{"id":7995,"date":"2023-10-30T07:28:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T12:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=7995"},"modified":"2023-10-30T07:37:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T12:37:46","slug":"book-club-the-wlbott-equation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=7995","title":{"rendered":"Book Club: the WLBOTT Equation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our readers may be familiar with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drake_equation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drake Equation<\/a><\/strong>. Basically, you plug numbers into an equation to determine the probability of having friends and neighbors in the Milky Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/exoplanets.nasa.gov\/news\/1350\/are-we-alone-in-the-universe-revisiting-the-drake-equation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280-1024x510.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7996\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280-1024x510.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280-768x383.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280-1200x598.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/drank-equation1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"132\" class=\"wp-image-7998\" style=\"width: 350px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231030_204.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231030_204.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231030_204-300x113.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/>  where<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>N<\/strong> = the number of civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy with which communication might be possible (i.e. which are on the current past light cone);<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>R\u2217<\/strong> = the average rate of star formation in our Galaxy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>f<sub>p<\/sub><\/strong> = the fraction of those stars that have planets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>n<sub>e<\/sub><\/strong> = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>f<sub>l<\/sub><\/strong> = the fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life at some point<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>f<\/strong><sub>i<\/sub> = the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life (civilizations)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>f<sub>c<\/sub><\/strong> = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>L<\/strong> = the length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals into space<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WLBOTT <\/strong>is interested in jumping into the highly lucrative book review game, but want to avoid all the subjective aspects of the review. We need an analytical tool like the Drake Equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the past, reviewers could be influenced by capricious moods, IRL events, and pondering such non-literary topics such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">What if there were no hypothetical questions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">How do I get out of jury duty?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Don\u2019t you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">My therapist says I have a preoccupation for revenge. We\u2019ll see about that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">What if I have a heart attack while playing charades?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The last thing I want to do is hurt you; but it\u2019s still on the list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">If the future, the present, and the past walk into a bar, will things get tense?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">If a parsley farmer gets sued, can they garnish his wages?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have decided to go for a more analytical approach. Using the Drake Equation as our guide, we will construct a weighted <strong>WLBOTT <\/strong>review index.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The WLBOTT Equation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WLBOTT is considering the following coefficients to formalize the book review process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Glycemic Index &#8211; how slowly is it digested, and how long does it stick with you&#8230;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Soap Opera Percentage. Not too much, not too little. We recognize the need for <em><strong>some<\/strong><\/em> human interaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Page Turner?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">New Thoughts \/ New perspective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Viable <strong>Devil&#8217;s Advocate<\/strong> &#8211; plausible, viable alternate points of view expressed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">New vocab words, <em>but not too many<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Did you learn anything new?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">3D\/4D characters?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Does the author describe what <em>everyone<\/em> is wearing in <em>every<\/em> scene, down to the shoes? If so, automatic zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The <strong>Old WLBOTT Try<\/strong>. How much effort did the author put into <strong>it<\/strong>? <span class=\"ed-note\">[ed. note: we respect minimal effort]<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">11th Grade Book Report Analogy: would this be a Sunday night, 11:00pm fiasco?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">GSI &#8211; <strong>Goldilocks Swearing Index<\/strong>: is there just the right amount of swearing? Neither too much or too little, with the appropriate creativity and enthusiasm?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">(negative) Is the author full of <strong><em>it<\/em><\/strong>? Is s\/he writing exclusively for a NYT book reviewer?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Curated absurdity<\/strong> is always a plus. Magical realism. We do draw the line, however, at dividing by zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Is the book set in New Orleans during Marti Gras? Is a deranged killer outsmarting police by running thru the parade? If so, automatic zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Is the book set in New Orleans and there just happens to be street musicians on each corner? If so, automatic zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Is the book set in New Orleans, and there is a deranged killer running thru an above-ground cemetery? If so, automatic zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Is the book set in New Orleans? If so, automatic zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Does the book have <strong>yams<\/strong> as an important plot point? If so, bonus points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Linearity<\/strong>. Discontinuous functions can be a thing of beauty, but hoping around, \u00e0 la Memento, can be really annoying.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[2]<\/sup> Soap Opera Percentage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples of a zero score (too little \/ too much)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(too little)<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Practice-Makes-Perfect-Spanish-Irregular\/dp\/0071718087\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"185\" class=\"wp-image-8005\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/610gJcArlL._SL1000_.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/610gJcArlL._SL1000_.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/610gJcArlL._SL1000_-243x300.jpg 243w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(too much) Character #1 raises an eyebrow, and character #2 spends four paragraphs analyzing.<br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"190\" class=\"wp-image-8006\" style=\"width: 250px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vivien-leigh-vii.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vivien-leigh-vii.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/vivien-leigh-vii-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[3]<\/sup> Wait &#8211; Page Turner is a person? Very cool!<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hgtv.com\/profiles\/talent\/page-turner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-8009\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1646081622313.jpeg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1646081622313.jpeg 616w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1646081622313-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1646081622313-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[5]<\/sup> Devil&#8217;s Advocate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not really related to the Book Club, but I love this movie&#8230;..