Actual risk and our value system

The below is excerpted from a terribly interesting article entitled "10 Ways We Get the Odds Wrong" from Psychology Today. I recommend reading the whole thing.

There's a particularly interesting quiz at the end of the article.

I excerpted the below primarily because I have some acquaintances who constantly tell me how safe marijuana is (especially compared to tobacco and alcohol) and because this seems to be a hot topic, generally. Seems the folks at Psychology Today agree. I need to research exactly why marijuana legislation came about

VIII. We Worry About Teen Marijuana Use, But Not About Teen Sports

Risk arguments cannot be divorced from values.

If the risks of smoking marijuana are coldly compared to those of playing high-school football, parents should be less concerned about pot smoking. Death by marijuana overdose has never been reported, while 13 teen players died of football-related injuries in 2006 alone. And marijuana impairs driving far less than the number one drug used by teens: alcohol. Alcohol and tobacco are also more likely to beget addiction, give rise to cancer, and lead to harder drug use.

If the comparison feels absurd, it's because judgments of risk are inseparable from value judgments. We value physical fitness and the lessons teens learn from sports, but disapprove of unearned pleasure from recreational drugs. So we're willing to accept the higher level of risk of socially preferred activities—and we mentally magnify risks associated with activities society rejects, which leads us to do things like arresting marijuana smokers.

"Risk decisions are not about risks alone," says Slovic. "People usually take risks to get a benefit." The value placed on that benefit is inherently subjective, so decisions about them cannot be made purely "on the science."

Psychology Today: 10 Ways We Get the Odds Wrong

 

Technorati Tags: news,risk,odds,marijuana

New year, new rules...

My mother said several years ago that she would begin saying what she really thinks... thank goodness she hasn't completely followed through with that threat. Each year, around the beginning of the new year, she tells us how we should assert ourselves, make positive changes in our lives, and how *she* is going to change in the coming year.

Here's her New Year's Day proclamation:

 

Technorati Tags: Leopard,video,funny

Justin sings

I got a new camera for Christmas and I love it. If you follow my flickr pictures, you'll hopefully notice my posting many more pictures in the coming weeks and months. This camera also includes the ability to record videos...

I visited Justin and Allison last night when they returned from Middle Tennessee. Allison got this neat new head scarf that's constructed in such a way that it stays on your head (it has a little "head pocket"). Justin put it on and we asked him to sing "Mary Did You Know?" -- he didn't sing that... instead, we got this:

Thanks Justin!

 

Technorati Tags: Video,Funny,Song

flickr Statistics amaze me

Those of you who use flickr (and have "PRO" accounts) may have noticed last week that you now can see more detailed statistics on your photos. It's pretty neat to see from which websites you're getting visitors, who's viewing your pictures. For instance, I notice from my statistics, that some at wikiHow wrote on article titled "How to Recycle Your Socks" and used one of my flickr pictures to illustrate the article.

Here's a snapshot of my statistics page -- detailed stats are available only for the last 34 days or so (how long they've been gathering detailed stats). The numbers below are truly "all time" numbers, though:

I'm charmed that "Nathan gets a handful" is number one... Not one of my most flattering pictures, but, I've pretty much committed to sharing everything publicly. Heaven help me if I ever decide to run for high public office -- I'm screwed.

I notice also that for some reason, my picture of the Little Family is consistently ranked very highly. No one has looked at it recently, however.

I can't imagine why the picture of Lindsay with the blue tongue ranks so highly. Here are the most recent (last 34 days or so) referrers (how people found it) for that picture:

My flip flops are very popular. Here's the referrer list (again, only flickr searches) for that picture:

It seems that when you search Yahoo news or images for Destin, some of my pics come up. Same for Jackson, MS and/or the St. Patrick's Day parade.

I'm a *huge* fan of flickr, by the way. I think you all should be uploading your pictures. If you're still thinking about what I should get you for Christmas, I'll be glad to buy my friends/family a pro account on flickr. Just let me know. :)

 

Technorati Tags: flickr,statistics,technology,strange statistics

Facebook advertising

I know that Facebook is a commercial enterprise, they're in the business of making money. I don't pay anything for my use of their service -- the ads they present on their pages pay for my usage...

I like Facebook. I love the clean interface (though it's becoming more cluttered every day). MySpace allows users to customize their profile pages in almost every way imaginable and those customized pages are often hard on the eyes and on the computer (some pages cause my poor laptop to literally grind to a halt). Facebook, again, is cool and clean.

