The msn.com Home Page features a four-word click/lead line that contains three "punchlines:" "Journalism diplomas feature typos" - low hanging fruit for a blog like this (http://www.msn.com/). Upon first reading I chuckled at "diplomas" having "typos." Upon second reading, I chuckled because ironically they are "Journalism" diplomas...
The third "punchline" actually comes to light after going to the link for the line; to me it read like each diploma featured more than one typo, plural. When you read the linked article however, you fined out that a number of diplomas (plural) featured only one typo each... and on top of that, only some of the Journalism Diplomas featured even the singular typo - not all of them... Such inconsistency in Journalism... (www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/school-makes-typo-journalism-graduates-diplomas-n138131)
I think this story pretty much flirts/toys with itself and needs no further attention from me :).
Monday, June 23, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Unintended Consequences, Mostly LOL Stuff
A Wikipedia article wisely proclaims that the concept of Unintended Consequences "...is commonly used as a wry or humorous warning against the hubristic (sic) belief that humans can fully control the world around them..." LOL... For example: We likely can't cause others to fly away, unaided! Besides, being able to do so would perhaps have unintended consequences! (http://enn.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unintended_consequences#History)
For other examples, I want to look at Unintended Consequences from a humorous news article and a funny-in-hindsight personal story that struck me right where I was standing at the moment.
First, former Park Ranger turned writer Jim Burnett notes in a recent submission to the National Park System Newsletter concerning Unintended Consequences: "Throughout the National Park System, and other public lands across the nation... are... comfort stations... (T)he same guideline applies to them all—please keep the outside door closed. Failing to do so can lead to some classic examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences (nationalparkstraveler.com)."
Burnett had me hooked at the phrase "please keep the outside door closed," after seeing it in the same text with Unintended Consequences and "Comfort Station Doors." That's correct: "Comfort Station Doors." I rushed on in search of a good laugh. Burnett didn't disappoint! But first, let me be clear, if needed (?) that he's talking about the NPS's rustic, park outhouses...
Early one morning Burnett heard a panic-launched scream as he saw a gentleman burst through a previously-blocked-open-overnight door of a nearby Comfort Station. He goes on to note that the poor man's hasty departure was hampered by having been caught with his pants down and having not yet corrected this stage of undress.
Other than now being a in public area with his pants down, Burnett explains that he couldn't see any obvious reason for the man's very obvious disrepair! As a trained Ranger he went to the man and quickly inquired, "Can I help you. Sir?", and received a quaking, singular reply: "Rattlesnake!" In a great piece of writing Burnett explains that as the man "calmed down and explained that he had gone into the stall... and was preparing to take his position on the appropriate plumbing fixture, ... he... spotted the reptile coiled up... in the corner of the stall (http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/06/comfort-station-doors-and-law-unintended-consequences25162).
The unintended consequence of another, well-meaning, park visitor who had propped the door open just a little to allow for overnight airing turned out eventually to be humorous, if not outright funny, only because the surprised visitor didn't have a heart-attack or get bit squarely in his hindquarters or elsewhere... I encourage you to go to the above link to enjoy Jim Burnett's entire submission and body of work.
I'm in a good mood so I've decided not to delve into entirely negative, not-at-all humorous Unintended Consequence news articles like when armies that were ordered into wars that, arguably, eventually left those in the invaded area much worse for the wear for years... Enough!
Second, a short personal story of some humor: Years ago I literally walked into an Unintended Consequences almost-news story while serving in a small hospital as their official Volunteer Chaplain of the Week. My Official patients-to-visit list, as given to me by the hospitals social services office, presented the name of a female patient that I ought to visit (Read on and you'll understand why I feel compelled to overuse the word "official!")
The patient's room door was wide open so I began the customary protocol; knocking on the door as I made one step in and began explaining who I was and why I was there. I don't recall how far I had gotten when I realized the female patient was lying nearby sans a sheet, a gown, any clothing or needed covering whatsoever!
With an embarrassing jerk I careened back into the hallway. Continuing to follow Official Protocol I found a nurse and explained. I told her if she could rectify the patient's situation I would be glad to go back and attempt to render chaplain-care (if it was still possible). She did and I returned to the room as everyone's faces returned to a lesser red glow. (Actually, I don't think the nurse blushed). Often in hospitals closed doors and/or signs directing visitors and unsuspecting Volunteer Chaplains to the nurses station prior to entry nicely curtail the unintended consequences of an open door that should have been closed.
