http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0115451
It seems kind of meta...
I find it quite amusing that one of the "optimal journals" to submit papers to is PloS ONE... the journal that got this paper accepted V:
23.1.15
20.1.15
Chewing Gum
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0117191
...To think that people can publish a paper simply by doing tests on people chewing gum...
On the bright side, a possible alternative to flossing?!?
...To think that people can publish a paper simply by doing tests on people chewing gum...
On the bright side, a possible alternative to flossing?!?
10.11.14
Conversations, Replying Back, and Respectability
I recently came across an article that dealt with analyzing the details behind healthy marriage relationships and not so healthy ones, and although I'm pretty sure I won't have to deal with the issue of marriage for a long time, the contents of the analysis were intriguing. Usually I would put the link on the top of the blog post but here I want to emphasize more on my thoughts than on the article itself, so this time I'll just provide the link at the bottom, while giving a brief summary before I go into my thoughts.
The study that they did - or the one that I really thought was interesting to see - was that they observed several couples in a honeymoon (?) situation at a bed-and-breakfast lodging. Specifically what they did was they observed the couples' interactions with each other, in short if they were engaged with each other in conversation or not. For example, one of the two members might comment on something that seems trivial or insignificant - the example they gave was a husband mentioning a species of bird seen flying by the window. What researchers found was that how the spouse reacted to this seemingly trivial comment was heavily correlated to whether the relationship ended up healthy or not - those who engaged in conversation with their partners, however silly the topic was, had a much higher chance of maintaining their relationship status than those who ignored the comment or replied harshly to it.
In a way this seems like an obvious result, but I particularly thought it was interesting because it was so obvious - obvious not only in marriage relationships but in almost all forms of daily life conversations, both in real life and online. The interactions between the individual and his/her friends and family is highly representative of their thoughts for each other. Online conversations in general are an interesting medium to look at for various reasons - logs of the conversation are displayed on the screen for all participants, and off screen and beyond the chat there is no indication whatsoever at what they are doing... unless it is indicated in the chat.
Basically I want to extend what was already stated in the article in that, ignoring or curtly/rudely responding to a comment without thought, regardless of how trivial it is, can damage relationships - this blanket statement of course missing some legitimate exceptions. Being in an online environment, people may be legitimately busy or away, or maybe even just not being in the right mood. However, excuses often attempt to exploit such situations where people lie in conversations as if to think by doing so everything will be fine, or simply putting it on a lower priority list, therefore doing other things of higher priority makes them too "busy" to respond. The former is a common misconception that people won't see through the lie - at least in my experience, the lie is generally very obvious and results in a lot of toxicity. The latter is a blatant indicator that the relationship is being damaged, as one person has a higher value in their relationship than the other and is being hurt because of it.
I need to mention that I am undoubtedly guilty for some of these actions. In a way I needed to be in order to understand the full circle of how it works - how an offlayish comment or slight can seem innocent to one but destructive to the other. How people respond is also drastically different. Some can shrug it off easily and do other things, others have the unfortunate mentality of being tormented over being ignored. I can hitherto (at least in this paragraph) only describe my own thoughts and opinions on it.
It seems that there is a sense of fear that develops after being ignored. Initially there may be some anxiety of talking to a stranger and being ignored, but at least in my case, if it were to happen, this would not fall out of the bounds of expectations. Established friendships, however, are incredibly more emotionally linked. A built of friendship means that there is some kind of trust between friends and so - if one were to ignore or slight a comment - the damage is heavy the first time around. The second time, the friend who was ignored is now much more afraid and much more reluctant to talk to his/her former friend - meanwhile the one that makes the slight notices not much difference at all. Ultimately in a worst case scenario the two friends stop talking to each other, cutting off the relationship.
It does seem like, however, that if the person who ignored his/her friend started another conversation with the same friend, the damage is mitigated. This is because starting a conversation with a person is automatically an indicator that they have at least some form of lingering respect for each other. Doing so seems to salvage the relationship much more quickly to a state where the two friends can understand each other again.
