Taking Stock Of 2006

The Stiletto ^ | December 29, 2006 | The Stiletto

[theothercheek]

As the year draws to a close, columnists, pundits and reporters trot out their “Best Of” and “Top 10” lists – no doubt cobbled together earlier in the month so as to facilitate an early departure from the office this afternoon.

But there’s only one that really matters, because the items on this list directly and indirectly affect your personal freedoms and your pocketbook: Top Ten Junk Science Moments for 2006. JunkScience.com publisher Steve Milloy defines junk science as “faulty scientific data and analysis” used by the media, tort lawyers, activists, government agencies, pols and publicity-seeking scientists to “advance special and, often, hidden agendas.”

I’m Sorry, So Sorry

This time of year also brings twin compulsions (Times Select subscription required) to resolve to embark on some self-improvement project and to reflect upon and apologize for all the ways in which we fell short.

Having been on the receiving end of a friendship-ending non-apology apology earlier in the year (“I can understand why you would find it callous, and I am sorry you feel that way.”), The Stiletto offers this round-up of articles on other sorry apologies:

† Sorry Seems To Be The Easiest Word

† The Rush To Apology

† Why 1,000 Apologies Is Not Nearly Enough

† A Look Back At A Year Of Notable Apologies

Remember Our Troops

Oliver North reminds us that in the midst of our partying, we should take a moment to “thank and pray for those who have defended our nation throughout the year.” Amen.

New Year’s Eve Bonus #1: How To Keep The Bubbly Bubbling

Sharon Begley, who covers science for The Wall Street Journal, suggests wiping off champagne flutes with a cloth or paper towel before pouring in the Veuve Clicquot (the only champagne, fit for The Stiletto, by the way). According to a French study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, hollow cellulose fibers left behind on the glass will create "nucleation" sites that encourage effervescence.

New Year’s Eve Bonus #2: Don’t Do The Crime If You Can’t Do The Time

Hangover helpers – from Finnish saunas to Prairie Oyster – don’t work, according to a meta-analysis of eight randomized, controlled medical trials, abstracts and studies, reported in British Medical Journal in December 2005. Fortunately, the symptoms will subside on their own over time. About 8 to 24 hours should do the trick.

NOTE: Original source includes links to relevant Web sites and articles. Happy New Year!