Monday, November 15, 2021

HUGH MURRAY at 83 and the Comix, Research, and Conclusions

 To All, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY HAPPY, now I'm only 83!


     8 days ago, the Sunday newspaper comic page published Pickles.  I can't recall how to take a photo of the page and downloaded it on the computer and send it, so I will simply provide the dialog.
     Grampa and his equally old friend are sitting on a park bench chatting and reading their newspapers.
     [Friend says:]  "Listen to this - Of the world's greatest achievements, 35% were accomplished by people between the ages of 60 and 70."
     [The friend continues:]  "23% were accomplished by people between the ages of 70 and 80."
     [The friend continues further:]  "And 8% by people over 80."
     [The friend makes his point:]  "In other words, the world's greatest work has been done by people over 60!"
     [Upon hearing this shocking information, Grampa replies:]  "I ironed a shirt all by myself yesterday."
 
     I know that many politically correct maintain that math is racist, but just to make the point, That means that  66% of the world's greatest achievements were made by those over 60 years of age.  As someone who is up in age, I am delighted by all this news.  I do wonder about the research - how do they determine the "world's greatest achievements."  If canned prunes is one, I will be suspicious of the data.  The other great achievements are the lift-o-toilet seat, and Efferdent to clean dentures (false teeth), cheaper batteries for hearing aids.  Remember, social science reports publicized by academics are always political, representing the hopes of those doing or paying for the research.  But in this case, I believe the data!
     I did have trouble understanding Grandpa's last statement - what does he mean, ironed a shirt?  Is he talking about a suit of armor?  Just joking.  I know what he means.  But I prefer not to iron my shirts.  Better to have more wrinkles on my shirt than on my face.  Or that's my excuse.
     Well, it is nice to get inspiration from the Comix.  It keeps me young.     Hugh Murray
 

No comments:

Post a Comment