Cultural stereotypes mapped out

London-based visual artist Yanko Tsvetkov has designed an intriguing, partly amusing series on international stereotypes. Shown here, for your pleasure. You´re welcome.

Anyone care for a trip to the state of "retired popstars"?

Europe according to Italian view is quite uncomplicated, as shown above.

But so is the Russian idea. Darned it, that land of wackos.

It is quite sad to think of our beautiful world in terms of threats.
Thank heavens they managed to kill that bearded terrorist (!) One fear less to worry about in the mind of a small-city republican. (And yes, I know I´m falling to the exact same abyss of stereotypes, of which I´m writing about. They are hard to shake out of. Truly.)


 Partial views on other cultures are pervasive. No matter how we try to think of ourselves as open-minded and culturally blind, the stereotypes still creep up from the under the stones. Some scientists (see semiotics) even claim that we are all, as human beings, inclined to see things through a particular mindset: the ideological glasses are difficult to notice or completely remove. There is always an incentive to prefer "us" as opposed to "them".  Still, it is sometimes refreshing to have a look at the mirror, and see if some thoughts are truly real or worth upgrading.

Europe according to the American view, as shown above. No visits to the Commie-zone.

Cultural stereotypes mapped out

The Evolutionary psychology -defense: Or, Can´t help it, it´s in my Blood

Meet Mr. Satoshi Kanazawa. Chances are, you have encountered his clever ideas somewhere, or some of his like-minded fellow, hmm,  scientists. Mr. Kanazawa likes to sow his brilliant thoughts around, so let´s have a look at some of the snappy tidbits circling our mass consciousness these days.

Just because one claims to be a psychologist, even a qualified one, does not really mean a thing. Everyone and their uncle (no pun intended, it just slipped) who has seen a therapist knows this. There are quaks on every field, and the art of playing with your mind is not an exception. Then again, who am I to judge? Few of you might agree with what Satoshi writes, and these slogans seem to go around a lot these days. To the point of using evolutionary slogans as a defense for just about everything. Even so-called "smart people" of the world have seemed to stop questioning this, and base their judgement on statements standing in thin water. (Just think of the East-Finland Court of Appeal) It is almost like trying to win an argument with a die-hard evangelist: everything _just is_ this way, because the Bible says so. There is no rhetoric, no controversy.

But let´s get back to Satoshi and his wonderful little ideas about the world. All these writings can be found here, as in "why Feminism is the anti-Viagra". The guy writes for Psychology today, which I know some of you might hold in high value. Don´t.

In 2008:  "The best thing for people to do to become happier is to get in touch with their animal nature. Recognize and accept that we are animals. In some ways, in many ways, men are more similar to male chimpanzees or gorillas than to women. Forget what feminists, hippies, and liberals have told you in the last half century.  They are all lies based on political ideology and conviction, not on science. Money, promotions, the corner office, social status, and political power are what make men happy.Spending time with their children is what makes women happy.The best thing to do is to kill all the feminists and hippies and liberals.  Destroy political correctness completely once and for all."


Charming. Let´s see what else he has a sweet opinion on.




In 2011:  "Are all women essentially prostitutes? Yes.  Prostitution is evolutionarily familiar, because mating is evolutionarily familiar and prostitutes (at least the classy ones) are no different from other women, whom men also have to pay – not in cash payments but in dinners and movies, gifts, flowers, chocolates, and motor oil – if they wanted to impress them enough to have sex with them." 


And his latest jewel of a daily thought:  "Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women? There are marked race differences in physical attractiveness among women, but not among men. "




(And here we have a cute pink graph explaining the whole theory, hope it helps!):

"There are many biological and genetic differences between the races. However, such race differences usually exist in equal measure for both men and women. For example, because they have existed much longer in human evolutionary history, Africans have more mutations in their genomes than other races. And the mutation loads significantly decrease physical attractiveness (because physical attractiveness is a measure of genetic and developmental health). But since both black women and black men have higher mutation loads, it cannot explain why only black women are less physically attractive, while black men are, if anything, more attractive"

Just wonderful. I´m sure that he and late Mr.Mengele would have had a lot to talk about.