In the nurse's defense, she did explain that this lady had a "situation" that was making it difficult for them to keep her unnaked; still, again, a closed door and/or a sign would have been nice... At least no one was injured or bitten or suffered a heart attack... Jim Burnett is right; some doors should remain, most often, closed...
Now, please take time to post an unintended consequence or two you've experienced. A humorous story would be good, but any that are not illegal or immoral as defined by the blog Officials are welcomed!
A final note: Again please remember I was acting in an "official" capacity and not simply room-surfing... an unethical practice one should undertake only after considerable consideration and then deciding not to.
For other examples, I want to look at Unintended Consequences from a humorous news article and a funny-in-hindsight personal story that struck me right where I was standing at the moment.
First, former Park Ranger turned writer Jim Burnett notes in a recent submission to the National Park System Newsletter concerning Unintended Consequences: "Throughout the National Park System, and other public lands across the nation... are... comfort stations... (T)he same guideline applies to them all—please keep the outside door closed. Failing to do so can lead to some classic examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences (nationalparkstraveler.com)."
Burnett had me hooked at the phrase "please keep the outside door closed," after seeing it in the same text with Unintended Consequences and "Comfort Station Doors." That's correct: "Comfort Station Doors." I rushed on in search of a good laugh. Burnett didn't disappoint! But first, let me be clear, if needed (?) that he's talking about the NPS's rustic, park outhouses...
Early one morning Burnett heard a panic-launched scream as he saw a gentleman burst through a previously-blocked-open-overnight door of a nearby Comfort Station. He goes on to note that the poor man's hasty departure was hampered by having been caught with his pants down and having not yet corrected this stage of undress.
Other than now being a in public area with his pants down, Burnett explains that he couldn't see any obvious reason for the man's very obvious disrepair! As a trained Ranger he went to the man and quickly inquired, "Can I help you. Sir?", and received a quaking, singular reply: "Rattlesnake!" In a great piece of writing Burnett explains that as the man "calmed down and explained that he had gone into the stall... and was preparing to take his position on the appropriate plumbing fixture, ... he... spotted the reptile coiled up... in the corner of the stall (http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/06/comfort-station-doors-and-law-unintended-consequences25162).
The unintended consequence of another, well-meaning, park visitor who had propped the door open just a little to allow for overnight airing turned out eventually to be humorous, if not outright funny, only because the surprised visitor didn't have a heart-attack or get bit squarely in his hindquarters or elsewhere... I encourage you to go to the above link to enjoy Jim Burnett's entire submission and body of work.
I'm in a good mood so I've decided not to delve into entirely negative, not-at-all humorous Unintended Consequence news articles like when armies that were ordered into wars that, arguably, eventually left those in the invaded area much worse for the wear for years... Enough!
Second, a short personal story of some humor: Years ago I literally walked into an Unintended Consequences almost-news story while serving in a small hospital as their official Volunteer Chaplain of the Week. My Official patients-to-visit list, as given to me by the hospitals social services office, presented the name of a female patient that I ought to visit (Read on and you'll understand why I feel compelled to overuse the word "official!")
The patient's room door was wide open so I began the customary protocol; knocking on the door as I made one step in and began explaining who I was and why I was there. I don't recall how far I had gotten when I realized the female patient was lying nearby sans a sheet, a gown, any clothing or needed covering whatsoever!
With an embarrassing jerk I careened back into the hallway. Continuing to follow Official Protocol I found a nurse and explained. I told her if she could rectify the patient's situation I would be glad to go back and attempt to render chaplain-care (if it was still possible). She did and I returned to the room as everyone's faces returned to a lesser red glow. (Actually, I don't think the nurse blushed). Often in hospitals closed doors and/or signs directing visitors and unsuspecting Volunteer Chaplains to the nurses station prior to entry nicely curtail the unintended consequences of an open door that should have been closed.
In the nurse's defense, she did explain that this lady had a "situation" that was making it difficult for them to keep her unnaked; still, again, a closed door and/or a sign would have been nice... At least no one was injured or bitten or suffered a heart attack... Jim Burnett is right; some doors should remain, most often, closed...
Now, please take time to post an unintended consequence or two you've experienced. A humorous story would be good, but any that are not illegal or immoral as defined by the blog Officials are welcomed!
