The “Scully Effect”: Female “X-Files” Fans Flock to STEM Careers

Scully does it again!

As if The X-Files wasn’t awesome enough as a television show, now we’re learning that all of the little girls who looked up, wide-eyed, at the tough-as-nails, no-nonsense, science-loving Scully are flocking to careers in science, math, and engineering.

Those fields have long been dominated by men, and though that tide has been shifting little-by-little, women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields still find themselves in the minority more often than not.

The news comes out in a recent report compiled by scientists working for The Geena Davis Institute. They surveyed more than 2000 U.S. women over the age of 25, 68% of whom were X-Files viewers, and asked them whether watching Dana Scully influenced their career decisions as they grew up.

A significant number of them said her character affected them to the point that they chose to major in a STEM field in college, and to work in STEM field as a career. They claimed that Scully gave them positive impressions of women working in science, and more than half said she increased their confidence in their ability to succeed in a male-dominated field.

More than 60% responded that Scully’s character increased their belief in the importance of STEM work.

“In the world of entertainment media, where scientists are often portrayed as white men wearing white coats and working along in labs, Scully stood out in the 1990s as the only female STEM character in a prominent, prime-time television role.”

The study provides data to back up long-held anecdotal beliefs that a “Scully Effect” of this type existed.

Saying definitively that Scully is the reason gets tricky, since there’s always the chance that women interested in STEM are more likely to watch shows like The X-Files in the first place.

That said, if more women are entering STEM fields, I say give Scully the credit (or maybe let her share it with Astrid, from Fringe).

With The X-Files revival, who knows – maybe a whole new generation of girls will be inspired.

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The “Turkeys Away” Episode of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Still Holds up Today

It was way back in 1978 that WKRP in Cincinnati accidentally came up with a TV show classic that has wowed holiday season audiences since airing.

The show’s creator, Hugh Wilson, could never have predicted that people would continue to recite the episode’s standout line decades after it was first uttered.

Written by the late Bill Dial, “Turkeys Away” came about after the show’s creator recalled a story he heard from an Atlanta-based radio producer named Jerry Blum.

Photo Credit: Company Four

As the story goes, a radio station decided it would be fun to plan a publicity stunt to delight onlookers.

The PR stunt involved throwing turkeys out of a truck (or a helicopter, maybe).

You can probably see the problem coming…

Turkey’s can’t really fly. So those looking on ended up watching innocent turkeys lose their lives, which probably diminished their holiday cheer. We assume.

Wilson went with the story and approved episode 7 of the show’s first season. In it, WKRP’s manager, Arthur Carlson (portrayed by Gordon Jump), decides to do something just as misguided.

WKRP’s broadcaster, Les Nessman (portrayed by Richard Sanders), watches the events and concurrently recounts what happens in hilarious and excruciating detail during the episode.

The episode is so beloved that actor Richard Sanders attended an anniversary event in 1997 during which Indiana’s WKRQ recreated this “turkey drop” using toy turkeys.

For those of you who are concerned about animal welfare, you’ll be glad to know the TV show didn’t harm a single turkey in order to film the episode (viewers don’t see any turkeys at all, really).

Do you still enjoy “Turkeys Away”? Comment below about why you think it’s still such a classic!

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‘The Office’ Version of ‘Clue’ Lets Players Figure out Who Killed Toby

If you’ve spent time watching the American version of The Office, you know that Toby Flenderson is always the whipping boy. Michael Scott, the mediocre bossman, can’t stand the sight of Toby and lets him know every chance he gets that he’d prefer Toby quit his job and not show his face around the office any longer.

So it makes perfect sense that in the Clue The Office board game, players are tasked with finding out who killed poor Toby, where the murder took place, and what weapon was used.

In the game, you can play as one of six characters: Jim Halpert, Pam Beesly, Dwight Schrute, Angela Martin, Stanley Hudson, or Andy Bernard. You can’t play as Michael Scott because, as you might have guessed, he will be doing everything he can to get in the way of your investigation. The mystery will take you throughout the Dundler-Mifflin universe, including such spots as the warehouse, the kitchen, Michael’s office, and the employee parking lot.

