Some interesting tidbits from discussions with people have triggered some thoughts on my part.
These discussions were centered around sports, hence the "X's and O's" title; has nothing to do with smooching...
As a "stat geek" I've generally rated things based on the numbers. "This team is good because they hit .280 collectively." Or, "this product performs well because it's always near the specification target."
What I'm discovering statistics to be missing, however, is the human factor in all this.
Like, just because "this product" performs well in a controlled environment does not always mean it will perform well in an uncontrolled one.
If a baseball team collectively hits .280, they do hit pretty well, but does that mean they're winners? The stat geek in me would want to seek out additional stats to try and predict this, but without actually watching them play, we don't know if they're going to be winners or not.
The point is, life doesn't always go to plan. Stats can't always predict outcomes. The human brain has sophistication the modern computer will never have, and vice versa. The problem is, we're really starting to ignore this brain of ours.
Can stats predict the cohesiveness of a baseball team? No.
Can stats predict locker room chemistry of a football team? Of course not! Look at the numbers T.O. put up over his career. The most important one, number of super bowl rings, is zero. I bet he'd trade all of those TD catches for just one piece of bling that says he won the big one.
Compared to a silicone microchip, our brain seems even more powerful. If you take a 2GHz dual core processor, you're essentially moving zeros and ones through the each circuit at a rate of one billion units per second. Circuits in the human brain can only move thousands of bits of data per second (however, the human brain probably doesn't work with binary code, this "code" is yet undetermined). Chincy, right? Wrong. There are billions of circuits in the brain that work like this in harmonious synchronization. That means that billions of connections are moving thousands of bits per second, all at the same time! A thousand billion is a trillion. Even the most powerful computer chips can't match that kind of power...
A brain can recognize a face by the time you snap your fingers. A computer? It may not be able to do it at all, and if it can, it's only an estimate based on imaging techniques that are very complicated programs to write and maintain.
A computer can "do math" much faster than a human can. But, humans have to teach it how. Additionally, computers can't recognize a screwy result very fast, but a human can!
So, my message today is to never forget your natural intuition and don't ignore your instincts. They served our ancestors well, whom we are all descended from, that lived in a very difficult and harsh environment that you or I can only imagine.
Computers are a tool, nothing more. The human element is more important. Don't forget to realize your potential and don't put too much stock in computer generated statistics and other tools.
This has been a random rumbling from a grumbling fool.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Anxiety and the game of life.
My mom says she hates change. My dad slowly has embraced it the past 5 years or so. Ha, another proof that environment is stronger than genetics in personalities and attitudes.
Is the reason I'm looking for a new job after just 3+ years because I crave change so much?
Think about it:
Anxiety.
I want out of my job badly. Sooooo boring, I'm nothing but a paper pusher and I really have no desire to "try hard" and "move up" from this job. So many folks here are content with pushing paper and just moving up the T-scale while having essentially the same job - I don't get it. I was good at helping the international locations. I was good at mentoring the young quality engineers. Yet, they yank me from it and don't even offer the chance to interview. Pretty bush league. I don't really want to leave 3M, but I feel like I'm being pushed out the door. I like my boss a TON, but I'll admit that when I leave, there will be some satisfaction in telling him that I'm leaving. Gladly, I'll hand over my laptop, sign the paper work that I pledge never to share 3M secrets, roll my benefits over to the next company, and get going on a new stage in life!
Family.
Gotta go see mom. Haven't talked to her in awhile. The ranting really took the luster off the prospects of seeing this medal my gramps brought back from the Marines. Question is, how do I communicate to her that I don't care about all the family squabbling and conspiracy theories on why/who/what took place between Jerome and Joanne? Is there a way to do this without hurting feelings? Methinks not.
I like Rachel, and of course the new Andy is probably an improvement as he seems more grounded and settled. Not sure about this "you should be here" nonsense, though. If they really gave two shits, I'd hear about stuff that people have planned. Like my "birthday dinner" that was scheduled around their free time, not mine. It was my birthday! Another thing I have to talk with Mom about. Things on the dad front are cool as usual, though, and big-T can do no wrong!
Friends.