Mostly, though, I like Facebook because they seem to me to be "good guys". Yeah, they're making money, but they're perceived as being concerned about their users and doing the right thing. Kind of like Google, in my mind. "Don't be evil" and all that.

This evening, however, I was confronted with something that made me stop and think for a moment.

Click the above for a larger version -- you'll notice (even in this small picture) a large "Continue" button in "Facebook Blue". It looks like a genuine Facebook button... but it's not. It takes the user to the site of an advertiser.

I don't mind the ads, I've already said that. I don't like being tricked, however. I wish Facebook would limit these kinds of ads -- their presence seems duplicitous and not at all in line with my view of the "good Facebook".

 

Technorati Tags: Facebook,ads,social networking

Christmas shopping.. blech

I've done very little Christmas shopping. I've bought a few things for my parents (to give people), but in truth I've really bought nothing for anyone. Those who know me know that I don't give many Christmas presents anyway -- and they almost always come after Christmas. I hate trying to figure out what to get people; I don't want to give meaningless trinkets... To that end, I present my Christmas 2007 Gift Survey (link). If anyone has anything particularly interesting on their list, I might say something about it (won't use your name, of course). You're also, free, of course, to discuss that as a comment to this post!

I meant to publish this several weeks ago... :)

Can you hear this?

According to Wikipedia, these sounds started out as a way to repel "young loiterers" outside shops in Europe. List below are certain tones that you should (or shouldn't) be able to hear based on age. Apparently, young people are using these sounds as ring-tones so the old folks (teachers, etc) can't tell when they're getting text messages or telephone calls in class. Give this a try and let me know, in the comments, when you can't hear the tones.

The the one labeled 30 & younger is audible to me... The 16.7khz tone (younger than 24) is barely audible to me. The 17.7khz tone (younger than 24) MIGHT be audible -- or I might just wish to be hearing it. Beyond that, I can't hear a thing. Really: I want to know your results!

I may use this as my "alert" tone on the instant messenger at work.

8khz - Everyone

10khz 60 & Younger

12khz 50 & Younger

14.1khz 49 & Younger

14.9khz 39 & Younger

15.8khz 30 & Younger

16.7khz < 24

17.7khz < 24

18.8khz < 24

19.8khz < 24

21.1khz < 24

22.4khz < 24

 

The source for these particular tones is Free Mosquito Ringtones.

 

Technorati Tags: Teen Buzz,Mosquito,Mosquito Ringtone,ringtone

Funny moments for Doctors

 

3. One day I had to be the bearer of bad news when I told a wife that her husband had died of a massive myocardial infarct. Not more than five minutes later, I heard her reporting to the rest of the family that he had died of a "massive internal fart."
Submitted by! Dr. Susan Steinberg

Funny moments for Doctors | Bubblejive.com

I was amused.. Click the link for some more funny stories.

I remember hearing a story about an intern who one time visited an establishment specializing in "adult entertainment". This intern, we'll call him Dr. John, was with a group celebrating the upcoming nuptials of a friend. At these establishments, as I understand it, the entertainers or dancers (if you prefer) often walk around to solicit business ("private dances"). One such entertainer approached Dr. John and rubbed her fingers across his shoulders, bent low, and ran her fingers up his thighs in a rather intimate manner. John was thunderstruck. He said, "Good goobledy gosh, what are you doing?" The entertainer replied, "Don't worry, honey, I'm a professional." John, thinking quickly, placed his hand on a spot that isn't generally permitted or encouraged in such establishments... the entertainer's eyes widened and she gasped, "What do you think you're doing????" John replied, "Don't worry, honey, I'm a doctor."

That's how the story was told to me, at least. :)

Man stabs pit bull in attack

 

When McElrath looked outside, he saw a pit bill attacking his pet. After repeatedly beating the pit with a skillet to no effect, McElrath retrieved an eight-inch butcher knife and began to stab the pit bull.

Dyersburg State Gazette: Story: Man stabs pit bull in attack

 

Wow. My father told me about this a few weeks ago. I looked up the story tonight.

I don't hate pit bulls, I don't even dislike them. I hate that they have so often become status symbols and even weapons. I am disgusted with irresponsible pet owners. I am sad that two animals, in this case, died because of an irresponsible dog owner failed to properly restrain his animal, that that animal was not properly cared for even when his owner was incarcerated.

