Day: August 4, 2019

I woke up this morning with a strange thought in my head. I’d gone to bed thinking about football because it is Madden Season and by extension Youth Football Season is right around the corner. So, I found myself thinking about video game football and real football and really working both down to a basic equation. If you think about it, football is ultimately the same type of equation as the stock market. Each player represents a set of data. That data is used in relation to other data to reach a conclusion, which is a 1 (win) a zero (loss) or less common an error (tie). We pay these players so much because they are uniquely qualified to generate the data needed to push forward the equation (which we are balancing with another equation represented by the opposing team).

Video game simulations work this equation in their own minds compiling the data set used to represent each player in order to complete the balancing equation and produce the one or zero (depending on what side you are on) or to actually balance the equation–which is never really the goal.

That brings me to the stock market. Each stock represents a balancing equation. You have an output of 1 (stock gains) 0 (stock losses) or the equation balances (no movement)–which is never really the goal. In sum, both are zero-sum games in which millions of people are playing at various levels, and ultimately the results of the game shape our understanding of the data, the world around that data, and even ourselves.

Odd day. I took my boys to the place where they had their first exposure camp for their tryout for the Scottsdale Argonauts football team. This means I am officially out as a coach for my boys in tackle. It is anti-climactic. I wanted to bring them a ‘ship or something, but instead I bring them to a set of coaches who are responsible for the last six State Championship High school teams. The Saguaro staff is serious and does well to bring some of that flare to their pipeline program. I’m looking forward to what my boys can do on a squad like that. It feels like neither will be the best on the team and yet feels like both have the ability to be starters. I hope the youngest doesn’t get shuffled back to Offensive Line where he is useless and angry as a player. His speed is best served on the edge (blitzing–though he doesn’t actually play that role and he should) and as a Powerback where he can use his speed and strength to create mismatches on D.

Otherwise I spent my day partially in the pool and partially playing a ton of Madden. I’ve simmed through the better part of two seasons building a roster from the ground up and now it is time to reap the rewards of that work. Presently those rewards are a 3-2 season and 4th in the AFC East with my Brooklyn Bulls. I’m not pleased about it, but I still feel we can make a late season push to the playoffs–especially if we can split with the Jets (nemesis team) and take two from the Patriots.

Finally, I’m getting closer to going back to work full time and that has my mind churning about how to get these classes as interesting and exciting as possible –for my benefit. I gotta keep it fresh and fun to stay engaged. This work environment brings me no joy otherwise.

Outside the rain is falling in sheets and lightning is snapping in the distance. It is beautiful; a far cry from the desert of this morning and of most days.