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People tend to avoid information that contradicts what they already think or believe

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:20:33 GMT

clipped by: einbar
clipper's remarks: "We swim in a sea of information, but filter out most of what we see and hear. A new analysis of data from dozens of studies sheds new light on how we choose what we do and do not hear"

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

People sometimes seek the truth, but most prefer like-minded views

We swim in a sea of information, but filter out most of what we see and hear. A new analysis of data from dozens of studies sheds new light on how we choose what we do and do not hear. The study found that while people tend to avoid information that contradicts what they already think or believe, certain factors can cause them to seek out, or at least consider, other points of view.

We wanted to see exactly across the board to what extent people are willing to seek out the truth versus just stay comfortable with what they know,

The studies they reviewed generally asked participants about their views on a given topic and then allowed them to choose whether they wanted to view or read information supporting their own or an opposing point of view.

The researchers also found, not surprisingly, that people are more resistant to new points of view when their own ideas are associated with political, religious or ethical values

Understanding does not diminish Awe

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:52:50 GMT

clipped by: balthazarus
clipper's remarks: "The religious experience is, at best, a stunted variety of this feeling. Awe without understanding, or at least the desire for understanding, degenerates into mysticism: viewing a mystery not as a challenge to be solved, but something to be worshipped for its own sake. Mysticism states that ignorance is a desirable condition, a state we should glory in. This attitude only keeps us frightened and ignorant, and worst of all, robs us of the deeper and more genuine awe that comes with comprehension. I say, let us explore. There may be problems too high or too deep for us, mysteries we cannot penetrate - but so far, we haven't found any, and if there are any, they will not need to be protected from our investigations."

Clip Source: www.daylightatheism.org

Moving Beyond Awe

The nineteenth-century German theologian Rudolf Otto, in his book The Idea of the Holy, popularized the term "numinous", an adjective describing the sense of mystery and wonder that purportedly stems from the presence of a deity. According to Otto, the sense of the numinous had two main characteristics: the mysterium tremendum, the sense of fear and trembling that comes from the presence of that which is wholly other, and the mysterium fascinas, the sense of fascination and curiosity that such an experience evokes.

Otto's theology concisely sums up the categories of religious experience. But the problem with his conception of the numinous is that it lacks one very important quality - understanding.

For Otto, as for many theists, the numinous is not something we should seek to comprehend.

there is no mention of penetrating the mystery

pulling back the curtain of our ignorance

what humanity has been doing throughout its history: piercing the mysteries that surround us

Tags: atheism, religion, understanding, awe

Women Are Better Than Men with a Hammer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:30:52 GMT

clipped by: chestnut501
clipper's remarks: Research presented at the Experimental Biology annual meeting reveals that women may be more accurate than men at using a hammer.

Clip Source: www.scientificamerican.com

We might think women are not as adept as men at wielding heavy tools, like say, hammers, according to popular stereotypes.

Scientists measured the accuracy and force of men and women’s blows to a metal plate.

Indeed they found that men struck twice as hard as the women. But women were 25 percent more accurate than men

The researchers theorize that maybe men and women inherently use different strategies, putting more emphasis on either force or accuracy, respectively. But these are preliminary results. They intend to do further studies with larger sample sizes in different conditions.

But for now that old stereotype might need to be retooled.

Ant Mega-Colony Takes Over World

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:44:58 GMT

clipped by: chestnut501
clipper's remarks: The enormous extent of this population is paralleled only by human society

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

A single mega-colony of ants has colonised much of the world, scientists have discovered.

Argentine ants living in vast numbers across Europe, the US and Japan belong to the same interrelated colony, and will refuse to fight one another.

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) were once native to South America. But people have unintentionally introduced the ants to all continents except Antarctica.

While ants are usually highly territorial, those living within each super-colony are tolerant of one another, even if they live tens or hundreds of kilometres apart. Each super-colony, however, was thought to be quite distinct.

