10 Ridiculously Obvious Study Findings

I listen to a lot of podcasts. (For those who haven’t joined the information age a podcast is like a radio program that is recorded and delivered to your smartphone or music player on a regular basis). One of my favorites is National Public Radio’s, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. It is a great combination of current events and humor and besides the host and announcer, there is a rotating panel (from many) of three humorists to help answer questions and add commentary. One regular panel member is the comedienne, Paula Poundstone. She is known for her dry delivery and generally low key incredulity over things that don’t make sense.

In order to find enough different stories for the news, the show often will find obscure studies and use that for a question. While most contestants and panelists take the source as offered, Paula always questions these odd studies. She goes on a comedic rant about why they study existed, who is paying for it and what value it brings. Those are some of the funniest moments of the show.

At the end of 2011, Time Magazine put out a list of 10 Ridiculously Obvious Study Findings. Paula would have a field day with these. Here they are:

10. False Confessions May Lead to More Errors in Evidence, Study Shows – I confess I wouldn’t have thought otherwise.

9. Big, Tall, Little and Tiny: Words That Promote Important Spatial Skills – So the use of language helps us think?

8. Norwegian Study Finds Opening Bars Longer Increases Violence – If bars were open for very short periods I’d think that there would be more violence…against the bar owners.

7. Crash Experts Find Car Seats Protect Overweight Kids Too – Um…I’d hope so.

6. Freeway Air Bad for Mouse Brain – Who thought it might be good for them?

5. Traumatic Brain Injury Frequently Leads to Headache – A big ole spike in the head will do that.

4. Under Money Strains, Some Older Adults May Turn to Alcohol – I think it was an excuse for the researcher to spend more time in bars.

3. Relaxing Can Make You Fatter – I’m the King of relaxing….um….HEY!!!

2. Surgeons Perform Better with Eye Movement Training – I like my surgeon to have mastered the ability to move their eyes, thank you.

1. Abstinence-Only Education Does Not Lead to Abstinent Behavior – That’s not what the study participants told their parents…

Seared Turkey Cutlets with Cranberry—Caramelized Onion Salsa

Obvious study #11 – This turkey was tasty!

I think turkey cutlets are highly underused. They are meaty and delicious.

Frying the cutlets.

Making the salsa.

You just can’t go wrong with caramelized onion anything!

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle turkey with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add turkey to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until done. Divide turkey between 2 plates; keep warm.

2. Add onion to pan. Cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently; add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until onion is tender and golden, stirring frequently. Stir in water, cranberries, and vinegar; cook 2 minutes or until cranberries are tender. Remove from heat; stir in parsley, if desired.