Science
Conscientiousness is the most important trait. This may explain how I manage to overcome the absence of so many others.
Great news. Research is pointing to conscientiousness as the one-trait-to-rule-them-all in terms of future success, both career-wise and personal. How do the researchers define conscientiousness? Basically, it’s being “efficient, organized, neat, and systematic.” It’s a trait that has been shown to increase your chances of finding a job, living longer, and living healthier. It is…
Read MoreThe Mystery of Prince Rupert’s Drop: A small piece of glass made amazing
This is six of the most fascinating six minutes of video on the Internet today. Both in terms of subject and presentation. Stop and watch. The Prince Rupert Drop is named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine, who I recommend you don’t spend any time reading about lest you end up feeling terrible about your…
Read MorePurposeful procrastination: Are slightly lower grades really all that bad?
A new study suggests that students who turn in homework at the last minute get worse grades. Of the 777 students involved, 86.1 percent waited until the last 24 hours to turn in work, earning an average score of 64.04, compared to early submitters’ average of 64.32 — roughly equivalent to a ‘B’ grade. But…
Read MoreMen are far more likely to make stupid decisions in sports. But are the reasons for this stupidity all bad? I don’t think so.
This will come as no surprise to anyone who plays a coed sport: On the playing field, men are more likely than women to make dumb decisions. The major finding: As the competition (in US Open Tennis) gets tighter, men are more likely to screw up. During set tiebreakers, female players were more likely to…
Read MorePlants are smarter than we ever imagined. Eating them is no less cruel than eating a cow. And cows taste better.
I have always secretly hoped that someday we would discover that plants are just as sentient as animals, and as a result, the aggressively judgmental, overly proselytizing ethical vegans of the world would be forced to come to terms with the fact that when it comes to food, they are no less murderous than the…
Read MoreThe ad has good intentions, but it doesn’t depict reality, and that could be more damaging to girls than no ad at all.
This new Verizon-sponsored ad, which was made in conjunction with Makers to show how parents unintentionally steer their daughters away from science and math, is receiving a lot of praise for the way it doesn’t focus solely on female body and beauty issues, as well as its willingness to shine the light on the role…
Read MoreNapping will kill you. Science says so.
A 13-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has revealed that if you take naps during the day, you are more likely to die sooner than those who do not. The study, which was performed by researchers at Cambridge University, studied the habits of over 16,000 men and women in Britain and found…
Read MoreIt’s the second parent’s second opinion that is often most valuable
Interesting data out of the UK indicates that that kids who grow up with a single parent or step-parent think of themselves as no less happy than kids who grow up with their biological mom and dad. Researchers from UK’s NatCen Social Research analyzed data from almost 13,000 children and found that children’s stated happiness…
Read MoreSpite is good. Science agrees. Tim Martin agrees.
The New York Times recently published a piece entitled Spite is Good. Spite Works. Research seems to indicate that human decency and cooperation require “a certain degree of so-called altruistic punishment: the willingness of some individuals to punish rule breakers even when the infraction does not directly affect them — challenging the guy who broke…
Read MoreCasual Friday EVERYDAY could save the world (and your soul)
I have argued for years that formal dress codes and formal dress expectations are ridiculous. The idea that men go to work every day in a coat and tie, even when it’s 85 degrees outside, is insane. Neckties are insane in all circumstances. Wrapping your neck in an unnecessary floral noose is insane. I stopped…
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