One of Language Log’s early posts linked to Daniel Zettwoch’s Deadlock, which illustrates in cartoon form Jason Shiga’s application of game theory to the dynamics of relationship formation. But Shiga’s research represented only an individual-investigator approach to the problem. Now, just in time for Valentine’s day, The Onion shows us what Big Science can do:
NASA Scientists Plan To Approach Girl By 2018
Meanwhile, at the New York Toy Fair on February 12, Mattel announced that the winner of a world-wide vote for Barbie’s Next Career was Computer Engineer:
To ensure the doll accurately reflects this occupation, Barbie® designers worked with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to ensure that accessories, clothing and packaging were realistic and representative of a real computer engineer. Looking geek chic, Computer Engineer Barbie® wears a t-shirt featuring binary code and computer/keyboard icon along with a pair of black knit skinny pants. Computer Engineer carries a Barbie® smart phone, fashionable laptop case, flat watch and Bluetooth earpiece. With stylish pink-frame glasses and a shiny laptop, she is ready to conquer the day’s tasks on the go or from her desk.
The suggested range of projects struck me as a bit stereotypically feminine:
“Girls who discover their futures through Barbie will learn that they – just like engineers – are free to explore infinite possibilities, and that their dreams can go as far as their imaginations take them,” said Nora Lin, President, Society of Women Engineers. “As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can design products that have an important and positive impact on people’s everyday lives, such as inventing a technology to conserve home energy or programming a newborn monitoring device.”
In a world that features TV characters like Abby Sciuto, Computer Engineer Barbie’s imagination might well soar beyond baby monitors and home thermostats, as important as those are. In fact, she might be just what that NASA project needs.