Things That Make You Go, Hmmm

The Far Middle episode 171 begins with a sports dedication curveball. Nick leads off by noting the episode was recorded the day before Major League Baseball pitcher Blake Snell threw not only his first complete game but also a no-hitter. Acknowledging the timing, Nick humorously asks for Snell’s forgiveness before diving into this episode’s sports dedication.

The dedication (and Snell’s serendipitous complete game timing) definitely “makes you go, hmmm,” which is a recurring theme in episode 171.

Nick draws an intriguing comparison between Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and Blake Snell. Despite Ryan's legendary career—featuring seven no-hitters, 222 complete games, and over 5,700 strikeouts—he never won a Cy Young Award. In contrast, Snell has won two Cy Young Awards without having pitched a complete game (until the day after this podcast was recorded). The comparison highlights how baseball has evolved, with fewer complete games being pitched in the modern era.

Nick then shifts focus to New Jersey's public transportation issues, specifically the financial mismanagement of New Jersey Transit. He questions the state's decision to divert funds from capital projects to cover operating costs, which has led to a financial crisis exacerbated by declining ridership and increased operating costs. The state's solution includes a surtax on corporate income, which will ultimately burden New Jersey residents.

The conversation then turns to New York City's congestion pricing plan, which has been suspended due to concerns about its impact on the cost of living and commercial occupancy rates. Nick once again dismantles the argument behind congestion pricing, a scheme that overlooks the root causes of traffic congestion, which are the constraints that have been intentionally imposed upon the city’s roads and infrastructure.

Finally, the episode explores the concept of "ghost posting" in the job market, where companies advertise job openings without the intention to hire. This practice creates a misleading picture of job demand and is used for various reasons, such as portraying growth or maintaining a candidate pool.

And for fans of 1990s pop culture, Nick, as always, has an entertaining close that’s not to be missed.

For more reflection on Nolan Ryan and the 90s (specifically 1991) check out Far Middle episode 91, Greatness, and Nick’s dedication to Nolan Ryan, alongside Mario Lemieux and Michael Jordan, for their special 1991 sports achievements. Also head back to episode 48, The Strikeout, for a look at the risk and reward of Ryan’s 5,714 career strikeouts.