Evolutionary psychology, sexual dimorphism, and ideology
(Note to non-biologists: “sexual dimorphsim” refers to any trait or behavior that differs between the sexes, like the ornamented tail of the male peacock, the brighter color of the male painted bunting—and of many birds—and the bower-building behavior of male but not female bowerbirds.)
There are some science-friendly folk (including atheists) who simply dismiss the entire field of evolutionary psychology in humans, saying that its theoretical foundations are weak or nonexistent. I’ve always replied that that claim is bunk, for its “theoretical foundations” are simply the claim that our brains and behaviors, like our bodies, show features reflecting evolution in our ancestors. While some evolutionary psychology studies are weak, and I’ve been a critic of them, the discipline as a whole is growing in rigor and should certainly not be dismissed in toto.
Those who still do, though, should answer this question:
Why are human males, on average, bigger and stronger than females?
This…
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Invoicing, Stock Database and Resolving an Image Issue
Today at James and Sons I have moved ahead of where I expected to be. Not only have I produced proper copies of all paid invoices for the last sale, I also have a complete and checked stock database for the next one, have produced those pre-auction Vendor Advice Notes that I had sufficient information to do and I amongst all that also spotted and resolved a small but serious problem with the December images.
Lot 109 is a piece of Hungarian Postal History which is unlikely to make a fortune, while lot 601 is a pair of binoculars specially designed for use on a U-Boat which will make a fortune. The image for 601 was with lot 109 while there was no image with lot 601. A quick renumbering of the binoculars image and a scan of lot 109 followed by an apologetic email to the people at the-saleroom.com did the job.
The catalogue listing we now have for this auction, which takes place at the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, is available at: http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/james-and-son-auctioneers/catalogue-id-2901714 while those who would like to follow the auction but cannot get to Norwich can sign up to bid via www.the-saleroom.com.
I have a few images of lots that exceeded their estimates (in one case spectacularly so) at the last auction, as well as two items mentioned earlier.
My personal twitter account, @aspitweets continues to thrive, having recently passed 700 followers.
Now for those images…
Auctions, Stephen Dorrell and Cricket
Owing to the decision to have James and Sons December auction a mere two weeks after the November auction I am currently in the position of simultaneously attempting to deal with the post-auction side of November and produce pre-auction paperwork for December.
A full catalogue for the December sale can now be viewed at http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/james-and-son-auctioneers/catalogue-id-2901714
I have two other topics to mention, firstly the appalling behaviour of the Right Dishonourable Stephen Dorrell who in spite of admitting to a conflict of interest between his role as an MP and his employment by one of the companies who are looking to profit from a carve-up of the NHS has refused to stand down. A petition regarding this is being run by 38 Degrees. To view and/or sign click here: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/david-cameron-force-stephen-dorrell-mp-to-pick-a-job-now#petition
Finally a brief comment about Englands performance vs Sri Lanka yesterday, only their second win in nine ODIs. It was not nearly as conclusive as the final margin of five wickets with an over to spare suggested, the match being decided by a flurry of boundaries immediately after Joe Root had been reprieved by the TV Cameras spotting an overstep by the bowler. Since Root, along with Buttler, was one of the two batsmen who carried England victory more than a little was owed to fortune. England looked second favourites for substantial periods, notably between the end of Moeen Ali’s innings (brought about by his partner Alex Hales) and the flurry of boundaries already alluded to.
I have some pictures for you…
Invoices and Imaging
A somewhat frustrating day today, as just when I was about to start making really serious progress with the invoices I was required to switch to imaging (this is just one of the problems that arises when there is only a two week gap between auctions).
However, I did get to image some interesting stuff as you will see.
Also some good news from my online contacts – a petition which I had signed and shared via both facebook was handed over to its intended recipient Mr Cameron with no fewer than 300,000 names on it.
Here some of the lots that will be going under the hammer on the 13th…
Christmas Meal and Continuing Twitter Success
Last night was the Christmas meal of the King’s Lynn Asperger Support Society, and an excellent time was had by all. We were delighted to welcome two new members to the group. Although the food was not by any stretch a triumph, the bill came to less than expected as £10 was knocked off it by way of acknowledging a particular fail with one of the main courses (a roastie that was still solid in the middle and in consequence the dish was sent back and replaced with something else.
Although I am still without my Nikon P520 Coolpix I did get some interesting pictures during the day yesterday with my other camera.
My personal twitter account, @aspitweets continues to go from strength to strength, now having 637 followers.
Now some photos…
Auction and More
Saturday was almost entirely taken up with the November auction of James and Sons, which went very well. Those of you who follow @aspitweets on twitter will have seen a few highlights (a very few – not easy to live tweet when you are also recording details of the sale on the company database).
Yesterday was bright and sunny, so I enjoyed a morning walk before heading to my aunts house for Sunday lunch. This yielded some interesting photos…
Preparing for one auction and imaging for another
A split day today, partly setting up tomorrow’s auction down at Fakenham Racecourse and partly imaging for the December auction back at the shop. A full catalogue for tomorrow’s auction can be viewed at http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/james-and-son-auctioneers/catalogue-id-2901720, and if you cannot get to Fakenham tomorrow you can also register to bid online at www.the-saleroom.com.
My main imaging task today was producing pictures for the back cover of the next catalogue, some of the highlights being included below. I also imaged some postal history lots after this with what was left of the day.
Now for some pictures…
Preparing for Auction and starting to image for the December auction
Today has been a hectic day, with getting things set for the auction coming up this Saturday at Fakenham Racecourse. Those who cannot make it to Fakenham can bid online via http://www.the-saleroom.com. In addition to this it was necessary to start imaging for the December auction since there are only two weeks between the two auctions.
Also a class from twitter: in an example of self-inflicted gunshot wounds to both feet a member of UKIP contrived to mistake Westminster Cathedral for a mosque!!
Here are some pictures for you…
Richard Corbett MEP Speaks Out On TTIP
Richard Corbett is the Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber. He made time in his incredibly busy Saturday schedule which involved campaigning all over Yorkshire, to join our local councillors and speak at our Community Mass March and Rally.
The MPs had other priorities which did not involve campaigning or standing shoulder to shoulder in a public manner with the community on this issue.
Local MPs Greg Knight, Andrew Percy, Alan Johnson, David Davis and Graham Stuart were not present in the Commons last Friday for the TTIP debate which formed part of Clive Efford’s NHS Reinstatement Bill, according to Hansard: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141121/debtext/141121-0001.htm#14112159000001
Here is Richard’s blog about the Rally with some more pictures from the day.
“I spoke at the Save the NHS from TTIP rally in Hull on Saturday. It was a well attended event, despite the weather.
It’s not that I oppose trade agreements between Europe and America. As a Yorkshire…
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