I just love playing devil’s advocate!
(Justice League America #48)
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I just love playing devil’s advocate!
(Justice League America #48)
True Love Match
This Author is of the firm opinion that theirs was a love match.
This Author cannot fail to note that he always seems to be murmuring something in his lady’s ear, and that something always seems to make her smile and blush.
Furthermore, he always dances with her one more time than is considered de rigueur. Considering how many husbands don’t like to dance with their wives at all, this is romantic stuff, indeed.
Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, 10 June 1814
De Rigueur
“De rigueur,” in French means something that is both expected and required, so as it is Friday and quite warm (21°C), I should think a De Rigueur is just the cocktail one needs to enjoy in the sun. It was, possibly (cocktails’ origins are often apocryphal), a Harry Craddock invention from his time at The Savoy in the 1930s. The Americans call it Brown Derby, but you will understand I like the French name and, prescription, as it were, far better! Happy Friday!
Ingredients (serves 1):
8 ice cubes
1/2 a small, ripe pink grapefruit
45 millilitres/1 1/2 fluid ounce (3 tablespoons) Single Malt Whisky (some favour bourbon, but I reckon this drink benefits from the floral and herbal notes of The Glen Grant’s Arboralis)
30 millilitres/1/2 fluid ounce (2 tablespoons) Honey Syrup
Place ice cubes in a shaker.
With a vegetable peeler, peel a thin strip of grapefruit skin, being careful not too cut the white pith. Set aside.
Thoroughly squeeze the juice of the grapefruit and add two tablespoonfuls of it in the shaker (30 millilitres/1 fluid ounce). Add Whisky and Honey Syrup. Close shaker tightly, and shake energetically until well-chilled.
Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass, and garnish with grapefruit peel after expressing its oils over the cocktail.
Enjoy De Rigueur immediately.
De rigueur
Duh ri-gur
-adjective
1. strictly required, as by etiquette, usage, or fashion.
“For Stacie’s party, though, a costume was de rigueur.”
-Little Fires Everywhere (2017) by Celeste Ng
de rigueur (adj.)
strictly required, as by etiquette, usage, or fashion
The Illusion of Altruism: Unmasking Effective Altruism’s Flaws
Effective altruism, once hailed as the pinnacle of ethical giving, is not the panacea it claims to be. This movement, which prioritizes cost-effective philanthropy, often masks deeper issues of self-interest and oversimplification.
The Self-Serving Nature
At its core, effective altruism can be self-serving. Donors often seek to maximize their own sense of moral satisfaction rather than genuinely addressing complex global issues. The focus on quantifiable outcomes can lead to a narrow view of impact, where the donor’s need for measurable success overshadows the nuanced realities of those they aim to help.
Authoritarian Overtones
The movement’s prescriptive nature can be authoritarian. By dictating which causes are worthy based on a utilitarian calculus, effective altruism risks imposing a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach can undermine local knowledge and autonomy, disregarding the voices of those directly affected by the issues.
Overly Simplistic Solutions
Effective altruism’s reliance on simplicity is its Achilles’ heel. Complex social problems require multifaceted solutions, yet the movement often reduces them to mere numbers. This reductionist view can lead to ineffective interventions that fail to address root causes.
Better Alternatives
Instead of adhering strictly to effective altruism, consider a more holistic approach. Community-based philanthropy, which empowers local leaders and respects cultural contexts, offers a more sustainable path. Participatory grantmaking, where decision-making is shared with beneficiaries, ensures that aid is relevant and impactful.
Conclusion
While effective altruism offers a seductive promise of doing the most good, it falls short in practice. By embracing more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches, we can foster genuine change that respects the complexity of human needs.
Compromise is not a dirty word. In fact, it’s the lifeblood of democracy. Yet, in recent years, the political Right has abandoned this crucial practice. The consequences are dire, but hope is not lost.
Once upon a time, political compromise was de rigueur. It was the norm, the standard, the expectation. Politicians from both sides of the aisle would meet, debate, and find common ground. They understood that progress required give and take. But today, the Right has turned its back on this tradition, choosing instead to dig in its heels and refuse to budge.
This refusal to compromise is not just stubbornness. It’s a calculated strategy. By refusing to engage in good-faith negotiations, the Right aims to stall progress and maintain the status quo. This tactic is not only harmful but also unsustainable. It leads to gridlock, frustration, and a lack of trust in our political system.
But here’s the good news: we can change this. It starts with demanding accountability. We must hold our leaders to a higher standard. We must insist that they engage in honest, open dialogue. We must support candidates who value compromise and reject those who don’t.
Moreover, we must lead by example. In our communities, workplaces, and homes, we can practice the art of compromise. We can show that it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable. We can demonstrate that finding common ground is not a sign of weakness, but a strength.
The path forward is clear. We must revive the spirit of compromise. We must remind the Right that progress is only possible when we work together. And we must do it now, before it’s too late. The future of our democracy depends on it.
De riguer is liek wen u go to a fancy shindig and u gotta wear the fanciest of fancy pants, like a penguin suit or sumthin. Itz like, if u dont wear it, peeps gonna look at u like u got two heads or sumthin. Itz the epitome of sartorial splendiferousness, and if u dont comply, u might as well be wearin a potato sack. So, u gotta conform to the societal paradigms of sartorial excellence or face the ignominy of fashion faux pas.