A behavioral economist explains why a resolution to lose weight is a bad idea, and suggests something better
Health & Science
Your Christmas Tree Lights Are Headed to China—Then Back to You
After getting chopped up, they’ll be sold to you as doorknobs and flip-flops, as the recycling trade churns on
Economist: ‘Tis the Season to Break Up
If you find yourself unexpectedly single this week, then you are not alone. Evidence culled from Facebook status updates finds that the phrase “we broke up because …” is more popular in the two weeks before the Christmas …
Memo to Michelle: Fat Shaming Is Not OK!
The First Lady’s anti-obesity campaign paints fat people as slothful and selfish—and it’s wrong on the science
Co-Author of Affluenza: “I’m Appalled by the Ethan Couch Decision”
But his actions do reflect our national affliction that exalts consumerism above other values
Psychologist: “Affluenza” is Junk Science
There are many legitimate conditions that might explain terrible teen behavior, but being too rich is not one of them.
Men’s Fertility Should Be Scrutinized Too
A new study suggests a father’s diet influences birth defects
Is Katie Couric the Next Jenny McCarthy?
A former Playboy Bunny spreading misinformation is bad enough
Why It’s Important to Listen to the Sandy Hook 911 Tapes
Covering our ears will not make an ugly reality disappear, but paying close attention might make our response to it more rational
There Is No Left Brain/Right Brain Divide
You are hardly alone if you believe that humanity is divided into two great camps: the left-brain and the right-brain thinkers — those who are logical and analytical vs. those who are intuitive and creative. For years, an …
Two Mistakes Not to Make This Black Friday
A behavioral economist discusses the common mistakes that shoppers make when searching for sales
Hunting Isn’t the Answer to Animal ‘Pests’
State wildlife agencies might want to first try ending their policies of increasing the deer population for no reason other than to kill them
There Is No Such Thing as a Motive for Mass Killings
Trying to make ordinary sense out of these extraordinary crimes is fruitless—and ultimately only encourages more violence