Today's News

As I'm beginning to recover, I intend to be posting more frequently. I'm going to start small because I have a lot to write about today.

The front page of today's Philadelphia Inquirer had a couple of interesting items. First, was an article about false confessions. I'd never thought much about that topic, but it turns out that 25% of people found guilty and then cleared by DNA evidence had confessed. This is fascinating and enlightening. At first glance, it seems like this happens most often to people with some sort of mental or emotional issue and people with little prior interaction with police,which makes sense. But it doesn't cover everyone.

So if any of you readers are much into social justice, this might be something you look into. The first step in protecting people's rights would probably be the videotaping of interrogations, which would provide context to the confession. The example in the article is the illiterate guy who couldn't read what he was signing (he's since been exonerated).

On a less weighty matter, literally, the Inquirer also announces that the newspaper will be converting to a "slightly narrower page width." It's clear that this sort of thing is done specifically to save money (like the tightfisted boss who buys toilet paper that's 1/2 inch narrower than standard) and the announcement doesn't deny that. They just mention that lots of other newspapers are doing the same thing to "enhance their commercial printing opportunities." In other words, use a printing press that can also be used to printing other stuff.

They are careful to note that they are not reducing type size. And they tout various "enhancements". My favorite among these are the "improved pages for comics, puzzles and games (emphasis theirs) for easier use (italics mine). I love this. I'd really like to read the comics page but it's just too damned difficult to use. And those puzzles? There are all kinds of things I could use the puzzles for, but it's just too hard. And don't get me started on the games. I think society would be better off if people were just honest with each other instead of playing games, I don't need my newspaper encouraging people to be manipulative.

Seriously though, did you know there were games in the newspaper? Forget about Words With Friends; I'm going to play the newspaper. I have to look for these games. I'll report in if I find them.