Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Trick or treat . . . or politics!

The New Yorker ~ Mark Ulricksen
Boo!

Learn more about this week's cover here, as well as past New Yorker magazine Halloween covers like these from 1941 and 1945.

The New Yorker ~ Rea Irvin
The New Yorker ~ Edna Eicke

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Hidden Tribes

More in Common is a new research organization missioned "to better understand the forces that drive political polarization and tribalism in the United States today, and to galvanize efforts to address them."

Their first project is the Hidden Tribes of America survey report that defines the tribes, and tries to explain their core beliefs and opinions on today's issues.

More in Common ~ Hidden Tribes

Though the labels and issues are in flux, getting elected and remaining in office to govern successfully depends on building coalitions across these groups, especially toward the middle. Our elected officials and the news media should play constructive roles in finding common ground to reduce polarization, not inflame it.

The Wall Street Journal just published a video series Voices From a Divided America that gives voice to Americans and issues on all sides, without editorial bias or reader comments. It's worth a listen.

The Wall Street Journal ~ Voices From a Divided America

The 2018 mid-term election results will be known next week. Is either side ready to listen and work together to compromise and govern? Or, will we just shift to 2020 election mode and further embed the blame, ad hominem attacks, and polarization? And does that suggest that the time might finally be right for a credible third-party candidate and platform who speaks across the divide to the "exhausted majority"?

Monday, October 22, 2018

Mega Millions Odds - 1 in 303 Million

Why are the odds so low?

The lottery organizers are smart. The "you have to be in it to win it" marketing clouds the infinitesimally small chance of picking the winning numbers.

According to megamillions.com, "Players must pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers – five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from1 to 25 – or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick. You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in the drawing."

http://www.megamillions.com/how-to-play
Here's another way of looking at it.

The New Yorker ~ Roz Chast

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Going, going, gone ...


Banksy'd.

Auctioned for more than $1 million and all the buyer got was a balloon.

Brilliant.




Friday, October 5, 2018

Feels like Fall

Went swimming yesterday, but it was too cool today.  Temperatures fell to the low 60s, and 40s are forecast tonight.

Is Fall finally here?

Lambert's Cove Beach, West Tisbury


Makonikey Head, Martha's Vineyard
Peanuts ~ Charles Schultz