Three S's and Two P's

Quote of the day:
“Though I remain no less sadly certain than in the past that sanity is a rather rare phenomenon, I am convinced that it can be achieved and would like to see more of it.”
--Aldous Huxley

Another post-MI first for Merrie today. In addition to taking a walk with Sophie this afternoon, she spent ten minutes walking on the treadmill. Pretty amazing.

She also said tonight that she feels better than she’s felt in a long while--”almost normal.” It’s a great reason for hope, and to begin to look ahead.

More on Look Out! Plunging and Plummeting!:
“The decline [in home sales] followed a 15.8 percent plunge in January....”
--Martin Crutsinger, AP, today.

First is the “two Ps.” Whenever there is a significant drop in any economic statistic, the two words most-frequently used to describe it will be “plunge” and “plummet.”

Second is the “three Ss.” Whenever there is a significant rise in any economic statistic, the three words most-frequently used to describe it will be “soar,” “skyrocket” and “spike.”

These words are all meant to describe extreme events. Reporters are quick to exaggerate and sensationalize events that, while they are significant, are not catastrophic. It isn’t just a few writers or news outlets who do this. These words are embedded in the news culture.

Here’s a way to think about it. A 15.8% drop is about one-sixth. If someone falls from the roof of a six-story building onto the roof of a five-story building, is that a “plunge”?