But it now appears that billions of Argentine ants around the world all actually belong to one single global mega-colony.

the irony is that it is us who likely created the ant mega-colony by initially transporting the insects around the world, and by continually introducing ants from the three continents to each other, ensuring the mega-colony continues to mingle.

10 Most Amazing Grass Sculptures

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:05:50 GMT

clipped by: cosmic_kitten1

Clip Source: www.oddee.com

The sculpture, In the Garden of Dreams, was made by brother and sister team Sue and Pete Hill.This sculpture was created as a sister to the Mud Maid which can be found at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. (Source)

Cool and creative Formula 1 car grass figure
(Source)

This is an amazing elephant grass sculpture.

Unicorns United. (Photo)

In the grounds of a country house in Cornwall near the fishing village of Mevagissy the Victorian gardens have been restored to their former glory. (Source 1 | Source 2)

If you have ever visited an art gallery and felt assailed by the "don't touch" signs, then Lucy Strachan's work is for you. Her outdoor sculptures cry out to be touched - or even stroked and hugged, something the artist herself encourages. “Spinning Top” was Lucy's first grass work. (Source)

Men grass sculpture at Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen by Wim Quist architects.

Giraffe grass sculpture found in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia during summer time.

Tags: cool, art, grass, sculpture

Now you'll know when it's safe to pee during a movie

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:42:07 GMT

clipped by: egoldstein
clipper's remarks: we've all been there. all you need is an iphone...

Clip Source: welovecrowds.com

Here’s the idea: you’re watching a movie in the theater and need to take a restroom break, but you don’t want to miss the best part. The RunPee iPhone app has a timer letting you know when it’s safe to take a break, and gives you a summary of what you missed upon your return.

Tags: iphone, movie, peeing

Women's Friendship Lifts Moods

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:07:38 GMT

clipped by: debbyski

Clip Source: www.opednews.com

About a decade ago, a study carried out at UCLA examined the benefits of

friendship among women. It made official what many women have known all along: Our friendships not only make us feel better, they are a positive force for reducing stress and helping us lead healthier, happier lives.

The UCLA study found that women respond to stress with a rush of brain chemicals that makes us seek out women for comfort and support.

The catalyst for this research came when Klein and a colleague, Shelley Taylor,
realized that when women working in their lab were stressed, they gathered

together to commiserate, while stressed-out men went off on their own.

Even having a woman nearby in stressful times makes a difference: Doula-supported childbirth in which a woman supports the birthing mother has been demonstrated to reduce labor by more than an hour. In short, friends help us live calmer, longer, better lives.

A game for life

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:05:39 GMT

clipped by: balthazarus
clipper's remarks: "The challenge is to learn enough about the brain changes induced by different technologies and types of games in order to be able to guide them, enhancing functions that result in a functional and behavioral advantage for each individual. If done properly, the motivating, almost addictive, nature of these technologies, may actually prove a very valuable ally to achieve desired goals in education, medical treatment, and rehabilitation."
I do agree to the point that it is up to us, humans, to pour the meaning into the availability that is technology.

Clip Source: www.scientificamerican.com

Take two video games and call me in the morning

What is all this video gaming doing to young brains?

Growing scientific evidence demonstrates that the human brain dynamically changes in response to experience and to changes in the environment, a phenomenon that is known as “plasticity.”

a world with vastly different technology driven demands, opportunities and challenges, is surely going to lead to brain changes

video games may actually induce brain changes that lead to behavioral benefits.

number of applications of computer games have been developed for education and rehabilitation

A recent study by Daphne Bavelier and colleagues at the University of Rochester offers the intriguing suggestion that playing video games may not only be beneficial because of practicing specific skills, but may also enhance core functions of vision – something that has been classically viewed as immutable as an adult.

game induce different brain changes and thus promote different behavioral advantages

Tags: games, computer, brain, behaviour

40 Free High Quality Hand-drawn Fonts

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:13:46 GMT

clipped by: clip-on-tie
clipper's remarks: Here are 40 high quality hand-drawn fonts you can download and apply on your designs.

