Things I Learned this Week: HodgePodge for Sept. 6

​How the British learned we dumped them, why we get ideas in the shower, what it was like to work with Stanley Kubrick and more in this back-to-school edition of HodgePodge.

Slow news days

News today spreads more or less instantly, but how quickly did news of the American Declaration of Independence reach England? The Journal of the American Revolution takes a look through some news archives to find out.

Rinse. Lather. Eureka!

Mental Floss explores why we get our best ideas in the shower. My theory is that it’s the only time we look away from Facebook long enough to string two thoughts together.

How he learned to stop worrying

What was it like to be a production designer for one of the most meticulous directors in the history of cinema? Well, for Sir Ken Adams, working with Stanley Kubrick on Dr. Strangelove was enough to make him seek psychological treatment.

Let me Google that for you

The office candy jar can be awfully tempting, especially if your employer provides the snacks. But what can a company do that wants to encourage employees to be more healthy without hurting the office culture? If you’re Google, you start by collecting and analyzing data.

Your kids are just a click away

Student information software is becoming ubiquitous in schools around the country, allowing parents to monitor their kids’ grades and attendance online. The Atlantic wonders if it’s a good thing.

Follow us on Twitter or subscribe to our blog to make sure you don’t miss next week’s edition.