Apr 5, 2013 - 10:20 am
Via the Huffington Post:
Whether you adore Lena Dunham or think she’s overrated, one thing seems to be in consensus: She’s not drop dead gorgeous. She made a hit TV show about being average (“real”), she’s constantly scrutinized for wearing not enough or nothing at all, and always has to address her looks on top of her talents.
But is Dunham really all that average, or even bad looking? Not according to science.
Beauty, it so happens, is not just a matter of personal taste but rather a matter of measurements, geometry and calculations — all the stuff you loved in 8th grade math. That science says that Dunham is just like the rest of those Hollywood exquisites, if not even more attractive (gasp). Yes, the frequently body-shamed “Girls” maverick is scientifically better looking than “conventional” beauties Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Chastain, and even Jessica Biel.
How do we figure?
It has a lot to do with symmetry, the distances between certain parts of the face and proportions — how different features measure up against each other. Dr. Kendra Schmid, assistant professor of biostatistics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, uses a formula based on 29 different points on the face. The score starts high and works its way down. Every separate calculation configures into the total: How full are your lips? Too thin lowers the score, but so does an overly thick pucker; How wide-set are your eyes? Is your nose as long as your ears? Etc.
At the end you get a score between 1 and 10 — 10 being the perfect face. Most people, i.e. non-Hollywood normals, score around 4 and 5. Celebrities rarely, if ever, score below a 6.
But in a world full of extremely proportionate, symmetrical faces, how do these stars rank in comparison? Or simply put, who is prettier than whom?
Mar 5, 2013 - 3:20 pm
Klari Reis’ daily petri dishes
Time to add another site to the bookmark queue.
Feb 6, 2013 - 1:40 pm
Dec 19, 2012 - 10:20 am
Microscapes. These alien-looking landscapes are created under the microscope, using multiple exposure photography techniques. That top image, the one that looks like the moon over a cliff, is really:
A multiple (3) exposure of recrystallized sulfur, the microscope field diaphragm defocused with a yellow filter (the moon), and a stretched polyethylene baggy (the sky).
Go figure.
(via Explore Blog)
Dec 13, 2012 - 9:58 am
Rev. Val Peter, referring to including the concept of “American exceptionalism” in the Nebraska Board of Education standards for social studies instruction.
The left-leaning Mother Jones magazine mocked the changes with a headline “Nebraska Kids to Learn America Is Awesome, Climate Change is Just a Theory” - but some embrace the criticism. Find out more in this Signature Story from NET News reporter Fred Knapp.
Sep 11, 2012 - 10:17 am
Via the Beatrice Daily Sun:
Bill Nye, “The Science and Planetary Guy,” will visit Homestead National Monument of America on Sept. 23.
His program begins at 2 p.m. at the Homestead Education Center, with seating opening at noon.
This program will be held outdoors. A large crowd is anticipated. It is recommended people come early and, though chairs will be available, those attending are encouraged to consider bringing their own lawn chairs.
This program is also free, made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation. No tickets are needed and shuttle service will be provided in and around the monument to easily accommodate all participants.
Nye is a scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, known to millions through his many science lessons taught on television. Nye is the host of three currently-running television series. “The 100 Greatest Discoveries” airs on the Science Channel. “The Eyes of Nye” airs on PBS stations across the country. “Stuff Happens” airs on Planet Green.
His mission is to help people everywhere understand and appreciate how science can help everyone live on the planet by leaving the smallest footprints.
The monument’s hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. For additional information, call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home/index.htm.
Aug 8, 2012 - 3:17 pm
At the next table in the science lab at Beatrice High School, she identified some bigger problems.
“We’ve got toxics, or poisons over here; we’ve got a stack of oxidizers over here,” Christen said. “Some toxins can damage tissue through inhalation or contact. Oxidizers, under certain conditions, can cause explosions.”
Toxic trash: Nebraska removes potentially dangerous chemicals from school science labs
Jun 25, 2012 - 8:22 am
Via the Omaha World Herald:
It’s been a hot start in 2012. Over Memorial Day weekend, high-temperature records were set in 16 states, including every state that’s home to a Big Ten school. Omaha’s high temperature hit 94 degrees — the hottest May 27 temperature in more than 100 years of record-keeping. Chicago, Des Moines, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Madison, Wis., and Pittsburgh all hit record highs that weekend.
In March, more than 15,000 warm-weather records across our country were broken. Eastern Nebraska had its warmest March in recorded history as locals swapped winter coats for shorts and farmers planted corn ahead of schedule.
For more on this topic, check out NET News reporter Fred Knapp’s story: 2012 is Nebraska’s hottest year on record so far
Jun 11, 2012 - 1:36 pm
![akamarykate:
“I shall never cease to rejoice that I was born on the limitless prairies. To grow up on their expanse means to see in long stretches, to scorn boundaries, to go free all one’s life.”
~ Leta Stetter Hollingworth (b.1886 near Chadron, Nebraska; Hollingworth became a psychologist who was one of the first to research the emotional and intellectual needs of gifted children and to use the scientific method to challenge the idea that women were physically and intellectually inferior)
Photo Source: By National Parks Service Photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5btoftomK1rw0d4jo1_500.jpg)
“I shall never cease to rejoice that I was born on the limitless prairies. To grow up on their expanse means to see in long stretches, to scorn boundaries, to go free all one’s life.”
~ Leta Stetter Hollingworth (b.1886 near Chadron, Nebraska; Hollingworth became a psychologist who was one of the first to research the emotional and intellectual needs of gifted children and to use the scientific method to challenge the idea that women were physically and intellectually inferior)
Photo Source: By National Parks Service Photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Jun 5, 2012 - 6:56 pm
Nebraska has a long history with the railroads.
This month, NET News examines that relationship with a special Signature Story series on railroads. Each Tuesday in June, we’ll examine Nebraska’s role in nationwide transportation on the rails – carrying cargo and people through the state and through the years. We begin with today’s story on Bailey Yard in North Platte, the largest rail classification yard in the country.
Listen to these Signature Stories on “Train Tuesdays,” every week in June on NET Radio during Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Find more, including videos and photos, at our website.
Photo via flickr
