Gotta Call BS on That One: How the World Pretends by Dr. Gerry Steiner

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Where do we find BS? What is the purpose of BS? What’s the harm in BS? Whether reading a newspaper, watching TV, or listening to a song we are probably observing and absorbing a certain amount of BS. When we read the Congressional Record or listen to campaign promises we almost certainly run... read more

Summary edit see section history

Was missile defense started to save the free world or start a new empire? Do religions help us understand God or help keep God a mystery? Do schools prepare us for life or delay our lives? Does Congress help protect us or help exploit us? Has there ever been any BS involved in any of the... read more

Whether reading a newspaper, watching TV, or listening to a song, we are probably observing and absorbing a certain amount of BS. Do we recognize it, realize it, reject it or absorb it. This book provides a beginning to considering these questions. It can provide a basis for understanding, a basis for action, a cause of laughter, a foundation for tears, or some combination. This book often states the obvious, but it’s the obvious that often we collectively don’t seem to own up to. Much of the strife of life, the inequities of the world, even the causes of wars and disasters of the economy might be rooted in our collective self-deception.

The adventure starts with a reflection on a fairy tale from our childhood and one from Washington. It then joins a pair – a professor and his young assistant on an American adventure. They look at such topics as social interaction, sports professional and local, and our individual fitness. Business and education provide many examples and insights. Next, religion and science provide contrasts and similarities.

Government, politics, the legal system, and military service complete this brief trip. In each area, the presence and effects of BS are noted. The final section is devoted to the three greatest downfalls of society in the last century. They are identified and their drastic effects on our society are briefly examined.

Will this book change the world? Probably not. Will it change your life? Probably not or maybe a little. Will it come to mind at time you need insight or need to make a decision. I hope so. Most of all I hope it provides you some thoughts and a lot of enjoyment. Laugh In didn’t change everything but it had an effect, (If you came after Laugh In, Google it and watch a couple episodes). If we realize what’s going on and participate with a smile, it might make life more enjoyable! This is a book for you. Try it, you’ll like it

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““One hallmark of a long-lasting CEO is to have an associate that brings real innovation and improvement to a major part of the corporation. This innovation is best if it has aspects that are evident to the public along with a mystique and vocabulary that make it sound special and requiring training. One such innovation—actually a natural development from existing innovation—continues to live today as a marketed methodology. It is known as Sick Sigma.<Note the following is meant to question some of the claims and folklore that go with six sigma methodology. You might be able to take a valid idea and apply it excessively.>”
“In the journey ahead, we will examine the vast extent of our illusions, or at least our suspicion, that the facts we “know” may not be facts after all. No rigorous proofs. No geometry theorems or a scholastic dissertation. Rather, there will be observations with suggestions sometimes spelled out, sometimes just implied. This book provides some thoughts on how we can be part of the solution. How you use it is up to you. Your options might include reading it as:1. A fresh set of observations with some societal challenge.2. A humorous and honest look at ourselves with suggestions.3. An offensive claim with barbs spread equally/randomly with respect to race, sex, politics, beliefs, and national origin.4. An amusing way to spend a weekend without cable.”
““Let’s start with one that’s both trivial and profound. It’s trivial in that it’s been studied and demonstrated for ages and it’s used to demonstrate some well-established principles of physics. It’s profound in that there’s no way to prove that the theory is correct other than that it explains the observations. But maybe there’s another explanation that’s actually the truth. The current theory has the advantage of being ‘simple’ in a mysterious sort of way and simple is preferred.””

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First Sentence edit see section history

In the journey ahead, we will examine the vast extent of our illusions, or at least our suspicion, that the facts we “know” may not be facts after all.

Table of Contents edit see section history

1. Introduction/Preface
2. What We Know, What We Show, Why
3. Categories: Examples of Denial
4. Social
5. Sports – the True Basis of Our Society
6. Gym Time – Society of Many Flavors
7. Business
8. Education
9. Beliefs and Religion
10. Science
11. Sexual Philosophy
12. Government & Politics
13. Laws & Obedience
14. Military Service
15. Entertainment
16. With Buddies
17. Three Strikes We’re Out
18. Epilogue

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Authors & Contributors edit see section history

Dr. Gerry Steiner (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Two Harbors Press
Country: United States
Publication Date: August 5, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-937928-91-9
Page Count: 178

Classification edit see section history

Library of Congress: 2012937803
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Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Adults

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Subjects edit see section history

Books › Literature & Fiction › Genre Fiction › Political
Books › Entertainment › Humor

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Gotta Call BS on That One (2012) (edit title/settings)

How the World Pretends

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