Informative Reads

The 2009 Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded last Thursday. The winners include the researchers who did an experiment to determine whether it is better to be smashed in the head with an empty beer bottle or a full one.

Fifteen years after the bones were found, a new species of hominid dating from 4.4 million years ago has been publicly unveiled. Meet Ardipithecus ramidus. (via Metafilter)

Student Loans by the Numbers. The time to start working on those scholarships is now!

Putting Things In Perspective. Before you click the link, think about the one thing you want badly but can’t have.

Understanding the Anxious Mind. Those who realize they are born worriers can learn to deal with anxiety in their own way.

The High Price of Being a Gay Couple. The differences in taxes, job benefits, government benefits, and other expenses will add up over a lifetime. (via Metafilter)

Among the scientists, inventors, engineers, and leaders who left their mark on the world are some who were mentally ill or even downright insane. Their private peccadillos don’t survive in many history books. (via Unique Daily)

War Dances. In excerpts from Sherman Alexie’s new book, a Native American relives the last days with his father as he investigates his own hearing loss.