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The Emerald City is rich with bros
If you’re looking for dudes in Seattle, you’re in luck. According to census data, there are roughly 102 men per every 100 women in the Seattle metro area. The Census Bureau’s most recent American Community Survey didn’t cite these as explanations, but my guess is that the influx of bros has something to do with the proliferation of local tech companies, and the ability to find a fish nearby to take a picture with for Tinder.
Babies learn feet first
In the name of science (and adorable foot kicks), researchers strapped colorful mobiles to babies’ feet and tracked every wiggle with 3D motion capture. According to new findings from Florida Atlantic University, artificial intelligence showed that babies’ foot movements varied significantly as their processing skills evolved through engaging with the world — one pudgy little trotter at a time.
Special education spending gaps in Washington
Recent analysis by the Washington State Standard reveals major inequities in how much our state’s school districts spend per special education student. At the low end, the Goldendale School District in Klickitat County invests just $8,708 per child. Holding down the opposite end of the spending spectrum, Bellevue spends $33,056 per child. According to Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown’s Edunomics Lab, special education budgets haven’t historically received the same scrutiny as other school expenses until now.
More baby Hollys are on the way
Thinking of naming your December baby Holly? You’re in good company. According to Nameberry, the festive name is rising in popularity, but still relatively rare. Last year, Holly was the 450th most popular girl’s name in the U.S., down from its peak in 1983, when it squeezed into the top 50, coming in at number 48.
Gold bug discovered just in time for the holidays
Hold onto your magnifying glasses, nerds. Paleontologists have just uncovered fossils of a dazzling 450-million-year-old bug species, Lomankus edgecombei. Glittering with a natural coat of fool’s gold, these eyeless distant cousins of scorpions once scuttled along the dark ocean floor in what is now upstate New York. No word yet if these sparkly creatures ever ventured to the northwest.
Let’s hear it for citrus season
It’s officially the most important time of the year — grocery stores are now stocked with gleaming globes of sweet and sour. Pro-tip: Skip the Cuties this year, and go straight for the giant Sumo oranges. These oversized Japanese imports with their distinctive top knots are actually a hybrid of navel oranges, pomelos and mandarins. The price point is higher than the Florida fruits you’re used to, but so is the sweetness and ease of peeling. Enjoy!
