Osler's Razor

They rent boats for the waterways of Central Park; by far the most popular type of watercraft is the rowboat. Sometimes, I like to hang out on a bridge and categorize the rowers. They fall generally into the following groups:

1) One man, one woman (50%). About half the rowboats are filled with couples. The prefered combination seems to be guy in a polo shirt or a t-shirt pulling the oars, woman in gauzy skirt lounging around on the other seat.

2) One adult, one kid (18%). The one adult-one kid grouping has two permutations. More often the adult is rowing while the kid shouts instructions or leans way over the side, threatening disaster. Sometimes the kid rows, and the boat goes in one small circle.

3) Two women (10%). These boats seem to be some sort of mini-booze-cruise. They tend not to be headed anywhere in particular. There is a lot of talking and gesticulation.

4) Four men (1%). This is the most intriguing combination. Usually, one guy is rowing while the other three sit stone-faced in the back with their arms crossed. Often, they look like they are on their way to a hit.