On the other hand, if the person who ignored his/her friend starts talking to someone else, the situations is exacerbated. This gives the most clear confirmation that one has priority over another, and will make the friend making the comment feel utterly miserable. There are really no exceptions that I can think of for this.
What's the best way for dealing with such situations? This I'm not sure of, as even I have trouble dealing with it at times as well. I found that re-starting conversations with people I have did that to seems one of the most effective, and as such I had highlighted the action earlier. Otherwise, replying in some fashion - and honestly - is probably the best way to prevent a relationship from getting worse. People generally understand if they are not in the right mood (I think) so mentioning that they aren't in a good mood to talk right now is overall a better excuse than making up a lie or saying that one is busy (ie prioritizing other things). Besides that... I'm not sure. Emotions are a complicated thing and tend to be what pre-occupies my mind a lot simply because of how illogical they are (thinking of them in an objective sense that is, not that I'm raging or emoing all the time... I think...)
Hmm. There was really not much I wanted to get across, maybe just express some of my thoughts that came to mind after reading that article. In honesty I wish that some of the people I knew would read this, but I'm sure they don't read my blog (or not anymore). Damaged relationships can be hard to mend - as I mentioned, the person that is hurt doesn't want to try anymore and get hurt again, thus resulting in the breakdown of the friendship. Additionally I can't say its all their fault and not mine - my interactions do not always end up being the nicest and I am ashamed of that. But such is life and to live is to move on. Form new relationships, engage in happier activities that can help mitigate the past pains. Learn from from the past, consider how it could have been better, and apply it to the newer relationships. That, possibly, can be the key to a happier future life.
Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11
The study that they did - or the one that I really thought was interesting to see - was that they observed several couples in a honeymoon (?) situation at a bed-and-breakfast lodging. Specifically what they did was they observed the couples' interactions with each other, in short if they were engaged with each other in conversation or not. For example, one of the two members might comment on something that seems trivial or insignificant - the example they gave was a husband mentioning a species of bird seen flying by the window. What researchers found was that how the spouse reacted to this seemingly trivial comment was heavily correlated to whether the relationship ended up healthy or not - those who engaged in conversation with their partners, however silly the topic was, had a much higher chance of maintaining their relationship status than those who ignored the comment or replied harshly to it.
In a way this seems like an obvious result, but I particularly thought it was interesting because it was so obvious - obvious not only in marriage relationships but in almost all forms of daily life conversations, both in real life and online. The interactions between the individual and his/her friends and family is highly representative of their thoughts for each other. Online conversations in general are an interesting medium to look at for various reasons - logs of the conversation are displayed on the screen for all participants, and off screen and beyond the chat there is no indication whatsoever at what they are doing... unless it is indicated in the chat.
Basically I want to extend what was already stated in the article in that, ignoring or curtly/rudely responding to a comment without thought, regardless of how trivial it is, can damage relationships - this blanket statement of course missing some legitimate exceptions. Being in an online environment, people may be legitimately busy or away, or maybe even just not being in the right mood. However, excuses often attempt to exploit such situations where people lie in conversations as if to think by doing so everything will be fine, or simply putting it on a lower priority list, therefore doing other things of higher priority makes them too "busy" to respond. The former is a common misconception that people won't see through the lie - at least in my experience, the lie is generally very obvious and results in a lot of toxicity. The latter is a blatant indicator that the relationship is being damaged, as one person has a higher value in their relationship than the other and is being hurt because of it.
I need to mention that I am undoubtedly guilty for some of these actions. In a way I needed to be in order to understand the full circle of how it works - how an offlayish comment or slight can seem innocent to one but destructive to the other. How people respond is also drastically different. Some can shrug it off easily and do other things, others have the unfortunate mentality of being tormented over being ignored. I can hitherto (at least in this paragraph) only describe my own thoughts and opinions on it.