Cup of tea, some silly theories to ponder on, fireplace in the background... Charming. 

The Evolutionary psychology -defense: Or, Can´t help it, it´s in my Blood

Easter Nostalgia: Microworld and William Shatner

Happy Easter, folks. As a sidenote, the whole tradition of celebrating Easter actually originates from Anglo-Saxon paganism. Let´s all have a drink for female Goddess Eostre, shall we?


There´s something incredibly sweet and nostalgic about reading old predictions on future.
(Future meaning now)
"2001: A Space Odyssey" never quite materialized, but here is a tiny bit of retro blast from the good old days of 1976 on the topic of  microprocessors. At the time they a relative novelty, but the information given here is still quite accurate. Moore´s Law still upholds. All this old-school technotalk would not be nowhere near as watchable, if it weren´t for our lovable Mr. William Shatner in action. The man is multitalented. Have you seen his version of the Elton John -classic "The Rocket Man?" Let´s add it here, as well. Epic entertainment, if anything. Guaranteed to give you a smile today.

Easter Nostalgia: Microworld and William Shatner

How Does Chernobyl Sound like?

In the midst of sad and tragic occurrences happening in Japan right now, people have remembered another old incident involving radiation and nuclear plants. Namely, April 26, 1986 and Chernobyl. 25 years have passed, and now the once dead ghost town seems to be puzzling with journalists, extreme travelers and well, nature. In 1986, the reactor of Chernobyl nuclear power plant (80 miles north of Kiev) exploded and spew out enough radioactivity to make up Hiroshima bombing 100 times over. Nature recovered, albeit barely. Strange deformities and tumors are abundant and visible on the fauna of the area, yet, they strive and exist.

The remains of the evil reactor were covered with a concrete sarcophagus 25 years ago- but it is slowly caving in and needs to be replaced. The poisonous mix of radioactive isotopes underneath the crumbling covering is still alive and well for the next 24 000 years. This certainly gives chills when thinking about the situation in Japan.

Sound artist Peter Cusack has recorded the sound scape of Chernobyl in 2006, and his recordings give hope for the once barren and sterile land. I highly recommend listening to his otherwork as well, like the sounds of the Azerbaijan oil fields. All Cusack´s recordings involve areas of environmental damage.

How Does Chernobyl Sound like?

Bitesize pops: "Tigerblood" is the Word of the Day

Happy international Women´s Day! How fittingly, the first three posts are dedicated for all those of us feeling that "tigerblood" running through our veins.

Feeling overly narcissistic? Nobody can match the greatness called You, and only you? Fear no more, your royal solitude might have come to an end.  A new dating site promises to use hi-tech face recognition technology to find your ideal mate- someone who looks just like you! Now it really is like looking into the mirror every day, and saying to yourself :"I love you, you are the best". Although an exact replica would just be plain creepy, so he/she might just resemble your noble likeness.

A Study based on an impressive sampling of 311 people found out that superficial women like to post a lot of pictures of themselves to Facebook and maintain larger than average networks. Gee, I never would have thought of that. You always learn new things.

Tired of seeing any mention online of the Mr. Tigerblood himself? here´s some fast relief:  Tinted Sheen, the Charlie Sheen browser blocker. Works in Chrome and Firefox. Over 2000 downloads and growing. If in need of extra blocking power, try the Justin Bieber -option, as well.

Despite earlier reports on retiring the entire NIN altogether, it looks like Trent Reznor is planning new material for his "band". I guess the recent Oscar- win from "The Social Network" energized his return back to his roots.

Phil Collins is retiring from music due to health problems. The rumors of his alleged deafness have been circling for years.

Ron Moore´s new series "17th Precinct" is filled with actors from this Battlestar Galactica -series.

The concept around the new REM -album sounds intriguing. The band has hired a bunch of directors to guest direct video clips for each of the new tracks on their upcoming "Collapse into Now." And yes, James Franco is one of them. Boy, that man sure wants the crown as the 21st century renaissance man.

