Tantrums = Scientific Data

On the way to Home Depot this morning, I switched on NPR and missed this whole story on Morning Edition. Excited as I was, I made note to search it later and what I found was much more interesting. Did you ever wonder what a child's tantrum consists of or how as a parent or care-taker, one might "solve" the issue? Scientists, Michael Potegal of the University of Minnesota and James A. Green of the University of Connecticut, have gathered a string of data depicting the various vocal expressions that lie within a screaming child. Published in the Emotion journal, their study included recordings of various toddlers coupled with high-sensitive microphones attached to their onesie.

Bottom line; it's quite amazing. Also included are anecdotes on how to deal with tantrums shortening their episodes which always, in my opinion, leads to a much more pleasant atmosphere.

via NPR

What kind of music are you listening to?

Lately, more often than not, you can find me navigating through both of NPR's amazing iOS applications, (NPR: News / NPR: Music).  This morning, I discovered "First Listen: Michael Jackson, 'Immortal'" by Ann Powers.  Whether you listen to the entire soundtrack of the up and coming Cirque du Soleil production or chose an individual song, it provides yet another way of enjoying the king of pop's msuic.  As Ms. Powers so cleverly puts it, "...it gives your ears a slap and reminds you how fresh these great songs sounded when you first discovered them." But, I digress. The real reason I wanted to write is to introduce you to an amazing compilation that includes world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile and fiddler Stuart Duncan.  Entitled, The Goat Rodeo Sessions, it marks his second forray into the Americana genre with his first album dating back over 15 years ago dubbed Appalachia Waltz.  If you're into exciting, new and different, I can assure you that your ears will be pleased.  It's also great writing music!