Fencing Supplier Update

In an earlier post I've explained past experiences when buying fencing gear from the major suppliers, here's the 2007 update:

• Called Triplette Competition Arms, which is under a new management dedicated to the endeavor of diluting the brand name value of the business they bought; however, they are keeping one tradition going--I called last month asking about the scoring machine we sent in, twice, to get fixed in 2005. I'm still waiting for a call back. I never had any luck getting the floor cord they left out of an order seven years ago.
• Sent Leon Paul USA an e-mail last week asking about sizing. Haven't heard back. I suppose I could buy the item in question, and if it doesn't fit, I could send it back, which would take a little bit longer than the 10 seconds it would take to answer my question.

The Nickel Coke

Why did Coca-Cola remain at five cents for 70 years? For starters, vending machines didn't take pennies. Hi-tech vending machines ensure that prices can go up quickly: Solving the mystery of the 5-cent Coca-Cola. - By Tim Harford - Slate Magazine

MIT Beans Head Admissions Dean

Marilee Jones held an important and admirable position in MIT. According to a 1997 press release :

"The Dean of Admissions is a key position at MIT. Marilee Jones has been chosen for this position after a long, sometimes arduous and extremely thorough national search by a distinguished and hard-working search committee," said Dean Williams.

Her now pulled biography stated that Ms. Jones worked hard:

"As a national spokesperson on the changes in today’s college admissions climate, speaking out against the pressures it induces in both students and parents, she has been featured on CBS, National Public Radio and profiled in USA Today, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. "

From the NY Times 05/03/2007:

"Last week, in announcing the resignation, the institute said Ms. Jones... had falsely represented herself as having degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Albany Medical College and Union College. "