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"8016\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devilsadvocate1997-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"805\" data-id=\"8018\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate-298x300.jpg 298w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Charlize-Theron-in-Devils-Advocate-768x773.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate4-vaccarisays.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"578\" height=\"385\" data-id=\"8012\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate4-vaccarisays.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate4-vaccarisays.jpg 578w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate4-vaccarisays-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-w856.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"856\" height=\"482\" data-id=\"8011\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-w856.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-w856.jpg 856w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-w856-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-w856-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8885df_f545a1448f7743289e80e65ee133842amv2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"357\" data-id=\"8014\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8885df_f545a1448f7743289e80e65ee133842amv2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8885df_f545a1448f7743289e80e65ee133842amv2.jpg 729w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8885df_f545a1448f7743289e80e65ee133842amv2-300x147.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/maxresdefault-6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"544\" data-id=\"8015\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/maxresdefault-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/maxresdefault-6.jpg 730w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/maxresdefault-6-300x224.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/netflix-the-devils-advocate.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"510\" data-id=\"8017\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/netflix-the-devils-advocate.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/netflix-the-devils-advocate.jpg 825w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/netflix-the-devils-advocate-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/netflix-the-devils-advocate-768x475.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1272\" height=\"678\" data-id=\"8013\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate.jpg 1272w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate-1024x546.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate-768x409.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/devils-advocate-1200x640.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1272px) 100vw, 1272px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[8]<\/sup> 3D \/ 4D Characters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acceptable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"8024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ur-cute-potato.0.1539757238.0.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-id=\"8027\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ur-cute-potato.0.1539757238.0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ur-cute-potato.0.1539757238.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ur-cute-potato.0.1539757238.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ur-cute-potato.0.1539757238.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"8028\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bryan-vivas-wireframe-7-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kat_von_3d___wireframe_by_vixelyn.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"514\" data-id=\"8026\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kat_von_3d___wireframe_by_vixelyn.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kat_von_3d___wireframe_by_vixelyn.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kat_von_3d___wireframe_by_vixelyn-210x300.jpg 210w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/db3aa0cbeb9bdb26a9cc96df54094950dbf20b43.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"742\" data-id=\"8025\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/db3aa0cbeb9bdb26a9cc96df54094950dbf20b43.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/db3aa0cbeb9bdb26a9cc96df54094950dbf20b43.jpeg 742w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/db3aa0cbeb9bdb26a9cc96df54094950dbf20b43-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/db3aa0cbeb9bdb26a9cc96df54094950dbf20b43-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/43f5c730bf074fa98ea6cc897f473470.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"285\" data-id=\"8023\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/43f5c730bf074fa98ea6cc897f473470.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8023\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"408\" data-id=\"8032\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mcconnell-grim-final.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-8032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image.jpeg 612w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not Acceptable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bad-face-example.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"949\" data-id=\"8037\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bad-face-example.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bad-face-example.jpg 791w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bad-face-example-250x300.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bad-face-example-768x921.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_001.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"8038\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_001.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_001-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_001-768x960.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/170px-Mitch_McConnell_in_1960_Crimson.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"170\" height=\"242\" data-id=\"8033\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/170px-Mitch_McConnell_in_1960_Crimson.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8033\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/duckframelrg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" data-id=\"8035\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/duckframelrg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/duckframelrg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/duckframelrg-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/duckframelrg-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1136\" height=\"852\" data-id=\"8036\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_003-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1136px) 100vw, 1136px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/003338515260326837378.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"8039\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/003338515260326837378.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/003338515260326837378.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/003338515260326837378-300x247.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teapot.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" data-id=\"8034\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teapot.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teapot.png 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teapot-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teapot-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Marginally Acceptable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/C5085466-3B78-4C31-B459-6272CE2DBB6B_1_201_a.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-id=\"8044\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/C5085466-3B78-4C31-B459-6272CE2DBB6B_1_201_a.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/C5085466-3B78-4C31-B459-6272CE2DBB6B_1_201_a.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/C5085466-3B78-4C31-B459-6272CE2DBB6B_1_201_a-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/C5085466-3B78-4C31-B459-6272CE2DBB6B_1_201_a-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" data-id=\"8045\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_002-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1019\" data-id=\"8046\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110-300x239.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110-1024x815.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110-768x611.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mitch-mcconnell-1-e1681241935110-1200x955.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_004.