Explaining the world one sketch at a time

Simplifying complex ideas through fun and insightful sketches. Explore topics from science, creativity, psychology, and more explained in pictures.

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Mean world syndrome

Mean world syndrome is the name given to the observation that people who watch more TV seem to believe the world is a more dangerous place than people who watch less. It's likely due to the prevalence of violence on TV and coverage of extreme events that are actually quite rare in most people’s lives. The term comes from cultivation theory — broadly the study of the long-term effects of television — which has a more general idea that people who watch a lot of TV tend to see reality more like the reality they see on TV. Term coined by George Gerbner. Also see: Addiction Languishing Psychic numbing…Mean world syndrome is the name given to the observation that people who watch more TV seem to believe the world is a more dangerous place than people who watch less. It's likely due to the prevalence of violence on TV and coverage of extreme events that are actually quite rare in most people’s lives. The term comes from cultivation theory — broadly the study of the long-term effects of television — which has a more general idea that people who watch a lot of TV tend to see reality more like the reality they see on TV. Term coined by George Gerbner. Also see: Addiction Languishing Psychic numbing

2 Sep 2017

The 10 Essentials

What should you make sure you have with you when you head out to the wilderness? A lot of stuff may prove handy, but perhaps the best checklist to start from for stuff that may get you out of a fix is the 10 Essentials by the Seattle-based Mountaineers group. This is a version of their systems list which focuses on what the objects need to do rather than specifically which objects you should bring. So, for example, insulation may be warm clothes but could be a wind breaker or waterproofs for snow or rain rather than cold. Check out Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills PS I modified it very slightly for space and simplicity. Don’t blame me if you are stuck in the wilderness without the right kit.…What should you make sure you have with you when you head out to the wilderness? A lot of stuff may prove handy, but perhaps the best checklist to start from for stuff that may get you out of a fix is the 10 Essentials by the Seattle-based Mountaineers group. This is a version of their systems list which focuses on what the objects need to do rather than specifically which objects you should bring. So, for example, insulation may be warm clothes but could be a wind breaker or waterproofs for snow or rain rather than cold. Check out Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills PS I modified it very slightly for space and simplicity. Don’t blame me if you are stuck in the wilderness without the right kit.

26 Aug 2017

How to remember if you did something

A simple way to remember if you locked your car, turned the gas off, watered the plants or whatever, is to do something unusual around the time that you do it. When you find yourself thinking back to whether you did it or not, you will know for sure when you remember the strange thing that you did that is connected to it. The only limit is your imagination. Ironically, I can’t remember where I learned this — I must not have followed this tip.…A simple way to remember if you locked your car, turned the gas off, watered the plants or whatever, is to do something unusual around the time that you do it. When you find yourself thinking back to whether you did it or not, you will know for sure when you remember the strange thing that you did that is connected to it. The only limit is your imagination. Ironically, I can’t remember where I learned this — I must not have followed this tip.

19 Aug 2017

Johari window illustration: a 2 x 2 matrix of what's known to others plotted again what's known to oneself yields four possible scenarios.

Johari window — a window of feedback and sharing

I like this simple model of self-awareness and understanding your relationship with others. Some things only others can see about you, and to learn about these you need feedback. While others may not realise some things you know about yourself — by sharing or disclosing more, you help others understand more about you. And still other aspects about you, particularly when you are young, may remain unknown to you and others. Depending on who you’re with, the relative size of each quadrant may be different, for example, if you start on a new team at work. The examples in the quadrants are as shared with me by Nicola Rowledge. Model by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham.…I like this simple model of self-awareness and understanding your relationship with others. Some things only others can see about you, and to learn about these you need feedback. While others may not realise some things you know about yourself — by sharing or disclosing more, you help others understand more about you. And still other aspects about you, particularly when you are young, may remain unknown to you and others. Depending on who you’re with, the relative size of each quadrant may be different, for example, if you start on a new team at work. The examples in the quadrants are as shared with me by Nicola Rowledge. Model by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham.

12 Aug 2017

Santo libre, cuba libre

I first had a santo libre in Belize and, given how popular cuba libres are, I was surprised I’d never heard of it. Basically, it’s rum + Sprite or lemonade + a little lime juice. I am hereby spreading the word of this excellent drink.…

7 Aug 2017

The Gartner Hype cycle

How the expectations of new technologies often evolves. More at Gartner’s Hype cycle page.…

30 Jul 2017

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