What is up with websites that list the top 1000 of history of something? I don't need to know the top 50 website tricks. Give me 10. I don't need to know the 250 books that I need to read before I die. I only have time for 20, I have to read that list of 150 GTD tips.

If one reads "classic" media (i.e. newspapers, magazines, etc), the pages are mainly filled with 1-2 page articles. There's maybe 1 feature, that's it. In the "old" days (i.e. 5 years ago), there were a lot more meatier articles, with some sidebar stuff. Alas, we, as a society, are evolving into short bursts of info. We need the soundbite (not soundbyte), the catchphrase, the executive summary. The first paragraph (or two) of every news article should have a brief summary of the ensuing discourse.

Some people tend to buck the trend and seem to think we have the time to peruse the top 52 links about birds. Well, I don't. If you want to list the top 102 ways to be a scenester, fine. Read what you've written and put the top 5-10 on the first page. I know its about page views and all the crap, but you'll just start losing people to the list of top ten kitten photos or best five SEO strategies. I'm already ranting too long.

max

Parenting is a sucker's game, or at least that's what my dink (double income no kids) friends tell me. I'm not sure if they're trying to convince themselves more than me. However, there times that I just wonder.

This week, I've had to deal with vomitting, crying, racing for a potty, screams for something or another, all prior to leaving the house in the morning. When I get to work, I actually relax. Its funny to think that work used to be stressful. Truth be told, it still is, but compared to kids... Well, its child's play. Its like comparing waterboarding to cold showers.

The issue with people calling parenting a sucker's game is that taken at a distance, there truly is not gain from parenting. The financial, opportunity and mental cost is enormous. They suck resources like vampires crave blood. The whole benefit of parenthood is emotional.

Yes, emotions. Before one scoffs, please hear me out. While the mornings sound horrible. I also, got kisses (wets ones too), hugs and "Daddy, I love you"s. I got "I did it!", when my eldest "went potty". My youngest ate cereal with me. I saw them grow and interact. I heard them sing and giggle. I smelled their wonderful scent and felt their ultrasoft countenances. All sensory, non-material rewards.

Exhausted? Times two. Frustrated? And them some. Happy? Delirious (I would have to be).

max

Taking advantage of parents : part 1

Being a parent of young kids, I'm slowly going through the chain of goods one needs to purchase for a child. The thing that I seem to notice is the for some reason things that are more expensive are more safe, or last a very long time.

Buying a car seat? The most expensive is the safest. Why, you may ask the store clerk? Because. Now, don't mind the fact that they all have standards and consumer reports normally says that the most of them are flawed. Its in the installation. There's even some reports that say that children are not safer in a car seat! The thing that makes car seats so safe are the fact parents actually more prone buckle them in.

I recall babies being held in their mother's arms. I remember steering the car while someone controlled the car. I smile when I thing about rolling around in the back of that old station-wagon. Is that even legal now? In most places no. Are we better off? I won't answer that. If I did I would be conflicted.

So, for now the kids will be locked in their chairs until the age of 5. Unable to move or be adventureous.

I was on a travel stint the last few weeks and had the pleasure of renting a car from this "fine" company. The following list is from actual recent experience and "five minutes will save you frustration":

1) Enter, start the car, adjust the seat and mirrors and turn on the lights.
2) Check that the wipers (and the fluids) work. Also, check that the locks open and close. Turn on the lights and the blinkers.
3) Exit the car and check that the car is not damaged in any way (massive dents, flat tires). Verify that the lights are on and the blinkers are working.
4) Stop the car and take out the key. Exit and lock the door. Now open the door with both the remote and the normal key.

This is not to mention the huge amount of fear mongering associated with their insurance fees. They range from reminders of the inclement weather to other craziness.

The more I travel the worse it gets. And its not only the US.