Random Learnings #55
Many (most?) newspapers have soft paywalls that allows you to read a few articles before require you to subscribe. My local newspaper, the Minnesota Star-Tribune, is no different: the headline…
Lèse-majesté
Following the September 11 attacks, holding rational, fact-based discussions with regards to cause and effect, religious freedoms (or lack thereof), national security, what would constitute an appropriate response, or any…
Car Mileage
Returning from Iowa recently, the odometer on my 2013 VW Jetta reached the interesting mileage 123,456. So are there any upcoming interesting odometer readings? I missed factorial mileage 112,624 and…
Immaculate Inning and Spies
Sunday, Miami Marlin's pitcher Cal Quantrill pitched an immaculate inning, striking out three batters on nine pitches. Though exceeding rare at one time - none between 1928 and 1953 -…
Non-Traditional Families
[Disclaimer: the following happened decades ago, time likely makes for faulty or embellished memories. Names changed in the extremely-unlikely chance that someone who knows the family actually reads this and…
Random Learnings #54
I recently traveled to Athens, Greece to speak at Devoxx Greece, without question the furthest south and east in Europe I've been. The above is a Greek typewriter, with -…
Memories of Mom #37
Mom was always leery about medicine, but in particular I remember her pushing back on x-rays unless absolutely necessary. My guess is that they were somewhat safe, but probably used…
Memories of Mom #36
As the first grandchild, many similar versions of this picture exist: Baby Scott climbing into and out of the sandbox in Evanston, IL. The home movies from that day demonstrate…
Charley Finley and NIL
Charley Finley was the owner of the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics for twenty years, 1960 to 1980. During that time he successfully alienated his players, fellow owners, and even…
Random Learnings #53
The Italian city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) was the center of a controversy between Italy and the nascent state of Yugoslavia about its post-World War I control, called the…