Making assessments

Photo by Moriori for Ruler article, released into the public domain by same.

Things don’t mean terribly much unless you can measure them. Well, in most circumstances. Luna Lovegood, one of Harry Potter’s good friends, would tend to disagree on the grounds that it’s pretty hard to measure a crumple-horned snorkack, possibly because there aren’t any available specimens to measure.

However, in the more workaday world inhabited by MightyIsis, most things can be measured and should be. Take, for example, the humble pint glass.


(Left)Photo by Will Murray (Willscrlt), released into the public domain.

It’s hard, though, especially when you would strongly prefer to let things be a little more free-flowing, like chocolate chips.


(Right) The origins of chocolate chips. Public domain image by Medicaster.

Of course, assessment is more than simply measuring. It also means evaluating, as in these chocolate chips are "yummy," as observed by the "mmmm" sound that consumers make while eating them. And, by that measure, the snorkack can be assessed, possibly as "elusive."

But is it really necessary to assess the number of chocolate chips you’re eating? They’re so yummy. They remain yummy even after you find that, of the four pairs of jeans that fit last month, all are unacceptably tight and two will no longer button. In this situation, and assessment of the benefits and expenses of eating an unlimited number of chocolate chips, going to the gym more frequently, and buying new jeans might be in order.