I was thinking about the effect of bias in thinking and decision making. It came up in the context of some people indicating they could not vote for Obama for president because he was black, no matter what; a predictable and unfortunate attitude with some in the American South. But it started me thinking about bias in general, where and how much weight it is given in all kinds of thinking, in the process of decision making. Firstly, I was concerned with whether it becomes a factor in evaluation, whether it is included, inappropriately, in a list of concerns which lead to a decision. That would be bad enough but what if it serves as a filter, to block the receipt of otherwise relevant information never let into the process of weighing facts and making choices on a rational basis? I was watching a TV show, book reviewing, and I decided I didn't like the necktie worn by the lecturer. It was a skimpy, pale, stripy bow tie, an utterly silly looking thing and as I looked at it, the words of the lecturer seemed to fade. Was this merely an absurd fashion bias on my part or perhaps my questioning why anyone would wear such a tie and whether the choice of wearing such a tie reflected on the quality of the judgment-making ability of the wearer, and shouldn't I take that into consideration in weighing, or even accepting the quality of his opinion, downgrade his believability or even reject everything he has to say out of hand because of his flawed judgment in necktie selection? ...more

August 11, 2008

Regarding "Appeals Court Rejects Portion Of Pledge Law" (Nation/World, July 24): ...more

July 30, 2008

MVP PROFILE ADAMS' TEAMMATES EARN A COVETED WORLD SERIES BERTH ...more

July 7, 2008

This is a letter I received for Father's Day a few years back from my son, who was waiting for and received a lung transplant at the Ohio State Medical Center. He refers to himself as Number One Son, since he is the only son. Dear Dad, I love you and I know I'm number one son. The best times of my life were with you, hunting in the woods, and I thank God for letting me enjoy them with you. ...more

June 15, 2008

The sinkhole in Kimberly Whitehill's yard started off as a small dimple in April, but it truly opened up 5 a.m. Thursday, she said. ...more

June 6, 2008

After weeks of rumors, the Tampa Bay Lightning officially parted ways with the coach, John Tortorella, who led the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2004. ...more

June 5, 2008

First they drew straws - loser had to tell him. Then they had to clear all the breakables out of the room and call for extra security. Only then did the Rays break the news to Troy Percival that he was going on the disabled list. ...more

May 30, 2008

He might be found curled up in bed as the clock ticks into Saturday afternoon. Maybe he's the guy grinning through gritted teeth as he pushes his next customer into a used car, still going after a 12- or 14-hour day. He might be behind the wheel, screaming at that damned woman who pauses too long at the four-way stop. ...more

May 20, 2008

Teaching teens about protecting themselves from pregnancy is not always easy but the Highlands County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance Teen Panel has hit on what works. Teens don't always want to listen to adult advice so TPPA got young moms in the picture. Then, since it takes two to tango, it got boys involved in the education process. Last week's eight-grade panel on teen pregnancy, which included all eight-grade boys and girls, had a bit of both elements. A young mother spoke of her mistakes and how she wished she could go back. The students learned the wisdom of waiting and treating their bodies with respect. ...more

May 4, 2008

Failure To Communicate? Regarding the wheelchair-dumping incident at the Orient Road Jail: ...more

February 23, 2008