Fun With Facebook Numbers

Every so often, when I get bored, I like to analyze random things.  People who know me well know that I love data, and I especially love mining "hidden" data that perhaps exists somewhere south of where most people look.  For instance, this evening I ran a frequency analysis where each of my Facebook friends were a data point.

Behold the following chart:

Figure 1. Arbitrary grouping of Facebook friends, based on when/where we met.

My egomaniacal tendencies aside (I love turning people into data points, simply because it's so deliciously dehumanizing), there are some "interesting takeaways" (as us corporate types like to say) in the above chart.  For instance:

• Facebook's help page states that the average number of connections is 120.  (NOTE: Some of you will ask whether the 'average' is the mean or the median.  I have no idea, but I agree that it's a good argument to have.)  I have some Facebook friends who have under 50 connections; my younger sister currently has 1,658 (which I think is the most of any of my current Facebook friends, though I could be incorrect).  At present, I have 146 connections.  I started this Facebook account in 2007, so - on average, and not counting the people who've deleted me (or whom I've deleted) since then - I've added a net of about thirty Facebook friends per year.  I went into this analysis thinking that I had relatively few Facebook friends; I don't have a huge real-world network of acquaintances, and I'm also relatively stingy about who I choose to connect with via Facebook.  This is a ballpark estimate, but I only confirm about half of the friend requests that I receive (I also almost never send them to other people, which is due to my own approach-avoidance issues and doesn't help pad my stats).  That being said, I'm more pleased now than I was before I crunched these numbers at the girth of my social network.
• Life experiences build your social network.  Had I not gone to graduate school, I would have thirty fewer Facebook friends than I do at the present time.  Had I never attended college at Rutgers, you can cut another 32 friends from the total.  (Actually, even more than that, because it's unlikely that my wife would have married me had I never graduated from college.)  My point here is that, if you operate (as I do) under the assumption that bigger social networks belong to people who are generally more friendly and fun to be around, it makes sense to educate yourself and also to have several different series of life experiences under your belt.
• In my case, at least, a committed relationship also builds my social network.  Some may disagree with that point, and for all I know, my situation is different from what typically happens to people.  There's certainly anecdotal evidence that a previously highly social person will "settle down" into a committed relationship and soon thereafter lose a bunch of acquaintances.  In my case, though, my wife's introduced me to 35 people who've become my Facebook friends, people whom I likely wouldn't have otherwise met.  I think this is because she is far more sociable than I am, and she also has worked for a large company for the past nine years, so she knows a ton of people.  I've been able to get to know some of them, as well.
• I'm (probably) getting better at connecting with people.  I went to graduate school for only two years, but have almost as many Facebook connections through grad school than college (where I spent four years).  This has something to do with a recency effect, but I still think it's worth noting that most of my Facebook connections were built with people whom I did not even know when I started the account five years ago.
• I do an (intentionally) horrible job of being Facebook friends with members of my family.  This is related to something I mentioned above; I'm very stingy about who I confirm.  It actually pains me to have to hide someone from my News Feed, but when someone is that annoying, I know I have to hide them.  With many members of my family, I'm sure I'd have to hide them immediately after becoming their Facebook friend.

There are probably applications that analyze this data for you (they will also definitely hack your Facebook password, spam your profile and your friends' News Feeds, gain access to and sell all of your personal information, and probably give you Hepatitis C as well).  I chose to sit down for ten minutes and run down my Friends list, trying to create logical groups.  Some people were more difficult to put into a group than others (e.g., my sister's former boyfriend, whom I put in "Family" just because that's how I knew him in the first place).  But for the most part, I'm confident in the chart above.

It's interesting to take the time and figure out what your social network consists of - even if you keep Facebook, or Google+, or something else entirely running in the background for a few hours a day at work, it's still an essential part of your life, in my opinion.  If this kind of stuff interests you, perhaps give it a shot with your friends list, and see what you find out.

Restaurant Review: U-Yee Sushi

I've never reviewed a restaurant before, but let's give this a shot and see how it goes.  We'll start with a place near and dear to my heart; U-Yee Sushi.  Because, though there are other foods I love more than sushi, there is no more powerful culinary urge than the urge for raw fish.

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On a weeknight almost every week, either my wife or I make the 40-minute round trip drive from our house to U-Yee Sushi in Iselin, New Jersey.  It's not the best sushi we've ever had, but it's tasty and a solid enough value that, though we've tried numerous places closer to our home in Somerset County, each time hoping we've found a local replacement, we can't help making the drive back to U-Yee.