What the fuck's up with this bachelor party? Should I call Johnners or just say "fuck it" and let him do the legwork? Since he excludes me due to that wife of his, I owe him no help in planning this thing. Let him, er, uh, her do the planning and he can relay it to the rest of us. It had better not be the night of the 15th, though, or Carolina will be pissed! And rightfully so, I have her mother all nervous about making dinner for us that night and I can't cancel. Worst case scenario, I'll meet up with them after the dinner ends. Gotta go get fitted this week, though, maybe later today!
Life's game.
So, how to play this one, eh? So many things going on at once in people's lives. I'll admit that mis-communication is a constant and getting worse with a key person. How do I break that down and figure this out? Gawd, here I am, blogging while at work. I have plenty to do, and could have more but I have no initiative. Need. New. Job. Now!!!!!
That's it and that's all, folks!
Is the reason I'm looking for a new job after just 3+ years because I crave change so much?
Think about it:
- I've owned, let's see (I have to count them up) eight cars now. A couple of them were perfectly fine but I sold them off and got into something else, anyway. I'm also always looking at what's out there for sale.
- I have not eaten at the same place or even been to the same place or done the same thing with my gf since we met.
- I routinely get rid of my phones before the "new in two" plan takes over.
- Generally, I read part of a book or chapter before switching to work on another one, then I come back to it later.
- I get bored so easily at some things (like my current job) but stay engaged in others just as easily. What the hell?
Anxiety.
I want out of my job badly. Sooooo boring, I'm nothing but a paper pusher and I really have no desire to "try hard" and "move up" from this job. So many folks here are content with pushing paper and just moving up the T-scale while having essentially the same job - I don't get it. I was good at helping the international locations. I was good at mentoring the young quality engineers. Yet, they yank me from it and don't even offer the chance to interview. Pretty bush league. I don't really want to leave 3M, but I feel like I'm being pushed out the door. I like my boss a TON, but I'll admit that when I leave, there will be some satisfaction in telling him that I'm leaving. Gladly, I'll hand over my laptop, sign the paper work that I pledge never to share 3M secrets, roll my benefits over to the next company, and get going on a new stage in life!
Family.
Gotta go see mom. Haven't talked to her in awhile. The ranting really took the luster off the prospects of seeing this medal my gramps brought back from the Marines. Question is, how do I communicate to her that I don't care about all the family squabbling and conspiracy theories on why/who/what took place between Jerome and Joanne? Is there a way to do this without hurting feelings? Methinks not.
I like Rachel, and of course the new Andy is probably an improvement as he seems more grounded and settled. Not sure about this "you should be here" nonsense, though. If they really gave two shits, I'd hear about stuff that people have planned. Like my "birthday dinner" that was scheduled around their free time, not mine. It was my birthday! Another thing I have to talk with Mom about. Things on the dad front are cool as usual, though, and big-T can do no wrong!
Friends.
What the fuck's up with this bachelor party? Should I call Johnners or just say "fuck it" and let him do the legwork? Since he excludes me due to that wife of his, I owe him no help in planning this thing. Let him, er, uh, her do the planning and he can relay it to the rest of us. It had better not be the night of the 15th, though, or Carolina will be pissed! And rightfully so, I have her mother all nervous about making dinner for us that night and I can't cancel. Worst case scenario, I'll meet up with them after the dinner ends. Gotta go get fitted this week, though, maybe later today!
Life's game.
So, how to play this one, eh? So many things going on at once in people's lives. I'll admit that mis-communication is a constant and getting worse with a key person. How do I break that down and figure this out? Gawd, here I am, blogging while at work. I have plenty to do, and could have more but I have no initiative. Need. New. Job. Now!!!!!
That's it and that's all, folks!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Halibut vegetable chowder
Try this tasty and healthy soup. It's savory and delicious, plus it's quite flexible, you can add what you want and not dramatically change the flavor.
You will need:
Vegetables: All you really need to follow here is the onion and garlic. Add/subtract any vegetable you want, but don't add too much volume, as a 28oz can of tomatoes and 1c of liquid is all this calls for. If you want more, double up the recipe. Root and calciferous vegetables work best.