It looks like the board game is currently out of stock on the Hot Topic website, but keep an eye on that link if you want a chance at scoring one. It may even be worth it to venture to *GASP* your local shopping mall to see if they have one of these babies in stock because they’re going for $200 on Amazon.

This would make a great gift for the holidays though, wouldn’t it? We all know how many people out there are obsessed with The Office, so get busy hunting for one of these ASAP. Got it? Good!

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20 Famous Men and Women You Might Not Know Were Adopted

You probably know at least a couple of people in your life who are adopted. It could be friends, family members, co-workers – anyone really.

There’s also a good chance that you know people who are adopted, but you don’t know it because they haven’t told you. Every adopted person is on their own journey and they can choose to divulge that information if and when they see fit.

Here are 20 celebrities that you might not know were adopted, and you might be a little bit surprised.

Take a look.

1. Steve Jobs

 

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2. Frances McDormand

 

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3. Keegan-Michael Key

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At the London @lionking premiere with my Queen.

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4. Liz Phair

 

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5. Faith Hill

 

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6. Nicole Richie

 

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7. Debbie Harry

 

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8. Nelson Mandela

 

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9. Melissa Gilbert

 

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10. Sarah McLachlan

 

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11. Kristin Chenoweth

 

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12. John Lennon

 

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13. Ray Liotta

 

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14. Jamie Foxx

 

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15. Andy Dick

 

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16. Scott Hamilton

 

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17. Dave Thomas

 

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18. Colin Kaepernick

 

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19. Simone Biles

 

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20. Maya Angelou

 

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Do you know of any more famous adopted folks who we left off the list?

Share them in the comments! Please and thank you!

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People Begging for Netflix Logins Can Be Very Entertaining

This trend of people borrowing each other’s passwords for Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, etc. is pretty crazy.

It’s like a tangled web of networks and relationships that weaves through your friends, family, former boyfriends and girlfriends – and maybe even complete strangers.

And when people lose that privilege, they just come crawling back, don’t they? Here are some very entertaining photos of people begging for Netflix logins for your enjoyment.

Don’t give in to this pressure, friends!

1. Too poor for Netflix.

Netflix pls or u b**** Cross Post from r Niceguys from ChoosingBeggars

2. Emotionally blackmailed.

Brother who refuses to work tries to emotionally blackmail me over Netflix subscription from ChoosingBeggars

3. I think they can afford it.

Her fiancé makes 95K a year. I cancelled Hulu before because they used it constantly and it kept kicking me. They also cancelled their Netflix and began using mine, but it doesn’t kick anyone so no issues. Now she’s hinting at Hulu again? I don’t mind sharing but, they can afford $7.99 a month. from ChoosingBeggars

4. A beggar in the wild.

My First choosing beggar in the wild, you think you know a guy… from ChoosingBeggars

5. What a deal!

Yeah I’ll give you my paid Netflix account for exposure on your 28k follower instagram account from ChoosingBeggars

6. Why do you hate France?

I got DM’d by a stranger right after posting about being excited for Evangelion coming to Netflix. Apparently I hate french people. from ChoosingBeggars

7. That is indeed a bratty cousin.

Bratty cousin stole my Netflix password and when I changed it he wants me to it to him. from ChoosingBeggars

8. You’re a cheapskate!

Friend of my Ex has been using my Netflix details without my knowledge for years. Calls me cheap! from ChoosingBeggars

9. “Feeling incomplete.”

“It costs $0.00 not to be like this” from ChoosingBeggars

10. It’s not like you pay for it.

*give me your password, it’s not like you pay for it* from ChoosingBeggars

11. Here are my demands…

CB wants direct access to a Netflix account. P.S. no piracy from ChoosingBeggars

12. Ummmm, not gonna happen.

epic netflix deal from ChoosingBeggars

13. There actually is a reason.

Roommate cancelled Netflix. Time to move! from ChoosingBeggars

Do these look familiar to you?

I thought so…

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15 Documentaries About Serial Killers That Are Worth Your Time

It seems like there’s a never-ending flood of true crime and serial killer documentaries out there, which makes it challenging to sort through the good and the bad. Who has time for that?

Well, here’s some good news: other people have already done the work for us!