U-Yee is also a hibachi restaurant (I've had the hibachi once, and it was pedestrian in quality), but is probably best known for its half-price sushi (Sunday through Thursday only).  "Half-price" sushi scares many people, and with good reason - I've read Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential, and all too many restaurants use promotions like this to mask the poor quality of their ingredients.  When the ingredients in question include raw fish, there is even more of a reason to be nervous.  However, having gone to U-Yee literally hundreds of times and having nary a terrible gastrointestinal incident (except for that one horrible, sleepless night in 2008 - though I'm not sure that was the sushi's fault), you can be assured that "Half-price" sushi nights are simply good value - not bad fish.

Lost in the low, low price of a night at U-Yee (two people can split an appetizer, order 3-4 rolls per person, and each enjoy an alcoholic beverage for $50 or less) is the surprisingly high quality of the cuisine.  Sushi pieces and rolled sushi alike are not only crafted to be delicious, they are also (to varying degrees, depending upon the chef) minor works of art.  Occasionally, sushi appears in highball glasses, in intricate designs and patterns designed to make the diners chuckle.  The communal sushi plates are elegantly balanced so that even those individuals with less-than-daring sushi tastes (California roll, anyone?) can enjoy an interesting visual experience along with the fine food.

Those who choose to sit at the sushi bar often receive a complimentary amuse-bouche (our most recent was a mackerel roll combined with thinly sliced avocado, in a green seaweed wrapper lightly drizzled with spicy sauce, alongside a small cucumber and spicy king crab salad) before the main course.  Sitting at the bar is definitely the way to go - the tables are New York City-level cramped, especially on busy nights, and the sushi chefs are willing to chat with you about what they're making (and can offer recommendations on what's freshest).

Portions are large (between six to eight rolls per order) and generous with regard to the fish amount relative to rice and other, less expensive ingredients.  The spicy tuna roll is among the finest I've ever had - a delicious balance between spice and the fresh, medium-fatty tuna, without even a hint of mayonnaise (I strongly dislike mayonnaise).  But even simple rolls, such as the salmon roll, have remarkable complexity - the sushi chefs take care to season the sushi with rice wine vinegar and a little bit of sake and soy sauce, leaving any possibility of boredom behind but still letting the fish take center stage. U-Yee's sushi coup de grace is most certainly its White Swan roll (spicy white tuna with tempura flakes, wrapped in rice and covered with a thin slice of yellowtail), however.  Multiple layers of flavor - the crunch of the tempura flakes, the mellow tang of the white tuna matched with the raw tenacity of the yellowtail - work together for a sushi experience that should be worth far more than the approximate $7 sticker price. 

For the drinking type, there are more choices at U-Yee than you'd expect at first glance.  The restaurant has a full liquor license and offers an extensive list of cold and warm sake, a standard selection of wines, and both domestic and Japanese imported beers.  Often the servers, in the spirit of Japanese good fortune, will take the time to open and pour my large Sapporo for me, which I always appreciate. 

Speaking of service, it is more than adequate for the price point.  Regulars receive a different, higher caliber of service, but anyone who stops in can be reasonably certain their order will be accurate and their beverage of choice will remain full.  Somewhat annoyingly, you will be charged for refills of your Diet Coke (I'm not sure any restaurant should do this in 2012; charge for the first one, sure, but subsequent drinks should be gratis).

Dining at U-Yee is not without its sore spots.  The restaurant is set aback, in a second-rate shopping mall near a Retro Fitness and a for-profit school for adult education - on most weekday evenings, parking is a serious chore.  (I'll tell you our secret; park behind T.G.I. Friday's, to the left of U-Yee's front, and you'll likely have no more than five parking spots between you and the sushi restaurant.)  Parking is only half the battle, however - the restaurant is in Iselin, a part of New Jersey which for many reasons is not known for driving competency, easily manageable roads, or calm driving scenarios (especially during the holiday season).  U-Yee is often busy on weeknights, and does not take reservations.  If you are forced to wait, you'll be waiting in conditions even more cramped than the seating area itself.  You can rest assured that in these instances, you're dining at a popular restaurant.  Take out is an option for locals, but can sometimes be charged full price (be sure to ask in advance).

