Bums and dogs

Symbols and balls

A symbol is something that stands for something else. I understand, for instance, that a bum can stand for a Dodger [fn 1], or that a dog can stand for, or with one leg on, a Yalie. However, I cannot imagine what a one-percent increase in tuition possibly could stand for—conformity, obstinacy, stupidity, a fast ball, the single-wing? Now that was a symbol! It stood for balls.

[1] Willard Mullin also drew cartoons of Eli, including one in which the bulldog eyes the letter “P” on a fire hydrant, and another in which the dog is in the jaws of the tiger.

Midterm

Drive in two, let in three [fn 1]

I was spending $10 a week. When things got tight I resolved to reduce my spending by $1 a week. The next week I spent $11. [fn 2]

Did I honor my resolution?

If you answered “no,” you failed. Or, more accurately, you failed if you took the exam at Princeton. Their answer is “yes.” [fn 3]
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[1] “I don't like them fellas who drive in two runs and let in three.” Casey Stengel.

[2] The actual numbers are larger. In its 2008-09 fiscal year Princeton spent $1,161,000,000. During that year its endowment value collapsed. It therefore resolved to reduce its spending by $85,000,000 a year ($170,000,000 over the following two years). In the next year it spent $1,235,000,000--$74,000,000 MORE than in the preceding year. Then it falsely announced that it had successfully honored its resolution. "During the economic downturn, the University reduced spending by $170 million over two years..." Princeton news release, 10-15-2010. Einstein lives.

[3] See posts titled “Rain Out” in June, 2009; “Uncle Dave” in February, 2010; and “Anyone in there?” and “Highs and Loes” in July, 2010.