NPR: Introducing The Corner of Dissonance

Introducing The Corner of Dissonance

Today we introduce a new Daydreaming feature -- The Corner of Dissonance

Have you ever heard, seen or read a news report, only to hear, see or read another news report a few minutes later that seems to contradict the first news report? Or have you ever suddenly become aware of two events or ideas so incongruous, that if you think about them both at the same time, you fear your head might explode? If the answer is yes, you've paid a visit to The Corner of Dissonance.

Here's an example ripped from today's headlines. (Well, actually we got them on the Web, but, you know...)

Gas prices extend decline: 5 days and counting
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Gas prices decreased for the fifth day in a row, according to a nationwide survey of credit card swipes at gasoline stations. The average price of unleaded regular dropped 1.8 cents to $3.739 a gallon, from $3.757 a gallon, according to the survey released by motorist group AAA.

South Copes With Severe Gas Shortages
ATLANTA (New York Times) -- Drivers throughout the South have faced gasoline shortages, closed stations, high prices and long lines at the pump for the last several days. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike slowed production at oil refineries on the Gulf Coast and knocked out power along many pipelines to the South.

And here's another:

Brace yourselves for new austerity
LONDON (The Sunday Times) -- The good news is that the US government's rescue package should save the banking system. The bad news is that higher mortgage costs, taxes and unemployment will be with us for years.

Hirst auction breaks - sales record at Sotheby's
LONDON (AP) -- A sale of pickled sharks, butterfly paintings and other pieces by provocative British artist Damien Hirst has raised $198 million. Sotheby's auction house said the total for the two-day sale was a record for an auction of works by a single artist.

If you experience a moment in The Corner of Dissonance, help us out. Leave a comment containing your two opposing stories, events or ideas. If they are sufficiently funny, or excruciating, we might use them on the air. Include links to your sources if possible, and if you wish, comment on why this particular dissonance resonates with you.

Tags: call out | humor | odd news

9:25 AM ET | 09-23-2008 | permalink

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Dobson's love-hate relationship with McCain

JAMES DOBSON CALLS MCCAIN AN UNETHICAL ADULTERER Mark Nickolas on Aug 20, 2008
http://www.politicalbase.com/profile/Mark%20Nickolas/blog/&blogId=3175

During the 2000 election "Dobson said, 'The Senator, is being touted by the media as a man of principle, yet he was involved with other women while married to his first wife, and was implicated in the so-called Keating scandal with four other senators. He was eventually reprimanded by the Congress for the 'appearance of impropriety.' The Senator reportedly has a violent temper and can be extremely confrontational and profane when angry. These red flags are about Senator McCain's character.' "

DOBSON ENDORSES MCCAIN by Neil Munro Friday, Aug. 29, 2008
http://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080829_2432.php

"In a remarkable reversal, James Dobson, the influential founder of Focus on the Family, enthusiastically endorsed John McCain for president Friday afternoon in a response to McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate."(because of her pro-life stance)

Sent by Ali Harrod | 9:38 PM ET | 09-23-2008

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