Do not judge a book by its cover.  In some ways, U-Yee is "dive" sushi - it's in a working-class area, the decor and walls are somewhat dated, and the restaurant certainly appeals to those who realize that clean, delicious fish doesn't necessarily have to be high-end in nature.  Recently, my wife and I dined at one of the finest sushi establishments in the world (Sushi Yasuda in New York City) - a completely different experience, indeed, but both establishments have the same essence of providing needed comfort food.  With a combination of fresh and inventive sushi design, incredibly delicious food and drink, and a warm and comforting atmosphere, U-Yee is almost always a fine decision, and it comes highly recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (ratings take into account food quality, drink quality, service, ambience/atmosphere, and last but not least, value).

Best for: Casual night out with the wife and/or with friends; whenever the (incredibly strong) sushi urge strikes you

Average price: My wife and I typically spend between $40-$60 for the two of us, including a 20% tip.

Satellite Radio & The New Culture of Music

My new car, which I purchased almost three months ago, came with a free, three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio.  They'll let me continue for another six months for only thirty bucks or so.  Frankly, and I would never tell the kind folks at SiriusXM this, but nine months of satellite radio for thirty bucks is an incredible bargain.  They could charge me more, and I'd be forced to take it.  I'm addicted to satellite radio.

Why is this the case?  Inevitably, the first advantage to satellite radio that people bring up is the lack of commercial interruptions.  This is a clear benefit, but it's not entirely true - some programs, such as Opie and Anthony, have occasional commercial breaks.  And indeed, in general, listening to virtually zero commercials on the radio is better than listening to local hacks pitching non-essential services on every radio station at the exact same time (:50 past the hour or so).

(SOMEWHAT RELATED RANT: Though, local hacks pitching non-essential services is much better than non-local hacks pitching non-essential services.  We now use Verizon FiOS for cable at our home, which is generally speaking a vast improvement over evil fascist-run Cablevision.  However, FiOS erroneously thinks that the entire New York City metro area is interested in hearing the same commercials.  New York City is not Akron, Ohio.  I live in the suburbs, but there are one million people who live in a twenty mile radius of me, and literally everything I might possibly need, from pest removal to appliance repair to Ethiopian food, is available to me within a ten mile radius.  I do not need to hear TV commercials for random kitchen and bath contractors who operate fifty miles away from me.  I would never use them, and even if I were interested, it would be economically infeasible for them to consider selling to me.  The way FiOS defines "local" with regard to commercial transmission makes zero sense - maybe someone out there can explain it to me.  I can't be the only person upset about this.)

Anyway, I feel there are more reasons why satellite radio kicks terrestrial radio's ass than you would be interested in reading.  I'll list a few of the reasons why I feel this way below, and then we can argue, banter, have fisticuffs or whatever you'd prefer regarding the topic.

• Variety of music.  At present, the New York City FM dial is a barren wasteland for people who aren't fifteen years old and/or mentally retarded.  To the best of my knowledge, there exists zero modern rock, alternative rock, or hard rock FM radio stations broadcasting out of NYC right now.  But let's be fair; even when K-Rock existed (R.I.P, 1996-2009), one halfway decent radio station could only do so much.  The business model of terrestrial radio requires a steady and large stable of listeners in order to provide advertising revenue.  Satellite, on the other hand, doesn't give a damn whether you want to listen to 1st Wave (classic alternative, 1989 and earlier), Lithium (classic alternative, 1990-2000 c.f.), or Alt Nation (modern alternative, 2001-present) - you've paid your dues already, so you can listen to whatever you want.  The end result of this is that terrestrial rock radio always needed to play Matchbox Twenty back-to-back with Metallica, even though the fan bases for the aforementioned bands did not overlap.  They assumed, in what was a safe assumption until fairly recently, that listeners would suck it up and listen to both groups on the same radio station.  Satellite, on the other hand, can cater to finicky tastes by compartmentalizing music genres in so many different ways, it's amazing (and at first, overwhelming).
• Variety of non-music content.  I mentioned Opie and Anthony before.  They were once simulcasted on terrestrial radio in my area even while on satellite radio.  This doesn't happen anymore, which is a shame because O&A, while filthy and repulsive, are also incredibly awesome.  I work in an office, doing corporate work, and my long drives to and from work are where I am able to let my id free.  Opie and Anthony's constant comedy and vitriol help me considerably in this endeavor.  Also amazing is Jason Ellis Live, a drive time show on XL Faction.  Regardless of your poison, it's important to laugh out loud in your car, and with the incredible amount of talent leaving terrestrial radio for satellite over the past several years, it's now only possible to do this on satellite.
• Satellite technology.  Except for underpasses and driving rainstorms, I've never had any issue listening to satellite radio at any time.  This contrasts with terrestrial radio, which is obviously constrained by transmitter power (and, also, weather).  Theoretically, if I were to drive from my home in New Jersey to the Pacific coast, I would be able to listen the same radio station.  This would be patently crazy, but theoretically possible.  (NOTE: I'd like to someday drive to Canada in this car.  Does satellite radio work in Canada?  That would be a little racist if it didn't.  Maybe it's similar, but they play lots of Barenaked Ladies, Sarah MacLachlan, and NHL broadcasts on "XL Hoser".)
• Complete lack of censorship.  Back in the day, before our litigious society went berserk on musicians dropping the F-bomb in the vein of artistic expression, you could hear raw, unedited versions of fairly explicit music on terrestrial radio.  I, for one, grew up with Tom Morello screaming repeatedly that Fuck no, he wouldn't do what they told him.  At some point, this shit no longer flew on the FM dial, and songs were entirely dubbed clean - often at the expense of the core intent of the piece.  This does not happen on satellite radio, thankfully, and it's cathartic to hear songs performed the way they were intended to be performed.  Remind me again, why do people get so up in arms about profanity?  These people, clearly, should go fuck themselves.
• In a sense, it's good for the music industry.  I mentioned earlier that satellite radio has more musical genre "cuts" than one might expect (or, in some cases, want).  What's nice to me about some of these stations is the extent to which they promote new, independent, and unsigned music.  It's common for a song to debut on XM U (the indie, college radio station) and end up on Alt Nation (the modern alternative rock station), and if it becomes popular enough on Alt Nation, that goes a long way to international super-stardom - which is what any musician who puts his or her music on the radio should want.  What I don't know is how music gets to XM U in the first place, but judging from the personalities they have on that station, I'm assuming that lots of it is researched from the ground up and is completely unsigned.  If so, that's a good thing for the music industry (where traditional avenues of developing talent are dying rapidly).

