The Fount of Useless Information
Your place for useless information that just might possibly be interesting.
Low IQ & Conservative Beliefs Linked to Prejudice
http://www.livescience.com/18132-intelligence-social-conservatism-racism.html
This is actually an interesting report that, while likely incendiary to those in the right-wing, should non-the-less be considered. The article makes several caveats, the most notable below:
…A study of
How doctors do harm
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/30/health/how-we-do-harm-brawley/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
Astounding:
…American medicine is big business. It is about 18% of the U.S. economy and growing. The average cost of a health insurance policy for a family of four is $19,400 per year. The expense
The thrill of blaming others
We’ve always loved scapegoats, in politics and our own lives. Now science offers a new glimpse into its appeal
http://www.salon.com/2012/01/29/the_thrill_of_blaming_others/singleton/
I see bits of myself in this article, which perhaps makes me someone who isn’t …
Self as Symbol
The loopy nature of consciousness trips up scientists studying themselves
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/337947/title/Self_as_Symbol
I used to subscribe to Science News and had been receiving it for decades (my parents started getting it for me when I was a teenager). …
George Soros on the Coming U.S. Class War
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/01/22/george-soros-on-the-coming-u-s-class-war.html
Just a little while ago I posted how there might actually be some hope that the apocalypse might be avoidable after all: Maybe it is so, but maybe it ain’t and …
Is it because I keep getting smarter (i.e., better educated)?
Big government, our one shot against crazy storms
In our age of devastating droughts, wildfires and hurricanes, the federal government is more important than ever
http://www.salon.com/2012/01/26/big_government_our_one_shot_against_crazy_storms/singleton/
I have never been …
Subculture of Americans prepares for civilization’s collapse
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/21/us-usa-civilization-collapse-idUSTRE80K0LA20120121
I freely admit that I often talk of the brewing apocalypse and expend thought considering what approaches to take to ameliorate the effects of a societal collapse. However, in my analysis there …
Math formula may explain why serial killers kill
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/01/18/math-formula-may-explains-why-serial-killers-kill/
Hopefully my title got you to pay attention. The title, though, does point out to what I consider a serious deficiency in the article, the addressing of the ‘so what?’ response. …
The New American Divide
The ideal of an ‘American way of life’ is fading as the working class falls further away from institutions like marriage and religion and the upper class becomes more isolated. Charles Murray on what’s cleaving America, …
Why Placebos Work Wonders
From Weight Loss To Fertility, New Legitimacy For ‘Fake’ Treatments
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204720204577128873886471982.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
More and more evidence is mounting that the placebo effect is ‘real’ in the sense that it has actual, measurable physiological effects. However, as mentioned …