Neurosexism... Again

You'd think word would have spread through the research community that any claims about "hard-wired gender differences" would be closely scrutinized. And, given the rate at which they fail to stand up under scrutiny, you'd think people would think twice before publishing them. But, no....

This article gives a nice clear explanation of why the recent stereotype-infused headlines are so much fantasy.

Source: https://theconversation.com/new-insights-into-gendered-brain-wiring-or-a-perfect-case-study-in-neurosexism-21083

A Different Take on Custody

Interesting what thoughts one can have when one looks beyond the easy answers. It honestly had never occurred to me to look at why one parent appears to be better suited for kid rearing than the other when it comes time to split.

Source: https://everydayfeminism.com/2013/08/bias-against-fathers/?upw

Losing an Excuse, a Stigma, and a Condescending Insult

First off, is there anything better than the phrase, "basket of goddamn sunshine"? Love it. Just love it.

"A growing number of experts are arguing that—as far as mental health is concerned—pre-menstrual syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome, meaning that it's diagnosis is based on societal expectations of how women should behave and feel, instead of biological reasoning."

Sources: Jezebel and The Guardian

Doesn't it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy that stupid cultural expectations, rather than actual science, are being used to marginalize perfectly healthy people? Sometimes I just want to kick people in the teeth 'cuz, well... 'cuz they're stupid. And the rush to declare normal behavior to be a mental disorder of some sort is just ridiculous.

Underwater Sculptures

I love this! I now have a burning need to go back to Cancun to see concrete sculptures underwater.

Source: http://www.underwatersculpture.com/pages/gallery/evolucion-silenciosa.html

Euphoric, Crabby, and Lacking in Ethics... All at the Same Time

This is not good news for a sleep-deprived populace. It's well known that sleeplessness makes humans crabby, but it also leads to short-term euphoria and risky behavior with questionable ethics. So, your sleep-deprived friend really does need you to drag them back to reality, but expect to get snapped at while you do it.

Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/220044.php
http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/03/does-lack-of-sleep-make-us-unethical/

A Horse With No Hay

This is a wonderful intro to a life-sized horse puppet.

Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/handpring_puppet_co_the_genius_puppetry_behind_war_horse.html

Some Scientists Try REALLY Hard to Prove Their Own BS World Views

This is a nice deconstruction of Simon Baron-Cohen trying desperately to make the evidence fit his preconceived notions, even to the extent of some seriously convoluted logic unworthy of a scientist. Sigh.

Source: http://scottsworlds.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/eating-disorders-and-not-so-female-brain.html