I can understand why some of you will think I’m stubborn traditionalist–a luddite when it comes to technology and the use of advanced statistics applied to sports. I think it’s more accurate to say that I’m a pragmatist–my position on both depends on whether I think either is effective or not. To give you an example, I want to talk about a scenario where I can see AI being an important and valuable tool. Continue reading “Here’s a Way I Think AI Could Enhance Professional Sports”
Author: Reid
To What Extent Should a Manager’s Evaluation Be Based on the Performance of Their Subordinates?
From the start of having a “real” job, I quickly concluded that the quality of management was crucial. I went so far as believing that, as a society, we should focus on training and developing people to be better managers and leaders. Every work will require and benefit from individuals with good management and leadership skills. One of the many ways management is so critical is that it has a tremendous impact on the employee–both in terms of the latter’s productivity and job satisfaction. I suspect this is obvious and banal, and yet to what extent are managers evaluated based on their employees’ performance? Now, managers don’t have complete control over their employees–and in some situations their authority can be quite limited–so let me rephrase the question: To what extent are managers evaluated based on their actions relating to getting the best performance out of their subordinates? In my work experience, managers aren’t really evaluated on this. Now, I’ve always assumed two things: 1) That managers should be evaluated on how well they help their employees perform, and 2) this is common practice in other organizations and businesses. I’m wondering if these two assumptions are correct, and I’m interested in hearing from others, based on their experience and perceptions.
2017-2018 NBA
This thread is probably not going to get much activity, but I wanted to weigh in Colin Cowherd’s comparison between Ben Simmons and Magic Johnson. I watched a highlight video of Simmons based on the entire year. Here’s the video, followed by my thoughts: Continue reading “2017-2018 NBA”
2018 Hawai’i Elections
This is thread for articles, information, and discussion about the upcoming election in Hawai’i. To start things off, I wanted to get feedback from you guys about the article below: Continue reading “2018 Hawai’i Elections”
Affordable Housing Thread
This is such a complex topic, relating also to homelessness, and I hope to have links to articles, while also making this a space to discuss the topic. The goal is to gain a better understanding and identifying effective solutions. Here’s a twitter thread about how YIMBY’s (Yes in My Backyard)–people who support building more housing units in their communities can create the impression that they’re pro-landlord and pro-developer, and how this can turn others off because of strong anti-landlord and anti-developer feelings. Continue reading “Affordable Housing Thread”
Should Congress Regulate Social Media Platforms?
Here’s a tweet from a libertarian that made me think of this:
I would really, really love to hear someone at this hearing say “it is none of Congress’ damn business whether Facebook has a liberal bias, a conservative bias, or a Scientology bias”
— Julian Sanchez (@normative) April 11, 2018
Do you agree that presence and type of political bias at Facebook is none of Congress’s business? This seems wrong to me on a variety of levels. Let me try and sort them out. Continue reading “Should Congress Regulate Social Media Platforms?”
Can Someone Explain This To Me?
Ask a nagging question here, and maybe we can pool our incredible intellects to provide a satisfactory answer. Here’s the first question: Continue reading “Can Someone Explain This To Me?”
NBA Players Who Changed the Game
Here’s Colin Cowherd’s list:
Only 8 players in NBA history have truly changed the game. @ColinCowherd says Ben Simmons will be No. 9: "This kid is an all-timer." pic.twitter.com/OFfAes9M4F
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) April 9, 2018
There’s something that Dr. J said that makes me think of this topic. He said that one of his criteria for a great player is the impact a player can have on the way others play. He specifically said that if kids go out on the playground and try to emulate a player, that’s a sign of greatness. I don’t think I’d used that criterion to determine the best players, but I would use it to define players that changed the game. With that said, here’s some thoughts on this topic. Continue reading “NBA Players Who Changed the Game”
It’s All About the Bass
My second favorite instrument would have to be the bass. Electric, acoustic, upright–it doesn’t matter. I like them all. I like hearing the bass in a variety of music as well. This is a thread to express my love for this instrument and the music that is made from it.
Let’s start with some bass introductions: Continue reading “It’s All About the Bass”
Controversial Hiring and Firing of Kevin Williamson at The Atlantic
The Atlantic recently hired a conservative writer, Kevin Williamson (from National Review), got significant criticism for doing so, and has not fired Williamson. This Daily Beast article breaks down the controversy, and I wanted to discuss what I think is a really complicated issue, and controversial issue. I suspect you guys might not want to talk about this, but I hope you do, because I’m interested in getting feedback on this.
Here’s the main source of the controversy: Continue reading “Controversial Hiring and Firing of Kevin Williamson at The Atlantic“