I am apparently an alien

Human or Alien? via Mixing Memory

Breath deep, open wide, and say 'ah'

I would have thought that people who were asked to read stories about Jurgen mit Füchse und Hühner and Günter Müller der Hürdenlaüfer, rather than feeling sad, would have busted up laughing. I think I also would have a hard time keeping a straight face with my eyebrows taped together.

So that's the problem

New research suggests there might be a special neural pathway for rewarding recognition and comprehension. Related research, searching for a neural pathway that rewards writing long essays that no one will want to read, has so far found nothing.

For some more cognitive science reading, relevant to the national holiday, check out this discussion of psych research on patriotism, and dope up those mu-opioid receptors.

Cognitive Science Sandwiches

From the menu from the Cognitive Science Café:

The Aristotelian Concept
Cucumber, tomato, balsamic vinegar, feta, and pita are individually necessary and jointly sufficient for this Greek classic.

The California Connectionist
Munster, sprouts, and mustard on whole wheat with a hidden layer of avocado.

The Perceptron
Like the California Connectionist, but without the hidden layer.

The Quine Panini
This grilled fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil panini eliminates the distinction between sandwich and pizza.

The Prototype
Peanut butter and jelly on white bread.

The Turing Tester
Half Brie with apricot jam on a French roll, half vegan alternative — we bet you won’t know which is which!

Chomsky’s Universal Sandwich
Sandwich --> Bread Filling Bread
Filling --> Filling Filling
Filling --> Vegetable
Filling --> Cheese
Filling --> Fruit
Filling --> Spread
Vegetable --> {sprouts, cucumber, eggplant, pepper, onion, carrots, lettuce}
Cheese --> {cheddar, swiss, munster, brie}
Fruit --> {tomato, avocado}
Spread --> {mustard, mayonnaise, hummus}
Bread --> {white, wheat, sourdough, focaccia, French roll}
Please provide a complete parse tree when ordering. Minimalists appreciated.

Someone needs to learn their fruit shapes better

The key mystery that I'm waiting NASA's final word on: Is Tempel 1 shaped like pickle, a banana or an avocado?

New scientific breakthrough!!

New study reveals the brain is more like other biological systems than digital computers! On the one hand I'm glad that there are people doing this work, but it's kind of a sad commentary on the history of linguistics and cognitive science that this study is still novel enough to be publishable.

Alternative Views of Amphibian Toe-Clipping

What is your opinion of amphibian toe-clipping?

Okay, so the article itself isn't all that interesting, but the title caught my eye.

How do things look to a color blind person?

http://www.vischeck.com/

The examples labeled 'deuteranopia' look just like the originals to me.

News Flash!!! Blogging might not make you rich!!!

Caedmonstia, slowlane, and all the other masses of people reading this blog, I just think you should know that blogging may not, in fact, be your ticket to fame and fortune. And patiunky especially, since you are no longer even making any new entries!!! Apparently, after much investigation, AP network news has determined that blogging isn't as much of a money maker as you have expected. Terribly disappointing, I know.