking at the hard numbers and coming to the the most likely conclusion. But don’t blow off the possibility of slowdown VS recession with a simple “WELL DUHHH!” A recession may very well happen (in which case we would be in the beginnings of it now) but it is certainly not an absolute.
Remember that economists are amazingly good at predicting recessions. They have successfully predicted 20 of the last 7 recessions! 😉
Then Can It Ever Be Justified?
The “end” is the vision for which we change things. The “means” are the catalyst by which things change us.