It seems that there is a sense of fear that develops after being ignored. Initially there may be some anxiety of talking to a stranger and being ignored, but at least in my case, if it were to happen, this would not fall out of the bounds of expectations. Established friendships, however, are incredibly more emotionally linked. A built of friendship means that there is some kind of trust between friends and so - if one were to ignore or slight a comment - the damage is heavy the first time around. The second time, the friend who was ignored is now much more afraid and much more reluctant to talk to his/her former friend - meanwhile the one that makes the slight notices not much difference at all. Ultimately in a worst case scenario the two friends stop talking to each other, cutting off the relationship.
It does seem like, however, that if the person who ignored his/her friend started another conversation with the same friend, the damage is mitigated. This is because starting a conversation with a person is automatically an indicator that they have at least some form of lingering respect for each other. Doing so seems to salvage the relationship much more quickly to a state where the two friends can understand each other again.
On the other hand, if the person who ignored his/her friend starts talking to someone else, the situations is exacerbated. This gives the most clear confirmation that one has priority over another, and will make the friend making the comment feel utterly miserable. There are really no exceptions that I can think of for this.
What's the best way for dealing with such situations? This I'm not sure of, as even I have trouble dealing with it at times as well. I found that re-starting conversations with people I have did that to seems one of the most effective, and as such I had highlighted the action earlier. Otherwise, replying in some fashion - and honestly - is probably the best way to prevent a relationship from getting worse. People generally understand if they are not in the right mood (I think) so mentioning that they aren't in a good mood to talk right now is overall a better excuse than making up a lie or saying that one is busy (ie prioritizing other things). Besides that... I'm not sure. Emotions are a complicated thing and tend to be what pre-occupies my mind a lot simply because of how illogical they are (thinking of them in an objective sense that is, not that I'm raging or emoing all the time... I think...)
Hmm. There was really not much I wanted to get across, maybe just express some of my thoughts that came to mind after reading that article. In honesty I wish that some of the people I knew would read this, but I'm sure they don't read my blog (or not anymore). Damaged relationships can be hard to mend - as I mentioned, the person that is hurt doesn't want to try anymore and get hurt again, thus resulting in the breakdown of the friendship. Additionally I can't say its all their fault and not mine - my interactions do not always end up being the nicest and I am ashamed of that. But such is life and to live is to move on. Form new relationships, engage in happier activities that can help mitigate the past pains. Learn from from the past, consider how it could have been better, and apply it to the newer relationships. That, possibly, can be the key to a happier future life.
Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11
5.11.14
Atelier Rorona 3DS
http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/05/atelier-rorona-announced-nintendo-3ds/
The first thing I thought WAS "omg I must get this" but then it became "well crap I need to get my 3DS I loaned out back"...
...well I think I'll have a year or two before it comes out here anyway!
The first thing I thought WAS "omg I must get this" but then it became "well crap I need to get my 3DS I loaned out back"...
...well I think I'll have a year or two before it comes out here anyway!
30.10.14
Optimism
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0110470
Support Pessimistic Thinking!
Support Pessimistic Thinking!
28.10.14
Idolm@ster Movie
I got to see Serika in so many costumes!! Hurray!! Honestly though I don't think Serika is cut out for a role as a dancer, and her dancer outfit looked kind of unnatural on her... but the mini concert outfit was super cute! So was her outfit during the rainy scenes. \o/
Unfortunately Serika's character and personality wasn't that pronounced in the show - besides the way she talked, she was pretty much as flat as the other million live characters besides Kana and Shiho. :(
They should have gave her more lines and attention! D:
I guess we can just hope for another season based on ML. /o/
...? Wait, was there something else in the movie? Plot? Other characters? Hmm... I don't remember anything else... Oh well!
Unfortunately Serika's character and personality wasn't that pronounced in the show - besides the way she talked, she was pretty much as flat as the other million live characters besides Kana and Shiho. :(
They should have gave her more lines and attention! D:
I guess we can just hope for another season based on ML. /o/
...? Wait, was there something else in the movie? Plot? Other characters? Hmm... I don't remember anything else... Oh well!
