Time-Saving Technique

Coke Didn't Make America Fat.

--Wall Street Journal headline (10/8/09)

Pressed for time? (and who isn't)

Then do what I do, as I hurriedly scan the Op-Ed pages (online and off) for the 8-10 pieces I want to "dig into" that day:

1. Read the headline;
2. Jump to the byline at the end, to check the author's title, credentials, etc. to see if the author has an "an agenda" or other, obvious bias;
3. Based on #2, decide if you want to read the article.

So, applying the foregoing, guess who the author of the "Coke" Op-Ed piece is?

A. A nationally recognized nutritionist.
B. Head of a non-profit, child advocacy organization.
C. The CEO of Coca-Cola.
D. The President of the company that makes Fruit Loops, Captain Crunch, and Cocoa Puffs (presumably confessing).

While "D." is certainly intriguing . . . the correct answer is "C."