List #12--10 Interesting Branches of Chemistry

Something that many deductionists find interesting is science.  After all, science involves a lot of logical reasoning and investigation.  I am doing a list series on sub-branches of different scientific disciplines, and I'm starting with chemistry because I just really like chemistry.  Here are some interesting branches of chemistry:

1. Analytical chemistry--The chemistry of what things are made of, which includes a lot of testing and fancy equipment to take things apart.  I imagine it's very hands-on.
2. Astrochemistry--The study of quantities of different substances in the universe.
3. Agrochemistry--The study of chemistry as it pertains to agriculture, like growing food and protecting the environment.
4. Biochemistry--The chemistry of living things, such as chemical reactions inside organisms.
5. Chemical engineering--Using chemistry to solve problems.
6. Geochemistry--The chemistry of the earth.
7. Nanochemistry--Chemistry on an incredibly small level.
8. Radiochemistry--The chemistry of radioactive things.  Also used in relation with non-radioactive things.
9. Stereochemistry--This is the study of how atoms are arranged in molecules.  The Wikipedia article didn't go into too much depth, probably because this is a fairly mystifying topic, even for someone like me.
10. Thermochemistry--The study of the effects of heat on reactions.

I hope this is a good start to my series.  If you're interested in any more, look at About.com's chemistry branch list where I found a lot of these.

Signing off,
SM

Persuasive Tactic #2--Sound of Talking (or lack thereof)

These are tactics for when you are persuading somebody face-to-face.

What You Need to Know

• Speaking quickly persuades people.
• Swearing at the beginning of your argument or presentation makes your target(s) think you are more intense.  PAYOR.
• People don't like awkward silence.  Be quiet to get them to open up.
• Always speak clearly so people think you know what you're talking about.
• Try not to say um, ah, er, etc. in between words, because it makes people think you are doubtful.
• Use some vocal variety to sound natural.  Don't sound the same the whole time.
• Emphasize anything important.  Otherwise people won't know it's important.  This seems obvious, but it is important.
• Whisper something like it's a secret.  People will feel like you trust them, have told them something private, and confided in them, building their trust in you at the same time.  This doesn't necessarily mean whispering, either; you can just lower your voice in a rather conspiratorial fashion.
• Synchronize your voice rate and tone with your target, as well as breathing.  This makes people feel more comfortable for some reason.
• Smile and laugh to make yourself seem friendly.

Anyway, that's it for now.

Signing off,
SM

Deduction Challenge #1--My Christmas Wish List

First off, you lovely readers do not have to get any of this stuff for me.  Some people put wish lists of stuff they want on their blogs for readers to send stuff; not me.

All I want for Christmas (from you) is for you to try to deduce things about me based on this list of stuff I want (that I am in the process of quite successfully persuading my family to get for me).  Please note that these are in no particular order.
-a praying mantis necklace
-The Elements by Theodore Gray
-The (nonexistent) Deductive Reasoning Cookbook by some nonexistent author
-gift cards
-science-related socks
-sheet music
-gel pens
-Scott McCloud's Comics trilogy
-anything frog or peacock related

You can let me know what you think in the comments section.

Signing off,
SM

List #11--10 Gift Ideas for the Deductionist/Persuader in Your Life

It's that time of year again: the holidays!  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, or any holiday I've forgotten to include, there is a festive spirit in the air.  Here are some gift ideas you may want to consider putting on your list:

1. A magnifying glass.  Yes, it's a stereotypical detective thing, but it's pretty useful.  Plus, there are all sorts to choose from, and it makes a great small gift or stocking stuffer.
2. Any of the books from my Top 10 List  Many of these are/were bestsellers, and you can get them at bookstores in the Psychology or perhaps Business sections.  "I Spy" is in the kids' section and is the perfect gift for any observant children you happen to know.
3. Anything relating to a detective fandom you're in.  You know who you are.  You know what you want.  This is a friendly reminder.
4. Mystery books.  Okay, I am a little obsessed with books.  There just aren't that many other things I want.  Mysteries are very good for practicing your deduction skills, though.
5. Clothing in a color that will help with your life goals.  See my color post to find something that may be right for you.  If you don't like getting clothing, you can at least ask for it in an advantageous hue.
6. Wrapping paper.  Just ask for wrapping paper on whatever you get, so you have the chance to figure out what it is before you open it.  That's half the fun, right?  Look at yet another of my earlier posts for more ideas.
7. The Deductive Reasoning Cookbook.  Okay, this isn't actually a thing, but I've been telling people it's what I want.  I've also told them it's not actually a thing, so they don't agonize over it too much, but I want to see how they interpret the request.
8. Cool clothes that make you look mysterious.  Need I say more?  (If you're unsure of what sorts of fashions fall into this category, just watch "The Matrix.")
9. Forensic science experiment kits.  I've never tried these, because my experiments have generally come out of books or other sources and I've gathered the materials myself, but let's face it, asking for a banana so you can smash it and extract its DNA is kind of weird.  There are probably some good ones out there, especially at educational toy stores.  At places like that, you can also find kids' fake spy gear, detective games, and other such things you may find entertaining.
10. Sticky notes.  I've heard that putting things on sticky notes and giving them to people is persuasive.  Never tried it, but it's something not too over-the-top.
 

Happy holidays!

Signing off,

SM