I hate graphs

Some of you know that I type my notes out. I find it more presentable, and it gives me an excuse to review each week's material.

Economics classes use lots of graphs. Lots of graphs. I started the semester by drawing them on the computer, but I quickly realized this was far too time-consuming. Instead, I now leave a space in my notes, print them out, and draw them by hand. Even so, if I'm trying to be neat and presentable, hand-drawing graphs takes a long time.

Usually my micro and macro classes have lots of graphs, and I've just gotten used to it. This week takes the cake, though. 17 graphs in my macro class, 9 in micro. I've been typing notes and drawing graphs for the last hour and three quarters, and I'm still not finished!

After this semester, I never want to draw graphs again ever in my life.

Grab bag of links

I've been checking out a bunch of new blogs this week, so a lot of the grab bag is from them... just for a change.

1. Why great writing doesn't matter online -- the basic premise of this article is that online, unlike print media, good ideas are more important than good writing.

2. Why be rich? -- not a rhetorical question, but a serious one. In short, the author argues that being rich is a means to other goals, not an end in itself.

3. 10 reasons you should never get a job -- controversial, abrasively-written, and (above all) long, this article isn't for the faint of heart. I don't necessarily agree with it, but it's definitely thought-provoking.

4. If you're so smart, why aren't you rich? -- I've asked myself this question way too many times lately. The author (Philip Brewer) argues that now is the shining hour for smart people... if you can claim it.

5. Social media in the 1990s -- a funny comparison of social media today and 10 years ago (example: "Before YouTube, there was America's Funniest Home Videos).

6. 1000 true fans -- a different way of looking at marketing your blog / music / book / art / etc., Kevin Kelly argues that instead of trying to be the next Amazon or Google, what you should be aiming for are 1000 "true fans."

7. Why bother having a resume -- in yet another controversial article, Seth Godin argues that great jobs don't get filled by people with resumes, but with spectacular reputations or already-completed projects. He argues that if you're really good, you shouldn't even have a resume. Your mileage may vary.

8. Martin Sheen burns a hypo-Christian -- video from the West Wing. A thinly-veiled burn at Doctor Laura. Very entertaining, and useful for anyone who wants to know chapter-and-verse to refute fundamentalist anti-homosexuals.

9. Research sources for writers: a guide to backing up your words -- where to go for research beyond Google. Includes a list of links to full-length, free academic articles.

Layabout

Today, for the first time since Feb. 1 (that's seven and a half weeks, for those who are counting), I haven't left the house all day. Not for class, work, or coffee with friends. Not even to go to the library or do errands. Nothing.

It feels really weird. And not entirely pleasant. I like getting out of the house, or at least having company over here.

On the other hand, if the unpleasant-being-at-home-involuntarily situation only pops up once every two months, I certainly can't complain.