July 2007

  • Why most suicide bombers are Muslim, beautiful people have more daughters, humans are naturally polygamous, sexual harassment isn't sexist, and blonds are more attractive.

  • Scrutinizing the frontrunners. Word for word, the presidential candidates revealed.
  • Rejection is a fundamental law of the (social) universe. But if you laser in on every dis, you'll likely trigger a self-fulfilling prophecy. Rejection-sensitivity is on the rise, but you can learn to brave even the biggest brush-offs.
  • The heart is the honorary seat of emotion—and no wonder. Experience, mood, temperament, and thought style can profoundly alter the ticker. Dispatches from the hidden superhighway between heart and mind.
  • The world is flatter than ever. But while technology may give us each the tools of creativity, it takes urban proximity and unpredictability to sharpen them.

More from this issue

The Laws of Urban Energy

Why living in a city actually makes you smarter.

The Competition: Near Miss

One step down from the crown.

Diversity: Smiles in Translation

Facial expressions come in local flavors.

Decision '08: Reading Between the Lines

Word for word, the presidential candidates revealed.

Networking from Nowhere, USA

Tech-savvy social networking connects rural to urban.

Social Graces: All Apologies

Most people will accept an apology--forced or sincere.

Making Sense of Your World

How perceptions pave the path to wellness.

Two People, One Breadwinner

How to divide roles when one partner works and the other stays home.

Quirky Minds: Amputee Wannabes

When a complete body makes you feel incomplete.

In Brief: Good Morning!

Coffee makes you go, yogurt keeps you going, and stocks just go go go.

Field Guide: Sarcastic Masters

How to negotiate the fine line between being snarky and being a jerk.

PT Recipe: Mouthwatering Melon

The summer fruit packed with nutrients.

Beauty Beat: Hot Rich Men and Sun Damage

Rich studs are not to be trusted. Plus: How sunbathing brings more than wrinkles.

How to Handle Rejection

How rejection can help you reinvent yourself.

The Lure of Laziness

You can fight the built-in urge to slack off.

The High Price of a Broken Heart

Yes, you can die from heartbreak. In fact, even mild forms of the blues can put you at risk.

In Brief: Staying on Top

Abstract thinking and keeping the brain at the top of its game.

The PT Bookshelf

The evolution of language, war, and social adhesives.

Global Psyche: On Their Own Time

In Peru, punctuality is a myth.

Inspiration in the City

Four city dwellers give their perspective on urban living.

Diet: Comfort Food

Is emotional eating ruining your diet?

Final Analysis: Illeana Douglas

The candid comedienne on rejection.

Keen Cuisine: The Flavor of Cleverness

Sweet reasons to savor chocolate.

Numerical Nomad

MIT professor Erik Demaine attacks big problems with origami.

Road Test: Road Map to Pleasantville

How to train your brain to be happier.

Mind Your Body: A Higher Road to Relaxation

Beating stress with a little face time.

Ten Politically Incorrect Truths About Human Nature

Some surprising, and incendiary, facts about men and women.

Dumped, But Not Down

Learning to brave even the biggest brush-offs.

Animal Kingdom: Head of the Pack

Animals are smarter than you think.

Group Therapy: Collective Subconscious

Benefit of the group; when to go it alone and when not to.

Telecommuting: Can It Hurt Your Career?

The value of face time.

Walking the Teamwork Tightrope

How to be a team player while making your own efforts shine.

Advice: Heavy Bedroom Issues

When body image squelches sex and many more intimacy issues.

Current Issue

Everyday Creativity

How to start living creatively and reap the benefits.