09 May 2014

Notes - a tracked dilemma / high noon / leeriness / water

         Mid-morning. You found at article on “Discover” which proves quite interesting to you. And, in the process you wonder how this would be with a marsupial humanoid reading this is trolley dilemma in herorhis language and in any Earth based language; hypothetically of course. Why don’t we go ahead and ask each what she or he would do, hypothetically in the native language, for further insight into ThreePlanets culture. - Amorella

** **
Using a Foreign Language Could Affect Moral Judgement

By Carol Engelking - April 29, 2014 - 3:51 pm

Would you push a man off a bridge and into the path of an oncoming train to prevent the speeding locomotive from killing five people further down the track? Your answer to this moral dilemma may depend upon the language in which it is asked.
Psychologists from the University of Chicago and Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona found that people who speak multiple languages tended to take a more utilitarian approach to this moral dilemma when it was presented in their non-native tongue. Researchers say their results indicate that the use of foreign languages reduces our emotional response and provides psychological distance when making moral decisions.
The Trolley Dilemma
Research has previously found that foreign languages blunt some emotional responses. For instance, people are more rational when making certain emotionally-charged decisions when the options are presented in a foreign language.
To see whether this phenomenon applied to ethical judgments, researchers recruited 725 bilingual people in the United States, Spain, Korea, France and Israel. They presented participants with the classic “trolley dilemma,” outlined above, in their native language and their second language. 
When presented with the dilemma in their native tongue, only 20 percent of participants chose to push the man off the footbridge. In contrast, 33 percent chose to push the man to his death when they were presented the dilemma in a foreign language. The findings were published last week in the journal PLOS.
Broader Implications
Researchers say that this difference is caused by the increased psychological distance of using a foreign language. Contrary to our sense that our morals are deep-seated in our personality, the findings imply that emotions, and language, play a key role in such ethical decisions.
Researchers say their results have important implications for decision-making processes in a globalized world. Taking into account the influence of using foreign languages, they say, could help us check our responses to everyday moral dilemmas. It’s worth pointing out, for instance, that in the ongoing global negotiations such as those over climate change—a potentially very emotional subject—most of the negotiations are taking place in delegates’ secondary tongue.

Selected and edited from - http://blogs-dot-discovermagazine-dot-com/d-brief/2014/04/29/using-a-foreign-language-could-affect-moral-judgement/#-dot-U2zaIV4zLwI

** **

         0952 hours. Why do you do this, Amorella? I cannot imagine such a scenario even if I were to answer it in English. Indeed it is a dilemma.

         I have your truthful answer boy and it is deeply imbedded that’s what dilemmas are. Everyone has a response; however, most people don’t really want to know for fear that it says something about themselves they are not ready to deal with. – Amorella

         1024 hours. We are at Pine Hill Lakes Park and Carol is walking. I am rather anxious about this dilemma even hypothetically. I know I am thinking medieval here but it would be funny to be standing at the Pearly Gates so to speak and have St. Peter give me this trolley dilemma with the understanding that you can’t get in unless I give the correct response. Or, funnier, it would be like waiting to get into Oxford University and the proctor says, “Okay, answer correctly and explain your response in less that ten words.

         Your first response on the Oxford question would be would you have ten words after the answer or does the answer become a part of the ten words? – Amorella

         1032 hours. Yep. That sounds right.

         The answer is a part of the ten words. How’s that? – Amorella

         1034 hours. My response would be, “That doesn’t really help.” I would have no idea but I can see the proctor getting a secret chuckle out of it. 

         That tells more about you than that proctor, boy. – Amorella

         Alas, yes it does. – No, Amorella. I would not think such a question would be funny in real life. I would never give a student that sort of question in real life; maybe in a cartoon setting where people could see the dark humor but not in real life. Here’s the thing, in real life I wouldn’t have time to make up my mind and five people would die instead of one. If one has too much time the debate becomes the worth of the individuals involved. What if the five are all psychopathic killers of women and children? What if the one is a psychopath killer of women and children? Personally the killer’s life is worth less than that of a mentally healthy citizen. Which one has more potential for helping society as a whole? Surely that would be worth something. I don’t think the humane part of us is capable of responding well to such a dilemma. Besides, who then is the judge on, which response is right or wrong? No human would be. A whim. Disgusting, the more I consider it. What a waste of time. It is just a thought question with no correct response.

         So, orndorff, do you save one or five based solely on the dilemma given?

         I would not kill the man and let the fates take care of the other five.

         You are home; Carol is picking up a book for reading. Your response is correct. Interesting you can dig that deep on your own. -  Amorella

         1059 hours. But I had time to think it out. I could only be responsible for the moment not what was coming up down the road, or the track, if you will. I didn’t get that in ten words or less either; so much for Oxford University. – No murder, I am only responsible for the moment. I did it in nine words. (1103) Actually, that was rather fun. And, in the process, all things being equal, my alien characters would have chosen the same response as I.