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"463\" height=\"525\" data-id=\"8043\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_004.jpg 463w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/book_004-265x300.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 463px) 100vw, 463px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[10]<\/sup> In <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/725996.Dave_Barry_Does_Japan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dave Barry Does Japan<\/a><\/strong>, Dave explains to a shopkeeper that he is writing a book on Japan during his short visit there. The shopkeeper asks, &#8220;How will you be able to write a book in such a short time?&#8221; Dave replies, &#8220;Well, it won&#8217;t be a very good book.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[12]<\/sup> Google image search is a little thin on &#8220;Goldilocks Swearing Index&#8221;, but it it did introduce us to a movie we were not aware of: <strong>Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Death and Porridge<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt27747488\/?ref_=tt_mv_close\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IMDB<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2024? What are we supposed to do &#8217;till then?<br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"260\" class=\"wp-image-8048\" style=\"width: 550px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_203.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_203.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_203-300x142.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1481\" data-id=\"8051\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_-691x1024.jpg 691w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MV5BODAyZmU3ZDgtNmUxYy00ZDlmLThjNzAtMjBiNzNhOGFjYzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjc3NzczMzQ@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_-768x1137.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_200.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"421\" height=\"624\" data-id=\"8049\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_200.jpg 421w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_200-202x300.jpg 202w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_201.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"969\" height=\"723\" data-id=\"8050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_201.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_201.jpg 969w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_201-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_201-768x573.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_202.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"552\" height=\"733\" data-id=\"8052\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_202.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_202.jpg 552w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_231029_202-226x300.jpg 226w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 552px) 100vw, 552px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[14a]<\/sup> <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/T._C._Boyle\" target=\"_blank\">The Master<\/a><br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"438\" class=\"wp-image-8055\" style=\"width: 350px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Our-Town-A-29_30_WEB.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Our-Town-A-29_30_WEB.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Our-Town-A-29_30_WEB-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[14b]<\/sup> Technically, division by zero is discouraged, but not banned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/threatening-to-divide-by-zero-pia-guerra.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"685\" data-id=\"8068\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/threatening-to-divide-by-zero-pia-guerra.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/threatening-to-divide-by-zero-pia-guerra.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/threatening-to-divide-by-zero-pia-guerra-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/threatening-to-divide-by-zero-pia-guerra-768x585.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chuck-norris-can-divide-by-zero-poster01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"727\" data-id=\"8069\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chuck-norris-can-divide-by-zero-poster01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chuck-norris-can-divide-by-zero-poster01.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/chuck-norris-can-divide-by-zero-poster01-289x300.jpg 289w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[15]-[18]<\/sup> Any movie set in New Orleans ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[19]<\/sup> Only one comes to mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/81H63TZuFL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"8060\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/81H63TZuFL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/81H63TZuFL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/81H63TZuFL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_-184x300.jpg 184w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1200px-Yam_Barns_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"962\" data-id=\"8063\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1200px-Yam_Barns_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1200px-Yam_Barns_01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1200px-Yam_Barns_01-249x300.jpg 249w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1200px-Yam_Barns_01-768x924.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ca8031f73b70a4878dcb520e58da0a9b.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"8061\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ca8031f73b70a4878dcb520e58da0a9b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ca8031f73b70a4878dcb520e58da0a9b.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ca8031f73b70a4878dcb520e58da0a9b-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DhpTmm_XkAA1QcL.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"8064\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DhpTmm_XkAA1QcL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8064\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DhpTmm_XkAA1QcL.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DhpTmm_XkAA1QcL-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/65B13EE0-3796-4F53-B2FB-21AA57D014F8-1-900x531-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"531\" data-id=\"8059\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/65B13EE0-3796-4F53-B2FB-21AA57D014F8-1-900x531-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/65B13EE0-3796-4F53-B2FB-21AA57D014F8-1-900x531-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/65B13EE0-3796-4F53-B2FB-21AA57D014F8-1-900x531-1-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/65B13EE0-3796-4F53-B2FB-21AA57D014F8-1-900x531-1-768x453.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/download-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"451\" height=\"287\" data-id=\"8058\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/download-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8058\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/download-2.jpg 451w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/download-2-300x191.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raai_16-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"433\" data-id=\"8062\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raai_16-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raai_16-2.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raai_16-2-300x137.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raai_16-2-768x350.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[20]<\/sup><br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"175\" class=\"wp-image-8066\" style=\"width: 350px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_12_022.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_12_022.png 469w, https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/irl_12_022-300x150.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our readers may be familiar with the Drake Equation. Basically, you plug numbers into an equation to determine the probability of having friends and neighbors in the Milky Way. where N = the number of civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy with which communication might be possible (i.e. which are on the current past light [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-club"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7995","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7995"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7995\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8079,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7995\/revisions\/8079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7995"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7995"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}