Frankly, we do give a damn

Study finds links between swearing and honesty

University of Cambridge

It's long been associated with anger and coarseness but profanity can have another, more positive connotation. Psychologists have learned that people who frequently curse are being more honest. 

Writing in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science a team of researchers from the Netherlands, the UK, the USA and Hong Kong report that people who use profanity are less likely to be associated with lying and deception.

Profanity is obscene language which, in some social settings is considered inappropriate and unacceptable. It often refers to language that contains sexual references, blasphemy or other vulgar terms. 

It's usually related to the expression of emotions such as anger, frustration or surprise. But profanity can also be used to entertain and win over audiences.

Agriculture adapts to the 21st century

How Modern, Sustainable Agriculture Is Working Toward a Greener Future

By Bobbi Peterson

Agriculture has an enormous impact on the environment. And with the world’s population on the rise, we need to produce more food than ever before. By 2050, we’ll need about 50 percent more food than we currently produce.

Agriculture is changing in ways that will reduce the environmental impact of producing more food while helping create a greener future. Specifically, it’s changing the way it provides food and works to change the way we live and interact with our environment.

Student Loan scam artist tries to block Rhode Island shareholder initiative

Facing charges of unethical practices, Navient seeks to suppress shareholder proposal

Amid growing concerns over what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) described as "systemically and illegally failing borrowers at every stage of repayment" Navient Corp., the nation's largest student loan servicer, is seeking to block a shareholder proposal - filed by Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner in December - by claiming that record borrower defaults are part of "ordinary business" for the company.

"As shareholders, we have an obligation to make sure that the companies in which we invest are being run in a responsible and sustainable manner," said Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner.

Local state reps join effort for bills to benefit working families

More than 21 House legislators back ‘Fair Shot Agenda’

By Bob Plain in Rhode Island’s Future

The Fair Shot Agenda is four pieces of progressive legislation that 21 members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives endorsed today. The agenda includes a $15 minimum wage, school building repairs, earned paid sick days and a more progressive car tax.

Endorsing the package were:

Rep. Edie Ajello (D-Providence), 

Rep. Joseph Almeida (D-Providence), 

Rep. Gregg Amore (D-East Providence), 

Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Pawtucket), 

Rep. David Bennett (D-Warwick), 

Rep. Chris Blazejewski (D-Providence), 

Rep. Helder Cunha (D-East Providence), 

Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Providence), 

Rep. Susan Donovan (D-Bristol, Portsmouth), 

Rep. Kathy Fogarty (D-South Kingstown), 

Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Cranston), 

Rep. Katherine Kazarian (D-East Providence), 

Rep. Jason Knight (D-Barrington, Warren), Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Central Falls), Rep. Michael Morin (D-Woonsocket), 

Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D-Providence), 

Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Providence), 

Rep. Evan Shanley (D-Warwick), 

Rep. Scott Slater (D-Providence), 

Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-South Kingstown, Narragansett), and 

Rep. Moira Walsh (D-Providence).

Trump appointees have the common touch

For more cartoons by Jen Sorenson, CLICK HERE

At the Mystic Aquarium

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Pancakes with Penguins During this buffet-styled breakfast, you'll get the opportunity to meet one of our African penguins and take a selfie with the one and only Petey the Penguin! Get your tickets now for the Feb. 4 breakfast. Sales end 48 hours prior to the event date so get them before they sell out! Final Weekend in January Warm up with us this weekend for the final installment of Family Game Days and Trainer Days this month! Seal Splash Dip or donate, this is the coolest thing you'll do all year! Start fundraising now then join us Feb. 18 at Eastern Point beach. Tropical Sunsation Week Take a vacation from winter Feb. 18 - 26! Paradise awaits with live music, hula lessons, a beach party, colorful crafts and more. Valentine's Family Weekend at Mystic Aquarium      We have a weekend filled with sweet things for the young and young-at-heart! Visit Feb. 11 or 12 and get one free admission when you buy a full priced ticket to share with your Valentine. Once inside, pucker up and pose in our sweetheart's photo booth. Make a heart-shaped bird feeder with fruity cereal rings or craft a little love bug for your love. Guests can even meet with a poet who will write a personalized poem for a special someone.    Animal Spotlight: A Bond Beyond   The trainers and aquarists at Mystic Aquarium take great pride in the relationships they develop with the animals under their care. These bonds go beyond scientific study and enrichment, building relationships that have deeper meanings as witnessed by artist/ illustrator Rae Whiteley through the paintings featured in our new art exhibit, A Bond Beyond. Whiteley interned at Mystic Aquarium during the summer of 2016 with the intention of understanding and depicting these connections. The exhibit is currently on display at Mystic Aquarium and features 12 illustrations including Penguins Up Close, Teeth Brushing (right), Kela's Ultrasound, Eight Armed Hug, Charlotte and Backstage Training.  Unplug electronics when you are away including kitchen appliances, DVDs, TVs, and computers to save energy and money. These electronics, when plugged in, use up energy even when they are turned off. Special invites from our friends at  Bridal Expo at Mystic Aquarium Plan your entire wedding at Ocean Blue Catering's Bridal Expo Feb. 12! Meet with some of the area's premier wedding vendors and enter for your chance to walk away with a $15,000 wedding by Ocean Blue Catering! South African Wine Dinner Join us Feb. 18 for an exquisite multi-course meal featuring unique pairings of South African wines. Meet guests of honor, African penguins, and help support efforts to save the endangered species. Membership: Sea Change Unlimited visits are great. Free 4-D is quite a perk. Clean oceans are life-giving. The benefits of a Mystic Aquarium membership are far-reaching.  We seek change through conservation, education and research. You sea change with your membership. Click here to join now!  Mystic Aquarium's Corporate Sponsors  The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. www.MysticAquarium.org

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