After reading about this cognitive bias, I feel like I need to change all of my social media pictures from individual photos to group photos, preferably a group photo where everyone is better-looking than me, which is easily done. In fact, it would be impossible for that not to happen. The reason? The cheerleader effect. … Continue reading Cognitive Bias Friday: the Cheerleader Effect
If You Win Gold at the Olympics, but There Are No Fans There, Did It Really Happen?
Japan has announced that the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead under a state of emergency and without any spectators at events in the capital in an attempt to prevent another nationwide outbreak of COVID-19. Athletes, staff, media, and other participants will be kept in a "bubble." Other areas outside the capital that are hosting events … Continue reading If You Win Gold at the Olympics, but There Are No Fans There, Did It Really Happen?
This Might Be One of the Best Months for Sports, Ever
In no particular order: Wimbledon. (tennis) Tour de France. (cycling) The British Open (or more correctly, The Open). (golf) The European Championships. (football/soccer) The NBA Finals. (basketball) The NHL Finals. (ice hockey) The Olympics. (multiple sports) Copa América. (football/soccer) MLB All-Star Game (OK, this might be stretching it a bit...) (baseball) And thanks to my … Continue reading This Might Be One of the Best Months for Sports, Ever
Be on the Outlook for Targeted Dream Incubation (TDI)
Earlier this year, Coors Brewing launched a new ad campaign designed to infiltrate people’s dreams. The goal, of course, was to get people to buy Coors beer, Coors encouraged people to watch a short online video before bed, then play an eight-hour “soundscape” through the night. If successful, this “targeted dream incubation” would trigger “refreshing … Continue reading Be on the Outlook for Targeted Dream Incubation (TDI)
Music Monday: The Sounds of Small-Town America on the 4th of July
Our town's annual 4th of July parade was back in action this past weekend, after being canceled last year. It's your classic parade, firetrucks, fancy cars (mainly Mustangs, which happen to be my favorite), kids on bikes, and music. A wide variety of music. Here are a few short clips of the various musical acts … Continue reading Music Monday: The Sounds of Small-Town America on the 4th of July
Thankfully, It’s Just the Sound of Fireworks
As my wife and I went for an after-dinner walk through our neighborhood tonight, we were surrounded by the sound of fireworks coming from every direction. It was a wonderful sound, the sound of people celebrating their freedom and independence. But then it struck me that those same sounds may strike terror in the hearts … Continue reading Thankfully, It’s Just the Sound of Fireworks
Forget Doctors, Lawyers, and Policemen. What We Need Is a TV Show About Accountants
I'm sure everyone has noticed. Most drama shows on TV involve doctors, lawyers, and policemen. I don't know about you, but I think it's time for something fresh, and I have just the idea: A TV show about an accounting firm. I even have some ideas for the first few episodes: after a week straight … Continue reading Forget Doctors, Lawyers, and Policemen. What We Need Is a TV Show About Accountants
My Blog and the Ikea Effect
This post is inspired by the most recent Dan Ariely column in the Wall Street Journal. Here is one of the emails he received: Dear Dan, My partner and I decided to do a DIY renovation of our kitchen cabinets. We spent many hours at the store discussing options and reviewing our sketches, then struggled … Continue reading My Blog and the Ikea Effect
Only the Good Die Young
My wife and I went to a viewing tonight for the son of one of my colleagues. I didn’t know the young man but based on his obituary and the line of people at the viewing, he was loved by many and had a significant impact on many in his way too short 28 years. … Continue reading Only the Good Die Young
Let the Summer Reading Begin!
I just finished teaching my final class of the summer today, and grades have been turned in. That means it's time to start reading. For whatever reason, I don't get much personal reading done during a semester, so I really look forward to the summer when I can make up for lost time. I'm currently … Continue reading Let the Summer Reading Begin!
Borden's Blather 