LBY3
The continuing adventures of Beau Yarbrough

Winter in the High Desert

Saturday, January 10, 2009, 10:58
Section: Miscellany

Snowy mountains overlook a snow-free desert

Took this with my iPhone Friday at the new Target Center. I’m standing where, in theory, the Timbisha-Shoshone Casino would be built.



honeyhoney – “Little Toy Gun”

Thursday, January 8, 2009, 6:59
Section: Arts & Entertainment


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140/200

Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 13:45
Section: Journalism

(Via my friend Nicole.)

Doing the Math to Find the Good Jobs

Nineteen years ago, Jennifer Courter set out on a career path that has since provided her with a steady stream of lucrative, low-stress jobs. Now, her occupation — mathematician — has landed at the top spot on a new study ranking the best and worst jobs in the U.S.

“It’s a lot more than just some boring subject that everybody has to take in school,” says Ms. Courter, a research mathematician at mental images Inc., a maker of 3D-visualization software in San Francisco. “It’s the science of problem-solving.”

The study, to be released Tuesday from CareerCast.com, a new job site, evaluates 200 professions to determine the best and worst according to five criteria inherent to every job: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. (CareerCast.com is published by Adicio Inc., in which Wall Street Journal owner News Corp. holds a minority stake.)

The findings were compiled by Les Krantz, author of “Jobs Rated Almanac,” and are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, as well as studies from trade associations and Mr. Krantz’s own expertise.

According to the study, mathematicians fared best in part because they typically work in favorable conditions — indoors and in places free of toxic fumes or noise — unlike those toward the bottom of the list like sewage-plant operator, painter and bricklayer. They also aren’t expected to do any heavy lifting, crawling or crouching — attributes associated with occupations such as firefighter, auto mechanic and plumber.

The study also considers pay, which was determined by measuring each job’s median income and growth potential. Mathematicians’ annual income was pegged at $94,160, but Ms. Courter, 38, says her salary exceeds that amount.

Her job entails working as part of a virtual team that designs mathematically based computer programs, some of which have been used to make films such as “The Matrix” and “Speed Racer.” She telecommutes from her home and rarely works overtime or feels stressed out. “Problem-solving involves a lot of thinking,” says Ms. Courter. “I find that calming.”

Other jobs at the top of the study’s list include actuary, statistician, biologist, software engineer and computer-systems analyst, historian and sociologist.

Enough about you, let’s talk about me.

I graduated college intending to be a Newscaster — “Prepares and delivers news and related presentations over the air on radio and television.” — which comes in at #75.

I entered college intending to be a Disc Jockey, which comes in at #108.

But I’ve made my career as a Reporter (Newspaper), which comes in at #140, one ahead of Janitor.



Old Crow Medicine Show – “Methamphetamine”

Monday, January 5, 2009, 18:24
Section: Arts & Entertainment

I guess I never really got Appalachia out of my system. If more country music sounded like this, I’d be a big country music fan.

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iPod Top 100: 2008

Thursday, January 1, 2009, 8:50
Section: Arts & Entertainment

Here’s what I listened to the most on my iPod and iPhone last year:

1. I Love the Unknown – Clem Snide
2. Guarantees – Atmosphere
3. Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
4. My Dear – Nomo
5. Fight Outta You – Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
6. Old Number Seven – The Devil Makes Three
7. Take Your Medicine – Cloud Cult
8. Pot Kettle Black – Tilly and the Wall
9. Ant in Alaska – Liz Phair
10. Seven Days of the Week (Never Go to Work) – They Might Be Giants
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Veritas odit moras.