Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Three Things

 1.  Last night....ZDF (public TV, Channel 2) ran a 40-odd minute investigative piece.  If you want to watch it (in German), it's here.

It's a 4-star investigative piece where they track down a news manipulation 'company' that for the right amount of money....they can influence an election or a news item.

It's an interesting piece, and probably worries a fair number of Germans who watch.  The chief problem?  There's been manipulation in politics going on for literally decades....across the UK, Germany, and the US.  It's just that social media has really created a whole new way to view misinformation.  

2.  This new Defense Minister for Germany (Boris Pistorius, SPD) has shaken up the system in a matter of weeks.  Very impressive guy.  They should have brought him in a year ago.  Seems like everyday....this guy is talking to officers, sergeants, and privates.  

3.  I was at a German Pizza Hut yesterday (first time in two years), and was about to order a particular 'special' they had for the day.  Nice colorful picture, and with lesser font....said 'Beyond Beef'.  The German waitress stopped me....asking me in clear English....'you do realize it's fake beef'?  I quickly corrected myself, and went for the meat-lovers pizza.  It made me want to ask....if she utters that at least ten times a week....with people overwhelmed by the picture ad.  

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