Friday June 03, 2005

Trust in a bottle

They've done it. They've finally found a way to put trust in a bottle.

Scientists found that people playing an investment game were more likely to trust others if they inhaled a nasal spray that contained oxytocin...

So, is there a danger that oxytocin could be misused by merchants trying to get you to believe pathetic sales pitches? Antonio Damasio, a neurologist at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, told Nature.com that there shouldn't be much to worry about. In any event, advertising already appeals to the parts of your mind that produce oxytocin, he said.

"It lures you in with images of wonderful landscapes or sex, and it probably works in exactly the same way," Damasio told Nature.com.

( Jun 03 2005, 01:20:54 PM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Participation Age comes to the UN

Curious about what all this "participation age" stuff is that Sun is talking about? Join us for a webcast from the United Nations on Monday June 6, 10:30 a.m. EST to learn more.

We've lined up John Gage (Sun), Jamie Drummond (DATA), Andrew Zolli (Z+Partners), Dr. Djibril Diallo (UN), William C. Cobb (eBay), and David Kirkpatrick (Fortune) to discuss the following:

-- What does The Participation Age mean socially, economically, culturally?
-- What does it look and feel like in 2005? 2010?
-- A look at tomorrow's hot industry, social and economic issues, and a brainstorm on how large enterprises like Sun can impact change.

The panel will also answer your questions, so there's no reason not to participate.

( Jun 03 2005, 11:59:08 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

Listen up: sinner's crossroads

Every now and then you just gotta share that thing that inspires you. Today it's WFMU's Sinner's Crossroads radio show: "scratchy vanity 45s, pilfered field recordings, muddy off-the-radio sounds, homemade congregational tapes and vintage commercial gospel throw-downs; a little preachin', a little salvation, a little audio tomfoolery."

Also available as a podcast. Mmm, good. Happy Friday listening.

( Jun 03 2005, 09:29:34 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]