27.10.14
金曜日のおはよう
After realizing the reappearance of characters in Honeywork's songs I decided to look up his stuff and see the character songs for each character. I realized the artist does the songs in a really cute manner - that is, each song actually has two versions (almost), where for each couple there is a viewpoint from both sides.
(This also explains why he almost always has perfect coupling in his stories - its like for every girl there is always a guy, and vice versa! Except Inokori sensei, but that one is a little unique v: )
As an example, take a look at his most recent coupling and the two songs the artist made out of it (its probably more neat to play them back to back):
It's probably not too complicated, but pretty fun and cute way of doing the songs. Also I really like the couplings... I'm guessing they were designed to be deredere fluffy fluffy. :V Apparently there are anime clips alongside some of their CDs too... It would be pretty awesome if they had an actual anime come out for them too... Maybe?!? Right?!? Right?!??
(This also explains why he almost always has perfect coupling in his stories - its like for every girl there is always a guy, and vice versa! Except Inokori sensei, but that one is a little unique v: )
As an example, take a look at his most recent coupling and the two songs the artist made out of it (its probably more neat to play them back to back):
It's probably not too complicated, but pretty fun and cute way of doing the songs. Also I really like the couplings... I'm guessing they were designed to be deredere fluffy fluffy. :V Apparently there are anime clips alongside some of their CDs too... It would be pretty awesome if they had an actual anime come out for them too... Maybe?!? Right?!? Right?!??
20.10.14
Masculinity
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0110497
This abstract is kind of amusing to read. :V
Wait, why include a pathogen section... :|
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/278/1714/2032
Oh.
This abstract is kind of amusing to read. :V
Wait, why include a pathogen section... :|
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/278/1714/2032
Oh.
14.10.14
夢色トレイン
(I can only find a preview version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBxjzK-DkWs )
I have to admit Serika is great but her first song was only ok, didn't quite have its appeal as I would like it to have.
...BUT THIS ONE.
Man after I heard this one it was like an instant favorite. It seems to capture the essense of cuteness, and Serika herself is pretty much an embodiment of that so it represents her so well. There's just two things I wanted to note about this song:
1. What is the deal with trains?? First there was Kotori's single, and now Serika. What does this mean?? Should I become a train otaku?? What is the link with cuteness/purity and trains...???
2. I really wish there was MV or live out for this song out right now. I will probably melt at the performance of this kind of song. The dancing... the cuteness... kyun kyun...
I have to admit Serika is great but her first song was only ok, didn't quite have its appeal as I would like it to have.
...BUT THIS ONE.
Man after I heard this one it was like an instant favorite. It seems to capture the essense of cuteness, and Serika herself is pretty much an embodiment of that so it represents her so well. There's just two things I wanted to note about this song:
1. What is the deal with trains?? First there was Kotori's single, and now Serika. What does this mean?? Should I become a train otaku?? What is the link with cuteness/purity and trains...???
2. I really wish there was MV or live out for this song out right now. I will probably melt at the performance of this kind of song. The dancing... the cuteness... kyun kyun...
28.9.14
Jewelpet Tinkle
It was a pretty bad show with a lot of inconsistencies, I wouldn't suggest anyone to watch it.
That being said, after watching a few episodes I couldn't help but continue watching it... the reasons why are not really clear. Perhaps I just have this natural affinity towards shows aimed at little girls since it portrays a highly idealistic world but still has elements of comedy and action at the right amount... shonen shows tend to have too much competition at times, and shojo often has a lot of drama which I don't like. But shows like these are often in situations where everyone wins and we can all live happily ever after. Probably, just a fun show to watch during times when stressing over other stuff like work for me.