Clip Source: www.hongkiat.com

Alpha Mack

Analgesics

Bubbly Frog

Christopher Hand

Dali

Fabulous 50s

Fail

FFF Tusj

Daniel

Note this

Pisan

Rabiohead

Glider Girls

Green Piloww

Grutch Shaded

Hand of Sean

HandVetica

Jamaistevie

James Fajardo

Estrya’s Handwriting

Jerry’s handwriting

Joe Hand 2

Journal

Just Me Again Down Here

Later On

Love Ya Like A Sister

Luna Bar

Mia’s Scribblings

Pappo’s Blues Band

Peixe Frito

Positiv-A

Rock Show Whiplash

Salamander

Sophie, Regular

The Quiet Scream

Thurston Erc

Two Turtle Doves

WC RoughTrad Bta

Windsong

Hand drawn websites

Tags: fonts, typography

Entertainment as Ritual in Contemporary Culture

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:29:31 GMT

clipped by: abailart
clipper's remarks: Interesting article with reference to Michael Jackson's life and productions as an example of entertainment's role in modern 'ritual', and how neuroscience, particularly 'mirroring', is relevant.

Clip Source: neuroanthropology.net

Over the last century, anthropologists have often chosen to study exotic symbolic systems — rituals, myth, art — and frequently managed to illuminate the cultural logic underlying what seem initially to be “irrational” practices.

So why haven’t anthropologists leapt to study one of the most exotic and powerful symbolic systems in human history? I’m talking about the Western (and predominantly American) system of “entertainment”. Not only is this system central to contemporary Western culture, it has arguably played a major role in the breakdown of the cultures of many indigenous communities.

some interest in the topic has emerged in the last couple of decades. Much of this material is promising; often authors pursue the insight that in some ways entertainment activities are similar to rituals. This is not only an accurate observation, but it points to the possibility of beginning to map how entertainment works to establish some of the central meanings of contemporary life.

Tags: anthropology, culture, entertainment

Waiter, there's a large bird of prey in my soup...

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:36:27 GMT

clipped by: Lexica

Clip Source: www.slashfood.com

New Yorkers tend to throw fits about wildlife showing up in odd parts of their city. So we're unsurprised to hear that a local man was flustered when a large hawk flew into the restaurant where he was eating last week and perched on his lunch.

It'd be cruel to steal the story away from its hilarious original teller, whose best line was "I turned around to see it standing on my two-piece-with-side-and-soda combo, just chilling and looking out the window wistfully, as though a Sarah McLachlan song were playing in its head."

A phone call to the restaurant confirmed the tale, including the tidbit that a cook, Manoli (in the style of a true superhero, no one at the eatery knew his last name), whom a waitress describes as "pretty fearless," caught the thing in his bare hands when it flew into the kitchen. Said hawk was sent to the vet, who reportedly turned him over to a wildlife refuge.

The name of the eatery? Birdie's.

Tags: funny, wildlife, photos, nyc

At least 100 people tortured TO DEATH by American forces

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:35:25 GMT

clipped by: Spiritualmonkey
clipper's remarks: ["http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/E2640627-D96B-4558-B78E-1CD9F8952DAB/"]Since WWII enemies on the battlefield have surrendered to American troops[/url] because they believed they would be treated humanely and not abused by the Americans in uniform. This was true as recently as Iraq 1.0.

We used to be the good guys. Now?

We're a nation of laws. We can't just sweep dozens of murders due to White House-approve torture and have any sort of moral legitimacy internationally beyond that of an armed thug.

I think this country is better than that.

Clip Source: www.salon.com

So often, the premise of media discussions of torture is that "torture" is something that was confined to a single tactic (waterboarding) and used only on three "high-value" detainees accused of being high-level Al Qaeda operatives. The reality is completely different.

The interrogation and detention regime implemented by the U.S. resulted in the deaths of over 100 detainees in U.S. custody -- at least. While some of those deaths were the result of "rogue" interrogators and agents, many were caused by the methods authorized at the highest levels of the Bush White House, including extreme stress positions, hypothermia, sleep deprivation and others.