And finally, some amazing footage of a new volcanic fissure currently erupting in Hawaii.

Bitesize pops: "Tigerblood" is the Word of the Day

Alcohol Consumption in the World

Let me present to you: the map of drinking around our sweet planet. To be honest, I really thought Australia would be higher. And North America. Oh Europe, you really should know better. How did your country fare out in this?

Alcohol Consumption in the World

The Wife test -keep her or leave her?

This post is dedicated to my anonymous male friend, who is battling with these demons, as we speak. I am talking about those pesky late-night moments, when the thought creeps  into your consciousness -is s/he worth it? Shall I go on? Is this meant to be? Decisions, decisions. To be, or not to be.
(That is the question. Still. )

Yes, those scientists of the 1930s were crafty. They came up with a scientifically formulated rating chart to ease those tensions clouding your judgment. See, it is easy to rank the spouse!  Much like giving points in the Eurovision song contest, this table gives you all the answers. Hmm, better keep that suspiciousness under the belt. So not ladylike. Aw, I do hope she keeps over the 24 points!

Well, this picture would not be perfect without the opposite, now would it?

Let´s introduce the Husband chart, or in other words, is the dude worth keeping around anymore. 

Like a lot of these 1930s "inventions", this one was criticized as well. Really? And I thought this was so scientific and accurate! No way! Poor George Crane. The shrinks don´t always get it right.

Personal bias be damned. 

Although most people who read the test today find it humorous and obviously dated, Crane did attempt to make it scientific. His method was to interview 600 husbands on their wives’ positive and negative qualities. Then he listed the 50 demerits and merits that arose most frequently. Crane, did admit to using a personal bias in weighting the items that he thought were most important in marriage. (Via neatorama)

The Wife test -keep her or leave her?

Bitesize Pops : "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"

After my latest grim posting, I figured it is time to lift up the mood. For now.
I have lately been getting into Hunter S. Thompson´s collected writings. My oh my, the man was a serious loose cannon. Constantly in trouble, intoxicated and high whenever and wherever. Kind of like the character of "Hank Moody" in the Showtime series "Californication". The new season? Not convinced, not yet.
It takes a lot to please my taste. So here we go.

Japanese scientists have a party, get drunk, spill the drinks -and by accident find out that the partymix-booze also induces superconductivity. Cheers!

Contrary to popular gossip, Facebook is not shutting down on March 15. Although it would be interesting to see how people would react -yes,  I am looking at you, Face-a-holics. Still eagerly waiting to see what happens with the "alternative" facebooks, such as Diaspora.

Music influences our brain the same way as cocaine. But it has to be our favorite tunes. I knew this. Try as I may, German schlagers won´t do it for me. Even in the dark. Apparently the dopamine level increases (while listening to music) varied from 6-21 % depending on the test subject. Which proves that some of us can get more high than others. Wonderful.

Google co-founder Larry Page buys a $45  million dollar super-yacht, to join his fighter jet. "The adventure boat" can carry a helicopter, but fits only 10 guests. So now you know where to go if he invites your over.

In need of a new hangout? Gaius Baltar´s former  crib is free for taking. Beautiful scenery, ocean front views, 4000 sq.ft., large wrap-around balconies with hot tub. Yes people, that tub. Near Whistler in British Columbia. The rent is only $4350 CAD, which is reduced from the original 4800. Hmm, no takers for this amazing opportunity to live like the man himself? I am suspecting that the beautiful blonde robot does not come with the house, though. Don´t know who Gaius is/was? Then this post is not for you.

In case you have not heard yet, The History Channel killed the highly anticipated eight-part miniseries "The Kennedys". It has been shopped around, but nobody touches it. Why? Because it is the Kennedys, and here is the story on how the family persuaded the network to bury the already filmed product. Great eyeopener for those in the dark on how power works. Even though the family does not have a member in the elective office anymore, after Patrick J. Kennedy, they still have influence. Interestingly it was the women of the family behind the pulling of the plug, as it is the men of that clan who make up all the dirty laundry. Need not go into detail, I think we all know.

