Readers of MCNTalk know that we take science seriously, and decry scientific ignorance and denial. Most readers of MCNTalk likely let September 12 pass unaware of the awarding of the 2013 Ig Nobel prizes. This posting will relieve their ignorance. Those who think science is boring or that scientists lack humor will be relieved to learn that they were wrong. This year’s awards include the psychology prize to the authors of a study that found people who think they are drunk also think they are attractive. The probability prize went to scientists who determined that the longer a cow has been lying down, the sooner she will stand up. And the peace prize was awarded to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko for banning applause in public. The award was shared with the Belarus State Police, “for arresting a one-armed man for applauding. Read more:

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2021820202_prizeiognobelxml.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/13/ig-nobel-prizes-2013_n_3919761.html

http://www.improbable.com/ig/2013/

http://www.improbable.com/ig/winners/#ig2013

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/09/ig_nobel_prize_2013_watch_the_annals_of_improbable_research_event.html