Majority……

“It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.” – G. H. Hardy

If this is the case.  How do you transfer the balance of intelligence to much needed causes than the herd?

“It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.”

By definition impossible means never being able to defeat said man.  Is it possible to educate said man? how do you educate to prevent ignorance?

These two quotes have driven my mind mad all week.  That coupled with my curiosity to watch how people react in times of stress.  I am not sure if I have written/alluded to this before, but I am always fascinated by how people conform or rebel in groups.  People can be like lab rats fight based on their personal assessment and will to live.

Business School

Not that I want to compare lab rats to graduate students but I think I have too.  You drop 60 motivated students in a classroom to sink or swim, and they will swim or at least sink trying.  In the process to stay alive they will also lean on you to stay above water.  They don’t care if that means you have less air or are even submerged under the water.  they will do what they need to do to survive and prosper.  No other place will you be in a room with 60 very similar people with their initial instinct to be divide and conquer.  You know when you walk in that room that admissions has already sorted you as the best and the brightest to attend that program.  At least by one standard deviation, everyone in that room had tested and scored very close to the same.  Otherwise you wouldn’t of been admitted.  I recently heard of a study where they dropped a lab rat into two exactly the same containers in shape, size and, water level.  The only different is that one will be placed in a dark room and the other will in a lighted room.  The rat in the dark will give up after 30 seconds of swimming, while the one exposed to light in the otherwise same conditions will fight and swim for over 4 hours.  An effort equaled to 500 times greater.

What is the fundamental difference? The rat in the dark has no hope, the exposure to light creates an inherent driver of motivation to survive.  Similar to graduate students they are all the same, they are all in the same container and they are all in the same amount of water.  Unlike the test environment where there is one person controlling the exposure to light, instead all of your peers are the ones with their hands on the switch.  Students will shut off their peers light as they compete and dismiss those who they feel don’t their equal.  (Which is interesting because an admissions board has declared all of them the same and equal).  It is the nature and conditions of their surroundings.

California Sports Fan

This sports fan is always an interesting topic for me.  I was serenaded by the California cry daily when I arrived here.  “Where else can you surf in the morning and drive to ski in the afternoon.”  This mindset is why very few professional sports teams survive let alone thrive.  Who have survived regularly LA Lakers because of “SHOWTIME” the flash and glamour drive the market.  LA Doyers (Dodgers) because they were pioneers.

Who does not thrive: LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Diego anything.  Why? Is it because California produces more flakey people than any where else? Is it because the Northeast is more hard core than any where else? I am sure these stereotypes have a hair of truth, but the reality we are all a product of our environment.

Why is Southern California filled with more transplants (yes transplants, not implants) than any where else? Because it is an active community.  The gym after work is a social standard not a new years resolution.  Tanning, running, biking, surfing are weekend rituals because they can be.  It is november 7th and I am in a robe and not much else and I am fine.  If I was still in NYC I would be buried in layers and a neck deep in adult beverages because there is not much to do but watch sports and drink beers.  That is the product of that environment, that is why people seem/claim to be harder works in NYC.  They have no choice but to stay at work or indoors to support their team instead of attempting to brave the cold.  As much as I get frustrated during NY Yankee playoff baseball because I am in the heart of LA Angel red.  It isn’t because the Angels are not a well coached team (Except in game 1,2 or 5 in the 2009 ALCS).  It is because the Angels fans are short sighted and limited in their exposure because of their balanced social and sporting life.

City Life/Dating

Big city dating is survival of the fittest.  I saw a great article in the NY Times on how living in Manhattan limits your ability to date the bridge & tunnel crowd.  On a map the distance between parts of Manhattan and sections of queens is about 15 miles or 20 minutes driving in most places.  Because of the density of people in a city, it will take over an hour and 3 trains to visit a partner.  You could be also exposed to a 100,000 singles in a radius of 15 blocks, so why would you look as far as 15 miles.  Clearly it doesn’t make sense.

NYC is not easy or cheap living.  It is a frenzy for most and this intoxicating concentration of choice and options can quickly limit or erase your future options.  I know people who have submerged in the deep and fruitful garden of eden we call New York City, Chicago and/or San Francisco.  Catching fish after fish and living it weekend after weekend.  Next thing you know you are 45 years old and HBO has made a movie about you as either Carrie or Big depending on your gender.

New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York – Alicia Keys

My uncle always said that some drugs make you brand new, and a new man always wants more.   It hits me like a wave where I envy this lifestyle an then I remember that the city is really just a legal drug that can consume you until it is done with you.  It is amazing but extremely addictive and dangerous.