Is there anything I miss about terrestrial radio?  I haven't voluntarily put on the FM dial once since I purchased my new car last November, so I suppose there isn't much.  One thing I do miss - and I miss it a great deal - is the locality of terrestrial radio.  By this I mean that until recently, it was possible for a radio station to stick around long enough, and make enough money through advertising, to become a stakeholder in a community's musical culture.  They were part of a city's language, the on-air talent (if talented enough) became an adopted member of the community, and they were able to interact with their listeners in ways that were meaningful.

In the late fall of 1997, my mom wrote K-Rock in New York City a letter (maybe it was an E-mail, but I doubt it) explaining how much her son loved the radio station.  She was thinking they might be nice and send her a bumper sticker or something else to put in my Christmas stocking.  They actually sent a few bumper stickers back to her.  They also sent a long-sleeve T-Shirt (NOTE: I write this in February of 2012.  I'm married and have a mortgage, and I still own and fit in this T-Shirt.  It survived literally 25 moves I've made over the past fifteen years.  It is by far the oldest piece of clothing I own, it is a unanimous first-ballot Clothing Hall of Famer, and I will cry out loud like a baby when it eventually rips).  Oh, and they also threw in demo copies of the top ten alternative rock albums of 1997.  At a value of over $100, they sent these gifts to my mom at no charge.  This was my Ralphie Christmas, it's the Christmas I will always remember.

Fast forward twelve years later.  In early 2009, a friend of mine won floor tickets to see Metallica at the Prudential Center in Newark from the same radio station (though by then K-Rock was in its death throes, about to be consumed by the Demons of New York Radio and turned into Dance Music for Adults with Severe Autism).  Through the radio station promotion, I tagged along with him and spent an evening about ten feet from James Hetfield.  This was one of the concerts I will always remember.

Satellite radio, at least right now, cannot come close to matching the type of emotional connections that were once made easily by local, terrestrial radio stations.  I would love to see it happen in the future; maybe they could vary the on-air talent by region?  Or simulcast more local radio stations?  (They currently do this for a few radio stations in the New York market, such as Z100, though I'm not sure if this is a national or local thing.  I really need to drive my car outside of the New York metro area for once to figure this out.)

For now, it's clear to me that satellite radio is an improvement over the status quo.  It does change the way we connect with our communities as a result of listening to the radio, and it's a little sad to think that one day, the "local one dollar concert series" or the "radio station street crew" will go the way of banks handing out toasters to new customers.  Having satellite radio is like being one of the cool kids in a nationwide school with twenty million students.  You know where you stand, you like where you stand, but you don't know anyone around you.