Year: 2007

  • CRIME AND PUNISHMENT DEPT.

    A Disheartening Reminder of Human Depravity

    Yesterday I was moving some boxes into my new rental storage locker. As I went to get a cart to haul the boxes, I once again saw all the signs asking us not to steal the carts. It’s a realistic concern. I’m moving out of my old storage locker because people stole all the carts… Read more

  • LEGAL DEPT.

    Forensic Testing and the Single Experimenter

    In a post a few weeks ago, I pointed out that Mississippi dentist Dr. Michael West, a bite mark analyst who often gives expert testimony in criminal trials, isn’t much of a scientist. I based my conclusion on Radley Balko’s Reason article, which included this description of West’s methodology: But even in an already imprecise… Read more

  • POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPT.

    Rudy Giuliani Explains Freedom

    I think Rudy Giuliani may well be the most authoritarian of the mainstream presidential candidates. The man loves power too much. Here he is in a speech from 1994, before 9/11 made people forget what an ass he is: We look upon authority too often and focus over and over again, for 30 or 40… Read more

  • GOOD NEWS DEPT.

    Congratulations Mirriam and Drue!

    Mirriam at Not Guilty finally gave birth to her twins—two baby boys! I don’t know the details, but I know she had a hard time getting pregnant and went through IVF hell to do it. Then, when it was time to get the babies out, she had to have a Caesarean section. It all sounds… Read more

  • TELEVISION DEPT.

    Californication – A Review

    When I saw that an advance copy of the new Showtime series Californication was availble on Netflix, I had mixed feelings. A comedy starring David Duchovny could be really good. He’s proven his comedic chops on The Larry Sanders Show and he brought some humor to his role on The X-Files as well. Plus, advanced… Read more