Category: Fourre-tout

What makes some plain-looking people likable? For me, it is wit “a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor.”

 Regrettably, wit seems to be a scarce commodity among many of today’s world leaders. Instead of wit, some resort to hurling crude insults in response to critical comments.

But insults are a poor substitute for wit and are used primarily by people of limited intelligence and imagination. As I once read, perhaps there should be a licensing system for politicians, akin to that of doctors, lawyers, or pilots. After all, why should politicos not be subjected to some critical tests before leading the nation?

Now, if I had to choose between a beautiful woman and a witty one, I would probably go for the witty one. Beauty fades with time, while wit endures and provides lasting enjoyment.

“Wit seduces by signaling intelligence without nerdiness.” ― Nassim Nicholas

Indeed, wit demands intelligence and quick thinking. A physical blow may leave a temporary mark, but a witty quip can leave a lasting impact, by permanently disabling a politico’s showboat.

“Mr. Attlee is a very modest man. Indeed, he has a lot to be modest about. “ Winston Churchill

I have always been seduced by wit, and especially by Winston Churchill’s oratory skills.

“A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt; long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.”― Winston S. Churchill

 “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend … if you have one.”— George Bernard Shaw(to Winston Churchill)
“Cannot possibly attend first night; will attend second, if there is one. Winston S. Churchill

 “Nancy Astor: “Winston, you are a drunk!”
Winston Churchill: “And you, madam, are ugly. But I shall be sober in the morning.”

 The Middle East, Ukraine, Yemen…. All these terrible conflicts could be easily resolved by some leaders’ public debates, hosted by luminaries such as Simon Cowell or Sharon Osbourne.

 So, what do you say? Should we give it a go? Well, maybe… Putin sounds like a sourpuss to me and would be no match for amusing people like Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, or Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Ta Ta For Now

Alain

The leader is always right!

But seriously, can anybody always be right? It sounds a little far-fetched to me, but it seems that some special people possess this uncanny ability. In the Thirties for instance, Benito Mussolini (Il Duce ha sempre ragione) was one of those. He was always right… so said his supporters.

“A basic slogan in Fascist Italy proclaimed that Mussolini was “always right” (Il Duce ha sempre ragione). Endless publicity revolved about Mussolini with newspapers being instructed on exactly what to report about him.” Wikipedia

Always being right is a tough job, but it seems that somebody will always be willing to sacrifice him/herself for the good of the nation. The new messiah usually surrounds himself with ardent devotees who like a Greek chorus repeat and praise all his actions Ad Infinitum.

In the eyes of his supporters, the leader is always right… regardless of how outrageous his declarations can be. Because a devotee doesn’t judge; he only endorses. That is what faith can do. It also requires his adherents to wear blinders, so that they wouldn’t be tempted to stray away from the righteous path.

Selling books, even Bibles also helps a great deal. Because If it is written in a book, it must be true, isn’t it?

Of course, embellishing the facts is also part of the game. In any crusade, some exaggeration is permitted, even condoned. Sticking strictly to the facts is considered naïve and even dangerous. Fibbing is regarded as a “poetic license” and is part of this catechism.

Hyperbole is also accepted and even admired:

“Let us have a dagger between our teeth, a bomb in our hands, and an infinite scorn in our hearts.” Benito Mussolini

 “There has never been anything like it, this great movement of ours. Never been anything like it, and perhaps there will never be anything like it again.”???

 “We are going to make our country great again!”

 It sounds good, doesn’t it? But will democracy be an inherent part of this glorious package? Before committing, read the fine print very carefully!

Alain

It goes without saying that in the civilized world, almost everybody carries, or even sleeps with a smartphone. But how well do you know your bedmate?  Probably not well enough.

“A new survey out says 64 percent of Americans own a smartphone. This is interesting because, in a related survey, 100 percent of smartphones say they own an American.” ~ Jimmy Fallon

Contrary to what some old fogies are thinking, a smartphone is not just a fancy cell phone. It is a powerful little device that can do (almost) anything… providing that you know how to do it. Regrettably, many middle-aged individuals are limited to basic functions such as calling, texting, or watching videos.

“Smartphones can relay patients’ data to hospital computers in a continuous stream. Doctors can alter treatment regimens remotely, instead of making patients come in for a visit.” ~ Charles C. Mann

If you want to know more about your smartphone, ask your grandkids. They graduated in “Phonomics” as early as the Second Grade and can instruct you on all the things that you didn’t know or were afraid to ask.

So, keep the little tykes away from mischief and put them to work to earn their keep.

Alain

“To be honest, I think cell phones were invented by the devil.” Joe Hill