Scooter Chronicles

The BookMooch Wish List Dilemma
There have been complaints about how BookMooch’s wish list emails worked now for a bit. You can set up a wish list of book that you want, and when they become available, the system would email to let you know. However, it would email everyone that had it on their wish list as well. It was a “first come first serve” basis, which is very fair. However, if you didn’t have constant access to your email, you had no chance at those popular books.

They brought in a new system a couple of weeks ago that picks one person at random and gives them a four hour head start on everyone now. Of course, others are complaining about that. (I can see both sides to both arguments.) The funny thing was that this new system was made to help members like me that don’t have constant email access. And it helped, but in a backwards fashion.

I would usually go to the site a few times a day to check out related editions, or see if there was some glitch and something became available. And in keeping with this habit, I have picked up books that someone else got the “four hour head start” email, but hadn’t gotten around to yet. So, I have seen 99% less emails from BookMooch, yet have picked up more books then I did before. Strange how things work out that way.

In a few months the system will probably be changed again to make it more equal opportunity for everyone.

Bowl of Oatmeal
I have added my sister-in-law Catherine’s blog to my links again. I had it there, and checked it every other day, and there was never anything. But as of late, she has been posting. You can check it out at BowlOfOatmeal.Com.

She has been posting some poetry, and one was a limerick. I, being the smartalec that I am, asked for a haiku. Well, she POSTED one for me. Very well done.

Tough Job
The people that run the US Women’s soccer team have fired the coach, Greg Ryan. Though firing is a more harsh way of putting it. His contract expires in December, and it will not be renewed. Since the team has no more games to play before then, he was told to clean out his desk, so to speak. You can read about it in this ARTICLE from ESPN.

The thing I find amazing about it is that his record while coaching the team was 45 wins, 9 ties, and one loss. Yes, just one. However, that loss was a 4-0 route at the hands of Brazil in the World Cup semifinals. And since the US team was the favorites to win it all, that one loss was obviously a big loss. I think added to this was the goalie controversy in that game which helped the decision. But man, that’s a tough way to go.

Bumper Sticker
I saw a funny bumper sticker a few weeks ago and forgot to post about it. It came at a good time, with the looming elections coming next November. A common phrase, which I have even used when casting my vote is, “I am choosing the lesser of the two evils.” This sticker used a bit of fantasy literature, but for those familiar with the reference, it should get a good laugh out of like it did me.

“Why Choose the Lesser Evil - Vote for Cthulhu”

For those that want/need to know who/what Cthulhu is, just look HERE.

Stupid Signs Or Stupid People?
One day while using the facilities at work, I noticed a sign on the inside of the door of the stall I was using. The sign said, “PLEASE flush after using!” I don’t know what is worse. The fact that someone felt the need to put that sign up to remind people, or the fact that the sign was indeed needed there to remind people.

Just Because
The World Series starts tonight, in case you didn’t know. And I am predicting the Red Sox beat the Rockies in six games.