The Second-Rate Scientist Report for August 16, 2019

A (surprisingly food-heavy) roundup of second-rate thoughts from a first-rate week.

I once was able to

I once was able to just walk out of church, get into my car and go about my daily business.

Do Not Reply

I’m pretty sure the person who created the “Do Not Reply” email, those message addenda which tell you that no one will pay any attention to your return communication, was a parent.

Yesterday

My wife and I had a chance to see the movie "Yesterday," about a struggling musician who is hit by a bus and awakens to find that he's the only one who remembers the Beatles, and can therefore enlighten the world. It was really good.

Train Them Up!

". . . the quiz answers are so obvious that you’d have to be a, well, moron, to NOT find the correct option. . ."

Less Desirable “Character” Awards

Like happens often this time of year, my kids’ school gave out “character” awards as a way of honoring the hard work and unique personalities of the children. In our case, these were based on desirable traits of Bible characters (e.g. The Noah Award for leadership). I love it. It did make me reflect, however, … Continue reading Less Desirable “Character” Awards →

Rethinking Tech Privacy

People are upset that Amazon employees are listening in on our private conversations through our Alexa devices. I say it won’t be a problem much longer...

That’s (Evidently) Amore!

I don’t know what the rest of you did for Valentine’s Day, but my lovely lady and I spent an intimate evening . . .

Life in the Saloon

Now that my kids have learned to play the piano, often providing the soundtrack to our lives these days, it sometimes feels like we’re living in an Old West saloon.

Milk-Emotion Protocol

I understand that you're not supposed to cry over spilled milk. But what about when you trudge out to the store in the early morning subzero wind chills to buy milk, and then trudge back home with milk, and then five minutes after you bring milk into the homestead . . .

The Human Alarm Clock

Modern alarm clocks and apps usually have a setting which allows them to become progressively louder or more obnoxious as the minutes tick away. I realized this morning that I have become this for my family, as my tone and language escalates . . .

Hypocrisy, Theater Edition

#HaveYouSeenThosePrices

“Helping” the Mechanic

It's a blessing. And it's brutal.

When One Droor Closes – Ask the Scientist //2

". . .because a chart there is!”