The human race is losing weight. Unfortunately, it’s in the wrong place. 20,000 years ago, the average human brain was 1,500 cubic centimeters. Now it’s more like 1,350—it’s lost the volume of a tennis ball’s worth of neural matter. What’s the cause of the shrinkage? Scientists are divided, but some think civilization itself permits weaker-minded [...]
If we obtain a deeper understanding of our psychological issues will that awareness bring change and ultimately a happier more well-adjusted life? Will the new awaking render us impervious to the grip of dysfunctional people and make our relationships with our family, friends and co-workers more fulfilling? What if we come to understand illusive parts [...]
In his new book, “Fortunes of Change,” author David Callahan argues that liberal views are gaining currency among America’s new upper-class, signaling a continental drift that will topple long-held beliefs about the super-rich. While “old money” tends to back the GOP and its pro-business, anti-government stances, today’s super-educated, nouveau riche professionals and entrepreneurs lean towards [...]
What do zombies, spaceships, and wasteland all have in common? Nothing? Or everything! Patton Oswalt, a comedian known for his stand-up and roles in <i>The King of Queens</i> and Disney Pixar's <i>Ratatouille</i>, has put together <i>Zombie Spaceship Wasteland</i>, a collection of comedic yet insightful essays on the widest array of issues possibly imaginable – all [...]
Yesterday kicked off the first day of Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, with close to 60 films competing in four categories: domestic and international dramatic feature and domestic and international documentary. It’s still a top showcase for independent films—even though mainstream Hollywood offerings often dominate. KPCC’s Shirley Jahad is there with [...]
When the 2010 Tax Relief Act was signed on December 17th of last year, basic tax rules didn’t change much for 2011, but a few things are new: unemployment benefits were extended for an additional 13 months, a "patch" to the alternative minimum tax was provided, payroll taxes on employees for 2011 were cut, businesses [...]
Social media isn’t just changing how we live; it’s also altering how we experience death. Every day, we tweet, post to FaceBook, upload photos to Flickr, and pour our hearts out on blogs – creating a staggering amount of revealing information and digital assets. That information lingers long after we are gone. An estimated 408,000 [...]
It’s been considered before and has failed each time: placing a California state sales tax on online purchases made through internet retailers that are based outside of the state. Last time, in 2009, a bill made it through the legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. This year there is a new and improved budget [...]
Do rainy days and Monday’s get you down? You’re not alone. For years, doctors have been treating people for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression usually associated with sun-deprivation. But good weather impacts our moods too. Warm, sunny days can make us feel free and frisky. Yet, according to neuropsychiatrist Dr. John Sharp, suicides increase during [...]
“New and improved” always comes with a hitch, and this time, it’s the new California’s driver’s license. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says the new license—with its raised signatures and California icons—is more expensive and more secure. That’s because they’re harder for scammers to counterfeit, but they’re also more complicated for manufacturers to make [...]
