November 2006


Found Online and Health28 Nov 2006 11:42 pm

I first saw this on KTRV Fox 12 News at Nine. The BBC has an article about Scottish and Canadian researchers using MRI to study the effects of posture and back strain.

Back strain positions

Disk movement was found to be most pronounced with a 90-degree upright sitting posture.

It was least pronounced with the 135-degree posture, suggesting less strain is placed on the spinal disks and associated muscles and tendons in a more relaxed sitting position.

The “slouch” position revealed a reduction in spinal disk height, signifying a high rate of wear and tear on the lowest two spinal levels.

When they looked at all test results, the researchers said the 135-degree position was the best for backs, and say this is how people should sit.

I could have saved the researchers a lot of time and money. I sat in my chair and stared at a computer for five years at Micron and this 135-degree posture position was definitely my favorite and most comfortable.

Next time someone tells you to sit up straight, tell them it isn’t good for your health!

BSU Football and Boise State and Sports26 Nov 2006 11:28 am

After knocking off the Nevada Wolf Pack yesterday in Reno, the Boise State Broncos secured a trip to the Bowl Championship Series. They finish the season with a 12-0 record and their fifth consecutive WAC Champion title.

Boise State held Nevada to just 35 passing yards and 4 first downs. Ian Johnson ran for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns and broke the Boise State single season rushing record with 1,613 yards. The old record was 1,611 by Brock Forsey. Jared Zabransky finished with a season high 299 yards passing and one touchdown. Nevada’s only touchdown came on a 45 yard interception return in the 3rd quarter.

The BCS trip will be official on December 3rd after the final rankings come out. The Broncos will most likely get an invitation to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on January 1st at 6pm MDT. The Fiesta Bowl will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

Tickets are on sale Tuesday for season ticket holders, December 9 for students, and December 11 for the general public. Tickets will be about $150 each.

Any interested parties are welcome to come over and watch it with me on my HDTV. We can make a whole party out of it!

Check out video highlights below, courtesy of ESPN.

Boise State and Psychology09 Nov 2006 10:17 pm

Here are some excerpts from my psychology book, Psychology: Concepts & Connections, 9th Ed, by Rathus. They come from the chapter titled Motivation and Emotion.

Positive Psychology

Statistics of those who are happy.

  • The majority of people in developed nations are satisfied with their lives.
  • Happiness tends to run in families.
  • People tend to be happier when they live in affluent societies and earn decent incomes.
  • Money does not make people happy, but when we have enough money at least we don’t have to worry about money.
  • More educated people tend to be happier.
  • People who are married are happier.
  • People who have a social support are happier.
  • Happy people are more open to new experiences and are more willing to risk.
  • Religious people are happier.
  • Happiness tends to be accompanied by optimism.


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