A certainty "in these uncertain times"

Why is it that the media, while endorsing a politician, and more specifically, the candidates themselves, all have staked claim that they are the best person to lead us "in these uncertain times?" Are any times ever certain? Was there ever an election year where everyone was confident in where the markets were going, the condition of the environment, political stability in foreign nations etc.? To make claims that these times are more uncertain than any other is incorrect. I am no oracle, but one thing is certain, every four years around election time, we will be inundated with claims that these times are more uncertain those prior.

Super Bowl Box Pool

I was wondering what the best (most frequently appearing) numbers were, by quarter, in Super Bowls past. Here is a link that shows how your numbers have fared in previous bowls. Not suprisingly, 7-0, 3-0 and 0-0 appear the most frequently. With that, there are numerous combinations that have never appeared at all in the games 41 year history.

Books that make you dumber

Books that make you dumber.
This is an interesting "scientific" study that correlates S.A.T. scores, college reading etc. and uses these statistics to decipher, well, books that make people dumber. In a nutshell, if you're reading The Bible it might be time to grab your license, go to the local library and check out a new book before the men in the white coats come for you. For starters, "100 Years of Solitude" is a great read.

One book that is not on this list is "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Arguably, this book makes people dumber than any other out there. I am a huge proponent of the power of positive thinking and have read some works on it, my favorite being "Succeed & Grow Rich Through Persuasion" by Napoleon Hill. However, unlike Byrne, Hills methodology requires much, much, more action and much less wishful thinking. Action, with a positive mindset while performing, coupled with visions of successful results during performance is my mantra. Is she claiming that through the "Law of Attraction", while laying on my couch, I can manifest myself money, success or even Scarlett Johansson? I don't think so. Truly one that will outlast the ages of dumbness.

Below is the official list and study, minus "The Secret." Hopefully reading about books that make you dumber won't actually make you any dumber than you already are.
Books that make you dumber.

Fiscal Stimulus Plan

Explain to me why the top two quintiles are receiving 58.1% of the rebates. Frankly, their the ones who need it the least and studies show they won't inject that money back into the economy through spending, instead they will save it. Am I wrong?

Trust my taste

Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle- a French band whose track "Don't Kiss Me Good Bye" is featured in the film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" With that, also check out their other songs, particularly "Les Mots Simples." As far as the movie is concerned, I enjoyed it even though it was not what I expected. Subtitles do not bother me and I can use some practice with my French ("Persepolis" was subtitled in French as well... see posting below) so that was fine. I hate to use these cliche words but it truly was "inspirational" and a testament to the "human spirit" mixed with sadness and an abundance of frustration to say the least. A high point was the unbelievably gorgeous French women, nurses and speech therapists, one of which is Emmanuelle from Ultra Orange who sings on the soundtrack and is noted above.

"Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah" -Richard Bach. One of my all-time favorites that I am currently re-reading. Who better to unlock the secrets and illusions of life than the barn storming pilot Donald Shimoda. Here are some philosophical quotes from the book.

Juno- And I thought I possessed an all dominating wit. Fantastic film.

Free Markets, Free Choice

If you haven't seen either of these, make it your business to. The links are below.

Free to Choose (1980) with Milton Friedman

The Road to Serfdom explained through film.

Persepolis

Yesterday I attended a showing of the French film "Persepolis" at the Angelika Theater in Manhattan. The film, which is animated, shows the plight of a young Iranian girl struggling to find her place in the world during the Islamic revolution. Marjane Satrapi , who's autobiography the movie is based on, does a fantastic job of using her personal relationships to highlight the political, social and historical points of the revolution. In order to fully understand a people or culture, we must first understand the situations and experiences that have molded them. This movie is a great starting point for those who want to fully comprehend the Iranian plight without the politically skewed undertones usually found in our medias reporting.

A dime a dozen

I have been saying all the while that lawyers today are a dime a dozen. Almost 11,000 people sat for the New York State bar exam in July of 2007. Around 70% passed, adding to the 91,000 attorneys already practicing in the five boroughs. (see here) The flooding of the market is leading to diminishing wages and the prestige once associated with practicing law is also decreasing. Finally an article that complies with my thoughts.
N.Y. Times Article

Quotes

I recently came across a fantastic quote. Just wanted to share it:

"Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,
A medley of extemporanea;
And love is a thing that can never go wrong;
And I am Marie of Romania."

Dorothy Parker, Not So Deep as a Well (1937), "Comment"
US author, humorist, poet, & wit (1893 - 1967)

I love the sarcasm. Thanks to Paul Krugman for having a link to it on his blog.