Serene Karplus, Nederland.   Selecting a reliable source for information we need is always tricky. If we have had good teachers in our formative years, we learn to discern between real information and disguised advertising, between researchers and hucksters. Even then, it can be dicey as we wade through massive amounts of information. The proliferation of the internet has increased the challenge significantly.

We used to trust the big name magazines and newspapers to offer straight journalism and reliable information. Some still do, probably. But we read every day about political takeovers of various publications we used to believe and we remain uncertain as to how much real news is edited out for political delicacy and how much unvetted “news” may be included.

Editors have always had to use their judgment to balance the needs of their readers, advertisers, and investors. It is nothing new to pull the feature that criticizes the corporation that advertises well, as most of us who have been around the block a few may be concerned about biting the hand that feeds us. Likewise, some of us hold our politics to ourselves for fear of some form of retribution, while others take pride in defiantly standing for what we believe. A local paper, as much as a national one, has to examine the impact a controversial article may have on the community. We want to generate discussion and interest, but not create divisiveness.

Hiking with a friend, she commented that another friend was very excited that she would have the “best” surgeon, as he was featured on a magazine cover, to which my friend responded, “well, yeah, he bought that…” While I like to trust the content of magazines like AARP, I often wonder why the journalist chose to cite a particular expert’s comments instead of some other individual and whether articles are featured for attracting reader sales or due to financial or political sponsorship.

My father used to subscribe to almost every investment newsletter that sent a solicitation in the mail. He was vulnerable to salespeople and printed “infomercials”. Writers sign up for courses to learn specifically how to write the multi-page letters that create urgency and the trained eye recognizes this friendly and folksy writing style for what it is – a sales pitch.

Another friend who spends hours gathering all his news on Facebook was crushed recently when the organizers of some websites that supported his favorite politician criticized a recently deceased politician revered by the first one and it suddenly hit him like a ton of bricks that maybe these weren’t supportive sites at all, but shill sites from the opposition that would eventually try to brainwash him and other supporters away from his political leader’s opinions.

We jump online for answers to many questions, from health to politics. We need to be wary when searching anything. Even search engines post the paid advertiser sites first. Sometimes the official site we want is listed far later than many sales pitches which edge ahead of it. Paying attention to where we wind up (and never following an emailed link) is an important part of not only remaining secure, but also being able to trust the content of the sites we visit. If we decide to trust sites or newsletters of well-known medical clinics, national nonprofits, government agencies, and university researchers, then we must ensure we are reading their official sites and publications.

Think about the source of every online and print interaction. Who published it? Who wrote the article? Why? What’s in it for them? Who is paying for this and why? Why should we believe them? Do we have reason to trust their integrity?

We all can think twice about repeating information we cannot verify – a tough task in today’s world.

All ages of adults are welcome at all events, attended mostly by folks over age 50. Sign up for all meals and events at 303-258-0799 or Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group or by email at NederlandAreaSeniors@gmail.com. Meals are served at the Nederland Community Center. Please call two days ahead for lunch reservations (more for dinners and breakfasts if possible). Missed the deadline? Call anyway.

Costs listed show first the over-age-60 requested anonymous contribution, then the under-age-60 price. Please note that all over age 60 are welcome at meals regardless of ability to contribute financially.

Monday, September 3: Holiday – No Lunch. Happy Labor Day!

Wednesday, September 5, Noon, Pork Pad Thai, Broccoli/Peas/Carrots, Mango/Pineaapple