The Hidden Persuaders

Back in the mid-Twentieth century, Vance Packard's book The Hidden Persuaders told of advertising techniques which influence without our knowing they are being used. This practice continues today, but in a larger form. It is used by supposedly responsible journalists every day. Michelle Malkin has captured one such instance in USA Today.

DEMONIZING CONDI

By Michelle Malkin · October 26, 2005 06:41 AM

Check out the photo of Condoleezza Rice that was published by USA Today last week:

Notice anything peculiar about her eyes?

No, Condi isn't possessed; the photo was manipulated.

This news comes courtesy of From The Pen, which found a pre-doctored version of the Associated Press photo on Yahoo! España:

Ask USA Today's Graphics and Photos Managing Editor, Richard Curtis (rcurtis@usatoday.com), what the ^$%#@+! is going on.

October Greenhouse

 

Plumeria

These are the flowers of leis. They have a sculptured, flawless beauty. Their scents are varied, but all are delicious. I find the yellow one to be irresistible, a tropical punch of fruity delight. The white one makes me think of coconut. It all makes for joy to the eye and to the nose.

Brugmannsia

Often this wonderful species flowers heavily concurrent with a full moon. Why this should be I can't imagine, but it is especially delightful to smell its intoxicating fragrance in the brilliant illumination of the moon's light. When we finally got the greenhouse rebuilt and the plants moved safely back in just before the serious onset of last winter's cold, I felt as though my family was secure against all charges. I even felt the need to leave the upper door between the greenhouse and my bedroom wide open so that I could smell that scent if I chanced to wake during the night. What a voluptuous sensation.

White plumeria

 

Plumeria

 

Brugmannsia

 

Brugmannsia

 

Brugmannsia Versicolor