As Gen. Barry McCaffrey recently put it:

We should never, as a policy, maltreat people under our control, detainees. We tortured people unmercifully. We probably murdered dozens of them during the course of that, both the armed forces and the C.I.A.

Tags: torture, abu-ghraib, cia, military, murder, law-enforcement, iraq, human-rights, terrorism

Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:07:22 GMT

clipped by: clip-on-tie
clipper's remarks: The last Dunlap print to be found was sold at an auction for $8.14 million in 2000.

National Archives officials said they weren't sure how the Declaration of Independence copy ended up there.

Archives spokeswoman Frances McDarby said it was "possible that an American coastal vessel was intercepted by the British navy and that is how the document was able to come into our possession."

The prints, known collectively as the Dunlap Broadside, were the first copies of the Declaration of Independence. They were printed by John Dunlap of Philadelphia and distributed to political and military leaders, including George Washington, and dispatched throughout the colonies to be read to the public.

Clip Source: news.yahoo.com

LONDON – British researchers have announced the discovery of a rare original copy of America's Declaration of Independence — just in time for the Fourth of July.

Clip Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

The document discovered among a file of 18th century papers. It is one of only 26 surviving copies

Clip Source: news.yahoo.com

Katrina McClintock, a spokeswoman at the National Archives, said Thursday that a researcher accidentally discovered the "Dunlap print," named after a printer, several months ago. The find was announced only after it could be properly catalogued.

Edward Hampshire, the National Archives' specialist in colonial materials, said the find was "incredibly exciting."

"It is likely that only around 200 of these were ever printed, so uncovering a new one nearly 250 years later is extremely rare, especially one in such good condition," he said.

He said the declaration is one of the most important documents in history because it marks the birth of the United States.

Tags: one of only 26 surviving copies, declaration of independence, united states

What is a Cat?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:31:42 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: Cat: Ethereal music wreathed in mystery.

Much, much more at the source.

Clip Source: www.xmission.com

A cat is an animal who never cries over spilled milk.

A cat is domestic only as far as it suits its own ends.

A cat is nobody's fool.

A cat is the universe's way of showing us purr-fection.

A cat would be man's best friend, but never stoops to it.

A cat, the only self-cleaning appliance in the house.

A dog is a dog, but a cat is a purrson!

CAT - (kat') n. Dog with an attitude problem.

CAT (n): 1. Furry keyboard cover 2. Alarm clock

CAT (n): A walking ego with fur.

Cat \kat\ n; small, four-legged, fur-bearing extortionist

CAT: A small furry beast resembling a meatloaf.

Cat: Animal that proves eating and sleeping is not ALL bad

Cat: Living poetry.

Cat: Murphy's way of saying "Nice Furniture!"

Catholic (n.) - a cat with a drinking problem.

Cats *are* the higher purpose of the universe.

Cats are room-mates. Dogs are kids.

Cats are easy to understand... if you're a woman.

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow

Cats are the soul of honesty - they hide not their dislikes

Passenger Strips Naked and Goes Crazy Mid-Flight

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:30:28 GMT

clipped by: clip-on-tie
clipper's remarks: LOL as if you needed something else to worry about on a flight.

Clip Source: travelinglight.professionaltravelguide.com

US Airways Flight Diverted After Passenger Strips Naked and Goes Crazy Mid Flight

US Airways Flight 705, en route from Charlotte to Los Angeles, was diverted to New Mexico earlier this afternoon when a passenger stripped naked mid-flight and became "unruly" according to KRQE-TV.

The male passenger apparently removed all his clothes and began to run around the cabin naked; other passengers aboard the plane "helped to restrain the man until the plane could land."

everyone is safe, the streaker is in FBI custody and the plane kept on moving to Los Angeles.

honestly folks, if a guy is naked, he poses no real threat (he's not a terrorist, clearly, and you can actually see that he has no weapons on his person, right?) to my immediate safety other than permanently harming my retinas.

Tags: nekkid man running around inside plane?