 

Technorati Tags: pit bull,pit bull attack,animal welfare

Too much information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMEN

 

Technorati Tags: Chistmas,Cartoon,Funny

What's the point?

I bought a loaf of bread at Wal-Mart last night.

I bought wheat bread -- I can't think of a sandwich that's not better on wheat bread (and I had a long conversation with Judy about just that topic today -- she seems to think fried eggs are better on white bread). I especially love Peanut Butter on wheat bread, flavorful wheat bread. Mmmm. Good.

So, I'm shopping for bread at Wal-Mart. There are, literally, dozens of brands and varieties available. It's much easier to buy bread at Foodrite. A larger selection is not always better for this small-town boy.

I have made my selection and I notice that right next to my chosen loaf is another loaf of the same type -- but it's only a HALF loaf. "Wow," I thought, "great, I probably won't eat this full loaf before it goes stale. I'll buy a half loaf." Yeah, good thought, but I checked the price (something I'm not known to do). I would expect the half-loaf to be half the price of the full loaf.... wrong. It was about 75% the cost of the full thing. So, my math friends, what's my return on investment?

I dunno. I don't care.

I might eat more than half this loaf. I might eat as much as 75%! I'm just gonna take my chances with the whole loaf.

 

Technorati Tags: bread,loaf,half-loaf,Wal-Mart

Fun on the forums

I'm amazed at what people are willing to say online.

Here's my favorite from the recent past:

Both of these are from the Jackson Sun online forums...

See Beautiful Cincinnati

The Jackson Sun had a teaser today about flights now being available to Cincinnati from McKellar-Sipes regional airport in Jackson. Delta Connection flights begin tomorrow, November 18.

This excites me for several reasons. Cincinnati is a great city to visit. Great food, one of the finest zoos in the nation, concerts and shows, these are all available in Cincinnati. It's too far to drive quickly, but I can see hopping on a puddle-jumper and flying into town for a few days.

I had a look at pricing:

So -- I could fly to Cincinnati for $140 round-trip to celebrate the new year!

I wonder what's going on in Ohio on December 31? What are you doing New Year's Eve?

 

Technorati Tags: Cincinnati,Jackson TN,Delta,Flights,Cheap,Entertainment

9 Words That Don't Mean What You Think

 9 Words That Don't Mean What You Think | Cracked.com

Irregardless

People think it means:
Regardless.

Actually means:
Not a damned thing.

This is not a word. Now, we have no problem with making up words (if a particular scent can only be described as "fartalicious," we reserve the right to call it so). The problem with this one is "regardless" already means something isn't worth regard (that's why the "less" is there) so adding the "ir" to it means... it's worth regarding again? Who knows.

 

My father and I have discussed this word for years. When he wants to especially aggravate me -- or make a point about how ridiculous something is, he'll use this word.

Yeah Dad. You're right. Click the link above to see some other words that are commonly misused.

 

Technorati Tags: irregardless,words,english,dumb

Bluetooth

I broke down right after my birthday and bought a bluetooth headset for my cell-phone. It's obnoxious, yes, but it's also addictive. The thing is feather-weight; I won't say I don't notice that it's there, but it's certainly better than any other cell headset I've ever used. And CONVENIENT! I simply press a button on the side of the headset and say the name of the person to whom I wish to speak and TA DA.. I'm connected. I don't even have to find my cell-phone -- it can be in my briefcase behind the car seat or even across the room. Truly amazing. Oh... and I can use the stupid thing with the computer and with my desk phone too.

Bluetooth headsets are becoming ubiquitous. You're not a yuppy without a bluetooth headset. You're not successful unless you have a bluetooth headset. Whatever.. I just think it's incredibly useful.

More than ever, though, I find myself talking into the air, waving my hands, and seemingly acting insane. People stare -- yes, they do. If they see the tiny little headset perched on my ear, they may get the picture, but elseways they think I'm just nuts... Lots of people think I'm nuts anyway; I'm used to it.

It *is* horribly rude to use the thing in restaurants or overmuch in public. It's useful driving, walking down the street, etc, but I'm not about to sit in the Toot-N-Tell-It talking on my bluetooth headset. While the sound quality is acceptable, one does have to speak up a bit to make certain the person on the other end can hear you. This louder than normal tone isn't appropriate for places you're going to hanging around very long. You should piss people off and then move on... Don't use it in church, at the funeral home, in a restaurant, the doctor's office, on the bus, on the plane, etc....

