Earworms (Can't Get That Song Out of My Head)

In addition to psychology, I also teach US Government.  I have a number of students who are learning English and I will utilize my own childhood experience of "School House Rock" on DVD as a subtitled visual tool to help them learn about various aspects of the government.  One pernicious song for me is "The Preamble."  You can view a copy on YouTube here.  The sad and bizarre point I am making is that when I show this, I cannot get that darn song out of my head for days.  In fact, as I sit here writing this, it has come back.  Grrr. 

As it turns out, there is a name for this phenomenon--it is called an "earworm." 
In March, 2008, Radiolab did a show examining and explaining why the experts thought they occurred (included Oliver Sacks and Diana Deutsch).  In June, 2008, Radiolab did a show on how people reduce these irritations.  I am pleased to know why they occur and some strategies for reducing them.

• Wikipedia Entry on Earworms
• WebMD Entry
• SFGate Article
• University of Cincinnati article on sources and possible explanations  for a business college article, it was awfully full of science

Radiolab--Morality

Take yourself back to the ending episode of M*A*S*H and you'll recall the moral scenario--there are enemy troops all around us.  There are 30 of us on a bus and we need to be absolutely quiet in order to survive.  You have your child in your arms and s/he will not be quiet.  You have the choice--silence the baby (end its life) or allow everyone on the bus to get killed.  What do you do? 

This was the premise and beginning of the episode of Radiolab on Morality first broadcast back in 2007.  At the time, Jad had one, non-parent view.  What would happen after the birth of his first child?  Find out in a later episode short called, Killing Babies, Saving the World.

Radiolab consistently has the most curiosity-driven, quality-produced, entertaining and thought-provoking episodes I've ever come across.  Add the show to your podcast listening and catch up on previous broadcasts while driving.