People from the Buzzfeed Community offered their opinions about what they believe are the best documentaries about serial killers. Add these to your queue.

1. BTK: A Killer Among Us (2019)

2. Monster in My Family: Happy Face Killer (2015)

3. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)

4. Cropsey (2009)

5. Manson (1973)

6. The Pig Farm (2011)

7. Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation (2007)

8. Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance (2011)

9. Serial Killers: Andrei Romanovich Chikatilo (1995)

10. Born to Kill? Richard Trenton Chase: The Vampire of Sacramento (2010)

11. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)

12. This Is the Zodiac Speaking (2008)

13. Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003)

14. Ed Gein: The Real Leatherface (2004)

15. The Jeffrey Dahmer Files (2012)

Are there any other documentaries that you think need to be included?

Share them in the comments, please.

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A New Character on ‘Sesame Street’ Helps Children Dealing with Addiction in Their Families

Even though Sesame Street is an oldie, it is always ready to push boundaries. When it comes to inclusion and addressing children’s issues that some might consider taboo, nothing is off limits.

With their newest cast addition, Karli, Sesame Street is proving that their commitment is as strong as ever.

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Sesame Street has welcomed Karli, a Muppet in foster care, as well as her “for-now” parents, Dalia and Clem. All three Muppets appear in videos posted online as part of an initiative to provide free resources to caregivers navigating difficult issues, such as family homelessness, foster care and trauma. Karli, a green Muppet with fluffy pigtails, is introduced in an online-only clip called “On Your Team,” in which Dalia and Clem chat with their old friend, Elmo’s father, about becoming foster parents. Karli is the latest newcomer in an effort to make @sesamestreet more inclusive. In early 2017, Julia, a young Muppet with autism, became the first new Muppet in a decade to appear on air. A homeless Muppet named Lily was also introduced in December. Read more on washingtonpost.com.

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Karli was introduced in May when she came to Sesame Street in foster care, and in a recent episode of the Sesame Street in Communities initiative, she talked more about her situation.

In the video, Karli thanks Chris for watching her and Elmo while her mother is in a meeting. Elmo asks what kind of meeting, and Karli replies, “My mom needs help learning to take better care of herself, so she talks to people with the same problem.”

Image Credit: Youtube, Sesame Workshop

She also explains that she goes to meetings of her own with other kids like her – kids whose parents are struggling with substance abuse – and talks about how it helps her understand and feel not so alone.

Image Credit: Youtube, Sesame Workshop

Elmo is very understanding, too, and he and Chris help Karli feel even better by the end of the video.

Sesame Street in Communities aims to cover sensitive family topics like addiction, divorce, and grief, and the nonprofit released a statement promising to ai the resources to the “5.7 million children under age 11, or 1 in 8 children, living in households with a parent who has a substance abuse disorder.”

Image Credit: Youtube, Sesame Workshop

Watch the whole video here:

Life can be tough, and even though we all wish children didn’t have to face hard truths too soon, the fact is that they do.

It’s comforting to know that no matter what comes their way, Sesame Street will be there to offer them solace, understanding, and friendship, all without judgement.

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Check out the Amazing Pop Culture Mashups from This Tattoo Artist

This guy is goooooooood.

If you’re not following a French tattoo artist Mat Rule on Instagram, do yourself a favor and do it immediately.

Rule specializes in taking pop culture characters and mashing them up with cartoon scenes and vice versa. They’re super impressive, and the detail on them is incredible.

Take a look. I think you’ll like what you’re about to see.

1. Alice in…wait a second….

2. Eminem and some M&Ms.

3. Lisa Simpson is always a good choice.

4. Marvin the Martian.

5. Half real/half cartoon coyote.

6. This one might be my favorite.

7. Crash Bandicoot.

8. This one is trippy.

9. Actually, this might be my favorite.

10. Pretty cool mash up.

11. Hockey tattoo for the win!

12. No mistaking that face.

13. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction.

14. The one and only Kurt Cobain.

15. Stallone in Cobra.

Pretty awesome, right?

Tell us what pop culture mashups you’d like to see in the comments below!

