Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Counting counts a lot

The axiom "Publish or perish!" is one that is lived by all in academia. Most of the time, people publish in the field in which they specialise, be it the hard sciences (carbon nanotube construction anyone?) or the soft ones (porn virgins are as elusive as unicorns, you know).

But Prof. John W Trinkaus has made a career out of being OCD about counting. Wonder how many people like wearing their baseball cap backwards? He's published it. What about people who take more than a dozen items to the express lane checkout counter? He's done it. What ever it was that caught his eye or irritates the heck out of him, you can be sure he'd be there to tally and publish it.

Go here for a report of all the weird and wacky stuff he has reported.

Incidentally, he teaches management at Zicklin School of Business in New York City. Therefore, it is not necessary that you publish only in your field; you just need a little OCD-ness, verve and imagination.

*hats off to Prof. Trinkaus*

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Why Jimmy Choos are lusted over more than Hugh Jackman

It seems that a pair of shoes is more memorable than an ex-boyfriend.

Interesting finding, that. But knowing women and their ability to prioritise, I am not surprised. A good pair of shoes last a long time and keeps you comfortable on long journeys. An aggravating ex-boyfriend? Just a pain in the ass.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

On life's difficult choices




Pretty Girls by Neko Case

Pretty girls, you're too good for this
How you break my heart in this cold waiting room
Oh my pretty girls, you're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too

The TV is blaring and angry
As if you don't know why you're here
Those who walk without sin are so hungry
Don't let the wolves in, pretty girls

Your hearts are so tried and so innocent
Wind your flimsy blue gowns tight around you
Around curves so comely and sinister
They blame it on you pretty girls

Oh pretty girls, you're too good for this
How you break my heart in this cold waiting room
Oh pretty girls, you're too good for this
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
Don't let them break your hearts too

My girls, you're just like the heavens
Not a soul to take your hand in theirs
Your tears in wild constellations
Proud limbs and hard folding chairs

But there's millions to count you and keep you
And lovers who don't understand
Don't let them tell you you're nothing
'Cause you'll change the world pretty girls

Come chain yourself 'round my ankle
You'll see the world like a bird
Diving down low, flying up high
Through all of these saccharine gutters we'll ride and I
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so
Won't say that I told you so

-End

In a perfect world, the services of medical providers such as the late Dr George Tiller would not be required; but God in His Infinite Wisdom saw it fit that there be obstacles and challenges of many kind for us in this life.

Who has the right to throw the first stone? Certainly not I.

To all celebrating ...

Happy Winter Solstice!

or ...

Happy Holidays!

or ...

Happy Christmas!

or ...

Happy Hanukkah!

or ...

Happy Kwanzaa!

Better still ... Happy Spending at Year End Sales the World Over!

funny pictures of cats with captions
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Monday, December 14, 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Caution: Air gunung

Clear streams and bubbling brooks and dreamy waterfalls ... who can resist them? But before you jump in, do check the meteorological report of the area and ask around if it had rained recently. Because no matter how excellent a swimmer you are, when a tonne of debris packed water falls on you, there is no escape.



My cousin in Tapah warned us of "air gunung" whenever we go to splash around in the river behind his house. It's not a particularly big or scarily deep one, but high enough in the mountains to have plenty of rocks to dash one's idiotic head and hapless body upon. So, yeah. Play safe. If someone warns you to get out of the water, for the love of God just go.