Complicated Headlines

Though not a newsflash, it bears repeating: every piece of news has its spin. Below, some examples.

“The U.S. count of major world terrorist attacks more than tripled in 2004…” (Caveat: More may have been counted in 2004 than 2003 because of additional U.S. scrutiny of such attacks).

One number we were accurately counting a year ago: insurgency attacks in Iraq. “The chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff said there were 50 to 60 attacks a day, the same level as one year ago.” (Caveat: half of them are thwarted.)

In July, Michelle Wie (age 15) could become the first female golfer to play in the St. Andrews Open in Britain. (Caveat: first she must be the highest placing golfer who hasn’t already earned a place at St. Andrews at the John Deere Classic in Illinois—an unlikely event.)

Fourteen alleged mobsters were arrested and charged in Chicago. (Caveat: Two others are on the run, and police have released pictures of them older than The Godfather.)

And my favorite: Self-hypnosis could banish hay fever. (Caveat: the improvement was not drastic and could have been because of chance alone.)