Dumpster Diving

When I saw the headline for this article, I predictably cringed. I can hardly get through an episode of "Dirty Jobs" without almost gagging, so the idea of dumpster diving is far from appealing to me. While I don't expect I'll be taking it up soon, I did enjoy reading about some UGA students who are happy and successful dumpster divers (so successful, in fact, that most of them don't even have to buy food anymore). They find fresh and package-intact food that's often quite expensive and frequently organic. Most stores discard the food because it's past the display date but not the expiration date. One student says he eats much better now than he did before taking up this, er, hobby. Apparently there is a larger movement in support of dumpster diving as a way to reduce consumer waste ("freeganism").

There are certainly some health concerns that arise with this practice, and it does seem like ultimately there has to be a better way to procure this food from stores through actual partnerships (not foraging), but in the meantime it's still a quirky and novel idea to cut back on waste and spending. Good for these guys.

Psychological Causes of Gay Bashing

This article from Scientific American describes research being done by a group of UGA professors on the subject of homophobia--the researchers "report evidence that homophobic young males may secretly have gay urges." This conclusion in itself is not exactly shocking (well, I should speak for myself, but I'd venture to bet others of you would agree). The fact that there is now a scientific basis for this claim, however, is what makes this study cutting edge. The article gets a bit graphic at places, so I won't go into much detail here, but it's a interesting and important read. It delves into not only sexual attraction and arousal but agression of homophobic men toward gay men as compared to straight men.

Stats: The S is for Sucks

So because I decided to be a big nerd and take a statistics class as a non-degree-seeking student, I get to take a beast of a final tomorrow at 8:00 am. It was described to me by a classmate who took it early as having destroyed her will to live. Awesome.

I'm glad I took the class because I've learned a lot that has helped me in my work now, and I know I will be in better shape once I start a doctoral program (eek). That said, despite my funny professor and lovely classmates, I still hated every minute of it. I am such a qualitative person at heart.

This cartoon made me laugh. That's about how I feel right now, though my fate would be death by inference for regression.

For a Monday treat, here's the classic Trogdor clip that inspired this posting's header. "I said CONSUMMATE v's!"

College Football Teams as Simpsons Characters

A college football post inspired by Georgia's victory over Tennessee...you got PWNED, Rocky Top!

Brilliant list of college football teams each aligned with a Simpsons character. It's from a couple years ago (2006 I think) but still funny and relevant. It's surprisingly accurate when you read the descriptions. Some of my favorites include (obviously) Georgia as Homer Simpson, South Carolina as Ms. Krabappel, Kentucky as Ralph Wigum, Penn State as Grandpa Simpson, and BYU as Ned Flanders.

Beavers Topple the Trojans

It's so wonderful to see #1 fall...especially when Georgia has dropped to #3 despite being 4-0 and USC being 2-0. Well, 2-0 until last night when Oregon State knocked a whole lotta air out of their inflated heads. I love it. Now onto Bama and the Blackout. I don't have tickets to the game but if the Blackout even comes close to the awesomeness of last year's Auburn game, which was the best game I've been to in my life, we will crush the Tide and skeezy Nick Saban.

Here's a slideshow of images from the game, featuring lots of happy people in orange and sad people in maroon and gold.

Knowshon's Hurdle

I can't leave out the amazing human hurdle from Knowshon Moreno at last weekend's UGA game against Central Michigan. I fully expect (as does the rest of the Bulldawg Nation) for this clip to play over and over in the background as he accepts the Heisman. Looking forward to what tricks he'll pull out against the Gamecocks this weekend. GO DAWGS!

Demarcus Dobbs' interception was also amazing and hilarious because he is SO BIG to run that far. First career TD, good for him.

Zombies Do Athens

Two undead thumbs up to this group of UGA students who plan to invade Downtown Athens dressed as zombies and inevitably entertain and/or freak out the late-night revelers. I might question my own level of consciousness if I saw the lady zombie from this picture lurking around a bar.

This event also recalls fond memories of the ninja incident, which in its absurdity made national news on MTV and MSNBC. Perhaps the ninja and zombies can join forces and invite along some pirates and cowboys. They better watch out for the spoilsport ATF agents though.

Thanks to Mark for the link. If you'd like to read more about zombies, check out the Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks (son of the great Mel Brooks).