Lonely? Take A Hot Bath
It seems the old “Calgon Take Me Away,” reference was more than just a clever way to sell bubble bath. Science has uncovered an interesting benefit to soaking in the tub. According to Scientific American:
Scientists analyzed the bathing habits of 51 people. And had them record how they felt before and after bathing. The researchers found that higher scores on a measure of chronic loneliness were associated with an increase in warmer baths or showers. In a separate study, to test the link between physical temperature and emotional state, scientists had subjects hold cold and hot packs and recorded levels of perceived loneliness. They confirmed the correlation between cold packs and high loneliness scores.
Then in another study the researchers had subjects recall a time when they were feeling excluded. This exercise made the subjects subsequently desire comforting social activities like hanging with friends. But this desire was reduced for those subjects who were asked to hold a warm pack.”
Hold! The Milk Truck
Performance artist Jill Miller will soon be converting an ice cream truck into a mobile breastfeeding shelter with a breast mounted top. She’s hoping to get her “milk truck” up and running for the 2011 Pittsburgh Biennial at the Andy Warhold Museum in September. She explains more on her effort here:
As a former breast feeding mom I love this idea.
Put That Sharpie Pen Away!
Soon parents all over the world will be putting their penmanship on cloth skills to the test – methodically writing their kids names into all of their school shirts, socks and book bags. This year you can save that sharpie for what’s it really intended for and pick up a few Mabel’s Labels - ready made labels for stuff kids lose! I’m currently loving Mabel’s 411 Wristbands:
The labels are $21 for a pack of 5. This goes under the “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” files.
