- Apple. The new version of iTunes contains functionality called "genius." As far as I can tell, it does two things. First, it tries to sell you music based on tastes demonstrated in your existing iTunes library. That's cool - I respect a good capitalistic sales technique ... bully for Apple. The second one is the one that makes me nervous. It creates playlists from your existing library. Basically, you select a song you own, hit the genius button, and voila: it poops out a playlist of songs it thinks will go well with the selected song. It's scary good. Obviously, Apple has implanted that bug from the Wrath of Khan in my brain and knows my tastes better than I do. Time for a cat scan.
- Before going any further on the second one, let me just clarify that I have zero allegiance to any political party. I just don't care about the republican, democrat, green, communist, etc etc etc brands. But the system is making me nervous because it creates sub-optimal choices. Both Obama and Palin are intelligent, energetic, appealing people - but neither one is qualified for the job they're standing for. McCain and Biden are qualified but McCain has had to become something less than he was and could be in order to win. Blah.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Two Things That Are Making Craig Bob Nervous ...
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15 comments:
To number one: I haven't tried the genius button but I'm looking forward to it, because I know there's stuff on my iPod that I don't even know about, from when I bought soundtracks and compilations and stuff. The other day I had it on shuffle for a few hours, but had to keep skipping over my audio books that don't have the right audio book tag.
To number two: You're spot on, Craig, except for the fact that this "longest campaign in history", has been a little bit of a proving ground, I think. I miss the McCain of 2000. I'm pretty much just feeling that all four of them are better than the @#$%^'s who we've had the last eight years. Trying to focus on something to be thankful for, no matter how this election that is sure to be close goes.
I had a similar experience with shuffle except it kept inserting selections from my Christmas music collection; gave me whiplash in May. On the other, I've voted in every general election since I was 18 and this time I've been tempted to sit out (maybe it's the distance). But I won't - we are mailing in our overseas vote-by-mail applications this week.
Re: #1, we've been over this. iPods are a brilliant piece of marketing, bordering on consumer fraud.
Re: #2 Thanks for acknowledging what he media won't -- you can't call Palin unqualified without calling Obama equally unqualified (and perhaps even less qualified, by some measures).
Biden is a walking human howitzer -- a Ronco Gaffe-a-Matic.
As for McCain having to "become less than he was and could be in order to win," what, are you new here? Welcome to politics -- where everything is reduced to the lowest common denominator.
At the risk of overextending a useful metaphor, how someone interviews (or campaigns, as the case may be) can say a lot about their temperment and suitability for a position. In that regard I am far more impressed with Obama than either McCain or Palin.
As anyone who has every hired someone knows, just because someone interviews well doesn't mean he's qualified for the job.
but isn't that the point of an interview?
There's always a risk when you make an investment whether it's a new hire, a stock, a vote, etc. But the interview or campaign process should enable you to minimize the risk by getting at least a partially good look at the investment.
I don't want the least common denominator. I want an experienced, globally aware, operationally gifted leader.
... Oh and I want a new pony too.
I'm waiting to see which candidate (McCain or Obama) can get his dogs to stop barking through the night.
"but isn't that the point of an interview?"
No, Savannah. Actually the interview is pretty much the last thing you do, after you check the person's resume and references, run a background check, etc. It's to round out your overall impression of the person and add dimension to the research you've already done.
"I don't want the least common denominator. I want an experienced, globally aware, operationally gifted leader."
Yeah, you know, I wanna be taller, better looking and richer too -- I'm not getting that either.
Fact of life, that in order to get elected politicians usually have to compromise on some issues and even pander to the voters. Obama did on the latest wiretap provisions, and McCain has done it on offshore drilling, to name just two examples.
Despite that, ideally you pick the one who who is most qualified and authentic, or least makes your gag reflex kick in the least.
You're adorable when you drop into lecture mode.
I always aspire to adorable.
But if you can see a flaw in either my facts or my logic, I'd love to know.
No complaints with the logic. But in my post-evangelical, morally relativistic, French-tinged state of mind I winced at the presentation of those two processes as THE way to hire and THE way to choose a candidate. I would say that they are each ONE viable scenario among many.
FDR was once called "a second rate intellect with a first rate temperment." Say what you will about Obama's intellect--I certainly don't think he is lacking in that department--but you can't deny that he has a steady, thoughtful temperment. A marked contrast to his opponent, and a breath of fresh air after two terms of Bush & Co.
Smart guy, no question.
But no experience and associations (Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko) that call his character and authenticity into question.
And no cojones, from what I can tell -- I don't trust this guy to protect my children.
But then, my priorities may be different from yours -- the crazies tried to kill my kids two years ago.
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