Postcards from the Id

Passwords - Can You Try To Be Just A Little Creative? (Like "Bosco")

Interesting little article here about how people still tend to choose Internet passwords that are relatively easy to figure out.  In addition, the link gives me the excuse to post this:

Beware The Magic Pixie Drink!

Classic Simpsons!

Also file under: The Dangers of Addiction.

TGIF Statistically Confirmed

According to this article, people tend to report better moods, greater vitality, and less pain/complaints on the weekends.  This improvement in functioning results from increased choice in the activities one engages in, as well as the ability to spend more time with family and friends.  From the article:

"Workers, even those with interesting, high status jobs, really are happier on the weekend," says author Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. "Our findings highlight just how important free time is to an individual's well-being," Ryan adds. "Far from frivolous, the relatively unfettered time on weekends provides critical opportunities for bonding with others, exploring interests and relaxing -- basic psychological needs that people should be careful not to crowd out with overwork," Ryan cautions.

Of course, I have been running a long-term single-case experimental design that is consistent with these findings.  I also believe a certain restaurant chain has marketed itself to these week-end benefits to great financial success.

In all seriousness, the preference for self-determination is an important consideration when it comes to a person's sense of well-being, and the article notes that workplaces should continue to explore ways of increasing the sense of autonomy and choice in their employess.  From the article:

The results support self-determination theory, which holds that well-being depends in large part on meeting one's basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This study, conclude the authors, "offers one of the first substantive and theory-based explanations for why wellbeing tends to be more favorable on the weekends: People experience greater autonomy and relatedness, which are, in turn, related to higher wellness." By contrast, write the authors, the work week "is replete with activities involving external controls, time pressures, and demands on behavior related to work, child care and other constraints." Workers also may spend time among colleagues with whom they share limited emotional connections.

Then again, hasn't this already been covered in various media?  For example:

  

Happy New Year!!!

The time for reflection and resolutions will come - but for now, Happy New Year!!!

That's A Lot Of Televisions!

Research posted by Techcruch estimates that, worldwide, $112 billion was spent on televisions in 200, accounting for 205 million televisions.  Of those, 141 million were LCDs.  Of those, one was an LCD I purchased.  I guess I'm just one of the herd, but damn do I like watching Blu-Ray movies! 

On the other hand, I suppose this does not bode well for the global expansion of waist lines...

A "Very Merry Christmas" Commercial!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Happy Festivus Everyone!

This year, I'm ready for the Feats of Strength!!!

A Few "Wired" Pop-Culture Links

Here are several fun links over at Wired:

1) This post addresses the question: "Who is the best Batman of all-time?'  Voice portrayals are included.  Amazingly, George Clooney is not ranked first.

2) The kids of the Geekdads made their picks for "Best of the Decade" in categories such as movies, books, comics, and games.  A good list for anyone with kids, as there are a few items I know my kids would like, but I had not heard of them.  Also, lots of Lego-love!!!

3) Here is a list of the top 5 PS3 games of 2009, including downloadables.  I haven't played with my PS3 much (I use it mostly for the Blu-Ray), but I did download Comet Crash, and I've really enjoyed it.

4) This is a really nice review of the game Carcassonne, a game I've been eyeing for quite awhile, but I've yet to pull the trigger on.  Sounds like I need to get it.

Wasn't This Freud's Philosophy As Well?

Okay, so I really strained (no pun intended) to figure out a mental health connection in order to justify posting this, when I should say it's up because I find it hilarious.

Greatest Movie Poster Ever???

Quite possibly!  From EW's Shelf Life, who is speculating on the next children's book to be made into a film.