Reassembler

Chipmunk Hunter

Derek Slater — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:33:20 +0000

Know this: No matter how quick a chipmunk may be, I will capture it.

No matter how clever the burrowing rodent, I will detain it. No matter how Belichickian in confidence, no matter how carefree it may be in cavorting across the steps of my front porch, no matter how deeply it may have dug to undermine my entire driveway, no matter how many exit holes it may have excavated and re-excavated after I dropped in pound after pound of pea gravel – still will I come forth with my gleaming Havaheart traps of alloyed aluminum. And I will catch its scrawny little striped butt.

For I am the Mighty Chipmunk Hunter.

Child’s play

Derek Slater — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:07:33 +0000

I/O part 2

Derek Slater — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:29:37 +0000

If you want better outputs, use better/new inputs.

So I’m just beginning to read Atlas Shrugged. Why? I’m actually developing an interest in governance, particularly as it pertains to economic issues. This week I watched on CSPAN a plenary session of a Federalist Society meeting that featured a panel of two law-school professors, Steve Forbes and a labor union representative. (Did I really just write that sentence?) It was really interesting, particularly as it highlighted the fact that two smart people can look at the same historical events and pick exact opposite reasons as the causal factors. Anyway I am trying to shrug off the most shrill and sensational voices in politics and instead gain a real understanding of conservative economic philosophy. Atlas Shrugged checks in at an intimidating 1000+ pages of small type, but I keep telling myself I’ve plowed through Shogun 10 times, so I can do it.

On the chess front, I’ve lucked* onto a squad for February’s US Amateur Team East that could compete on the top boards. So I better get my books on. To that end I’ve ordered an endgame book and an opening book, and constructed a study/practice plan to be in top shape by the time I hit Parsippany. Good inputs + hard work = better play.

*Actually it’s not luck. The key is to know Boston Blitz assistant manager Matt Phelps.

Wine postscript – a trick for ordering a good bottle for your friends at a restaurant when the wine list ends up in your hands

Derek Slater — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:36:13 +0000

Order any 2006 Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley area of Oregon.

Pinot Noir, 2006, Willamette.

Not kidding. It works. Especially if you’re willing to cough up an extra $20 – $30. This one from Ponzi Vineyards kicks serious butt, should you be so lucky as to find it.

(Why 2006? Has to do with the weather that year. Although some sites are claiming 2008 was/will be even better.)