books

Three Sensible Facebook Apps

May 28, 2023 by noemi

Facebook – you either love it or you hate it. No matter how much some people might hate this social networking site, though, there is no denying that it can be addictive. And, for those who are so into it, there’s no stopping them from being online practically all day.

Even those who are certified Facebook addicts have to admit that the social networking site has its downsides. Its applications, for one – they are so many and more often than not, useless and irritating. I have to say, though, that there are some Facebook apps that are useful and actually make sense. Let’s take a look at three apps – two I would recommend to any friend, and one that I need advice on.

Good Reads
As the name implies, it’s all about books. In this day and age where watching TV shows and movies (or listening to music) is considered more convenient than reading a good old book, it is refreshing to see an app about books. Good Reads helps you keep track of what you have been reading, together with your friends. As with other Facebook apps, the joy is in sharing. You get to rate your books and write your thoughts about them; and then you can share ideas with friends. Call it a virtual book club if you will. There’s a similar Facebook app called Visual Bookshelf, which I actually use more often. The idea is the same, although there are fewer users than Good Reads.

Travel Buddy
For people who like to travel, there is no better app than this. (If you find one, let me know!) Organize trips and share photos, experiences, and more using this app. You can tag your real life travel buddy; reminisce about your past trips; and plan your future adventures together!

Language Exchange
This last app, I am still thinking if I should use or not. The premise is very attractive – meet people who can teach you a foreign language, and share your own language as well. I am unsure about the privacy issues, though. Does anyone use this app?

What’s the Matter With Batman?

July 16, 2012 by noemi

Batman Psychology — What’s the Matter With Batman?

This question could be answered with “Where do I begin?” or “Absolutely nothing!” – it all depends on your perspective, I suppose.

According to Robin Rosenberg, clinical psychologist and author based in California, however, there are things that could be wrong with everyone’s favorite superhero. Alright, he may not be everyone’s superhero of choice, but Batman comes pretty close to that, doesn’t he?

Rosenberg has written a book titled just that: “What’s the Matter With Batman?” She sums everything up nicely in one sentence: “He is the poster boy for post-traumatic growth.”

Now don’t get confused and mistake post-traumatic growth for post-traumatic stress disorder. The former is actually a positive thing, wherein the person who undergoes trauma becomes stronger and better. This can be the result of making new goals and perhaps even changing his beliefs for the better. I like to think of it along the lines of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. [Read more…] about What’s the Matter With Batman?

What I Remember About Dinosaurs: A Kickstarter Project

June 26, 2012 by noemi

What do you remember about dinosaurs?

I am not sure if the strong interest in dinosaurs is a matter of generation, but I clearly remember – when we were kids – that it was cool to be able to rattle off the names of dinosaurs like a Gatling gun in action. Not to mention the ability to follow up with all their characteristics and spot them from a mile away. If dinosaurs ever visited the school, that is.

Whether you were one of those kids or not, I still think teaching kids about these leviathans is a worthwhile venture. Non-existent they may be today, they are still very much part of our history.

Enter “What I Remember About Dinosaurs”, a book project on Kickstarter by Brian Russell. [Read more…] about What I Remember About Dinosaurs: A Kickstarter Project

Weight Hacking: For Geeks Who Want to Get Fit

May 4, 2012 by noemi

I am wary of using the label “geek” too much and too often, but it is hard to escape its use these days. It seems that there is a geek for all sorts of things, so might as well not try to ignore it. In any case, the stereotype seems to remain.

Geeks and physical activity are strange bedfellows. Geeks like sitting in front of their computers or whatever gadget they prefer. Geeks are overweight. [Read more…] about Weight Hacking: For Geeks Who Want to Get Fit

The Science Behind the “Old Books Smell”

April 24, 2012 by noemi

That “old books smell” is hard to beat, isn’t it? That particular scent brings me back to my days as a student, when I would spend lots of time browsing the shelves of the library. As the case usually is with university libraries, a considerable part of their collection are old books. And yeah, that smell has become firmly embedded in my memory.

I am pretty sure that I am not alone in this. In these days when even those who like the feel and smell of (paper) books are looking to e-books, the yearning for the old books smell still has a strong following. But have you ever thought about the scientific explanation for this? [Read more…] about The Science Behind the “Old Books Smell”