From the CI cutting room floor...

I've officially gotten the kibosh on a recent post intended for the CI blog.  It's disappointing to have a somewhat interesting topic (referencing an article in which I was quoted, no less) rejected because it has a small potential for controversy.  I sincerely think CI's loss to not have it published, and the debate has made clear the blog's lack of potential.

It was still a worthwhile mental exercise to look at the two contrasting data points and compose a few succinct reflections, though.  The only way to get the post published on the CI blog would have been to neuter it, replacing all the interesting bits of outside data with something vague like, "Other poll data indicates..."  In my mind, that would take away the whole point of the post and make it just unsolicited self-promotion.  I wouldn't want to put out a blog post in my name that just does that.

My work won't make it onto the CI blog this time, but to keep it from totally going to waste, I've surreptitiously posted a version right here:

Turning change into real money

That, times like 40

Coins are basically useless.  After a few unproductive minutes, I couldn't come up with stats on the breakdown of credit, debit and cash purchases.  But even that cash portion is mostly paper.  And don't get me started on the silly dollar coins.  Change is dead weight, until you find a reasonable way to cash them in in bulk.

With an impending move and pounds of currency, I figured it was time to do so.  I really should have taken a picture of my pile of cash, but didn't think of it.  So the left will have to do, with some imagination.  In that quantity, it was worth a thorough consideration of the hassle of counting and rolling coins versus the usurious rates charged by counting services.

The Striker's Mentality

The Beautiful Game.  Well, it might not live up to the appellation when the Terrible Tiggers take the field, but we do what we can.  And in my case, that involves little else than putting shots on goal.

In my other sports -- basketball, frisbee, etc. -- I've developed the skills to patiently work the (flat)ball for high-percentage scoring opportunities.  However, despite so many semi-hungover mornings watching the EPL, my soccer skills are still in their adolescent phase.  I'm generally good at watching my betters and synthesizing what I see for my own use.  That said, my best attribute as a soccer player is probably my willingness to simply send the ball toward the goal.