...Or maybe I just like Akari. Starting off she didn't seem like much but she turned out to be pretty adorable D:
That being said, after watching a few episodes I couldn't help but continue watching it... the reasons why are not really clear. Perhaps I just have this natural affinity towards shows aimed at little girls since it portrays a highly idealistic world but still has elements of comedy and action at the right amount... shonen shows tend to have too much competition at times, and shojo often has a lot of drama which I don't like. But shows like these are often in situations where everyone wins and we can all live happily ever after. Probably, just a fun show to watch during times when stressing over other stuff like work for me.
...Or maybe I just like Akari. Starting off she didn't seem like much but she turned out to be pretty adorable D:
24.9.14
Food Imitating Products
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0100368
Remember everyone, as much as it might smell like the real thing, don't try to eat FIP. Even if it's shampoo that smells like Mimorin.
*end joke no one will ever understand*
Remember everyone, as much as it might smell like the real thing, don't try to eat FIP. Even if it's shampoo that smells like Mimorin.
*end joke no one will ever understand*
18.7.14
Fashion
It's amazing what an open-access journal can bring. PLOS ONE is pretty interesting in that they only rigorously look over your methods, then let the community judge whether your research is important or not. Check out the wiki article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLOS_ONE
So of course, alongside these serious, in depth detailed articles on computational neuroscience and the likes, we have articles that... study fashion. :V
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0102772
It seems like its best if your colors are slightly matched but not totally the same or totally different!!
What better way to learn about fashion through science!
And in case you didn't notice this is the same journal with the mobile game study I had posted previously.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLOS_ONE
So of course, alongside these serious, in depth detailed articles on computational neuroscience and the likes, we have articles that... study fashion. :V
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0102772
It seems like its best if your colors are slightly matched but not totally the same or totally different!!
What better way to learn about fashion through science!
And in case you didn't notice this is the same journal with the mobile game study I had posted previously.
17.7.14
Mobile Games and Research
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0100662
People are putting up mobile games and collecting data from them.
In the future I am not being distracted by mobile games, I'm contributing to science!
People are putting up mobile games and collecting data from them.
In the future I am not being distracted by mobile games, I'm contributing to science!
8.7.14
Idol Units
Random thoughts.
If I could produce any three-idol unit like they have in idolm@ster but instead have no restrictions of what series they'd come from...
I'd probably do Serika (c), Arisa, Kotori.
However, although Kotori is my favorite idol in μ's, I don't think she would really match the unit. Her appeal is different than the other two -- although they'd all classify as Pure, the type of Pure that Kotori possesses is distinctly different from the other two.
...maybe I can substitute Totori as an idol?!?!?!?!?
Putting favorites aside, if I chose someone for talent (in particular for singing), I think I'd do something like:
Reika (c), Emily, Eli
Reika is a really amazing singer -- just hearing her voice in ML made me really like her. It's too bad she herself isn't that popular, I kind of think she deserves better than just a character role in ML. Then again if the seiyuu wasn't voicing a ML character (like a normal idol role or in a group such as AKB) I probably wouldn't know of her in the first place.
Hmm I realize I didn't pick anyone from Aikatsu. I guess I would put Ichigo somewhere but she's already the main character... :V
...Totori as an idol is a brilliant idea. ATELIER SERIES IDOL SPINOFF PLEASE!
EDIT: Also something very distantly related. The next big idol game! http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/08/mages-5pb-publishing-super-cute-idol-rhythm-game-3ds/
If I could produce any three-idol unit like they have in idolm@ster but instead have no restrictions of what series they'd come from...
I'd probably do Serika (c), Arisa, Kotori.
However, although Kotori is my favorite idol in μ's, I don't think she would really match the unit. Her appeal is different than the other two -- although they'd all classify as Pure, the type of Pure that Kotori possesses is distinctly different from the other two.
...maybe I can substitute Totori as an idol?!?!?!?!?
