{{myquote|It is always the darkest just before the dawn…
…and it is never brighter than the moment right before the train – which had previously been the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ – runs you over.}}
Archives for September 2008
Thicker Skins
Posted on September 24, 2008 Written by
(posted previously over at for a Better Discourse)
One of the aims of “Better Discourse” is to elevate everyone’s game. When you’re better able to articulate a point without resorting to bad rhetoric, strongarm tactics, emotional appeals or distoritions you stand a better chance of reaching someone who is undecided. The posture of the speaker has as much to do with the success of a message, and playing ‘the victim’ is not a posture of strength.
Here’s an example I see playing out right now:
Saturday Night Live did a skit this past weekend which clearly lampooned the New York Times. A large gathering of Times staff was brainstorming about possible stories about Sarah Palin, and the need to send a large contingent to Alaska to “dig up” whatever they could. Playing off the notion that Times reporters are clueless about Alaskan culture, guns, snowmobiles, or life without a nearby therapist, the skit was downright funny. (Upon seeing a picture of a shotgun, a know-it-all reporter proving his mastery of Middle America spouted ‘that is clearly a derringer, also known as a Saturday Night Special’, or something to that effect.)
However, some on the right are howling mad that a fake reporter – in a sketch about how overboard the media might be in finding dirt on Sarah Palin – suggests following “rumors” that Todd Palin molests his daughters. The way in which this is described is clearly a parody, and the target of the humor is the mainstream media, not the Palin family.
By whining about something that has never been alleged – and was served up as an absurd counterpoint to skewer the mainstream media – those on the right diminish their ability to be taken seriously on any assertion of media bias.
Grow a thicker skin, and show that you can at least comprehend a joke before reflexively flailing away at every possible grievance. It makes for a better discourse.
Wishing Up Daisies
Posted on September 23, 2008 Written by
{{myquote|Wishing on a dandelion is 100-percent effective, provided that every time you blow on one you are wishing for more dandelions.}}
Photo – Day 191: Dandelions
Venning an Election
Posted on September 21, 2008 Written by
This is a rare treat for me, as someone has taken the Venn concept and applied it to personal decision-making.
Reader Brian Carpenter sent this in for thought and consideration. He does not claim it to be complete or universal, but found it an effective tool for rating those qualities voters would look for in elected officials.
He sorts out the three main divisions as a candidate’s Stance, Ability, and Character. His analysis follows the graph:
Selecting a President
- The intersection of Stance and Ability without Character is cunning.
- The intersection of Ability and Character without any stance is wishy-washy.
- The intersection of Character and Stance without Ability is ineffective.
Stance gets most of the attention. It is the political views of the candidate often labeled as democrat or republican.
Examples
Many may consider Jimmy Carter within the yellow zone. He represented their political stance and was thought to have good character, but was unable to get much done. Sarah Palin may be also in the yellow zone for those who agree with her stance.
Many may consider Bill Clinton to be where the magenta and cyan zone almost touch. He was broadly accused of being poll-driven and lacking character, but has tremendous abilities to discern political strategy and communicate.
What do you think? Any other examples of placement of historical candidates? Any alternate divisions you would use to replace the three main spheres of influence? Come up with your own, and either link them here or send them to me.
Well done, Brian!
[tags]Ike Pigott, Occam’s RazR, election, decision making, Venn diagram, politics[/tags]
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Posted on September 19, 2008 Written by
I almost forgot. This is one of those holidays that only people on the internet take seriously. And maybe a few disc jockeys.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix. There’s a WordPress plugin that makes the changes automatically. I just have to remember to turn it back off on the 20th, when we celebrate Talk Like a Human Day.
Happy Friday.
Persuasion
Posted on September 17, 2008 Written by
{{myquote|It’s bad to tell others what to think.
It’s better to tell others how you think.
Best is to pose questions that cause others to think.}}
(Hat tip to Kathy Sierra)
Legwork
Posted on September 16, 2008 Written by
{{myquote|Many jobs are like treadmills — they keep you pointed in the right direction, provide great exercise, and prepare you for the road ahead…
But in the end, you must leave them to truly get anywhere.}}