Is there any truth to the proposition that paranormal phenomena are real? If so, in what way? Is there more to this world than just atoms and the void? And does science have all the answers? We discuss these issues.
Podcast
The Legal Merits Of The Michelle Carter “Texting Suicide” Appeal (Podcast)
In this podcast (a companion piece to my article posted here yesterday), we discuss the legal merits of Michelle Carter’s appeal of her involuntary manslaughter conviction in the notorious “texting suicide” trial.
What were the relevant issues in the case?
Was the conviction proper?
What is the likelihood of the conviction surviving appellate review?
How To Deal With The “Dirtbag Shuffle” (Podcast)
Our society seems to be producing more dirtbags than ever before. They’re everywhere, and they love to seek out people to take advantage of. We discuss how to spot a dirtbag, and how to deal with the common games (the “dirtbag shuffle”) that dirtbags love to play. The only person who cares about you is you, and knowing a few key points will help you protect yourself from their connivance and trickery.
Never Sleep On Your Rights (Podcast)
When you are faced with a serious problem or issue, you need to spring into action to deal with it. Anyone who “sleeps on his rights,” and thinks the problem will go away by ignoring it, is in for a rude awakening. The “dirtbag shuffle” never works in the real world. Legal rights, once constructively waived, can be very difficult to reassert later. This is the basis of the legal theory of laches.
The Loss Of Memory And Attention (Podcast)
As individuals and as a society, we are steadily losing our long-term memories. Endless stimulation and “choices” have nearly turned us into the protagonist in the film Memento (2000), whose memory-loss condition puts him at the mercy of others’ manipulations. Rote memorization–unfairly maligned by modern educators–has its merits, and deserves a reconsideration.
We Can’t Expect Too Much From People (Podcast)
One big frustration we can experience in life is having unrealistic expectations of other people. That is, we can want people to behave in ways that are just not within their desires or capabilities. What is the best way to deal with this? We use the example of the humanist Petrarch’s strained relationship with his son.
Julius Caesar’s Speech To The Senate In “The Conspiracy Of Catiline” (Podcast)
This podcast is a reading and commentary on the speech of Julius Caesar found in Sallust’s “Conspiracy of Catiline.” Caesar’s address to the senate made important points about the value of precedent, leniency, and how abuses of power can follow from seemingly good intentions.
