Background sound


Here are some websites that provide background sounds for sleeping, working, or other sound-masking needs. They allow some customization of the sound; and they do not involve long-term streaming of MP3s (as this is an issue in many workplaces or for users with slow networks); they generate the sound within the browser, saving bandwidth. 
I'll update this list as I find other sites. 
  • SimplyNoise and SimplyRain  - be sure to check out all the controls besides the volume level; for example, in the Rain version, the Thunder button has multiple modes
     
  • Sound Sleeping - lets you choose from a variety of sounds and music loops
     
  • Buddha Machine Wall - make you own mix of loops
     
  • GoMix.It - see the Help button for more information
     
These next sites don't allow for much customization, but are still good:

The Psychopath Makeover - The Chronicle of Higher Education

" In a recent study by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, in London, 120 convicted street robbers were asked why they did it. The answers were revealing. Kicks. Spur-of-the-moment impulses. Status. And financial gain. In that order. "


Living With Voices

 "Then Hans joined a group of people like him who met once a week. They talked about their voices, and they were encouraged to talk back to them. They were even encouraged to negotiate with their voices."

Everything you need to know about palliative care

"It's the best solution for people facing serious, painful diseases, and introduces the very real possibility of living comfortably with such diseases for a very long time"

It's time to ban Christmas presents

"Giving to children is a joy but does everyone else need a gift too? This Christmas try adopting a brave new approach."

What the Hell Is Black Friday For?

"Whatever's at the root of Black Friday—whether it's economic desperation, familiar ritual, costly signaling, the thrill of the hunt—I can't escape the feeling that some part of this system isbroken. And we should fix it...by, uhhh...overhauling our entire nation, I guess. "

Temperatures Will Rise

"You know those mornings when winter finally waves its chilly fist in your face and you fumble for the alarm clock, knocking it off the night stand, and decide you're going to stay under the comfortable embrace of your covers for just a ..."

For me it happens on the other side, when I'm falling asleep.

Dieting just 2 days a week can spur weight loss

It doesn't say specifically in this article, but apparently the test was performed with two *consecutive* low-carb days per week. And from  http://jonnybowdenblog.com/low-carb-2-days-a-week/ :

“Just to clarify, during these two low-carb days, researchers allowed the two groups 50 grams of carbohydrate. They could eat one piece of fruit each day as well as non-starchy vegetables. I say this because studies fluctuate wildly over what they define as a low-carb diet.”

Bad Pharma: account of the bottomless corruption of the pharma industry is a stirring call to arms

"Bad Pharma is an exhaustive look at the corruption that infests every corner of the pharmaceutical industry, from drug trials to regulatory approval and oversight, to marketing and prescribing and followup research."






A Different Kind of Diversity: The Changing Face of Engineering Education

"In other words, responding to the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the coming century will take more than increased number of engineers. It will require a more diverse population of engineers."


Research Pinpoints Brain's 'Gullibility' Center

"Changes in this region could explain why seniors, children are less doubting"


The 'Busy' Trap

"It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: “Busy!” “So busy.” “Crazy busy.” It is, pretty obviously, a boast disguised as a complaint. "

Why Tragedies Result In Overreactions: 'Our Brains Aren't Very Good At Risk Analysis'

" It's not as if anyone truly aims to make the world worse post-tragedy, it's just that the human brain is more than happy to sabotage better rationale, thanks to its inherent limitations."

Jason Alexander on guns

"So the patriots are correct, gun ownership is in the constitution – if you’re in a well-regulated militia."

A Self-Made Man Looks At How He Made It

"I am eliding here; there are numerous people to whom I owe a debt for the work that they have done on my behalf or who have done something that has benefited me, who I am not calling out by name. Some of them know who they are; many of them probably don’t, because most of them haven’t met me."

How I traveled for free with the comforts of home

"Free, low-key, and lets us vacation while having the use of a kitchen and a local's expertise on the neighborhood. The way it works is basically like a dating website for homes.
  1. You put up your profile. Include info about bedrooms, your neighborhood, wi-fi, etc.
  2. Find people that live where you want to vacation.
  3. Send those people an e-mail, offering up your house in exchange for as long as you feel.
  4. Hope that they accept.
  5. Work out how you'll exchange keys, if you want to exchange cars, and if you'll switch computers.
  6. Get packing!"

Man Therapy, A Humorous Interactive Suicide Prevention Site for Men

"While the site is laden with macho humor, it is actually a Colorado-based suicide prevention campaign directed specifically at men. "

Did Bible study and anti-drug vow cause Miami cannibal attack?

How Can I Avoid Getting Screwed When Selling on Craigslist?

"There are definitely concerns when it comes to selling an item on Craigslist, but you don't want to be too paranoid about what could go wrong. Although bad things have happened on the site, it's hard to name a place on the internet where someone hasn't taken advantage of another person. With a little savvy and caution, you can easily sell on Craigslist without getting yourself into trouble."

video: Stupidity Captured At 2500 Frames Per Second

"Super slow motion highlights from Danish TV show 'Dumt & Farligt'"'
This one is worth watching full-screen.

Stuart Jeffries on the revival of the exclamation mark

"Exclamation marks used to be frowned upon. Now look what's happened! We use them all the time! Hurrah!!! But what is it about the age of email that gets people so over-excited?"

The comments are very good as well.

Food Poisoning's Hidden Legacy

"Most people think of foodborne illness as an unpleasant few days of fever and diarrhea, but for some there may be lifelong consequence"

The Power of Introverts – TED 2012 Talk by Susan Cain

"Susan Cain gave a great talk at TED 2012 about her experiences with others (along with her own choices) regarding her introverted nature while growing up and into adulthood. This is a talk well worth watching for those of us who are introverted and those who seek to understand others who are introverted."

What Do I Need to Do After Losing My Wallet?

A couple of times a year I scan everything in my wallet (front and back) to a PDF and keep it in my documents folder.

Jon Stewart and the Daily Show on Cable News

New report reveals how corporations undermine science with fake bloggers and bribes

"...learn about how Monsanto hired a public relations team to invent fake people who harassed a scientific journal online, how Coca Cola offers bribes to suppress evidence that soft drinks harm kids' teeth, and more. Here are some of the most egregious recent examples of corruption from this must-read report."

What everyone should know about Painting Perfect Lines

For painting walls/sections a different color (or for painting stripes).

Melismatic Vocals

Like most things, great in moderation.

Low IQ & Conservative Beliefs Linked to Prejudice

"Low-intelligence adults tend to gravitate toward socially conservative ideologies, the study found. Those ideologies, in turn, stress hierarchy and resistance to change, attitudes that can contribute to prejudice, Hodson wrote in an email to LiveScience."

The 5 Stupidest Habits You Develop Growing Up Poor

Caution: filled with needless swear words (but still a great article).

What You Should Know About 2012: Answers to 13 Questions

To wrap up: anything to do with the Mayan calendar and the end of the world is not true.