Science!

One of the advantages of my degree is that occasionally I can help out my friends, with the right word, translation, a bit of practical advice. I used to give post-op instructions for a lot of shoulder surgeries. So when a fellow nurse had to schedule herself for a rotator cuff repair, I asked if she had a recliner at home. Because those were in my instructions - that a good Laz-e-boy would make life much more comfortable post-op. So she picked up a decent used one the week before, and was given the same instruction from the recovery room - when it would have been a little late to do much about it. She assures me the chair is wonderful, except that the lever to lift the foot is on the right, same as her repaired shoulder. Ah, well, next time. I wonder if there even are any left handed recliners.

I don't think I'm the only one with a little pocket of experience who is glad to share. I have a sneaking suspicion that wikipedia medical articles are written by med students and residents as a way to get their research into people's hands, just based on the level of quality I've seen so far. A great place to start researching, get the vocabulary. Doctors are still struggling with patients who speak the same language, if haltingly. Because it used to be a red flag that this one was either "hypochondriac" (a term, if not an idea, no longer used) or an addict looking for drugs. Still, I think it's good to challenge them, and I think some of the younger ones agree with this, because it is impossible to keep up with everything in every specialty.

This week, I reshuffled bookmarks to include a batch I've called Science! More puzzle pieces to put together The Reason for This Thusness. Jonah Lehrer over at The Frontal Cortex offers some wonderfully explained examples of human behavior, like why schizophrenics have such high rates of cigarette smoking, how trust works in this economy, and the danger of a particular online auction site.

Much in the same vein is Predictably Irrational, explaining why we so often make such bad choices, repeatedly, and why stupidity ain't going away anytime soon. Which goes right along with The Straight Dope "Fighting Ignorance since 1973. (It's taking longer than we thought.)" A more wide ranging and practical site, still thoughtful and inquisitive.

Then there are the creations of Evil Mad Scientists. Who just look at life a little differently. And Atlas Obscura for the traveler who wants real oddity.

My ongoing theme is one of, "Dunno, let's find out." I have always liked hanging out with people smarter than myself, and I find them all over the place.