PJ Harvey is releasing new stuff on February 25th. I know a lot people still regard her early recording, "Rid of Me" from 1993 the best . I still prefer "Stories from the city, stories from the sea" (2000).

Courtney Love´s erratic, strange, absurd yet entertaining Twitter feed is no more. As I commented on earlier, her bizarre pictures in states of various undress and levels of intoxication have charmed us for quite some time now, but it appears an unfortunate case of a lawsuit stopped this train from moving. Rest in peace, CourtneyLoveuk.

Trent Reznor is responsible for the score of the upcoming American remake on "The Girl with the dragon tattoo". My interest level for this unholy cooking shot up immediately; I suppose I have shared my opinions on that earlier. I do hope it is better that what he did with "The Social Network". Well, there is always The Downward Spiral, which I love.

For last, let´s see some images from that up-for-grabs house over at Vancouver:

Bitesize Pops : "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"

Who kills our birds?

It began last month in Arkansas, with dead birds and fish. Over 3000 dead or dying birds were dropping from the skies all over celebrating people in the town of Beebe (echoing Babel) at new year´s eve. The experience must have resembled that of "The Birds" (1963), except the birds are not angry anymore. Not over the chemicals and toxins being dumped to the nature in masses, not for the fireworks being shot to the air for our brief entertainment. Maybe they are just plain giving up. This is no game of "Angry birds". And other animals are following in line. How about a map?

The deaths were ruled as natural, as were the following mass animal deaths around the world. The latest is from Italy, yesterday 700 turtle doves were found dead. And thousands of fish washed up on Chicago´s harbor.
Theories are abundant, everything from alien conspiracy, secret government tests and North Korean new toxic weapons to plain pollution. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one, all things being equal.

And this time science is blaming the abnormally cold weather. Oh, and some of the birds just plain ate too much. Holiday snacking gone crazy. (How dare they. Show some restraint.) No apocalypse this time, nothing to see here, go home folks (and shop, as the former president Bush would say. And did say).

Let´s see another map. Interactive! See it here. It needs some updating, feel free to add.

The whole thing eerily reminds me of pheasant hunting. Dead birds are raining down all around you, and your company is only concerned over the next tea break (with a little whiskey on the side). It is natural. Therefore we do not see anything absurd. This time we are not literally pulling the trigger on the shotgun. Or are we?

Who kills our birds?

Overcoming Writer´s Block and John Cage

It´s a familiar feeling. Staring at the blank page, trying to come up with words that would make sense. Sing for me -and hopefully for others, as well. Here is an actual published paper by Dennis Upper: "The Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of a Case of ´Writer´s Block`". The paper´s contents, from 1974, sum up the condition quite nice and neat.

Yes, that´s all folks. Nothing else to see. I assume "the block" got a strong hold on Dennis Upper, who succumbed to the beast. Just in case you missed a critical part of the paper, please read it again, in detail, over here. Reviewer A has very poignant marks on this writing. "Clearly it is the most concise manuscript I have ever seen -yet it contains sufficient detail to allow other investigators to replicate Dr. Upper´s failure."


This piece of scientific work (in all seriousness) reminds me of  "4´33"  by John Cage. If you have not experienced it in person, I highly recommend. Beats  Richard Wagner´s Siegfried, for sure. (Anyone been able to listen to it from beginning to end?)

As an experimental composer, John Cage (1912-1992) was interested in creating a soundworld out of various noises and "coincidences" around us in a modern urban society. In his time, he was either marked as a   talentless fool or a genius. This controversy marks his most famous work, "4´33". Cage used silence in his other works, as well, but never to this extent. Silence, however, is never just plain silence. Watch how the audience slowly becomes aware of being part of the performance themselves. They try to stay still and quiet -but of course there is no such thing. Even the conductor cannot hide behind his baton.Who is the object to be looked at?

