Dancing Buttacupp

I was really interested to read what unconventional economic theories did Steven D. Levitt actually have to expound him on international fame. More importantly, I wanted to understand why he was labeled as a ‘rogue economist’.

My curiosity resulted in me purchasing his FREAKANOMICS book. From there did I learn more about the author as well as his theories:

1. What Do School Teachers and Sumo Wrestlers have in Common? 
2. How is the Klu Klux Klan like Real Estate Agents?
3. Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with their Moms?
4. Where Have All the Criminals Gone?
5. What Makes a Perfect Parent?
6. Perfect Parenting: Names Outlining/Defining One’s Destiny

The answers:

1)     They both have incentives to cheat.

2)     They both know how to manipulate information

3)     Drug Dealing Income is not as high as it is perceived. The drug business is too saturated, i.e. the pyramid is too big and their gains are marginally low

4)     Debunking myths that crime rate falls due to economic boom and lower employment rates- actual reasons given by the author are the increase in policing, but by and large, the legalization of abortion

5)     Too long to describe

6)     Same as number 5

Though I do not agree with some of his theories nor with some of the outcome, I do applaud Levitt for tackling the core issues that haunt us i.e. Education, Victories and Losses (both might have been fabricated), Criminals and the Justice System, & the many definitions of good parenting.

It makes a good read. But you must be warned:

Read with an alert mind. Not all outcomes from Levitt’s studies are applicable to other countries.

Crazy week. Was sick last week, recovered for a few days..fell sick again. Learning to manage time and people in the office, expectations, and realized that leaves are impossible to take as you end up coming into the office because someone decides to drop something into your lap a few days before (yes, i meet a few bad planners).

Even so, I try to blow off steam by having fun with some colleagues…

here are some fo our KODAK moments:

1)

2)

Yesterday, I attended a Graduates Dinner (done once in every few months) for those who have been working in Shell Refining Company (SRC) for less than 5-3 years. We met 2 new recruits to SRC, one joining the Operations & Maintenance while the other will serve as a Development Technologist. Both will assume their respective responsibilities in July. There were 15 who managed to steal time away from work for a few hours of fun.

Program:

Dinner at Secret Recipe- Some people ordered two dishes as the style here is ala carte. Some of my friends ordered 3-4 slices of cakes, ranging from chocolate mud pie to cheese cake, and the 6 of us hungrily forked our own share of the pie. A cute scene was when everybody ‘sampled’ one another’ s food. At one point, some people’s food were even err…kidnapped and held hostage! We were noisy and boisterous. Basically like a bunch of kids let loose by their parents after locked up in their room for a week

Prayer

Bowling- Bowling was fun. I didn’t perform as well as my fingers couldn’t fit the finger slots. It hurt really bad and I think I was still injured from my last bowling outing with Finance staff. My right foot didn’t hurt as much considering the hole at my soles. Had only one strike out of 2 rounds. Darn. Pathetic, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Coffee at Starbucks-

The 15 of us attacked Starbucks and probably gave them very high margins in half an hour. We were ‘presented’ with free bakery products compliments of Starbucks (Well, they say it’s on the house. I say that it was almost 11pm and that’s when they give leftover food to people anyway.) We posed for pics (if you can spot me then you’re really good..hehehe–> click on the pic to enlarge it)—> never thinking twice about embarrassing ourselves!

Then, the 6 of us sneaked out of Starbucks and visited a married pal’s crib, and met her adorable kittens as well as very patient and understanding hubby. OMG, I so want cats again!

In short, I had a blast!