So I realize it’s only Day 1 of my off-season hiatus. Nonetheless, I’ll poke my head up briefly before hibernating again. I want to make sure 12MC readers saw a recent comment posted by John Deeth of Iowa. Comments often fall through the cracks because they don’t appear in newsreaders. And doubly so at this time of year. This one is simply too great to lose in the shuffle.
Inquiring minds will definitely want to know
John Deeth says:
“Greetings from the land of the caucuses. Regular readers may enjoy:
It’s a point of bragging rights in Iowa politics, state or presidential, to visit all 99 counties. Rick Santorum has done it; Michele Bachmann is on a tour to complete what politicos call ‘the full Grassley’ (after the Senator who visits all 99 each year).
So when Register reporter Jennifer Jacobs asked: ‘How exactly can presidential candidates get through all 99 counties in Iowa in the quickest amount of time on the shortest path?’ I thought immediately of 12MC. Here’s the answer:
(disclaimer: I’m a VERY part time Register contributor, which should not lessen your enjoyment)”
Traveling Salesman
The article referenced a post in the New York Times. That one included even more information about the route calculation. Mathematicians call this conundrum the “traveling salesman problem.”
The map at the link provides pure convoluted goodness. I’m not sure I would have appreciated the Full Grassley until I understood the term better (it sounds suspiciously like the Full Monty). However, once explained, I’m ready for an Iowa road trip for the Full Grassley treatment.
Thank you John Deeth!
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