And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

... that numbers, or statistics, can be misleading.
Radio and television news reporters one day recently were describing protests at The University of Iowa concerning the selection of a new university president. The common theme was that “hundreds” of students and faculty members turned out at two locations that day in protest.
That caused me to envision, without benefit of photos, a huge crowd of folks, perhaps something on the order of how the west campus looks right after a football game.
When television coverage was available, the estimates were “about 200” at one location, and “around 100” at the other. Significant, perhaps, but hardly overwhelming given possibly 30,000-plus around campus, including students, faculty and other employees.
But TV provided another example around that same time, election day. The announcer said there was a protest in Iowa advocating legalization of marijuana. But the picture showed one guy with a sign, hardly worthy of the term.
This campaign season, I have heard over and over again the “fact” that one in every five school-age children goes hungry every day. Think of the children with whom you are familiar. Do you believe that statistic?
And this morning, I heard that Alzheimer’s affects one in every six adults. Again, think of the adults with whom you have long associated, either as relatives or friends. Almost all of us of a certain age have been aware of folks thus afflicted, but one in six? Not in my case, at least.
Sometimes, a little individual common sense is required.
Or maybe a definition.
Conversation between two older men:
I sometimes forget things I should remember, so I think I am suffering from premature dementia.
How old are you?
I’m 81.
Then that’s not premature!
Disturbing thought for those of us who follow the good health prescription of a little red wine from time to time. Seems those Asian beetles, or Lady Bugs, have attached themselves to grapes en route to crushing, and thus give the wine an off flavor. I can hear the sommelier saying: It’s an excellent cabernet, sir, with hints of plum, pear and Lady Bug!
Ugh!