“Psychic” Octopus Chooses Spain to Win World Cup, the GED, and Do Children Make You Happy?
Spain to win the World Cup. British-born octopus, “Paul,” who lives in Germany and has picked the winner of every German game correctly this World Cup, went for Spain this time around (video).
Does a GED matter? Study: “GEDs are equivalent to uncredentialed dropouts in terms of their labor market outcomes and their general performance in society.” (HT to David Henderson)
Do children make you happy? Study: “The effect of children on the life satisfaction of married individuals is small, often negative, and never statistically significant.” (HT to Marginal Revolution)
Parents raising children may seem less happy than other adults. I suppose childless adults have more time to golf and more money to buy a sportscar or nice shoes.
But the payoff comes when my grown children let me live with them when I am old. I suppose childless adults end up in nursing homes, living with strangers.
How can I bet against my namesake? Besides, he’s never been wrong.
Interesting finding by James Heckman on GEDs. I think Heckman is a Nobel Prize winner. Whether or not he is first rate.
Do they have any studies about happiness and owning a pet?
I don’t know who they interviewed for that study, but they aren’t my friends. To hear my friends tell it, having babies is better than chocolate, sex, and money put together.
About the GED: That’s sad to hear. It seems like at least a small step in the right direction. It also seems rather damning for dropouts who want a “quick fix” education.
How could you bet against an octopus. They always have a leg up on you.
Ken, they can also put the squeeze on you.
I was surprised by the finding that kids are not associated with happiness. In the past, kids were farm labor, childcare for siblings and an old-age retirement plan. I don’t have any kids so I guess I better take my “extra” disposable income and buy a long-term care policy.
Devon, you could also consider marrying a younger woman. Most caregivers are 40+ year old women. It’s when the women get to be old that they run into a problem. Nursing homes are full of old ladies and their daughters who come to take care of them. The men are taken care of until they die and the woman has to fend for herself. Unless she has a daughter…
Frankly, that’s one of my biggest motivations for having children. I want someone to make sure the nursing home staff is taking care of me.
Wow, the octopus was right. Spain just beat Germany 1-0.
What this Octopus video really needs is some music. I suggest one of the following:
Sealed With A Kiss
That’s a Moray
Clam Every Mountain
It Haddock Be You
When You Fish Upon A Star
Shark! the Herald Angels Sing
Fiddler Crab On The Roof
You Walrus Hurt The One You Love
Sole Train
Heart And Sole
Zing! Went the Strings of My Carp
Nearer My Cod To Thee
Tea for Tuna
You Don’t Send me Flounders Anymore
Roe, Roe, Roe Your Boat
Oyster Parade
Mackerel The Knife
Salmon Chanting Evening
Who cares what a hyper-sucking, introverted sea creature thinks?! I’m doubling down on Punxsatawney Phil. Word has it, he’s descended from Revolutionary War Hessians and remains loyal to this day.