Public vs Private HS

I have had the luxury to experience both sides sort of.  I grew up in the inner-boroughs of NYC seeing the diversity and melting pot of the city.  There was not happy bubble or fairy tale blanket of naive bliss.

I also was moved to a suburban High School in Connecticut to a some what exclusive neighborhood.  All those after school stories or TV sitcoms on how rich children act is very accurate.  I like to believe that the more intimate smaller classrooms provided in the nicer some what private schools allow for a lot of exploration.  Curiosity and communication can really develop a young child.  It sets building blocks that could build a strong foundation.  Curiosity has also killed the cat.

In public schools things happen fast and decisions are made. It can happen in both settings, but it seems that there is a greater chance for poor choices in public schools.  Again it is the product of their environment.  I am bias towards smaller more private schools but I know they are both as equally dangerous.  Any extra time on your hands means getting into your parents booze, smokes and dirty magazines.  Kids will be kids and I had the benefit or working fast and learning to hustle.  Then being conditioned and sculpted in the private setting second.  I don’t think a suburban kid could be dropped into a urban HS unless they have watch Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds.

Unions

Unions by definition protect the weakest employee.  They are a band of brothers that limit each others progress.  I speak freely about this knowing that I was raised in a union household.  They are the prototype for the herd mentality.

Definition: The term herd mentality is derived from the word “herd,” meaning group of animals, and “mentality,” implying a certain frame of mind. However the most succinct definition would be: how large numbers of people act in the same ways at the same times.

Herd behavior is distinguished from herd mentality because it applies to all animals, whereas the term “mentality” implies a uniquely human phenomenon. Herd mentality implies a fear-based reaction to peer pressure which makes individuals act in order to avoid feeling “left behind” from the group. Herd mentality is also sometimes known as “mob mentality.”

Conclusion

What was my goal with this post? I wanted to identify how herds operate in different settings.

Herd mentality describes how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors, follow trends, and/or purchase items. Examples of the herd mentality include the early adopters of high technology products such as cell phones and iPods, as well as stock market trends, fashions in apparel, cars, home décor, etc. Social psychologists study the related topics of group intelligence, crowd wisdom, and decentralized decision making.

People in these herds are broken up into two groups, explains Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher who coined the phrase. One lended itself to the religious points of views- their beliefs and how those dictated their actions- while the other lended itself to influence by the media- based upon what others perceive as ‘right’ (following trends, social norms, etc.). Nietzsche perceived these two forms of subservience to be a weakness among the common man, and that the “Superman” as Nietzsche terms is the one who overcomes the values of the fallible herd.

I leave you with this.  I want to circle back to my initial two quotes I posted:

“It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.” – G. H. Hardy

“It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.”

Take a minute to stop and listen.  Listen to what is being said to you.  Take a second to put down your iPhone or texting device.  Take a minute to see if you are following or leading.  Find out if you are reacting or making decisions.  Find out if you are imploring change or just accepting status quo.  If you really want to make a different and be an innovator of change.  Step out of the majority, step out of the shadows of the “Norm”.  No need to argue with an ignorant man, but there is a need to educate them to accomplish common goals.  I am not saying we all have the answers, but we all have the ability to ask the questions that could lead to the answers which influence change and progress.

Valentine’s Day 2009

 This could be my male version of Sex in the City.  Instead of being 40, single and in the city; I will be approaching 30, single and living by the beach.  Inspired by two lovely female friends of mine, this is not for the weak at heart.

 

In a world seeking instant gratification and never ending success, are we surprised the national divorce rate is approaching 50%.   With most people are already engrossed in the next thing on their X-year plan before they have even accomplished their current success.  How can we expect people to notice that their grass might already be as green as it is going to get.

 

With Valentine’s Day only a day away, I sit here creepily on Friday the 13^th thinking about the events I will witness this heart filled weekend we know as Valentine’s 2009.  If 50% of people are unsatisfied enough to the point that they are willing to get divorced, what about that other 50%, they can not be 100% happy.  If I said that 25% of couples are just going through the motions.  That means out of every 4 people you see this weekend on a date, 1 person with not be interested at all to be there.  This will include new couples, old couples, newly weds and elderly-weds. 

 

I am not completely heartless and I am definitely not innocent.  I once flew to NYC a few years back for Valentine’s Day weekend just to benefit from the theory that all of the women that are out will be single and vulnerable.  I was not far from the truth.  The only flaw in the plan was the blizzard that hit that Hallmark night.  Meaning only the most desperate and depressed were out moping the streets. 