         So, they are not so alien after all. – Amorella

         No, they are my imagination balanced in my reason and purpose.

         Post. - Amorella


         You are at the far west side of Deerfield Township’s Rose Hill Cemetery in central Mason across from the city building and police department. Carol is reading yesterday’s Enquirer and west of you the children are having recess at the local Catholic school, St. Susanna.

         1144 hours. It is rather pleasant listening to the children and the gusty wind through the tall pine trees. It is supposed to rain around noon. The gravestone flags are showing the wind out of the south and west. Most are flying (mostly) straight out. I brought chapter sixteen, so – but I will listen a bit more. I always like it when a storm is brewing. You can smell the moisture in the air; lots of small tree debris. Carol finished the paper and is thinking about heading home after looking through the new Macy flyer.

         After the bank you headed south to Marx Bagels with tuna, tomato and lettuce on a honey grain. The owner was his usual self today; unique. A lady politely asked for his help when he passed in front of her at the counter, she asked, ‘I would like to order with the  head of this organization,’ to which John pointed up; I’m not in charge, then said (with a smile)  “God just whispered in my ear not to wait on you because of my arthritis and such; I might spill something on you then you would sue me for several thousand dollars. You don’t want to do that.” That’s the gist of the conversation. Several customers smiled because they know John’s uniqueness. As Alta might say, ‘he doesn’t appear to have many social filters.’ – Amorella

         1351 hours. I don’t think he waited on her and another employee said to me (smiling), “She should know better than to stop the boss.” Marx Bagels is a unique experience. It reminds me very much of a New York Jewish deli.

** **




Tradition, history and tasty classics at Marx Hot Begals
By Sondra Katkin – February 29,2012
Dining Editor
Marx Hot Bagels has the best bagel in town. John Marx has had years to perfect his formula. When still a teen, he served an apprenticeship in a large baking plant. He took over the bagel shop when it was a failing business. A hard worker with a skilled craftsman’s knowledge, his business prospered and has earned him many accolades, including “Best Bagel in Ohio” from “Ohio Magazine” (January 2012) and “phenomenal bagels” from “Chicago Magazine” (June 2005). He makes it sound simple. “Flour, water, salt, yeast and malt is all it is,” Marx said. However, his attention to what makes a bagel a chewy chunk of heaven is what keeps people coming back. He casually mentions that high gluten flour is an essential part of the formula. Baked in a huge oven on the premises, these rounded, wholly wonderful bagels give off their fresh fragrances as soon as you enter. It would be hard to find fresher products. I have tasted my share over the years in Philadelphia and New York City. With their large populations of knowledgeable consumers, less than a great product wouldn’t be tolerated. My examples of bagels breaking bad — too sweet, that shouldn’t be, unless it’s fruity; too airy, that shouldn’t be, unless they want to fly. Marx says these “bagel impersonators” are soft dough, Americanized bagels. According to “Ohio Magazine,” John Marx has created a “New York City style haven in the suburbs of Cincinnati.”
In addition to a large variety of bagels (about 40), his fresh egg salad and tuna salad have many fans. He has won “Best of Cincinnati” awards for his bagels and those salads which are prepared simply with very little mayonnaise. They have the crunch of fresh carrots and are favored for party trays. Marx’s wife Danielle (Danil) who prepares the beautiful party trays, told me that they also fill many orders for shivas. The Jewish community supports this business which is certified kosher by the Vaad of Cincinnati. Marx has another Jewish connection. He recently found out that his German grandfather, Michael Marx (1875 – 1910), was a Jewish tailor in downtown Cincinnati.
Which is saltier, Marx or the bagel? According to “Chicago Magazine,” he is very “salty” and Marx seems to agree. “Why be normal, why be sane, why be easy to explain?” he recited. Dining writer Ralph Rinzler attributed Marx’s marked success to his “sharp wit and personality.” However, when he was “roasted” by the Jewish Federation at Cincinnati Hebrew Day School in 1997, Joyce Wise said, “Underneath his brashness lies the heart of a pussycat.” It was also noted that he’s a guy who really cares for his family, his friends and his customers. While I was there, he greeted his guests with welcoming warmth. On a trip to Israel, he commented that he was deeply moved by Yad Vashem, and it meant a great deal to him when he was presented with a glass etching depicting the “Avenue of the Righteous” dedicated to righteous gentiles. Among his philanthropic endeavors, he donates free bagels to worthy organizations.
Danielle, soft spoken and engaging, suggested I try the bagel and Nova lox plate. Long one of my favorites, there was no arm-twisting necessary. She told me that they use the best grade of lox, which is less salty than regular lox, and is a favorite for bar mitzvah parties. Served on a toasted sesame seed bagel, I was able simultaneously to enjoy the toothy roll (I never eschew the chewy), the crunch of the seeds, the velvety smooth texture of the lox and the tartness of the capers. All collaborated to produce the taste sensation that deli fans will travel miles out of their way to experience. Ah, tradition! It was also a visual pleasure to have the confluence of contrasting colors —the salmon colored salmon and dark green capers. Of course, diners may choose their favorite type of bagel. A new bagel with a healthy combination of whole wheat and pumpernickel with poppy, sesame, garlic and onion is now available. Marx said, “People don’t want just wheat flour. I’m always looking to improve; everything can be improved.” In addition to the tuna and egg salads, customers may cover their bagel or other fresh homemade breads such as rye and challah with white fish or hummus and several other spreads. Sides include potato pancakes and knishes.
On a previous visit, I sampled the chicken and matzoh ball soup and was amazed to discover that it was made without chicken. It was very tasty and I never would have guessed that the chicken never showed up for its hot bath. This time I had the baked Idaho potato soup and it was a perfect escape from the cold weather outside. Its rich thickness belied the fact that it was made with lowfat milk and no flour thickening. It had such a good earthy taste that I mistakenly thought it was made with mushrooms. Hearty and filling, it would be a perfect lunch choice accompanied by one of their popular salad selections. Other soups include vegetarian chili, cream of broccoli, tomato vegetable and cream of mushroom.
For dessert, diners can choose from a pastry case of comely confections such as muffins, brownies, Danish and rugelach. Apple strudel is one of their specialties and was my choice on a previous visit. There is something classically caressing to the tongue in the combination of baked apples with cinnamon surrounded by flaky pastry. This time Marx chose a thick, heavily chocolate chip studded (parve) cookie and briefly warmed it. Wow! As the chocolate and its luscious cookie dough melted in my mouth, I experienced the addictive pleasure sought by chocoholics.
Marx enjoys reminiscing and mentioned that in 1971, the Smithsonian Institute invited him to participate in its Festival of American Folklore in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate how to hand-roll bagels. Another experience he related was when Charles Kuralt of CBS spent the day filming an “On the Road” segment at the restaurant. A Cincinnati landmark since 1969, John Marx has much to take pride in.