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15 People Admit Which Fictional Deaths Hit Them the Hardest

I have a ton of these. Johnny and Dally from The Outsiders immediately come to mind. Don’t even get me started on Old Yeller.

People on AskReddit shared the fictional deaths that hit them right in the gut.

What characters have died in books, movies, or TV that really affected you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

1. The Green Mile.

“John Coffey, The Green Mile. A sweet and innocent soul, blessed (or cursed) with the gift of sight. Sight into people’s hearts and minds. He was accused of murder having come across the bodies of two murdered children (whom he had tried to save). He healed and eased others suffering by taking it into himself.

The scene where he is in the electric chair, terrified, and everyone is watching with accusatory eyes. The guards know of his innocence and are heartbroken because there is nothing they can do. That scene gets me every time. Michael Clark Duncan was a magnificent pick for that role.”

2. That is sad.

“When I was a small child, my father invented stories about a truck that worked hard and drove challenging roads all over the world

Then, he ran out of stories, and sent the truck to the junkyard

Made me very sad as a small child who loved trucks

At age 66, makes me sad to remember.”

3. That is a difficult one.

“Brooks in Shawshank Redemption :’( .”

4. No spoilers back then.

“Spock. Saw it in the theater. Didn’t know it was comin. No internet spoilers back then, lol.”

5. Didn’t see that coming.

“Sweets from Bones.

Did not see that coming.”

6. All choked up.

“Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web. It’s been forty years and I still can’t even think about it without getting choked up.”

7. Upset about this one.

“Prim. Threw the book across the room. What was this all for?”

8. “I was inconsolable.”

“I read Where the Red Fern Grows as a teen. When the dog Old Dan died after saving Billy from a mountain lion. Followed by the other dog Little Ann of a broken heart. I was inconsolable.”

9. Poor Opie…

“Opie in Sons of Anarchy.”

10. Was rooting for him.

“Hank from Breaking Bad. Dude started the series as a stereotypical meathead that I thought I was gonna hate, but had one of the biggest character arcs besides Walt and Jesse. By the end I was rooting pretty hard for him. Imagine finding out someone close to you was a major druglord if you were a DEA agent IRL. That would have to be awful and embarrassing.”

11. Shocked by this one.

“Ned Stark. You watch the entire first season of GOT thinking he will be the main character and then he gets his damn head chopped off. It shocked me.”

12. Still sad about it.

“Sam the onion picker in Holes.

My man just wanted that lady to be his wife so they could live together in onion and peach filled bliss, and goddammit she wanted it too.

Still makes me sad to this day.”

13. Now and then.

“As a kid it was definitely Mufasa, that part of the film haunted me for months.

Now Yondu’s death makes me bawl, Romanoff’s makes my heart break and Danny’s death in Pearl Harbor is a very poignant one for me.”

14. Hits you hard.

“99, a deformed clone trooper who couldn’t serve in the clone wars and just worked as a janitor instead. When he sacrificed himself, that hit me.”

15. Too sad for me, can’t do it.

“The dog from Marley & Me.”

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Sean Bean Is Tired of Dying in Movies

Poor guy…

Sean Bean is a great and prolific actor, but by now the fact that he probably won’t live until the end of the series or movie is kind of a running joke among fans.

It’s funny, sure, but it also kills the surprise a little bit; any time you watch a Sean Bean movie, you kinda know he’s gonna go. Which is now why he’s changing his standards for the parts he accepts.

“I just had to cut that out and start surviving, otherwise it was all a bit predictable,” he told The Sun.

The 60-year-old actor told The Sun in an interview that he’s had enough – he’s even started to turn down roles when he knows his character isn’t going to survive until the final credits.

Here’s a complete list of his onscreen deaths, if you’re curious:

Image Credit: Bored Panda

“I did do one job and they said, ‘We’re going to kill you’, and I was like, ‘Oh no!’ and then they said, ‘Well, can we injure you badly?’ and I was like, ‘OK, so long as I stay alive this time’,” joked the actor.

Back in 2014, fans of the actor even started #dontkillseanbean on Twitter, which resulted in some truly amazing memes.

So there’s that.

 

Mr. Bean, we’re rooting for you; may the odds be ever in his favor.

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