1/2c of chopped onion
Carrot (1 or 2) julienne cut
Celery stalks (1 or 2) diagonally cut
2-3 small potatoes (red) or 1 potato (russet) or 5-6 "B" red potatoes
Cauliflower and/or broccoli, stalks removed.
Corn/peas if desired, drained
1 clove garlic
Broth: Nothing fancy here...
28 oz can of tomatoes, crushed
1c water or wine. If using wine, pick a red that isn't "bold" like Pinot Noir
1 tbsp chicken bullion granules
1/4 tsp each of dried crushed thyme and basil (again, flexible, just don't overdo any particular herb)
3 tbsp parsley, minced and divided
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Meat:
1.5 lbs Alaskan Halibut, cut into 1" cubes
In a large saucepan (or stock pot if doubling up), saute vegetables in 2 tbsp oil (olive, canola, vegetable, etc.) and a little butter for flavor, if desired, for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure all veggies are coated with the oil and butter.
Add tomatoes, water/wine, bullion, herbs/salt/pepper, and 2 tbsp of the parsley. Stir well and simmer for about 20 minutes (if you're using potatoes, simmer until they're almost fully cooked), stirring occasionally.
Add halibut and simmer for another 5 or 10 minutes, or until halibut is cooked. It should flake easily with a fork when it's done and have the very bright white color that is characteristic of this fish.
Use remaining parsley as a garnish and serve hot. It's very good with crusty bread to mop up what's left of the very savory (especially if wine is used) broth. Should fill about 6 soup bowls.
It can be served with wine, a mild, drier red variety, but I prefer beer with this one. Something about hot soup and cold beer (or heck, a glass of milk is good, too!). Choose a dark one that's not heavy or sweet. Guinness draught or Lienie's Creamy Dark are both good choices. If dark, dry beer isn't your thing, try any variety you like in the winter, such as a pub ale (like Bass) or IPA. If you're one of those who won't drink anything but domestic lager, stick to wine :)
You will need:
Vegetables: All you really need to follow here is the onion and garlic. Add/subtract any vegetable you want, but don't add too much volume, as a 28oz can of tomatoes and 1c of liquid is all this calls for. If you want more, double up the recipe. Root and calciferous vegetables work best.
1/2c of chopped onion
Carrot (1 or 2) julienne cut
Celery stalks (1 or 2) diagonally cut
2-3 small potatoes (red) or 1 potato (russet) or 5-6 "B" red potatoes
Cauliflower and/or broccoli, stalks removed.
Corn/peas if desired, drained
1 clove garlic
Broth: Nothing fancy here...
28 oz can of tomatoes, crushed
1c water or wine. If using wine, pick a red that isn't "bold" like Pinot Noir
1 tbsp chicken bullion granules
1/4 tsp each of dried crushed thyme and basil (again, flexible, just don't overdo any particular herb)
3 tbsp parsley, minced and divided
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Meat:
1.5 lbs Alaskan Halibut, cut into 1" cubes
In a large saucepan (or stock pot if doubling up), saute vegetables in 2 tbsp oil (olive, canola, vegetable, etc.) and a little butter for flavor, if desired, for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure all veggies are coated with the oil and butter.
Add tomatoes, water/wine, bullion, herbs/salt/pepper, and 2 tbsp of the parsley. Stir well and simmer for about 20 minutes (if you're using potatoes, simmer until they're almost fully cooked), stirring occasionally.
Add halibut and simmer for another 5 or 10 minutes, or until halibut is cooked. It should flake easily with a fork when it's done and have the very bright white color that is characteristic of this fish.
Use remaining parsley as a garnish and serve hot. It's very good with crusty bread to mop up what's left of the very savory (especially if wine is used) broth. Should fill about 6 soup bowls.
It can be served with wine, a mild, drier red variety, but I prefer beer with this one. Something about hot soup and cold beer (or heck, a glass of milk is good, too!). Choose a dark one that's not heavy or sweet. Guinness draught or Lienie's Creamy Dark are both good choices. If dark, dry beer isn't your thing, try any variety you like in the winter, such as a pub ale (like Bass) or IPA. If you're one of those who won't drink anything but domestic lager, stick to wine :)
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