Weeknote 28, 2023

§1 Python

A habit I'm working on breaking as I learn Python: Skimming lightly through the introductory material because “I already know that.” No harm is done by remaining open to the possibility that I don't.

§2 “Skilljacking”

“Will Truman” is the pseudonym of an ordinary gentleman with an extraordinary pen, which he wields without mercy in this parody of how business journalists discuss paying for labor.

§3 Mario Lanza

This album was #1 on the Billboard album chart for 36 weeks in 1954-1955, but has been more or less forgotten. Learn why an earlier generation loved it!

§4 Lalo Schrifin

According to musical historian Ted Gioia, composer Lalo Schrifin's inspiration for the rousing motif of the Mission: Impossible theme was the Morse code for “M” and “I”! He gave a beat-and-a-half to each of the two dashes of the M and a beat to each of the two dots of the I, then set those five beats to a 5/4 rhythm.

§5 Quotations

“Therapy isn't about being happy, it's about honestly knowing who you are, and then picking a suitable life. Every day you must consciously choose who you are. Choose.” — “The Last Psychiatrist”

“When an expert writes a book for the public, he is writing for an audience largely unqualified to assess its claims[.]” — Charles Lambdin

“To operate efficiently and effectively, the Nation relies on the flow of objective, credible statistics to support the decisions of individuals, households, governments, businesses, and other organizations.” — The Office of Management and Budget of the United States Government