Thursday, 29 Nov 2007

Ok, so in thinking about it I have come up with a new list of criteria for what makes the ‘perfect’ paper delivery - from a delivery point of view. (actually this might be the same list I posted before (I am too lazy to check) but I don’t THINK this is the same list)

This score includes aspects of the paper itself as well as external factors like the weather.

Here’s how to rank the delivery for a specific day. Every day has the potential for perfection and starts with a score of 10, subtract 1 point for each aspect below that applies.

• Paper has more than 2 sections (-1 for each additional section)
• Paper is larger or heavier than ideal (-1 for each that applies - don’t count this if next applies)
• Paper is too large to stuff in bags/store in car easily (-2)
• Paper is too heavy to throw easily (-1)
• Paper is too light to throw easily (-1)
• Paper has a sticker on the front page (-1)
• Paper has stiff inserts that make it hard to fold(-1)

• I feel REALLY tired (-1)
• I feel sick (-1)
• I feel so sick I need to stop during delivery to nap or vomit (-2)
• It’s raining (-1 point for additional time spent doublebagging), (-1 if weather is below 45 degrees)
• It’s cold (-1 if below 35 degrees, -2 if below 10 degrees)
• It’s sleeting (-1)
• There is 2 or more inches of sleet on the ground (-1)
• It’s over 85 degrees (-1)
• Get a flat tire or have other car problems (-1)
• Break something with thrown paper (-1 for each $25 in value of object broken, round down)
• Have or hear unpleasant conversation with co-worker (-1)
• Run out of papers so I don’t get my copy (-1)

So that’s the basic score for the paper delivery scenario for a specific day. Even with all those negative factors there are other things that can occur that can change the overall experience.

• Sky is clear with stars visible (+1)
• See unusual wildlife (e.g. anything other than rabbits or cats) (+1)
• Get tip from unexpected source or a very generous tip (+1 for each that applies)
• Hear a really good song on the radio (+1)
• Have pleasant conversation with co-worker or customer (+1)

Using this matrix, today was an 8. It felt like an ‘8′ sort of day, so for now I’ll say the scheme is working

Thursday, 15 Nov 2007

The physics are way over my head - whenever you start talking about objects with 57 dimensions my mind just glazes (48 is really the max I can keep track of in my head) - but this article and related ones on the object called
E8 are peeks into a world most of us aren’t even aware exists.

Thursday, 8 Nov 2007

http://www.lunapads.com/productfaq/divacup.htm?PriceCat=2&Lang=EN-US#whatisdivacup

I am close to speechless. Logically I can see the argument for reusable, less toxic alternatives to ‘modern’ feminine products, but at a gut level? Ew. Just Ew.  The topic is ripe for lampooning and various horrific not funny at all to the wearer scenarios but which I think have some comic potential spring readily to mind then leave just as quickly when I think more about them. Ew.  One reason I am glad I am not an ovulating female.

Thursday, 8 Nov 2007

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=7268695

Got that? Always make sure the people around you are flame-retardant.

I know the Sheriff meant to emphasize the importance of having halloween costumes that aren’t likely to burst into flames, but still, I like the imagery of someone going around a bar on halloween night, making sure the people around him are flame retardant.  “Excuse me, hey buddy - are you and your friends Flame Retardant? What? You’re not?  Would you mind standing over … there then?  No, just a little further… Right THERE!  perfect. Thanks.”

Blogged with Flock

Thursday, 1 Nov 2007

I catnap a lot. Sometimes planned, most often not. This morning I got home from delivering papers and just napped in the car before I went in the house. For over an hour. Sometimes it’s less disruptive and more time efficient to just nap in the car in the driveway then get out of the car, walk to the house, unlock the house, go to my room, take off my shoes, set two alarms so I don’t sleep all day, then get under the covers and try to relax to go sleep. Dozing in the car in the driveway is much faster - going from awake to asleep as the feeling of sleepiness is washing over me takes very little time. If I am tired enough the car is comfortable enough, but not so ‘enough’ that I will sleep overly long.

the other day as I was drifting off to sleep I woke up and realized I was starting to dream think - that thinking you do in dreams that seems logical but isn’t at all. The thing I was thinking of as if were a perfectly natural and reasonable idea when I suddenly awoke was of making cookies into afghans. (The blankets, not the mideasterners) If you’ve never watched someone crocheting squares or circles for knitted afghans you probably won’t have any idea what I am talking about.