DISQUS

I lived in Taiwan for two years, and I can tell you that Chinese people, and Asians in general, look to be younger than Westerners think they are. This is mostly due to their naturally small physique, and their faces which continue to look somewhat child-like even well into adulthood. Perhaps the gymnasts aren't 16, and the Chinese were counting on that fact to try to pass them off as such. On the other hand, perhaps they are 16 and we Westerners aren't good enough at determining the age of Asians yet. Either way, it will be interesting to find out what happens.

I lived in Taiwan for two years, and I can tell you that Chinese people, and Asians in general, look to be younger than Westerners think they are. This is mostly due to their naturally small physique, and their faces which continue to look somewhat child-like even well into adulthood. Perhaps the gymnasts aren't 16, and the Chinese were counting on that fact to try to pass them off as such. On the other hand, perhaps they are 16 and we Westerners aren't good enough at determining the age of Asians yet. Either way, it will be interesting to find out what happens.

Brilliant. Cannibal jokes are the best. Clown jokes are always amusing, as well. This was a match made in heaven!

Brilliant. Cannibal jokes are the best. Clown jokes are always amusing, as well. This was a match made in heaven!

76%. I feel stupid around these people, even though I'm above the national average... I guess I'm not above the Miessler average.

76%. I feel stupid around these people, even though I'm above the national average... I guess I'm not above the Miessler average.

The Onion is a parody news site, which means a lot of the things on it are humorous. However, parody and satire can sometimes be extremely poignant as well. This is one of those times. Very interesting story.

The Onion is a parody news site, which means a lot of the things on it are humorous. However, parody and satire can sometimes be extremely poignant as well. This is one of those times. Very interesting story.

I'd say it also depends on what you're reading. If what you're reading is trash, then it's not going to give you much in the way of intellectual stimulation. For example, if all you read is trash blogs and stupid gamers' forums, you'll still be an idiot, and you'll probably become more of one simply by reading them. On the other hand, if you read books, newspapers, intelligent magazines, intelligent blogs (such as this :) ), other Internet sources with real information, and even web forums populated by people with real intellectual curiosity, then you'll do better.

I think only half of it is the actual reading. My girlfriend has never been big on reading books, because she has some type of reading comprehension problem. She has to read things a few times before her brain registers it properly, so she reads very slowly. However, her intellectual curiosity compensates for that, and she is very intelligent. Therefore, I conclude that it's not really the reading so much as the desire to learn.

I'd say it also depends on what you're reading. If what you're reading is trash, then it's not going to give you much in the way of intellectual stimulation. For example, if all you read is trash blogs and stupid gamers' forums, you'll still be an idiot, and you'll probably become more of one simply by reading them. On the other hand, if you read books, newspapers, intelligent magazines, intelligent blogs (such as this :) ), other Internet sources with real information, and even web forums populated by people with real intellectual curiosity, then you'll do better.

I think only half of it is the actual reading. My girlfriend has never been big on reading books, because she has some type of reading comprehension problem. She has to read things a few times before her brain registers it properly, so she reads very slowly. However, her intellectual curiosity compensates for that, and she is very intelligent. Therefore, I conclude that it's not really the reading so much as the desire to learn.

So, if I understand you, what you're advocating is that women and men have a dual understanding of each other: sex objects sometimes, respectable citizens and real people other times. If I understand you, this is necessary for equality.

This would be great, but I think it's far easier for women to think that way than for men to do so. I'm not saying it's not possible, but most men tend to be naturally shallow, and have one track minds. Having a dual idea of women would be quite difficult. The female mind is much better at thinking of things that way.

So, if I understand you, what you're advocating is that women and men have a dual understanding of each other: sex objects sometimes, respectable citizens and real people other times. If I understand you, this is necessary for equality.

This would be great, but I think it's far easier for women to think that way than for men to do so. I'm not saying it's not possible, but most men tend to be naturally shallow, and have one track minds. Having a dual idea of women would be quite difficult. The female mind is much better at thinking of things that way.

I've never thought about this much... but looking at some of the girls I know, it's definitely true. Good thing a couple of them realize this fact and are working towards recovery.

I've never thought about this much... but looking at some of the girls I know, it's definitely true. Good thing a couple of them realize this fact and are working towards recovery.

Cool. Gotta get me one o' those.

Cool. Gotta get me one o' those.

I have failed the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed that, and now I must share it with others. Nice find. :)

I have failed the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed that, and now I must share it with others. Nice find. :)

I found this very interesting, mainly having to do with the Creative Learner. Many of the traits and behaviors described for the CL may seem undesirable by society, even though it seems that without them our society would not be as advanced as it is. True, high achievers are important, and they accomplish much. True, gifted learners are important, and they have the potential to accomplish more than the average person. But what of the creative learner? With descriptions like this, who would want to be him? :

Daydreams; may seem off task.
Shares bizarre, sometimes conflicting opinions.
Overflows with ideas--many of which will never be developed.
Is in own group.
Relishes wild, off-the-wall humor.
Initiates more projects than will ever be completed.
Is independent and unconventional.
Improvises.
May not be motivated by grades.

Now, that's excluding all of the other traits that are listed, all of which are incredibly positive and important. Even then, it seems that all of these traits are being stifled by the public school system, and many creative minds are being lost. Parents really only care for the high achiever or the gifted learner, and all the talk of wanting kids to be creative is really only lip service.

I found this very interesting, mainly having to do with the Creative Learner. Many of the traits and behaviors described for the CL may seem undesirable by society, even though it seems that without them our society would not be as advanced as it is. True, high achievers are important, and they accomplish much. True, gifted learners are important, and they have the potential to accomplish more than the average person. But what of the creative learner? With descriptions like this, who would want to be him? :

Daydreams; may seem off task.
Shares bizarre, sometimes conflicting opinions.
Overflows with ideas--many of which will never be developed.
Is in own group.
Relishes wild, off-the-wall humor.
Initiates more projects than will ever be completed.
Is independent and unconventional.
Improvises.
May not be motivated by grades.

Now, that's excluding all of the other traits that are listed, all of which are incredibly positive and important. Even then, it seems that all of these traits are being stifled by the public school system, and many creative minds are being lost. Parents really only care for the high achiever or the gifted learner, and all the talk of wanting kids to be creative is really only lip service.

Okay... that's cool and all... but is there any practical application to this?

Okay... that's cool and all... but is there any practical application to this?