Day 5

You're probably wondering what my new years resolutions are. In truth, I have only a few, but I don't want to reveal them until December 31st of this year ("Day 365" on this blog, with a little luck). People who go on and on about all their resolutions, I suspect, are really just posturing, not unlike politicians who agree to do this or that "within the next five years." The news-making promise garners attention, but those who pay their attention rarely follow up. Typically, the only political follow-up that makes a headline occurs when said politician is running for re-election, and an opponent is digging up dirt to make accusations of false promises; that sort of thing.

"Attack ads" are statistically greatly more effective than "positive ads." That is, you're more likely to be convinced that X is better than Y, be watching an ad about how Y is bad, than by watching an ad about the merits of X.

"Nobody gossips about a person's secret virtues" - Bertrand Russel (on the "Quote of the Day" wall at the Oak Bay pool)

Today was a good one. I'm looking forward to a symphony performance tomorrow afternoon, as well as dinner with pops.

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