This is why we need to invest more in R&D

Actual Reuters headline today: "Online dating brings hope and frustration, researchers find".

And this is different how from real-life dating?

We need research to tell us this?

This is about as momentous as Slovenia signing on to be witness to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Seven Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe

OK, after this I don't want to hear it from any of yous! These seven "well-known facts" are medical myths, as documented by the British Medical Journal.

It's very hard in discussions with people to pinpoint exactly from where one gathered one's information, especially when it comes to mythbusting and debunking, two of my favourite activities (how do you think I got so interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?).

Once the link rots, I'll lose my source. But here are the myths for now, with explanations given as summarised from the BMJ study.

Link to article with explanations:

http://www.livescience.com/health/071220-medical-myths.html

The Seven Myths Even Doctors Believe (without explanations):

1. We use only 10% of our brains.

2. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

3. Fingernails and hair grow after death. (Come on, this one is obviously false.)

4. Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser, and darker. (You can never convince anyone that this is a falsehood, especially not a woman or anyone from the Indian Subcontinent.)

5. Eating turkey makes you drowsy. (Tryptophan my arse.)

6. Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals. (They should still be banned because they're intrusive and disruptive.)

7. Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight. (This is the only one I believe still may be true over the long run. I want more evidence!)

Bullshit News Item of the Day: Religion and the Presidency

Wow, Mitt Romney passed the latest test in his bid to become president, and the media are gushing. Romney, a Mormon, when asked whether he will show favouritism to Mormons or be a president for all Americans, promised that he would "serve only the common cause of the people of the United States."

Brilliant! No wonder the media are all smiles. It was a tense moment there, because he may very well have said that he will work only for Mormon issues and ignore what other Americans think. Good thing he is nice-guy enough to want to work for all Americans. Thank God that's cleared up. He must have a brilliant campaign manager.

What if a Muslim - excuse me, Muzzlim - ran for president? I wonder if he'd be asked about his religion? I wonder if everyone would immediately accept his word that he would serve all Americans and not just Muslim Americans. I wonder if no matter what he said people would show "proof" that he's secretly working for Muslim causes.

Nah, they'd never do that. Americans take politicians at their word, especially when it comes to religion. Just look at their handling of the Mitt Romney-and-religion scandal. Americans are good people.

American Poetry Performance

A handful of Muslim readers of this website have recommended this poem read aloud by American poetess Suheir Hammad, a Brooklyn native. Ms. Hammad, whose two brothers serve in the American Navy, talks about 9/11 and the way it affected her as an American and as a Muslim.

It's poignant, it's heartrending. Don't take my word for it. Watch the video yourself:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0fhWX2F6G7Y