Wow. Even dedicated researchers need a little time off from hard science every once and a while, I guess. I found this little piece of fluff in The Irish Independent this morning. (Where else, eh?) Makes me think of how I used to strap on the old headphones and listen to a little Rollins screaming about Raaaaaage whenever the pressures of doing homework and getting wasted at parties were bringing me down. 
SCHOOL OF ROCK . . . GIFTED TEENS USE HEAVY METAL TO COPE WITH STRESS
Metallica's James Hetfield
INTELLIGENT teenagers often listen to heavy metal music to cope with the pressures associated with being talented outsiders, research has found.
The results of a study of more than 1,000 of the brightest 5pc of young people will come as relief to parents whose offspring, usually long-haired, are devotees of Iron Maiden, AC/DC and their musical descendants.
Stuart Cadwallader, a psychologist at the University of Warwick, said: "There is a perception of gifted and talented students as being into classical music and spending a lot of time reading. I think that is an inaccurate stereotype. There is literature that links heavy metal to poor delinquency but we found a group that contradicts that.
"We are looking at a group with lower-than-average self-esteem that does not feel quite as well-adjusted. They feel more stressed out and turn to heavy metal as a way of relieving that stress.
"Participants said they appreciated the complex and sometimes political themes of heavy metal music more than perhaps the average pop song. It has a tendency to worry adults a bit but I think it is just a cathartic thing."
The researchers surveyed 1,057 members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth - a body whose 120,000 student members are within the top academic 5pc in the 11-19 age range.
Asked for their favourite type of music, 39pc said rock, 18pc R&B and 14pc pop. Six per cent said heavy metal and one-third rated it in their top five genres. The heavy metal fans had lower self-esteem and more difficulties in family relationships and friendships.
Mr Cadwallader then held an online discussion with 19 members of the academy, 17 of whom were heavy metal fans. They spoke of listening to the music work off frustrations. One student said: "It helps me with stress. It's the general thrashiness of it." Daily Telegraph, London)
Nic Fleming
SCHOOL OF ROCK . . . GIFTED TEENS USE HEAVY METAL TO COPE WITH STRESS
Metallica's James Hetfield
INTELLIGENT teenagers often listen to heavy metal music to cope with the pressures associated with being talented outsiders, research has found.
The results of a study of more than 1,000 of the brightest 5pc of young people will come as relief to parents whose offspring, usually long-haired, are devotees of Iron Maiden, AC/DC and their musical descendants.
Stuart Cadwallader, a psychologist at the University of Warwick, said: "There is a perception of gifted and talented students as being into classical music and spending a lot of time reading. I think that is an inaccurate stereotype. There is literature that links heavy metal to poor delinquency but we found a group that contradicts that.
"We are looking at a group with lower-than-average self-esteem that does not feel quite as well-adjusted. They feel more stressed out and turn to heavy metal as a way of relieving that stress.
"Participants said they appreciated the complex and sometimes political themes of heavy metal music more than perhaps the average pop song. It has a tendency to worry adults a bit but I think it is just a cathartic thing."
The researchers surveyed 1,057 members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth - a body whose 120,000 student members are within the top academic 5pc in the 11-19 age range.
Asked for their favourite type of music, 39pc said rock, 18pc R&B and 14pc pop. Six per cent said heavy metal and one-third rated it in their top five genres. The heavy metal fans had lower self-esteem and more difficulties in family relationships and friendships.
Mr Cadwallader then held an online discussion with 19 members of the academy, 17 of whom were heavy metal fans. They spoke of listening to the music work off frustrations. One student said: "It helps me with stress. It's the general thrashiness of it." Daily Telegraph, London)
Nic Fleming
VIEW 18 of 18 COMMENTS
It would be easy for you to get to Akumal, you just need to fly into Cancun and take a shuttle. Surely they must have good deals from NY to Cancun! Warning! Don't go in the summer, it will probably be unbearably hot & humid. We even hit a hot & humid spell in December, and despite what Mike will tell you, I remember reading that the summer months are VERY hot down there.
I'm nuts for taking cat & dog photos, I guess you know that now.
and he does indeed have a shitty self esteem
hope you are well, i havent been on here much these days...
but i got my own computer back finally!