Even Professors Can Be Crappy Science Writers

The headline and opening to this article are great examples of how science reporting and the (perhaps unconscious) agenda of the writer can plant ideas in the public consciousness that aren't reflected in the study being reported on.

In this case, the study measured hormone levels to determine whether ovulation was taking place and had the study participants choose what to buy. To repeat, *every* participant was told to choose things to buy. Therefore, the study says *nothing* about the impulse to head for the mall as the headline would suggest. Instead, it says, for women already shopping (or, in this case, forced to shop), whether or not they are ovulating will determine the makeup of what ends up in the trunk on the way home.

A slap on the wrist to Prof. Douglas T. Kenrick for sloppy, irresponsible writing. The interesting combination of his use of "in heat," which is normally applied to animals and the subtitle "Women: Hide your credit when you’re ovulating!" make me wonder about the author's relationship to, and view of, women... Kinda of ironic for a blog with the subtitle, "Exploring the simple selfish biases that make us caring, creative, and complex." Professor, study thyself.

Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sex-murder-and-the-meaning-life/201011/when-women-are-in-heat-the-economy-warms

Being Bullied Changes the Developing Brain

This really isn't the least bit surprising. Considering the way in which experiences and emotions make changes in the brain, it makes sense that chronic bullying would show up in the bullied person's brain.

Source: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/11/28/inside_the_bullied_brain/?page=1

More Bad News For TV Watchers

There's already research showing that TV watching is not actually relaxing. Add anxiety and a greater focus on material things.

Source: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/does-watching-tv-make-us-happy

Staircase Storage (I need this in my kitchen!!!)

I love this thing - human factors and cool engineering rolled into one. Now, how can I get this idea translated to the kitchen cabinets, so I can stop standing on my counters?

Source: http://www.likecool.com/Staircase_Storage--Store--Home.html

Lego Sculptures

Wow. These are amazing!

Source: http://www.likecool.com/Lego_sculptures_by_Nathan_Sawaya--Toy--Gear.html

I Could Do That... But It Would Never Occur to Me

How many times have I looked at some interesting piece of artwork and said, "I could do that, but it never would have occurred to me if I hadn't seen it done"? Now there's a poster for people like me.

Source: http://www.dudecraft.com/2010/11/modern-art.html

Print a Brick Road

I'm just sure I need one of these. And a good-sized town to go with it.

http://www.dudecraft.com/2010/11/road-printer.html

Miata + Sharpies

Wow! This guy likes Sharpies even more than I do!

Source: http://www.dudecraft.com/2010/11/mighty-mikes-sharpie-miata.html

Stunning John Rawlings Photo

Wow. This stopped me in my tracks. I just had to stare at it for a while. I wonder if I could do a multi-block carving (carve multiple soft blocks and print them) of it.

Source: http://thegloss.com/beauty/retro-snap-john-rawlings-6/

Amazing Talk on Wholeheartedness by Dr. Brene Brown

I'm gonna be chewing on this one for a few days and will definitely watch it again and read her books.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0

Save Your Memories Get Some Sleep

Seems like more sleep is turning out to be the answer to just about everything these days, from weight loss to memory and more. This article describes how the brain files our memories during sleep.

Source: http://www.sciencecodex.com/sleep_makes_your_memories_stronger

The Anti-Sock Monkey

What a fun use for a bazillion flip flops.

http://thegloss.com/odds-and-ends/random-photo-flip-flop-monkey/

Perspective on Gender Identity and Stereotypes

Any article that starts out with an anecdote about some dude being shocked to see a woman using a power tool is gonna capture my attention. In my circle, I've got the tool-filled garage my guy friends envy.

I liked the author's comments on her own experience of gender identity. I mostly can relate. I experience life as me, and it doesn't match anyone's stereotypical anything.

I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that the only sane method of dealing with people is to dump the shortcuts (stereotypes, preconceived notions, broad generalizations, etc.) and actually put forth the effort to get to know people as individuals. I'm still trying to figure out at what altitude it becomes necessary to talk about populations vs. people. For example, it's good to know that population x has a low reading rate and needs a plan to address it. It's not good to assume every x person you meet can't read.

Source: http://www.existenceiswonderful.com/2010/11/stop-being-so-surprised-maybe.html

Never Make Your Bed Again

...just zip it closed. Et voila!

Source: http://www.geekologie.com/2010/11/zipbed_never_has_to_be_made_on.php

Credit and Gift Cards Transformed... Into Guitar Picks

I'm just sure I need this punch. Move over Martha Stewart.

Source: http://www.geekologie.com/2010/11/turn_all_your_maxed_out_credit.php

Another Crazy Japanese Product: The Doughnut Briefcase

'Cuz it's important that your donut travel in style and arrive as puffy as it was when you left Dunkin Donuts (which, by the way, are amazingly un-sweet in Japan and nothing like our version of donuts).

Source: http://www.geekologie.com/2010/11/doughnut_transport_will_never.php

The Wonderful World of Ear Worms

A coworker and I were talking just the other week about how we have soundtracks always running in our heads. Not surprising that we both suffer from earworms. It is, after all, a music company. I can't remember the last time I *didn't* have a song in my head.

Source: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/what-kind-of-people-are-most-likely-to-get-so