Putting favorites aside, if I chose someone for talent (in particular for singing), I think I'd do something like:
Reika (c), Emily, Eli
Reika is a really amazing singer -- just hearing her voice in ML made me really like her. It's too bad she herself isn't that popular, I kind of think she deserves better than just a character role in ML. Then again if the seiyuu wasn't voicing a ML character (like a normal idol role or in a group such as AKB) I probably wouldn't know of her in the first place.
Hmm I realize I didn't pick anyone from Aikatsu. I guess I would put Ichigo somewhere but she's already the main character... :V
...Totori as an idol is a brilliant idea. ATELIER SERIES IDOL SPINOFF PLEASE!
EDIT: Also something very distantly related. The next big idol game! http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/08/mages-5pb-publishing-super-cute-idol-rhythm-game-3ds/
20.6.14
Rhythm of Fighters
http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/19/rhythm-fighters-mixes-king-fighters-music/
It's LLSIF!!! ...No wait no its not... waaaaaiiiit a minute.....
It's LLSIF!!! ...No wait no its not... waaaaaiiiit a minute.....
12.6.14
Neptunia Rebirth PC
http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/12/wait-hyperdimension-neptunia-rebirth-1-coming-pc/
Eer... Hmm. I guess that would be more convenient.
Eer... Hmm. I guess that would be more convenient.
5.6.14
GMO Cautionary Point
http://io9.com/forget-the-evil-gmo-hype-here-are-the-real-problem-1586203046
This seems pretty reasonable. There is much potential in GMOs, but correct usage is important such that it won't get out of control. I would think that most genes are not just clones of each other but more like variations of plants that happen to have a similar gene -- therefore the chance of a complete wipeout shouldn't be there unless it relates to the targetted gene in itself. But considering the situation environmentally is a nice way to look at the impacts of GMO.
...But most people don't care about the environment anyway I think. :v
This seems pretty reasonable. There is much potential in GMOs, but correct usage is important such that it won't get out of control. I would think that most genes are not just clones of each other but more like variations of plants that happen to have a similar gene -- therefore the chance of a complete wipeout shouldn't be there unless it relates to the targetted gene in itself. But considering the situation environmentally is a nice way to look at the impacts of GMO.
...But most people don't care about the environment anyway I think. :v
3.6.14
Box Gachas
This is what my box gacha looked like (in Granblue Fantasy) when I finally drew the event item I wanted. Note that I didn't really want ANY of the other items, just the main one on top...
Meanwhile my friend got it after about 50 draws.
Needless to say, I hate box gachas.
26.5.14
Million Live
I ranked for the Serika event, ie "I tossed Namco free money."
Overall stats:
Rank: 938
USD spent: 132.99
Serika kizuna lv: 192
I would have also put down the number of books I used but I lost count. Suffice to say she ate a lot of books.
...Still less than the amount I spent trying to draw for Kotori in LLSIF!!
The current market price on the card is about 240 spark drinks, which can come to around 220 USD I think (with the given free deals). It's not as high as I had hoped it would be, but ranking was still a much better deal than getting it from the market. Of course I also had a crap ton of drinks stored up for the event so that eased costs a lot.
Now excuse me while I go and get rid of Serika's glasses.
Rank: 938
USD spent: 132.99
Serika kizuna lv: 192
I would have also put down the number of books I used but I lost count. Suffice to say she ate a lot of books.
...Still less than the amount I spent trying to draw for Kotori in LLSIF!!
The current market price on the card is about 240 spark drinks, which can come to around 220 USD I think (with the given free deals). It's not as high as I had hoped it would be, but ranking was still a much better deal than getting it from the market. Of course I also had a crap ton of drinks stored up for the event so that eased costs a lot.
Now excuse me while I go and get rid of Serika's glasses.
8.5.14
Omega Quintet
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-08/compile-heart-teases-ps4-idol-rpg-omega-quintet-in-video
Props to (Hoshizora) Rin for getting the lead protagonist role in Compile Heart's new PS4 game.
Props to (Hoshizora) Rin for getting the lead protagonist role in Compile Heart's new PS4 game.
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