From Pine View Farm

December, 2018 archive

The Secret Ingredient 0

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Tales of the Trumpling: Snapshots of Trickle-Down Trumpery 0

A Trumpled grocery customer.

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How Stuff Works, Truth Overwhelmed Dept. 0

David A. Asch and Raina Merchant detail the erosion of truth as a result of the explosion of “social” media; they identify three factors. An excerpt (emphasis added):

First is social media. Social media stands next to the printing press and moveable type among inventions that dramatically lowered the cost of communicating widely — now to the point that anyone can do it. Here, you find little to no fact-checking, and no editorial standards to govern broadcasted information. . . . . Paradoxically, perceived credibility may have increased. Communications through pre-existing social networks are typically more trusted than information from impersonal sources.

Second is selective deafness. When Walter Cronkite was the “Most Trusted Man in America,” many received their news from that single source. Now, Americans can select news feeds from thinly parsed media channels. It’s only human to want to hear what you want to hear. But what is a good strategy for music is not a good strategy for news. The problem is less that those into homeopathy can subscribe to homeopathy-favorable channels — it’s that they can do so to the exclusion of everything else. Selective deafness creates the “echo chamber” people decry.

Third is that lies are chameleons. Truth comes in only one form, but lies can be shaped to match any taste. The suffering want hope, and those unencumbered by the truth have an easier time giving it to them.

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The Gist of Christmas Past 0

Red Hats looking into empty sack as Donald Trump as Santa Claus walks away.  Red Hat says,

Via Job’s Anger.

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The Courage of Their Conniptions 0

At Psychology Today Blogs, Clifford N. Lazarus explore how persons continue to cling to beliefs even when they had been proven wrong. Here’s a nugget:

As a currently relevant example, consider that incontrovertible proof has been discovered that Donald Trump has lied, cheated, stolen and committed very serious crimes that most people would face significant jail time for. What’s more, he appears to be entirely unfit for the office he holds and has implemented policies that are hurting the vast majority of the people who voted for him. Nevertheless, a great many people who voted for Trump vigorously defend their choice despite the tremendous amount of credible, incriminating information about him that has come to light since November 8, 2016.

Follow the link for his suggestions as to how these folks keep their faith, baby.

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Mythbuster 2

Shaun Mullen.

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Stray Question, Tripping Hazard Dept. 0

When did shoe manufacturers decide that shoes need shoelaces long enough to moor a boat?

And, for Pete’s sake, why?

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QOTD 0

Rex Stout, in the voice of Archie Goodwin:

. . . impetuosity is a virtue only when delay is dangerous . . . .

Stout, Rex, Too Many Clients (New York, Bantam, 1971), p. 32.

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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 0

If you have not done so, I highly recommend that you read Lena Horne’s autobiography.

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Excess 0

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Joy 0

Our next number is dedicated to all the boys and girls at Fox News.

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Joy 0

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Cheer 0

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Cheer 0

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Joy 0

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QOTD 0

Maury Chaykin, as Nero Wolfe:

Christmas as celebrated is merely an excuse for wretched excess.

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‘Tis the Season 0

Three bejeweled, turbaned figures riding camels approach a high fence of barbed wire bearing a watch station at the top.  One of the figures is pointing towards a blazing star in the heavens.  One guard says to the other,

Via Kiko’s House.

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A Christmas Wish 0

Well-dressed man standing next to a Salvation Army style bucket in front of Republican Party Headquarters ringing a bell.  Above the bucket, a sign reads,

Via Job’s Anger.

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Punk’d in the Pocketbook 0

You may have heard about the Payless Shoe chain’s “Palessi” prank, in which Payless invented a tony ersatz brand, “Paylessi,” and gulled folks with more money than sense into paying hundreds of dollars for $20 shoes.

At Psychology Today Blogs, Utpal Dholakia draws three lessons from this. Here they are; follow the link for a detailed discussion of the Paylessi prank and of each of these items.

  • We should be skeptical of recommendations given by influencers and so-called experts.
  • We should treat brands like wrapping paper on a Christmas present, not the present itself.
  • When making a purchase decision, we should pay attention to the product features that really matter.

Read more »

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“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0

Be polite as you complete your last-minute Christmas shopping.

The injured man was shopping at Dollar Tree, located on the border of Franklin and Ravenna Townships off Route 59, when a gun he was carrying apparently discharged.

“It was completely accidental,” Myers said. “The gentleman was actually very embarrassed about the whole situation.”

A quibble: “Accidental” is a less than optimal synonym for “stupid.”

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