Posts

Comments

Comment by Buzzcut on Think Like Reality · 2007-05-02T15:32:45.000Z · LW · GW

In actuality, the biggest barrier to understanding modern physics is the math. The math models are what generate the "weirdness". Trying to use english to describe what the math models are telling us is what generates the "weirdness".

But if you suspend disbelief and go where the math takes you, useful things can be done, like nuclear power, solid state physics, etc.

Comment by Buzzcut on Burch's Law · 2007-03-12T19:27:13.000Z · LW · GW

are you really saying that lottery tickets are a wise investment? I invoke the mystical powers of common sense.

The odds of winning the last Mega Millions drawing was 1 in 170M. How much would you have to "invest" in order to make the odds more in your favor?

Comment by Buzzcut on Burch's Law · 2007-03-12T19:24:16.000Z · LW · GW

Put me on the list of people who don't understand why some people have such a problem with my SUV.

My SUV is safe. If it is more likely to kill you in your little car, well, that's not my problem, is it?

I drive an SUV with a hightened rollover risk. I drive my SUV with that risk in the back of my mind, always. I always wear my seatbelt, for example. I do not drive agressively. These two traits negate the rollover risk almost completely.

My SUV gets "bad" gas mileage. So what. Gas is cheap, cheaper than water. If gas were more expensive, perhaps I'd reconsider the fondness that I have for my SUV. But it isn't, so I won't.

My SUV provides me many benefits. It's a roomy family vehicle. I am a large person, and I have a relatively large family. My SUV fits my lifestyle.

The complaints about SUVs reveal more about the psychological hangups of the complainers more than actual faults of SUVs.