See this hand video for tips on dealing bluetooth nerds in restaurants:

 

Technorati Tags: bluetooth,rude,annoying,technology,Larry David

Men's restroom etiquette

I was speaking the other day with a lady about the restrooms in a convenience store in Trenton. For years, this particular store's restrooms had been ATROCIOUS; they were absolute hell-holes. I remember well when people sneaked into the restroom to smoke crack and other illicit substances -- and that wasn't the worst smell that seemed always to pervade the rooms... Recently, however, the store's been undergoing a major renovation. Along with the rest of the store, the restrooms have been completely redone. They are now sparklingly clean, pristine, lovely, a wonder to behold in a small town like Trenton. This conversation about the restrooms in the convenience store led to a conversation on bathroom etiquette -- especially among men.

I know that this topic has been covered by numerous bloggers and pundits on the web, but I thought I'd give my take on this most delicate and important subject.

Men's restrooms are magical. They are like the fortress of solitude. On entering a restroom, all men become blind deaf mutes. We see nothing. We hear nothing. We do not speak. A roaring conversation can be continued down the hall to the restroom but once we pass the solemn thresh-hold of the lavatory, we become as monks sworn to silence. At most, we might communicate with a grunt, a nod of recognition, but more commonly, nothing is said, no one's presence is acknowledged. It's as if you become an island of your own in the restroom. Eye contact is strictly avoided -- but more importantly, we don't really look *anywhere*. Focus on the task at hand, as it were, and move along. Keep your head down, your hands to yourself and no one gets hurt.

I had the privilege (I guess) of sharing the restroom with a recently re-elected governor several months ago. It was one of the strangest experiences of my life -- I'm an outgoing person, I talk to everyone. He's much the same way, after all, he's a politician. Though we were almost side-by-side (there was one empty urinal between us), I didn't even recognize that he was in the restroom until the attendant (this was a swanky affair) became confused as to who he should offer soap (as we arrived at the sinks at the exact same moment). Of course, I let the governor go first.

There are dozens of resources detailing proper bathroom etiquette available on the internet... Here's an excerpt from the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette:

To choose the middle of three urinals is to commit an act of pure, unadulterated selfishness, and for it one should be ashamed. Instead, one should immediately proceed the the end urinal which is furthest from the door, or alternatively, best smelling.

What are your thoughts about restroom etiquette?

Technorati Tags: men's restroom,etiquette,protocol,rules

Come to the dark side?

I like Fred,  but he reminds me a bit of Emperor Palpatine in this picture.

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Election 2008,Fred Thompson,Palpatine

And he sings!

My brother takes "voice" from some folks in Alamo, TN. They have two annual shows -- one in the summer and one at Christmas. This year, Samuel's solo was "The Music of the Night" from the Phantom of the Opera. He was amazing... Here are a few clips.



And his group...

A smoking pile of rubble

In the total loss of building use scenario, what likely exists will be a smoking pile of rubble. This rubble will contain many components that could be dangerous. It could also contain any personnel on the premises at the time of the disaster. For these reasons, the local fire marshal with the assistance of the police will control the site until the building is no longer a threat to surrounding properties and the companies have secured the site from the general public.

I've been reading the disaster recovery plan for one of our providers. Above is a particularly fun paragraph.

Technorati Tags:disaster recovery, catastrophy, smoking pile of rubble

Breaking news?

I know that I tend to ramble here. The websites that offer recommendations on blogging say that you should pick a topic and stick to it. Oh well.

On September 24, our little town adopted a new law that may be controversial in some circles. It was on the local television news on October 9, Tuesday of last week (see the previous blog post). It showed up as "Breaking News" on the main local daily newspaper late last week (Friday I think). Their coverage on this breaking news story (almost a month old now) was basically, "City passes ordinance restricting ownership of some dogs." Seriously. It was one line -- on the website. No story followed the next day.

There was a message on my answering machine tonight from a reporter for the local daily newspaper. She left the message at about 7:45 for a news story that will, I guess, run tomorrow. I returned her call just after 10 o'clock. She thanked me for my call but said she'd already filed the story.

I have no idea why this has become an issue now. Further bulletins as events warrant... :)