Breaking: Penn Researcher Called Up For Quote About Puppydogs Being Cute

A UPI story about a shocking conclusion scientists have made:

A University of Pennsylvania psychologist says a number of studies have found negative psychological effects associated with adolescent acne.

David Sarwer, an associate professor at the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, said up to 50 percent of teenage acne sufferers also experience increased body image dissatisfaction, social anxiety, low self-esteem and symptoms of depression, USA Today reported Monday.

It’s okay, pimply-faced boys and girls. You, too, may one day overcome your increased body image dissatisfaction, social anxiety, low self-esteem and symptoms of depression due to acne to become an adult blogger with increased body image dissatisfaction, social anxiety, low self-esteem and symptoms of depression due to a billion other things.

Psychological effects result from acne [UPI/ScienceDaily]

Today In Obvious News

Yeah, know what else is lacking? The freedom to walk down the street and not get blown up.

Mental health care lags in Iraq [Bucks Co. Courier Times]

Keystone Cops: School Daze

Keystone Cops is a roundup of law enforcement/crime/public safety news that runs occasionally, since yesterday, on Philadelphia Will Do.

• It’s apparently weird-shit-happening-at-school-week, as a Burlington County teacher had her class quarantined this morning after having an allergic reaction to a white powder. Everything’s okay — well, the teacher is in the hospital — while a bomb scare at a Chester County (?) school turned out to be shoes. Of course. [Inquirer]

• While still facing charges, a woman in Ewing is being treated at the psychiatric hospital after allegedly trying to kill her father by burning down the house. She also believes that “she’s pregnant with God’s baby and is the devil, prosecutors said yesterday,” so treatment seems to be the good idea here. [The Trentonian]

• An 18-year-old in North Philly was shot outside an elementary school. Presumably not one he’s currently attending. [NBC 10]

• And, hey, the alleged screwdriver attacker from West Philly is in custody! Hooray! [6 ABC]

Take Two Woofs And Call Me In The Morning

An article in the Daily Pennsylvanian today notes the newest trend on college campuses: Having an itty bitty wittle doggie.

Dogs — and, of course, other fluffy, furry pets — are good for students’ mental health. And since the mix of college life — going away from home for the first time, the stress of schoolwork, etc., etc. — leaves approximately 140 percent of college kids depressed, perhaps therapy doggies are the way to go!

Penn doesn’t allow any dogs except service animals — therapy animals aren’t covered under the ADA — so it’s a no go if you live on campus at the Ivy League school. Which kind of worries me. Isn’t Penn supposed to be, y’know, the superliberalomgomglookatwhatthey’redoingnow school that freaks out right wingers? Seems like allowing therapy doggies on campus would totally fit right in. Aww.

A mini-fridge, posters … and Fluffy [DP]
Photo by any.user, licensed via Creative Commons

Leftovers: King Of The CEOs

• I’ve never heard of the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, but now I want to go, just because of its intense CEO (left), Rafael Suarez. [Elmwood Park Zoo]

• Now that I have your attention, be sure to check out Liz Spikol’s Top 10 Mental Health Tips, which is so official it gets capital letters. Number 1 is exercise. [The Trouble With Spikol]

• Despite Big Ben’s injury, Gov. Ed Rendell stands by his signing of the helmet law repeal three years ago. [KYW 1060]

• Will Bunch sez the helmet law is a good idea, because head injuries cost taxpayer money. Now that’s a language anyone can understand! [Attytood]

• Speaking of that, this Joe Vento thing just won’t die. But you knew that. [Inky]