TresSugar

Smart and Rich? Scholar Says Poor People Have Lower IQ

LibertySugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:00:25 -0700

Dr. Bruce Charlton, an evolutionary English scholar, just submitted a paper that argues that the poor are intellectually mediocre. He claims that:

The UK Government has spent a great deal of time and effort in asserting that universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, are unfairly excluding people from low social class backgrounds and privileging those from higher social classes. Yet in all this debate a simple and vital fact has been missed: higher social classes have a significantly higher average IQ than lower social classes.

He thinks that top schools are overwhelmingly populated with wealthy students as a result of the working class "meritocracy", not admission prejudice.

Charlton's tone, which seems to suggest that the poor are genetically inferior, is bothersome. Families working hard just to get by may not have the resources or time to foster their children's early education. Should higher education institutions and society in general take steps to correct the educational inequalities between the classes?

Do you see a class bias in IQ testing, or educational practices? Do the admission standards of elite universities exclude equally qualified students from working class families, or are there subconscious systematic factors at play here. Do universities have a responsibility to help those with a disadvantaged upbringing fulfill their potential?

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Guess the New Oxford American Dictionary's Word of the Year

TresSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:09 -0800

It's that time of year again! Pumpkins, turkeys, and the word of the year. Every dictionary chooses its own, so expect this to be the first of many. The New Oxford American Dictionary looked all over the Internet for a word with currency, potential longevity, and "real lex-appeal!" What's the lexiest of them all?

Source: Flickr User MorBCN

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What Should Be the Word of the Decade?

TresSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:30:31 -0800

Yesterday we revealed that the New Oxford American Dictionary chose "unfriend" as the word of the year. Many of you thought it should be something like "sexting," or "de-friend" at least.

Since we're headed toward a new decade, this story got me thinking about which lexicon newcomer would make a good word of the decade. BellaSugar suggested a Bushism like "misunderestimated," or perhaps "text" or "FAIL." Based on the high number of depressing things that happened this decade, I'd say "FAIL" makes an excellent candidate.

You all seem to have a good read on which words have "lex-appeal," so tell me what you would choose as the word of the decade.

What Do You Think Is the Most Annoying Phrase?

GiggleSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:05:00 -0800

Oxford University has just released their list of the Top Ten Annoying Phrases. Some of these skew a little toward English-isms, and many of them are just outright grammatical mistakes. I find many of these irritating, though. What do you think is the most annoying phrase? Did they leave anything out?

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Do You Like Guys With Tattoos?

TresSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0700

My tastes are all over the map - nerds, hippies, and, like The Bangz here - I really like boys with tattoos. Whether they're hidden under Oxfords or displayed out in the open, unless it's a tribal tattoo or mistranslated Chinese characters, I think tattoos on guys are sexy.

Daddy Issues: Depressed Fathers Affect Kids Too

TresSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Blame the mother? Not so fast. Turns out, depression in dads can be just as bad for kids as having a mother with mental health issues. According to experts from the University of Oxford, doctors have been focusing far too much on the mothers' problems. Kids, especially boys raised by alcoholic or depressed dads, are far more influenced by troubled fathers than previously thought. But until recently, no one was paying much attention:

The Oxford team said it was not surprising much of researchers' emphasis had focused on mothers as, in most societies, it is mothers who provide the majority of childcare - particularly when children are very young. But they said the role of men had been "underemphasised" . . . In addition, the peak age for men to be affected by psychiatric disorders is the same as the peak age for becoming a father - between 18 and 35.

As a result, young kids can develop behavioral problems, while teens are at a higher risk of depression and other mental-health issues. Do you think daughters are more affected by their mothers' mental health, while boys are more impacted by dads?

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Ask a Librarian: Tomboy Has Never Been on a Date

TresSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:59:08 -0700

Conventional Wisdom is a different kind of advice column. Your questions will be answered by people from all walks of life rather than by advice experts. Today, a librarian will offer some common sense advice. You can submit questions here.
Today's Question:
After turning 23 a few weeks ago, I started to wonder what was holding me back from finding Mr. Right. It's not that I haven't been on a date for a few weeks, or that I just keep dating a string of loser guys, it's that I have never been on a date. I didn't even have dates to high school dances. I've never even been told I was pretty/cute by a guy so that may have something to do with it. At a time in life where the majority of my friends are in relationships and are getting engaged/married, I'm all alone.

I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I am too shy to find a guy to like me, or if once I get over my shyness that my tomboyish nature forces me into the "friend zone" all of the time. (I was an only child raised by her father who treated me like a son.)

I've been told that I'm funny and smart, but I think my love of sporting events and rock concerts, knowledge of cars, and love of all things nerdy scares guys away. Do you have any advice for me so I can stop being seen as the sisterly type, and start being seen as dateable? I'd really like to find a nice guy soon. Thanks a lot for your help.

- Undateable Tomboy

To read a librarian's advice, read more.

Dear Undateable Tomboy,

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “tomboy” as “a girl who behaves like a spirited or boisterous boy.” You are 23, and it’s time to start acting like a woman, not a girl. Don’t worry right now about meeting Mr. Right; you just want to meet some misters. People have told you that you are smart and funny, but guys can’t get to know the real you because they don’t see you as date material.

