Similar to da "grandmother approach", but more of a generalized "association wif da elderly" type of "gate-pass" to other people's patience, respect, willingness to accommodate you, etc.; i.e., if you make sure to tell others dat you are procuring an object for and/or assisting a slight-figured and warm/gentle-natured "neighborhood gramma", they'll be all like, "Awwwww... how kind and thoughtful of you!" regarding said endeavor, and thus they'll be more willing to assist you themselves, give you permission/clearance to perform whatever tasks/activities are necessary to complete your helpful task, let you obtain one or more related objects/resources/services either for free or at a much-lower cost, etc, due to their respect and appreciation for older folks and --- by extension --- anyone who's trying to provide "aid and attendance" to one or more of said "wrinkle-city residents".
Da likeable owner at da local general store at da Amish community in northern Maine extended a similar style of praising generosity to me as da classic "sweet little old lady" virtue might have garnered me --- if I was repairing an item for one of da Amish families in his community, said pleasant-and-mild-mannered proprietor would let me have da necessary fasteners and other hardware-materials for free.
by QuacksO January 18, 2026
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Get the I'M OLD mug.A situation where a small, entrenched group of elite institutions, journals, or research paradigms collectively control a field. They may compete amongst themselves, but they present a united front against outsiders, maintaining a closed system that determines whose work is credible and what questions are valuable.
Theory of Scientific Oligopolies Example: The "top five" journals in many social sciences. Publishing in them is essential for career success. This creates a scientific oligopoly where a small set of editorial boards, sharing similar methodological preferences, gatekeep the entire discipline, marginalizing innovative or heterodox research that doesn't fit their mold.
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Get the Theory of Scientific Oligopolies mug.Focuses on the small, powerful networks of individuals—senior professors, editors, grant committee chairs—who wield disproportionate influence. These scientific oligarchs control resources and reputations, often perpetuating their own intellectual lineages and protecting the status quo through personal connections and peer review.
Theory of Scientific Oligarchies Example: A handful of senior figures in a field who sit on every major grant review panel, editorial board, and prize committee. They consistently award funding and prestige to their own former students and collaborators, creating a self-perpetuating oligarchy that controls the field's direction and limits upward mobility for outsiders.
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Get the Theory of Scientific Oligarchies mug.I'm Old! -Gerson
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Get the I'm Old! mug.When you go on a date and get so messed up you wake up at their parents place and your butt is sore. It's cause bro slapple'da'ole.
Her: I woke up next to an embarrassment with my butt hurting. Don't tell anyone.
The friend: don't tell me he slapple'da'ole.
The friend: don't tell me he slapple'da'ole.
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