Pediatrician Aaron Carroll summarizes findings of a study on the behavior and other attributes of kids today versus 1972. The news is surprisingly good -- not perfect, but better than many people might expect: Less use of tobacco and alcohol, … Continue reading
This isn't particularly graphic, I'm glad to say, but it does illustrate the dangers of cell phone use, especially for texting, while behind the wheel. The drivers shown here are all teenagers, but we older goats aren't immune. I've wised … Continue reading
Ever since 1972 the General Social Survey has polled adult Americans' opinions on a variety of subjects using in-person interviews. The latest results, based on a survey conducted in 2014, have recently been released, and they're quite interesting. The Associated … Continue reading
As you've probably heard, Sir Terry Pratchett, best known as a writer of satirical fantasy novels, has died at the age of 66, surrounded by his family, with his cat asleep on his bed. He was diagnosed eight years ago … Continue reading
Here's the BBC's summary of good news reported in 2014. Don't be too worried that it runs only 90 seconds; these are rapid clips with links to longer reports. Link: http://youtu.be/TjyTldaQz3c There's a lot of good news not mentioned here, … Continue reading
According to this news report from some kids in Utah, it's winter in Canada (it's probably always winter in Canada), and unfortunately, a major snow tornado is apparently threatening the entire country, so if you're anywhere in Canada, you should … Continue reading
If they'd fix the weather, I might move there! Link: http://youtu.be/By95MlAGTjE The original inspiration was of course this Monty Python sketch: Link: http://youtu.be/aOqHNNmTz68 by … Continue reading
In case you missed last night's Superbowl, here's pretty much what happened: (Found on Failblog.org; original source unknown.) The other big news is that some ninnies have their knickers in knots over a Coke commercial. It should be noted that … Continue reading
It was about 11 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius) when I got up yesterday morning, and it was not much warmer when I dropped off my car for service and walked to my office building. It reminded me a little of … Continue reading
Yet another clip from John Green, this one referencing the 2014 annual letter from the Gates Foundation exploding some myths about developing countries. Interesting stuff, delivered in Green's usual enthusiastic style and in under four minutes: Link: http://youtu.be/K8UlTygCYjo One of … Continue reading