jimothy's blog

The Paradox of Choice

A recent book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz, has been getting quite a bit of attention lately. In it, Schwartz contends—and his research backs this up—that people are frequently less satisfied as the are offered more choices.

Endorsing the Candidates

Today, residents of Iowa will participate in the state's causas, the first in this election. They will cast their vote for the Democratic party's presidential nominee. The Iowa caucus draws a lot of national attention because it is the first test for the candidates, and establishes the elections early leaders...and losers.

Personal Progress

There ain't no rules around here. We're trying to accomplish something! --Thomas Alvo Edison

If you've ever been thrust onto a project already in progress, you've no doubt gone through a few different phases. No, I'm not talking about project phases, such as design, develop, test, etc.

Don't be afraid to be wrong

As I drove to work one particularly foggy morning, I listened to a National Public Radio report about research done on fruit flies. A scientist believes he had isolated the gene that not only affects whether the flies are better adapted to cold or hot weather, but also their mating compatibility. The cold weather flies mate with each other, while the same warm whether flies stick together.

Code rage

Most people believe they are a better driver than the rest of the motorists on the road. Of course, that can't possibly true; there has to be at least a handful of below average drivers. And you know who they are. The jerks to your left, right, front, and rear on the highway.

Standards Killed the IDE Star

Committees never have vision. They have meetings—John C. Welch

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry