PHOTO OP: Hey, You Awake?
Via Terry Bain.
Experts: Educational Toys Will Not Help Dogs in School
Experts: Educational Toys Will Not Help Dogs in School
With the holiday shopping season upon us, experts in canine learning at Indiana University are warning consumers not to believe the hype about educational toys for dogs.
“Dogs learn via repetition and positive reinforcement,” said Dr. Annibel Lantiz, lead researcher at IU’s Canine Education Center. "These so-called doggy educational toys do nothing but stimulate play sectors of the canine brain. It’s pure marketing hype.“
Lantiz pointed out that many of the toys being marketed this holiday season are brightly colored, a feature that is lost on dogs, who are mostly color blind. Lantiz and his colleagues are in the process of putting together an approved list of dog toys which they deem to actually provide educational value.
Via Matthew Bordignon.
Kitten Declares Cute Studies as College Major
Kitten Declares Cute Studies as College Major
When Pon the cat was accepted to NYU’s prestigious Gallatin School of Individualized Studies, his first task was to design a course of study. After some deliberation, Pon has decided to pursue a degree in Cute Studies.
“Cute studies is an emerging field,” said associate professor Ali Boppanna, who is serving as Pon’s faculty adviser. "The Internet has highlighted the power of cute photos and videos to become cultural touchstones, but there has not yet been much inquiry into the concept. What makes something cute? What causes a cute photo to have cultural resonance? Can cute be quantified and measured objectively? These are the things Pon will be exploring while at Gallatin.“
Via lastquest.
PHOTO OP: Fetch on a Cloudy Day
PHOTO OP: Fetch on a Cloudy Day
Via @kei515yu.
Yorkie Lands ‘Best Job Ever’
Yorkie Lands ‘Best Job Ever’
A California Yorkie named Zoey might have scored the sweetest gig in canine history.
“I figured ‘Dog Treat Taste Tester’ was just a scam on Craigslist,” says Cody Weibel, a personal friend. “Turns out it was a full-time job with benefits. It’s literally the best job ever for Zoey. She licks everything.”
Submitted by Erin Hill.