Why nobody reads
August 31, 2009 by Chris Hallquist
Filed under social and literary criticism
For a long time, I’ve been aware of statistics saying that a huge portion of the American population hasn’t read a book in years–maybe not since leaving school. How the hell could this be? Books have been central to my life from a young age, so I just didn’t get it. But yesterday, while reading [...]
Continue Reading »Inside the twisted minds of politicians
August 27, 2009 by Chris Hallquist
Filed under mind, politics
Wilkinson:
I too find it hard to get inside the heads of politicians, and I don’t find rational choice assumptions very illuminating in this regard. By insisting that politicians are motivated by considerations no different than businessmen or anybody else, public choice economists have helped slay the pernicious myth that politicians are generally warmly other-regarding public [...]
Nice profile of Randi
August 26, 2009 by Chris Hallquist
Filed under James Randi, people
Does everyone reading this blog know who James Randi is? Nevermind, whether or not you do, you have to read this profile of him from the Miami New Times. Has some colorful bits about Randi’s life that I wasn’t aware of before–among them touring with Alice Cooper. Via PodBlack Cat.
Continue Reading »A reminder that torture is bad
August 25, 2009 by Chris Hallquist
Filed under ethics, philosophy, politics
Glen Greenwald, via Will Wilkinson:
(1) The fact that we are not really bothered any more by taking helpless detainees in our custody and (a) threatening to blow their brains out, torture them with drills, rape their mothers, and murder their children; (b) choking them until they pass out; (c) pouring water down their throats to [...]
Irenland: “We’re outlawing blasphemy, but it’s not like we’ll prosecute anyone”
August 24, 2009 by Chris Hallquist
Filed under religion, stupidity
This is worrisome:
DUBLIN — The Irish government plans to bring into force a new law in October that critics say is a return to medieval justice.
The legislation, aimed at providing judges with clear direction on the 1937 Constitution’s blasphemy prohibition, imposes a fine of up to 25,000 euros – about $39,000 – for anyone who [...]