From – The American Israelite
** **

         1415 hours. We end our shared tuna bagel with two of those cookies mentioned above.

         You are concerned that this is nothing but an ad for the factory and shop but I enjoy the place myself. Post. - Amorella


         Late afternoon. You watched Wednesday’s “Revolution” and have been puttering around while Carol was on the phone with Mary Lou. Chapter Sixteen is setting on the dining room table waiting to be edited. You had yard work to do but are waiting until later. It rained earlier and it looks like rain shortly. Tim will mow the yard this week but you told him next that you would begin again. Carol is now working on her email and afterwards you will probably watch a couple television shows. Last night’s “Elementary” comes to mind first. You have a question. – Amorella

         1732 hours. I don’t remember you ever noting that you “enjoy the place myself” any time, ever in some twenty-five years or so. It seems out of character, at least from what I have observed all these years. Your setting of a particular tone has never changed which has, in my mind, substantiated a validity. The books carry on in a similar though deeper level setting. The blog has been very stable in terms of your interest level and focus. This morning’s Trolley dilemma problem is the most recent example of this stability.

** **
enjoy – verb

1 he enjoys playing the piano: like, love, be fond of, be entertained by, take pleasure in, be keen on, delight in, appreciate, relish, revel in, adore, lap up, savor, luxuriate in, bask in; informal get a kick out of, get a thrill out of, dig.

Selected and edited from Oxford-American software
** **

         You are bothered seemingly by the ‘fact’ that I have developed a human-like attribute. – Amorella

         Oh my. The tone I am reading here is right out of HAL in Clarke’s “2001 Space Odyssey”.

         I enjoy the place in your head, boy. The place where you revel over a bagel factory store because you think Jewish delis are cool like the Village. What this is coming from is the wonder on the Jewish concept of G-d and your own concept of G---D. It is obvious that the spelling is not that drastically different. You ‘see’ an expansion of Yahweh, do you not? – Amorella

         1754 hours. From this perspective here and now I see the shadow of an arrogance of comparison I do not wish to compare.

         But you have. – Amorella

         1757 hours. This may or may not be of conscious intent. I remember when I first used the two extra dashes, one on each side of the original I did it for me as a symbol for me as a reminder myself, G---D is greater (broader) than a single dash. It was and is not a symbol of a greater G-d.

         Good. I knew as much, but I don’t think you did. Post. - Amorella

         Thank you, Amorella. I had not consciously covered this I don't think, or if I had I forgot about it. The Jewish deli was the trigger here and I did not know what to do about it. People have all kinds of thoughts pop into their heads and I think it frightens people as it does me, who is leery of attempting the create the "best of intentions" - I know how some of those turn out. 


         You had soup for supper and watched “Elementary”, “NBC News” and “NCIS”. You completed the preliminary final drafting for Chapter Sixteen realizing some things will be deleted or added in the final process in Page documentation. – Amorella

         2332 hours. My mind was in and out of water throughout the process tonight. I’m wondering what these changes will be. I assume they are subtle.

         Post. - Amorella    


No comments:

Post a Comment