Study finds arguments more logical the louder you yell them > This and similar tactics make for a stronger argument overall, according to researchers Jessica Berget Opinions Editor Comms the correlation between a speaker's volume and the probability of being right, a fascinating new study done by the National Speech and Debate Association has found that the validity of one’s argument does not depend on logic or reason but rather the shrillness of one’s voice. “Our research has indicated that all it takes to win an argument, or a debate, is to shout your position with an ear-deafening intensity,’ said speech researcher Ginger Megatron nostalgic for glory days Aile. “It turns out being the loudest one in the conversation, no matter if you're right or wrong, is a great way to strengthen your position. It also helps if you don't listen to anything your opponent is saying or give them the chance to speak.” As per this study, researchers have also discovered other ways to aid in making a stronger argument. They found that insulting your opponent’s intelligence, using racial slurs, immediately negating everything they say, bringing up the opponent’s age or maturity level, or simply using your gender as a counter-argument are sure- fire ways to make convincing assertions. “After a handful of case studies, we found that once someone mentioned their gender as a counterpoint in their argument, they were seen to be much more persuasive,” said Dr. Ken Pepper, the leader of this study. “For example, when you are in the middle of an argument, stating ‘I’m a man, or ‘I’m a woman, so I think I know what I’m talking about, will make you sound like you know exactly what you are talking about, even if your gender has nothing to do with the conversation.” Researchers also found that providing of transforming into a gun > In today’s complex world, Decepticon leader longs to be a pistol again Greg Waldock Web Editor Meee leaned back in his armchair and took a long, deep inhale from his metal cigar. As he blew out the smoke, he looked at the photographs along his mantlepiece— battles with dear old Optimus, trying and failing to crush the puny humans, yet another failed Starscream usurping. Allin bright gaudy colours, all with nondescript and generic backgrounds. Those were the good times. Megatron’s diabolical living room was decorated with memorabilia from his past, a shrine to the old days of the Transformers before the shift to a darker, edgier conflict. “I just miss the simplicity of all that,” the Decepticon leader said. “Us and the Autobots, some weakling humans running around, all fun and games.” He lovingly brushed the dust off a large arm-mounted fusion cannon mounted on the wall. “You've seen the films,” he said. “I've been a jet recently, of all things. Undignified for one such as me. Now this...” He gestured towards a photograph taking a central position on the mantle, showing Starscream pointing a laser pistol off-camera and laughing maniacally. “This is the Decepticon life that I miss. See that pistol? That was me. I turned into a mighty and conveniently- sized gun in those days, to be wielded by my faithful second-in-command.” Megatron said this last part with a laugh, remembering all the times he brutally dismembered Starscream for betraying him yet again. I had been invited into Megatron’s home to help him remember and record his times during the halcyon days of yore. The 1980s were a simpler time for everyone. The alien robot spent many hours waxing poetic in his living room, a warm and friendly place with welcoming black spires and comforting dark purple lighting. A classic of modern Decepticon décor, I’m sure. Today, Megatron was mostly fixated on the transformations in his life. “I spent some time as a glorious battle-tank in the early days of the Cybertronian war,” he said. “A frivolous exercise, as my fusion cannon was more than enough for any pathetic Autobot who dared oppose me, but it allowed a certain style.” He gestured around the room, which also included = Cu WOW MUSICSO LOUD THAT EVERYONE AROUND HEM CAN LUN a SSK, TT — ; AO, OH, THAT ANNOYS MESO MUCHE JUS WATT UNTIL [GET HOME, I’M GOING anecdotal evidence for something that did not happen to you, you have no evidence for, or you think you read something about (on a YouTube comment once, youre not sure, but you're going to use it as a fact for your case anyway) is another great way to strengthen your point. Furthermore, getting personally offended by your opponent’s argument, especially when it does not concern you, is also one way to make your point more convincing. However, despite all these tips, it turns out the most important way to appear logical in an argument is to walk away and do it later. a large statue of himself stepping on Optimus Prime’s corpse and thrusting a sword into the sky. “As you can see, I usually shy away from the dramatic.” A communicator’s siren broke his reverie. He sighed deep. “That worthless bug Bumblebee is causing mischief once more. How I long for the days of Ironhide and Grimlock. Even old Ratchet knew how to be intimidating.” He shook his head and began mobilizing his forces in an uncharacteristic monotone. Before he departed, he bowed low to me and gave one last loving gaze at the bright colours and audacious, garish transformations on display in the photographs on his mantle. “What I wouldn't give for Starscream to fail me for the last time, once again...” Hhe lumbered out of the room, transformed into a ragged and formless jet, and blasted off into the sky, leaving me ina locked cage sitting in a room full of nostalgia and just one thought: God, his voice used to be so damn shrill. i YOU AND [ HAVE SO eZ}! TO DRAW AMINE COMIC ABOUT THIS! , A v MUCH IN COMMON. Nuclear Jackal Very Hard No. 402 5 8 6 aN co) NO 8 3 9 August Issue’s Solutions: W) O01, MM || CT) RIN N]}O/| CPR) O1 GPM) +) NM] &)/ +P | N | OO] OT] | BH) | MO!) OO MO)! N on DO) NN) Oy—|w;)/ BRIO) oO)]M M/W) OO M)/ NIH) oO) +/D/ QO); BR) GOIN] Mh) 0 O1/ NM | RIN) OO) —=7 OD) @|o CO) OO) Ni} Oo) | MPR) OT) + -rella. R E D c E D A R O;/2Z/-|S/O/;/r|]r |v o|;al|mi/rl|r|mi|Aloa <|/Ci|m/2;r/s]/c;r © 2018 Syndicated Puzzles Weekly Crossword: Back to School By Caroline Ho, Assistant Editor ACROSS 1. Circle dance 5. Unit of energy (abbr.) 8. Rowboat implments 12. Shooting star 13. Frozen H20 14. Schemes 16. Early afternoon hour (wd. + abbr.) 17. Schedule 19. Bakery item 20. Job security for many professors 21. Shady tree 22. Proselytize 24. Patterns on graph paper 26. College-level high school class (abbr.) 27. Tablet pen 29. GA's northern neighbour 4 30. River through the Czech Republic and Germany 32. Largest continent 34. Knight's suit 36. Decays 39. Highest academic degree 41. Feels unwell 42. Educational unit usually lasting one semester 44. Alexa's Apple counterpart 46. Between Soprano and Tenor 47. Opposite SE 49. Astrological sign 53. Equivalent of cc 54. Say 57. Rang out 59. Green prefix 61. Turn the key again 63. West African nation 64. First Monday of September (2 wds.) 66. Pome fruit 67. Decreases in speed 68. Typographic units 69. Public transit vehicles 7o. Loaned 71. Alphabetic sequence after Q 72. ___-friendly ..and remember I’m here if you have any questions. DOWN 1. Academic distinctions: Graduating with __ (US sp.) 2. Eggy breakfast meal 3. Watch a video again 4. Money dispenser (abbr.) 5. Refer to 6. Getting full marks ona test 7. Madagascan primates 8. Chose g. In the style of (2 wds.) 10. Judge's garb u. Course outline 12. Big business (abbr.) 15. Marine Cops motto: "__ Fi” 18. Heather plant genus 20. Ergo 25. Prefix meaning "half" 28. Drink slowly 31. "Ha ha" internet abbr. 33. Contented sighs 35. Elevate 36. Attendance taking 37. Not in 38. Pants, slangily 4o. Brief downturn 42. Desert-dwelling ungulate 43. Danger 45. Like ready-to-eat fruit 48. Joiner of metals 50. College areas 51. Pass, as time 52. Buyer's counterpart 55. Have faith in 56. Wanders 58. Day of wrath: "__ irae" 60. Woodwind instrument 62. Fluid-filled sac 65. Possess 66.__ Dhabi Nova