We’ve all read headlines like this: “Late-night snacks are bad for your brain.” “A new study shows pizza is the most addictive food.” “Drinking a glass of wine is just as good as spending an hour at the gym.” These soundbites are on morning television, in magazines of every subject matter, and clogging your FB feed. They’re even scrolling across the little television screens installed in the elevators of my office building.
We know, deep down, that drinking a glass of wine is not the same as an hour at the gym. Why do media outlets report untrue or incomplete information as science? Since apparently it is unrealistic to expect them to curate scientific studies with integrity, we have to start by opening the conversation.
Just prefacing a soundbite with “a new study shows…” should not cut it. I encourage you to watch this clip from John Oliver’s show Last Week Tonight. (It’s HBO, so it’s a bit sassy and irreverent. Watch the volume.) Dumbing down the science to an attention-grabbing, and often incorrect, headline is doing us all a big disservice.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rnq1NpHdmw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
On a lighter note, has anyone tried this new app called Hyperlapse from Instagram? It allows you to take time lapse videos. Of course the sample clip with the dog digging in the sand made me smile.
Here is an app I can recommend: SkyView. The app uses your phone’s camera to superimpose the constellations on the night sky. It knows where you are in the world and, based on the date and time, knows what stars will be visible in your area. Point your camera toward the sky and hover over a star. The app will tell you the name of the star, the constellation or asterism, and the type of star. I’ve been loving it!
I am a closet blueberry muffin addict. This recipe from Joy the Baker is one of the best.
Who is going to watch Doctor Thorne? Yes, please. It’s a three-part miniseries from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes based on an Anthony Trollope novel. Ian McShane has a small role.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Yr1S0CrKE&w=560&h=315]
Have a great weekend, everyone!
The Oliver video was unexpectedly entertaining.
My husband uses Sky View (or something like it).
I thought the John Oliver clip was so important. He did a good job turning a subject that could be dry and made it interesting.
Thanks for all the recommendations. I love everything blueberry too and cannot wait to check out the muffin recipe. Have a good weekend, Jackie.
Since you’re a blueberry fan too, Rudri, I’m going to admit that I’d choose blueberry over chocolate. Shh! People will think I’m nuts. 🙂
I love Skyview, we’ve been using it for ages! My knowledge of the constellations is pretty poor so I find this fascinating.
A fellow Sky View fan! I only recently happened upon the app and thought I’d give it a try. In the city some stars are so faint, they’re nearly impossible to see, now I can find them through the app. Marvelous!
I’m going to watch it! Thanks for the reminder to set my DVR.
I hope it’s as good as I’m expecting it to be. I’ve built up my expectations! 🙂
That series sounds amazing! And I love hyperlapse, too.
I think Hyperlapse would be perfect for your harbor shots!
Hi Jackie,
If you have Amazon Prime, Doctor Thorne starts streaming for free tonight, I believe. Hadn’t seen the clip, so thanks. And those blueberry muffins look delicious! Lorraine
I watched the first episode and and enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to watching the rest of the series. If you decide to watch the show, I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts.
Did you go to BEA this year?
Ooh, thanks for the heads-up on Doctor Thorne, Jackie. I’ve been looking for something like that to stream. Also, the Skyview app sounds awesome.
Pizza the most addictive food? I have to disagree…everyone knows it’s chocolate. 🙂
Clearly, another incorrect study! 🙂
Have you had the chance to watch Doctor Thorne yet? I saw the first episode and enjoyed it. I’m sure I’ll watch the rest of the series. Have to find out what happens!
No, not yet, but probably tonight while I’m on the elliptical. 🙂
So you’re a blueberry muffin fan! Have you tried Vitatops 100 calorie muffin tops? Not nearly as much fun as a delicious high calorie jumbo muffin, but it still satisfies.
I’ve seen that brand in the grocery store here, so I will definitely give it a try. The top is the best part anyway. 🙂
Top of the muffin to you…:)