A final note: Again please remember I was acting in an "official" capacity and not simply room-surfing... an unethical practice one should undertake only after considerable consideration and then deciding not to.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Dangerous, Aggravating Road Signs!
The British Daily Mail published an article that reminds me of one of my pet-peeves! (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285668/Car-crash-Blame-road-signs-Third-drivers-accident-near-miss-baffling-signs.html). They report that in the UK a "Third of drivers have had an accident or a near miss because of baffling signs."
One of my pet-peeve is street "signs" painted on the road surface. They can be a little hard to see in the rain and/or at night or especially if they are covered by snow where winter happens hard nearly every year!
Have you ever had an accident or near miss because you or someone else was unable to see an arrow or word written on the payment in time or not at all? Geez, I have and apparently a fair number of others have also.
Plus in a time when many local governments lack funds for proper road/signage upkeep, painted-on-the-road messages can grow old and faded beyond effectiveness/sight. And again, with bad winter weather these signs can be even more easily erased by road conditions.
So I want to go on the record! Painted-on-the-road signs are often helpful but I believe there should also always be an additional, very-visible, regular standing sign! I'm especially tired of driving in unfamiliar areas and suddenly finding I am in a turn-only lane from a fading message on the road. I think such signs can also come too late in the traffic process to be able to safely make a lane adjustment.
This may seem like a small issue. However if a third of UK drivers have had a significant problem with signs that may well include some just painted on the roads, how many have a problem in the US and elsewhere?
I also have trouble with many road lines in similar ways. For example, there are regular intersections and complicated intersections. I've seen and experienced problems with both because of road line problems or some sort.
If several lanes are turning left in a several-road-intersection there are often dotted lines helping drivers stay in their lane on through the turn. I really appreciate this! But these line seem to be even harder to see under certain conditions and more subject to fading problems. I often go through a busy intersection where three roads come together. People like me who are familiar with the intersection have little trouble. But too often I've seen confused or "lane-trapped" drivers create potentially dangerous situations because the road-painted-on signage is just not as clear as it could be.
Of course, we must all take extra precautions even if we are just driving unfamiliar roads under the best conditions. But still it's difficult to avoid some potentially dangerous situations when the painted-on signs are not readily visible/readable. I know those who work in traffic management are constantly working to make all roads/intersections safer. So please join me in encouraging them to try to add an additional not painted-on sign whenever possible.
One of my pet-peeve is street "signs" painted on the road surface. They can be a little hard to see in the rain and/or at night or especially if they are covered by snow where winter happens hard nearly every year!
Have you ever had an accident or near miss because you or someone else was unable to see an arrow or word written on the payment in time or not at all? Geez, I have and apparently a fair number of others have also.
Plus in a time when many local governments lack funds for proper road/signage upkeep, painted-on-the-road messages can grow old and faded beyond effectiveness/sight. And again, with bad winter weather these signs can be even more easily erased by road conditions.
So I want to go on the record! Painted-on-the-road signs are often helpful but I believe there should also always be an additional, very-visible, regular standing sign! I'm especially tired of driving in unfamiliar areas and suddenly finding I am in a turn-only lane from a fading message on the road. I think such signs can also come too late in the traffic process to be able to safely make a lane adjustment.
This may seem like a small issue. However if a third of UK drivers have had a significant problem with signs that may well include some just painted on the roads, how many have a problem in the US and elsewhere?
I also have trouble with many road lines in similar ways. For example, there are regular intersections and complicated intersections. I've seen and experienced problems with both because of road line problems or some sort.
If several lanes are turning left in a several-road-intersection there are often dotted lines helping drivers stay in their lane on through the turn. I really appreciate this! But these line seem to be even harder to see under certain conditions and more subject to fading problems. I often go through a busy intersection where three roads come together. People like me who are familiar with the intersection have little trouble. But too often I've seen confused or "lane-trapped" drivers create potentially dangerous situations because the road-painted-on signage is just not as clear as it could be.
Of course, we must all take extra precautions even if we are just driving unfamiliar roads under the best conditions. But still it's difficult to avoid some potentially dangerous situations when the painted-on signs are not readily visible/readable. I know those who work in traffic management are constantly working to make all roads/intersections safer. So please join me in encouraging them to try to add an additional not painted-on sign whenever possible.
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