several possibilities, all either involving a complete lack of ethics or a complete lack of competence. no, i cannot go into detail, but i can write to get out at least some frustration.

we'll do it algebraically. there are two time periods of concern, time period N (where N=2004), and time period N+1.

We'll start with year N+1.

In N+1, expected Pi=X. Upon the conclusion of year N+1, expected Pf=2X.
Currently, actual P=0.
That's frustrating. It was discovered yesterday.

In year N.

Expected Pi=Y. Upon the conclusion of year N, expected Pf=2Y.
In actuality, Pi=.545Y. Upon the conclusion of year N, Pf=.818Y. (Which is to say, the actual 'balloon' did not equal Y, but rather .272Y. At worst, it should have equaled an additional .545Y.)

Therefore, PfX (expected)-PfA (actual)=1.182Y. Which seems absurd.

- - - - - -

It was frustrating when I realized that I was missing X. It's more frustrating when I realized I'm also missing 1.182Y.

- - - - - -

which is worse, absolute incompetence or absolute amorality? perhaps it doesn't matter. perhaps it's just worst to be stuck.

depressing if you can follow, which you probably can't. mildly amusing, i guess, if you can't. sigh.

on the upside, there's a song on the first fiery furnaces album that talks about taking a bus over the bridge from moline to the 'port. while flattering to the region, it's also, according to my base of knowledge, reflective of a lack of geographic knowledge on the part of the friedbergers. but it did become my favorite song on the album. why not, right?

correction, thursday, 1:00 p.m.: the song simply refers to going from moline over the river "on a bus, on a bridge," i believe. geographically, that's perfectly unobjectionable.