11 Best of 2011

On 11.11.11

For this blog, I've decided to do something a little different. Since dates with 3 sets of matching numbers somehow intrigue people, I am going to list the 11 best events of 2011 on 11.11.11, not in order of importance.

There will be many left out involuntary, but I think those I have chosen are real winners. Let's kick it off with number 11. And feel free to contribute what you thought were the highlights of 2011.

11. Pakistan and India Play Nice

Enemies for as long as we can remember and nuclear threats to each other, Pakistan and India work to improve ties, with India as the "most favored nation."

This of course will build economies across the pond and change the structure of the region. Expect economic growth and two sets of curious eyes on Afghanistan. 

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10. Skynet Unleashes the First Wave

09. Sperm Hunter

Maybe 9 and 10 aren't necessarily good things, but they do bring out some points. Robots prove we can accomplish almost anything. However, they may kill us all. Thank you, Honda. Or should I say, Sky Net. 

As far as this sperm hunter thing goes, I would suggest click the headline and visiting the link. It explains all. It brings up some good points:
1. Don't trust women. I know many men felt this way long ago, but now there is a document you can site when you feel like being misogynistic.
2. If your sperm is stolen from a condom and self-inseminated, don't worry, it has a low chance of working. Note: Never give anyone your bag of splooge and you might be O.K.
3. True love can happen . . . after you ex- steals your semen, impregnates herself, asks for a favor, sues for money, gets back with you, and you are able to see your offspring before you agree to be in its life. 

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08. Marriage is Dying

This one is going to piss a lot of people off, I'm sure. Nevertheless, studies show that places like Hollywood aren't the only single neighborhoods. In fact, as we approach 2012, studies show marriage rates are declining. Don't worry if you're "middle class" and living the "American Dream", though, for this mostly applies to the rich and the dirt poor.

07. Real Solutions for a Real Problem: Depression & Games

NewScientist released an article today about certain games to help symptoms of depression. Click the link, check it out, and know that this is a major step in psychotherapy. 

06. New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage

05. Excluded, the Debut Chase County Novel

Did you forget I'm a shameless self-promoter? Well, I don't apologize.

Wild Child Publishing showed interest in Excluded at the end of 2010 and agreed to publish it during 2011. Its release date is still pending, and I know it seems like we've been waiting awhile, but I would like to remind you it's coming out in 2012, and I said we've been waiting. 

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04. Computers Become Experts at Diagnosing Cancer

This might be the greatest use of our endless stream of new technologies: Diagonising various forms of cancer with precision.

I'm trying not to spoil too much of the article for Nature, but 

"A computer program has been trained to grade breast cancer, predicting which tumours are associated with worse outcomes and, therefore, deserve more aggressive treatment."

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03.Osama in Laden Compromised

It feels wrong to celebrate the killing of an individual, but bin Laden was a real pain the ass.

02. Can We Finally Kick the 'Butt'?

Austrailia introduced an English-style advertisement for tobacco products: A real-life picture of cancer.

Whereas the English use graphic packaging to encourage smokers to kick the habit, Australia is using a brown paper sleeve for all of their cigarettes, which decrease the allure of packaging and shows what can happen if consumers keep on smoking.

Already they are a trendsetting country, for shortly after their plan came out countries in the U.K. and the U.S. F.D.A initiate graphic warning mandates for all tobacco products. It's only a matter of time before American smokers start seeing zero advertising and pictures that may make them consider smoking alternatives or to not smoke at all.

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01. Discovering the Right Mindset for Mistakes

Jason Moser, a Michigan State professor, and a group of researches gave out an exam which was easy to flub. The end results proved which mentality helps with success: Recognizing the mistake and being willing to correct it. 

Remember, your worries are only as big as you make them. Thing about any situation that brings you down; it generally proves to be common. There are rare let-downs in life, but most can be taken care of. Look at your life. Do certain downfalls keep happening? Change it up. See it as normal. And alter your perspective. Find joy in life and opportunity in challenges and mistakes.