Tim and I were on the same wavelength this week when it comes to the content of our infographics. Cell phone users can be pretty ridiculous (and unsafe). This infographic brings to light the importance of being aware of the implications of one’s social interactions—and people’s cell phone usage doesn’t just affect others with their rudeness, it can have an impact (that’s not always good) on the “jerks” themselves.
The statistics represented within this infographic should be pretty surprising, but in reality we are all pretty aware of this issue; we are all cell phone users. The figure “90% of cell phone users think they have excellent mobile manners” says a lot about our selfish attitude within U.S. culture. I caught myself the other day shaking my head at a driver in a parking garage (not a safe place to have a chat) occupied by her cell phone and then looked into rearview mirror to shake my head once again as I picked up a call in a parking lot. I judged another woman for doing something I obviously thought was alright for me to do. Totally not cool, Rachel.
As shown by research, people often justify not-so-true responses to questions about engaging in appropriate social behavior on surveys. As is understandable, we don’t want to admit the things we do that are “wrong”. But perhaps being more truthful to ourselves will be more beneficial to us as well as to those around us. If we adapt our behavior, maybe then an infographic will be produced that states the exceptional cell phone etiquette that has been seen in 2013-2015. Make it happen people! You are the ones who can change the world! I don’t want to overwhelm you, though; small steps… start with analyzing your behavior when using your cell phone. Be considerate and conscious throughout your Sunday! <3 [via]
Surprise, surprise… A majority of women and men prefer to not talk politics on a first date. What may be surprising is that political ideology is almost as important in a marriage as church attendance. And a 70% of couples share similar political views.
Relationships and politics have always been important, but how come on online dating profiles, only 14% of online daters included their political views? Political views can be a complete turn off for some people. Politics are some citizens favorite hobby, having a partner without a similar outlook can be detrimental. [WeLoveDates]
Do you text and drive? Well you suck. Texting and driving is actually much more dangerous than drinking and driving. I bet you’re still going to do it too. What’s your problem?
I stopped texting and driving when I was eighteen. I don’t know why, but to be honest I suck at driving when I’m texting. My hometown of Austin, Tx banned texting while driving a year or two ago. Although our governor veto’d a state wide texting-ban, I personally think a ban is a good way to stop future accidents from happening.
When young teens receive their first driver’s license in Texas, they have a 6th month ban on using any type of electronic device while driving. I know when I was 16, I didn’t care about the law. I texted all day and all night, never got in trouble or a wreck, but I know it wasn’t safe.
Today’s graphic gives you the low-down on unsafe teen driving practices. Horseplay in the vehicle is something that starts to die down after growing out of being a teenager, but I remember how rambunctious it could get with a car full of sixteen year olds. [National Teen Driver Safety Week - Michigan Auto Law]
When I voted this past week, I had a weird, emotional realization. I was so moved by the fact I was able to vote that I actually started tearing up in line. I couldn’t help but think of all the women before me who fought so hard for the right that I was exercising. I felt really empowered and extremely thankful for all of the women who fought for equal rights.
Women are not the only one’s to have had to fight for equality; African Americans, and members of the LGBTQ communities have long been oppressed as well. Today’s infographic shows a timeline of the progression of rights and legal status for women, African-American’s, and members of the LGBTQ community. The information given shows a long and hard history fought for the minorities. There is without a doubt, still much to be fought for, but we can thank those before us for all that we have today. [via]
HOOT! That’s owlspeak for BOO! In honor of this spooky Halloween I found a nifty little infographic on the Ghost Owl, better known as the Snowy Owl in the States (and Hedwig for those attending Hogwarts). So apparently this owl is totally boss. Snowy owls have these things called Facial Discs (stiff feathers around their eyes) to direct sound waves toward their ears. These ears, in fact, are asymmetrically located on their head to help these owls pinpoint their prey more accurately. Speaking of prey, THESE OWLS CAN NOM — eating almost 1,600 lemmings a year! That’s 3-5 of those cute, dumb little rodents a day!
The rest of the infographic contains a lot of cool information and facts about this bitchin’ bird. Like the fact that it’s been it’s own genus for years. BOSS. But recent genetic research shows that they are related to horned owls. Bummer, but you still rock Hedwig! Also I didn’t know this but it totally makes sense — owls in general can’t move their (human-sized) eyeballs on their own. They have to move their flexible neck to look around! I guess that’s why owls are so chill, no shifty eyes; or from another perspective, mad freaky. But if this bird gives you the heebie jeebies, don’t fret, for this bird resides in the far north near the arctic circle. No trick or treating for this fowl. HAPPY SPOOKING. BWAWAWAWAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. [via]
