Killing fields as Sacred Grounds. Kathleen Ramsland, a professor of forensic psychology and prolific writer, claims that many serial murderers stake out killing fields, which often become burying fields as well. They reveal their pathological need for control when they feel violated upon discovering that one of their victim’s remains has been found and removed by authorities. Ramsland describes a case that fascinated people around Manchester, England, where I spent sabbaticals … [Read more...]
Systemic Discrimination, the Catholic Church, and Cardinal Schonborn.
Of late, we've heard a great deal about systemic discrimination and racism in the US. Via the Black Lives Matter movement, we've been sensitized to systemic discrimination in police departments and other agencies of the criminal justice systems. But many have alleged there's systemic discrimination and institutional racism in corporations, universities, and religious institutions as well. I've written many blogs about discrimination, and one recent example is here. But I haven't written … [Read more...]
White Privilege and BLM (Black Lives Matter) – explained.
White privilege and BLM collided a couple of days ago. President Donald Trump's home and signature building, Trump Tower, got tagged. None other than Democrat Mayor of New York City, Bill deBlasio (tall guy in blue shirt below), helped paint Black Lives Matter on the street in front of Trump's home. Republicans thought the tag job was bush league, but Democrats felt it wonderful that what started in Washington, D.C. a while back had made it to Trump's … [Read more...]
“Just Mercy” author addresses issues raised by George Floyd’s death.
In my last blog, I passed along a progressive black man's take on the massive George Floyd protests. It was written by a Harvard Law grad who is a proponent of nonviolence. I'm giving time in today's blog to a moderate black man's take on the issue of racism raised by the protests. Attorney Bryan Stevenson, also a Harvard Law grad, is having a bit of a moment. The movie of his book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption has just been released. It stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, … [Read more...]
Bias against women explored by Bombshell. Does it do #MeToo justice?
Over two years ago, the flood gates of the #MeToo movement starkly revealed the predation, bias and discrimination women still face in workplaces. The first accusations against Harvey Weinstein transformed a small hashtag enterprise started by a lone black woman into #meToo today...and helped bring about Bombshell. In the movie Nicole Kidman plays former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, and Charlize Theron portrays superstar anchor and personality, Megyn Kelly. Margot Robbie is a … [Read more...]
Could AI fight cyberbullying or ID suicidal depressives?
If you’re at all like me, it’s hard enough to keep a coupla digital gadgets working. Just ordered a new Mighty Mouse for my tired desktop and found I had to search among antiques on Ebay. My new refurbished buddy isn’t even a Magic Mouse, but does the trick. So when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), I’m at the mercy of doubters (no such thing yet) along the spectrum to the Cassandras (it’s already ending democracy, the world as we know it.) I DO suspect, that AI’s why I’ve … [Read more...]
Crime – Serial Killer – Tutorial – Intro, Definitions, Myths.
Writers, esp those writing true-crime books, are often drawn to serial killer stories. And so are everyday people since these stories both horrify and fascinate us frequently. As a service to my fellow writers, I'm providing another tutorial. This one deals with the facts and the myths of serial killers. Hopefully, writers will find them useful for their writing. And other readers may just find them interesting. Some facts. Serial killings account for very few of all murders committed in … [Read more...]