Overcoming Writer´s Block and John Cage

Bitesize pops

Tickets for a Steve Martin -event in Miami were refunded . Audience criticized him of being too boring. Or more diplomatically :"the event did not meet the standard of excellence people have come to expect".

Evolutionary psychologist claims that there is scientific data to back up claims on why beautiful people tend to produce more daughters

"I really don´t think it´s about getting laid for him". Vincent Cassel talks about the director of his new hyped-up movie "The Black Swan"

Writer Anne Rice thinks the romance-aspect of "Twilight" is genius, yet placing the vampires on high school is less so...!

PJ Harvey has announced a new album coming up. Hopefully it is better than her last one. Some people argue  that she has not produced anything as brilliant as "Rid of Me" in 1993

Director and all-around artist/auteur David Lynch has ventured into modern blues . Hmm, something tells me this is either way out there or something marvellous.

Apparently mercury turns wetland birds into homosexuals . This will lead to interesting questions about the safety of residue chemicals/metals  in our drinking water...

Jack White is not happy about his limited-edition recording releases  being sold for hundreds of dollars above their original selling price

Bitesize pops

Bitesize pops

The Steve Jobs -action figure has arrived. 80 dollars, and Steve can be lurking at you on your desk. But be patient - there is a waiting list , as the first 300 Steves were already sold out.

One in four(4) websites visited by Americans last week was Facebook. Almost five times more pageviews than Google. scary

The house portrayed as the home of vampire queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq in the acclaimed tv-show "True Blood" is on the market. Tacky sunroom, anyone?

According to dna-studies, Native Americans visited Iceland 100 years ago.

Steve Wozniak believes that Android phones will surpass other smartphones in world dominance. He still likes his iPhone, though.

Daniel Day-Lewis will play play Abraham Lincoln in a new epic made by Steven Spielberg.

Wesley Snipes is finally entering prison for his tax evasion. His sentence is three years.

Tim Burton is writing a Twitter story with his followers. Anyone can participate.

Warner Brother is rebooting "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" -but without Joss Whedon

And finally, "The Green Hornet" -trailer is here:

Bitesize pops

Bitesize pops

New detailed report investigates the disappearing Atlantic bluefin tuna and the questionable fishing practices. Stop eating that tunasushi, people

The existence of precognitive powers has been proved -via the help of erotic pictures. Really. This was Cornell university, so it must be true.

The large Hadron Collider has finally created a "mini big-bang". This would be in Cern, Europe

The most overpaid actor according to Forbes magazine is..... Will Ferrell

According to David Duchovny, the third "X-files" movie is definitely on the works

Controversial writer Michel Houellebecq wins French top award, Prix Goncourt. He has been criticized of misogyny, racial provocation and obscenity among other things.

Bitesize pops

Recording dreams soon possible

Researchers claim that recording and reading people´s dreams is soon a reality. US scientist Dr Moran Cerf writes in the journal "Nature" of his findings. His plan is to actually build a machine, which helps psychologists to interpret and analyze dreams as a form of therapy. Dr Cerf performed a number of tests to volunteers, where he showed a variety of images and objects to them, and was able to monitor brain functions- as in, which area of the brain lit up when looking at a specific item.

However, he did admit that this discovery is a long way from actually precisely "seeing" another person´s dreams  and thoughts, so ideas of "Inception" are not yet upon us.

Recording dreams soon possible

Bitesize pops

Zach Galifianakis shares his view on Mel Gibson

Charlie Sheen went bat-crazy, trashed his room and partied with a hooker . Allegedly. Like a 45-year-old would.

Francis Ford Coppola is planning a horror film with Val Kilmer

The fifty-year-old Birth control pill could soon be replaced with a topical gel, without the side-effects. Allegedly, that is.

Fiona Apple talks about the "challenging" new tracks she is creating for her forthcoming new album

Here is the scoop on the new characters coming to next season of True Blood. Cage fighters and palm readers?

(image via Vanity Fair)

Bitesize pops