Not Excused

Opinions differ on what influences people to a particular course (and whether free will even exists in a real sense). I incline strongly toward theories of it being a series of events and experiences—some unnoticed or apparently unconnected—that combine to create critical momentum. However, sometimes I look back and think that if I wanted to …

A Sprained Ankle of a Deal

After going into extra time, COP26 has produced a result. A result that has been cast as great or terrible by different sources. I'm still pondering the nuances but my immediate impression is that it's as good as falling from a second-storey window and spraining one's ankle. Imagine falling from the window, that hollow sensation …

The Friar’s Lantern by Greg Hickey

Hickey mixes theories of mind, characterful situations, and reader choice to produce a book that is both an interesting story and a blurred mirror on the reader’s free will. You are offered a place on a scientific study into whether human choices can be predicted a week in advance. You are a potential juror in …

Is a Vampire’s Castle His?

Law and popular culture are filled with examples of persons having total authority over their own property. Which raises the question whether a vampire requires permission to enter the house that they owned while a human. First, obviously, my thoughts are entirely hypothetical and not legal advice. Anyone considering vampirism should seek a specialist in …

The Legality of Being Seduced by a Vampire

Many people focus on the physical or moral risks of encountering a vampire: death, damnation, and so forth. And certainly do need to be considered. However, especially with the growth of vampires as romantic protagonists, there is another question that discerning students of darkness need to consider: is sex with a vampire necrophilia? With many …

Toxic Egotism

I'm fortunate enough not to have any allergies or intolerances that might kill me. However, that doesn't mean they aren't just someone else's problem. I read an article yesterday that complained about "no food please" rules for school events: the thesis was that children without allergies shouldn't have to have another pencil instead of some …

My Client Didn’t Do It, He Had Good Reason to Do It, and He Doesn’t Deserve to Be Punished

Earlier this morning, there was a thread in one of my social media digests about trespassing to save a pet. As is common on the internet, the conversation shifted back and forth, becoming more complex and diffuse as opinions on the reasonableness of certain behaviours mixed with opinions on their legality, and with opinions on …

Thoughts and Prayers

This captures my visceral reaction to the inertia in gun control legislation. https://youtu.be/u7ZfL-TOZO0 And, for those seeking my more reasoned thoughts: Prayer is a dialogue with a moral authority about improvement. Thought is a process of analysing and reasoning rather than blindly following instincts and emotions. So, true thoughts and prayers in response to an …

Mock Trial

There are two sorts of people in the world: people who are not involved in a legal proceedings, who think that the law is somewhat ridiculous; and people who are involved in legal proceedings, who think that the law is of the utmost seriousness. However, it can't be denied that there are sometimes cases that …

A Short Broadcast on Behalf of Engagement

Vote! Vote for the world you'd like. Vote for someone you trust to counter selfish policies. Even vote to keep another candidate out if that's what you choose. But vote. And remember, if your vote really were worthless, then you wouldn't lose anything by casting it.