...A growing body of literature describes what has come to be known as the “healthy migrant” phenomenon-the fact that on many measures, first-generation immigrants are often healthier than U.S.-born residents who share similar ethnic or racial backgrounds. Over time, however, the migrant health advantage diminishes dramatically. In the “paradox of ( Read more... )

There was a Young Lady of Russia,
Who screamed so that no one could hush her;
Her screams were extreme,--
No one heard such a scream
As was screamed by that Lady from Russia.Last week I took a roller coaster ride. As the train entered the loop, the girls began screaming at the top of their lungs. Which led us to the perennial question: Why do ( Read more... )

As a parent who faced the embarassing task of relating the facts of life to two little boys I can vouch that the grossness of the sexual act is obvious to any child. I had little to say in defence. We needed to examine various alternatives from the animal world to arrive at a half-consolatory conclusion: gross as it may be, what we have is ( Read more... )

I vouch that it works on me and my wife swears by it. So did countless Jewish wives. The origin of the discovery is cloaked in mystery. Maimonides (in his "Medical responsa") recommends chicken as a remedy against the early stages of leprosy, although he does recommend rooster testicles for treating the convalescent. The chicken soup first appears ( Read more... )

...В многодетной крестьянской семье тихие, некрикливые дети были большим облегчением для родителей. Это редкое для малых ребят качество запечатлевалось в мирском имени Смирной, оно часто становилось главным именем человека на всю жизнь. От Смирных пошли Смирновы ( Read more... )

I've just visited an exhibit on the origin of writing at the Oriental museum ( Read more... )

I am in Puerto Rico this week, and this brings to mind Diamond's steel, germs, and guns. The story so far: all of the local (warm, wonderful, virtuous) Taino Indians perished in an apocalyptic genocide, being brutally persecuted by the (cold, greedy, murderous) Spaniards and further decimated by the combined forces of pox and measles ( Read more... )

Why are adults more tolerant of certain foods?
http://shkrobius.livejournal.com/276662.html?thread=2187958

http://ivanov-petrov.livejournal.com/1569662.html?thread=78405246#t78405246

from http://shkrobius.livejournal.com/265460.htmlRead more... )