• Afternoon Inquisition 11.26.08

    Stage hypnotists do dramatic shows in which they claim to put audience members into a trance, and often perform embarrassing activities (e.g., bark like a dog) of which they are not aware. It’s similar to a magic show, except the practitioner claims that the magic is real. Others claim hypnosis can ease excruciating pain, or help one stop smoking. The…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 11.12.08

    Today’s AI concerns the tragic brain-death of 12-year-old Motl Brody, who lost a six-month battle with cancer, and is currently being kept alive by a respirator and drugs that keep his heart beating. Motl’s brain has ceased to function and begun to decompose. Doctors have determined his condition as “beyond a persistent vegetative state” – that means worse than Terri…

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  • Election Superstitions

    Happy Halloween! The virtual juxtaposition of Halloween and election day affords me the irresistable opportunity to write about…election superstitions. Considering the critical state of our nation and the importance of the upcoming election, it is understandable that people from all walks of life may be engaging in superstitious activity. Thanks to Matt Hutson, from Psychology Today for emailing me this…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 10.29.08

    Many find psychological solace in religion. The tenets offer a tangible moral code, and answers to life’s toughest questions, such as: – Why am I here? – What happens when I die/when my loved ones die? – Will those who get away with wrongdoing on earth ever be brought to justice? And often people equate this alleged peace of mind…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 10.22.08

    In the 1950s, approximately 7,500 children were believed to have mental disorders that required medication. Today, one in ten children has been diagnosed with an attention disorder and prescribed stimulants for treatment. And this figure doesn’t include kids that have been prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics, or sedatives. In total, about 1,000 times more kids are on medication for mental disorders than…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 10.15.08

    “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” “Don’t gossip with friends; it only tells them that you’ll also talk behind their back.” Proverbs or bad advice? It’s true that gossip can be hurtful, petty, and even demeaning. But, according to this article in Scientific American MIND, it is also a useful part of our…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 10.8

    The controversy surrounding vaccines is rife with BS.  Some people believe that the MMR vaccine (among others) causes autism, and others claim that the HPV vaccine advocates teen sex.  These reasons are not sufficient to reject the practice of vaccination.  Vaccines are an achievement of medical science and have unquestionably done a lot of good, eradicating diseases like smallpox and polio.  But should…

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  • Afternoon Inquisition 10.1

    So…this week we’ve discussed the legalization of marijuana and the boundaries of feminism.  Let’s take on prostitution. It’s consensual sex.  Both parties agree to the terms.  They’re not hurting anyone else.  How can this be illegal? On the other hand, would the legalization of prostitution prevent the courts from nailing related criminals that are committing offensive acts?  Or would it allow health…

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