Skinner and Snow

34  74%  37%  7mph  windroseNNE  bar steep rise  dewpoint27  First Quarter of the Snow Moon    Holiseason

At 9AM this morning we had snow.  A bit accumulated on the outdoor furniture on our deck, then it was gone.  The season teases us, reminds us how it could be while withholding what we want, a daylong nightlong daylong snow complete with howling winds and drifts as big as cars. 

In years past, back when I was, say, 40, Minnesota would reliably produce such weather, but now it falls in that strange realm of behavioral psychology, intermittent reinforcement.  Any Skinnerian can tell you that that intermittent is the most powerful reinforcer.  It explains gambling’s dark charm and the peculiar frustrations of Viking’s and Cub’s fans.  It also explains why we Minnesotan’s now look so eagerly at each new flake in the sky hoping that this will be the one when the land returns to normal, at least for a day.

Snow seems faraway right now.  Oh, well, I have plenty to do today.  Construct a magic of myth tour, grocery shopping, cooking supper, a workout.  And, if I have time, finish my filing.  Got a lot done yesterday, but not all.