 

With it once again falling on a weekend, I look forward to new hope and opportunity.  This weekend I will be in San Diego (chance of rain, but no snow) and not only will the Gas Lamp Quarter be filled with Men trying to prove how much love is really worth (i.e. Keeping their BF/Husband titles).  But it will include women who relish in the spirit of lavish gift giving and dining (that if it was the contrary they would say it was a “Macho Pissing Contest”).

 

The real bonus is that San Diego (def. Whale’s Vagina) will also be peppered with drunk and horny Rugby groupies.  Who are only one of the most inebriated and uninhibited crowds since the free-spirited acid dropping pill popping hippies from Woodstock.  The carnage in the streets will be grand.  Not only will secure Men be left feeling personal doubt, but the weak might even lose their dates. 

 

The novice gift giver should really measure his personal value in the relationship this weekend before giving the gift that means “forever”.  Because in this life game of minesweeper one really never knows if or when it’s all going to blow up in your face. 

 

Men and Women are fickle.  Men and Women cheat.  Men and Women fantasize.  Men and Women feel guilt.  Not all Men and Women do all of these things, but you never know when it’s your turn.  That is why Men and Women fall trap to going through the motions of dead end relationships.  Someone this week showed me an article of the adults guide to “Spring Break” dating.  Is it really as simple as it was when we were 19 with fake IDs, hickies and, waking up with sand in your hotel bed?  I say it is. 

 

Have fun. Married or Single, just have fun.  The only person keeping you from being the person “The One” fell in love with is yourself.   Gifts do not need to be lavish, because if the couple is worth their salt, they will find the little things that bring out the child in each other.  Valentine’s Day might not be a holiday, but it is a chance to let loose.  I am not saying to skip the expensive dinner you already booked.  Just make (yes hand make) a card, pinch her butt, and dammit kiss like you are thirteen again….

 

 

 

 

 

MNF- Monday Night Follies

The day starts off with me arriving at the Hotel to find out when I was changing for the game that I did not bring my pair of flip flops and only had my socks to wear.  So Socks it is!!

 

Walking through this designer hotel in Chargers gear, camouflage shorts and a pair of mid-height black dress socks, I trekked through the lobby.  After receiving a few Cat calls from downtown construction workers I walked through the lot to the neighboring Puma store to be greeted by the saleswoman saying “looks like you need some shoes”.  Amazed by her mental genius, I decided this was not a $90 mistake I was willing to make.  This beggar was a chooser.  I b-lined next door to buy the cheapest, greenest pair of rubber flip flops they had on the rack.  Saying this was a good start to my day is an understatement. 

 

I would like to say that I still Love San Diego! Even though our Trolley Driver was on a mission from god to prove a point by waiting 5 minutes per stop because he did not like the J.E.T.S Jets Jets Jets fans bloating the doors of the train. 

 

Once Monty Muchacho and I arrived to the stadium the festivities began.  Walking down from the trolley Miller Lites in hand, I confirmed that the San Diego SUPER CHARGER fans are the hottest women around.  (This will be challenged Saturday October 11^th as I attend the USC vs. ASU game)

Qualcomm Pre-MNF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is something Magic about watching NFL Football on Monday Night at 5:30 PM with the sun still shining.  It is what I assume the Superbowl game day must feel like.  (I will confirm that too this season when I am in Tampa)  It was a special feeling watching the Blue Angels fly over during the National Anthem while fireworks explode as loud as cannons and beers are flowing.  It made me proud to be an American. 

 

Watching the only professional NFL team that I have watch live in every game I attended.  Has made me a fan of the SUPER CHARGERS.  It has been an exciting run watching the Chargers starting with the infamous Snowball game on December 23^rd 1995 at Giants Stadium, October 22^nd, 2006 witnessed LT’s magical season as he rushed for his Career 99^th and 100^th TDs being the fast player to reach that mark tacked on to his eclipsing of the Single Season TD record with 28 also with his 199 yards rushing for the day, December 31^st, 2006 Chargers beat the Arizona Cardinals without Matt Lenhart and secure home field advantage through the playoffs with a 14-2 season and finally September 22^nd, 2008 the Chargers dismantle the Brett Farve lead NY Jets. YES BRETT FARVE lead Jets, sounds weird just saying.   It started shaky with Phillip Rivers throwing an INT for a Touchdown 2:04 into the game.  Needless to say LT broke out of his shell scoring twice and Rivers along with Gates allowed me to win my Fantasy Football game beating Monty by 5 points on the final drive of the weekend.  (Something Sweet about sitting next to the guy you just beat, makes the Fantasy seem so so …Real)

Jets Fans in the 4th Quarter of MNF

Deciding to slide out of the stadium with 10:39 remaining since the score was 38-20 after watching Brett Farve’s last drive. Monty and I didn’t want to be caught in the crowds of the Trolley Stations and J.E.W. was in town getting drunk at the Navy bar. 