Let’s talk about your outward appearance, which is what attracts a man in the first place. The first thing you should do is find a good stylist and get a great haircut. Sounds superficial? Sorry, just do it. A haircut that suits you can do more than anything to improve your appearance. Next go to the makeup counter in a department store, do a mini-makeover, and buy some products. I’m talking at least a modicum of eye makeup and some lip gloss. Accent your best facial features.

Look at your wardrobe. Anything that appears oversized, place it in the back of your closet for one month. Go to the store and buy some items that are slightly trendy, and get shoes to go with the clothes. If you don’t have a clue, ask the sales people to help you; it’s fun for them. By the way, I am a feminist who does not buy into the “beauty myth,” but consider this an experiment. (Do you want a date or not?) There is strength in looking your best, and it will give you the confidence boost that you need more than anything else. And smile, a friendly welcoming smile. That is the most attractive thing you can put on your face.

Be up front and tell your friends you are ready to meet some men. Be persistent, remind them - and, that goes for your male friends. Ask them if they know anybody to fix you up with. It might even put the idea into the head of one of your old buddies to ask you out. What about you suggesting a casual movie date to a new acquaintance, someone you meet at a party or work?

You like sports. Join a coed softball, volleyball, or kickball team. There is a lot of camaraderie on these teams, more men than women, and they tend to socialize after the games or on the weekends. Please do not wear baggy sweats.

And no more excuses about how an interest in cars and sports scares away guys. In reality, many men would love to share their interests with their girlfriends. That would definitely be a value added that you would bring to the relationship.

You sound like a very lovely young woman who does not deserve to be lonely. You will find someone who will be thrilled to have you in his life and in his arms. The challenge is to have men notice you, so that they can get to know the real you. As a librarian, I can attest that people do judge a book by its cover. I remind you that you are very young, and have plenty of time. So while you are waiting for your dating life to kick in, go to the library, check out a copy of Emma or Something Blue, make a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch.

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Word of the Day: Frathole

GiggleSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:26:40 -0700

We've spent a lot of time analyzing a particular genus of the species douchebag. He is the club-dwelling, Ed Hardy-wearing, faux-hawk sporting guy who inexplicably gets the babes (well, a certain variety of babe, who probably deserves him). I can't believe that when we tried to come up with a replacement term for douchebag, among the many terms we considered, we didn't include the awesome frathole. Want more info on this menace to womankind? Then read more.

So "frathole" is a portmanteau word made from combining "fraternity" and "asshole." The only difference in this iteration of douchebag is that he's more likely to be dressed in Abercrombie & Fitch oxford shirts untucked just so over loose jeans while inevitably sporting flip flops. And obviously, his habitat is a college campus or local beer joint. The other wonderful thing about having discovered the word frathole at this late date is all the words that are associated with it, including: fraternitool, fraterniture, frathoe, fratmosphere, and fratnanigans. Sample sentence: "The fratmosphere at Abercrombie & Fitch is oppressive."

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Bhutan Bachelor Crowned Youngest Reigning Monarch

LibertySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:30:10 -0800

At 28-years-old, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuc is the world's youngest ruling monarch. The Oxford-educated, and single, Bhutanese king was crowned last Thursday. This weekend Bhutan wrapped up three days of celebration, which included a cap-snatching contest, pillow-fighting competitions, and archery demonstrations.

Bhutan, which is isolated in the Himalayas right between China and India, just got Internet and television nine years ago, and held its first elections last March. Societal changes never seen before in Bhutan, such as crime, caused some citizens to lament the technology. Perhaps the young king, who helped bring satellite TV to the small country when he was merely a prince, will help ease the constitutional monarch's transition into the modern era.

To see some more celebratory pictures, read more.

View 10 Photos ›

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Front Page: Late Rallies Hope to Push Voters to Morning Polls

LibertySugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Last night the candidates wrapped up two years of campaigning. Barack Obama saved his biggest Virginia rally for last - a jam-packed event in Manassas with 90,000 people reportedly in attendance. Meanwhile, a fired-up John McCain told supporters to "be strong and fight" in an election eve rally Monday, his last before voters in swing state Nevada weigh in. - Huffington Post
Long lines formed when polls opened in Eastern states. Barack Obama's bid to become the first black president faces the final test of his remarkable two-year journey, while Republican John McCain presses for an Election Day upset. - MSNBC
A report released on Monday by a state board found that Gov. Sarah Palin did not apply improper pressure to try to dismiss a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law and did not violate state ethics laws in the firing of her public safety commissioner. The report by the Alaska Personnel Board contradicts the conclusions last month of a separate inquiry into the matter overseen by a bipartisan legislative panel. - New York Times

Taiwan and China set aside decades of hostilities today, agreeing to expand flights and allow shipping links across the Taiwan Strait, a hotspot that has long threatened to become a war zone. - Associated Press
Iran's parliament sacked its interior minister after he admitted a degree he said he obtained from Oxford University was a forgery. It is a setback for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad eight months before he faces presidential elections. - BBC News

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