 

Around 9:16 PM PST J.E.W. has entered the building, Monty and I waited for him at Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp District because we know the Man loves his Jack!  How much does he love his Jack…well he spent $30 including tip on his $3 Jack & Cokes before meeting us out that lone Monday evening. 

 

Feeling no pain J-Dub yells out “Hey Bartender Jobu needs a refill!!”  And let the shot begin.  For the next two hours shots began to fly like the Snowballs at the Giants vs. Chargers game in December of 1995.  After all the liquid courage that a normal person could consume was ordered, we had some more and more and more. 

 

After a quick reenactment of the scene from Ghostbusters where Billy Bob & J.E.W. crossed streams in the restroom, they decide to stop at the picture booth before heading back to their drinks.  When we finished using our cell phones in the booth instead of the $5 picture booth camera, I came back to find that Monty had filled J.E.W.’s drink with the entire serving tray of cherries.  J.E.W. was unaware of course.  Some how Monty had convinced J.E.W. that it would be better to pour his back up Jack & Coke into his glass as he went along  instead of drinking one and moving to the next.  It was apparently just part of his plans to saturate him with the sugar from the pool of Cherries he was hiding in the bottom of that glass. 

 

At 11:00 PM Monty called it a night because he had to get up for work in the morning and by 11:17 PM J.E.W. was asleep on the bar.  As the good friend I am I lifted J-Dubs head off the bar and poured another shot down his throat.  So how he last about another hour and disappeared into the night.

 

The lifting of J.E.W.

 

 

 

 

I on the other hand did not surface home until about 2:00 AM not sure how I spent that extra hour and a half missing.  Even though I did wake up in this nice hotel at 7:30 AM to find a pizza box in the corner and my cell phone stuck to my face. 

 

It appears that I might have made a single drunk dial at about 1:45 AM and again at 1:48 AM.  I say single because I assume the first attempt was more of a warning flare to wake the sleeping suspect and the second was what I thought would wake the sleeping beauty.  No luck. Just a drunk message of me saying that “I know I shouldn’t be calling, but I am.  So Sorry…” Well at least I know in my worst state that I am kind hearted drunk dialer. 

 

What’s this, a call from J-Dub at 7:41 AM who needs to report at 8:00 AM for his Navy Duty. 

 

Billy Bob “Hello J.E.W.”

J.E.W. “Ahhh I have a few dark spots from last night”

Billy Bob “Oh like what”

J.E.W. “Like how did I leave? Did I walk or catch a cab?”

Billy Bob “Good questions, not sure.”

J.E.W. “Well I think I caught a cab.”

Billy Bob “Maybe.”

J.E.W. “Reason being, I took out $60 bucks before the Navy bar and I woke up with 17 red hot scorching dollars.  And we know I spent $30 at the bar so that leaves $13 for the cab”

Billy Bob “The Math seems right”

J.E.W. “Billy Bob I am wondering why I woke up where I woke up and why I am one-eye walking right now back to base.  Apparently I could not make it back to base by myself, but I am going there now and won’t be late. Which is good, but apparently I woke up from the light of the sky.  I must say I was surprise to not wake up in your hotel room.  Ohhhh my back is crooked from sleeping in the parking lot of the Trolley station.”

Billy Bob “HAHAHAHAHAHA (My eyes teared up a bit from the laughing)

J.E.W. “Oh when did Monty leave? Did he bail or say goodbye?”

Billy Bob “He said goodbye and you hugged before he left”

J.E.W. “Good, good.  I am glad I was courteous”

Billy Bob “yes you were quite nice”

J.E.W. “I remember talking to LT & Antonio Gates of the Chargers last night, but there were small White Women..”

Billy Bob “Ah Yes, the hot staff at the Whiskey Girl.  We started charming and we ended well..we just kind of ended”

J.E.W. “That sounds about right”

Billy Bob “Yeah well if it makes you feel any better I was laughed out of Pizza place at 1:30 AM as I thought I could stop the booze from doing anymore damage.”

J.E.W. “Did it work?”

Billy Bob “Nope not in the slightest”

J.E.W. “I like the effort though.  Ok well I am going to try to get this MP to let me on base and not arrest me for being..well “under the weather” shall we say”

Billy Bob “Good Luck with that.  I am going back to sleep. Monty is driving my Car back to the OC for me”