This week’s ARTICLE focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) 6-3 decision to overturn a Federal Appeals Court decision to throw out the jury’s death sentence for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the two brothers responsible for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which led to the deaths of three spectators and a police officer.

The Federal Appeals Court had ruled that the trial court erred in its handling of media publicity before the trial. The Appeals Court had ordered a new sentencing trial (note this didn’t mean that Tsarnaev would be aquitted or release; rather it merely meant that his death sentence could be changed to life in prison). The Federal Government asked SCOTUS to reinstate the trail court’s death sentence. SCOTUS reinstated the death sentence of the jury in the trial court.

Just to be clear, the article focuses on the question of Tsarnaev’s punishment: life in prison or death sentence). I found it interesting how President Biden’s administration characterized its stance on the situation (horrible act, but questions use of death penalty, etc.)

The use of Capital Punishment is an ancient argument. And I’m not going to rehash it here. I will say we are one of only a few industrialized nations that still uses it. I guess one important key for me is whether or not we (as a nation) want to kill human beings for killing. Again, I’m aware that this is a pretty simplistic manner in which to condense a VERY complex topic, but hey, it’s my blog:)

Thoughts?

This week’s topic (click HERE) focuses on the Ethan Crumbley case from the state of Michigan. Recall, he’s the 15-year old who killed four and injured six students and a teacher at a Michigan high school.

There’s alot about this case that is sad and interesting, but I’d like to focus on the recent news that a judge recently ruled that Ethan’s parents can stand trial for the death (involuntary manslaughter) of the 4 students killed by their son. Here’s my interest: Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult for the murders. Does this mean that the court has found that he could in fact make his own decisions? If so, then where does that leave his parents? The court has also charged them with at least contributing in the deaths (due to their lack of parental supervision, etc.). Of course there’s alot of “legal wrangling” going on here, but it does (I think) make for interesting conversation. Thoughts?

This week’s VIDEO focuses on a writing program for women in the Oklahoma State Prison system, which currently holds the highest female incarceration rate in the USA. In one of my courses we’ve been talking about the correctional goals of retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. Although we’ve been studying these goals individually, I’ve long said that thankfully our justice system utilizes all the above simultaneously with positive results (sometimes).

Check out the video and give me your thoughts.

There will not be a post the week of Feb 13

This week’s topic is a VIDEO focusing on climate change and what we can/can’t and should/shoudn’t do to help. Another disclaimer: this subject is one that I’m only recently becoming more passionate. For most of my years, it’s one that I simply didn’t think about. I think my recent (last 3-4 years) interest in camping, hiking, and just nature in general, has sparked an interest in the topic.

Two points:

1. Rights v Duties

I love when the man in the video talks about how all our current conversations revolve around RIGHTS. My right to freedom, etc. But where is the discussion about what DUTIES each of us have to care for one another, the environment, etc. To me, we get so consumed with “getting ours” that we leave no room for taking care of other things.

Whose footprint is most important?

Individual issues as societal problems – This video shows the importance of understaning the ways in which societal structures control big parts of society. YES, it IS important for each of us to do what we can to solve social problems (crime, poverty, environment, etc.); however, the reality is that much of the change we seek will only come from the top down. In other words, we as a society must work together to force change within the larger structures in society.

Thoughts?

I’m sure that this week’s post will not appeal to the majority of you, but hey, it’s my blog, right? The beginning of each semester, especially week’s 2 and 3 are stressful for me. The first week of class is introductions, many students add my class late, and everyone is getting their books for classes.

Weeks 2 and 3 are when everything revs up. Full lectures, quizzes, etc. And even though I’ve successfully taught for 16 years now, I still have anxiety, especially during these weeks. This has been especially true since the pandemic took us out of the classroom. On top of that, I also wasn’t on campus last fall, as I was on sabbatical. This means that I haven’t been teaching INSIDE a real classroom in almost 3 years (I get a little heart palpitation even as I type these words).

People deal with anxiety in lots of ways. Some positive, others not so much:( Today’s ARTICLE focuses on an attorney who deals with the same types of anxiety as I often do, especially early in the semester: speaking in front of people. The article focuses on mindfulness and there are some great nuggets here so I hope you’ll give it a read (or maybe two). Our ability to “test” thoughts we may be having (I’m going to fail in my presentation today, which will mean I’m a failure”) and determine if they are in fact true is key. The other nice section is the manner in which we respond to negative thoughts, fears, etc. Our tendency is to quickly react, which creates all sorts of problems. This isn’t the way it has to be, however. The extent to which we can create space in between those thoughts (I’m going to do poorly and thus I’m a failure) and how we react to them offers the opportunity to not allow anxiety to rule the moment.

Anyway, I know that most of you reading this rarely have anxiety, but it’s always a helpful reminder for me.

Thoughts?

Full disclosure: my wife and I do not have children. We made the decision numerous years ago that we’d just do the cat and dog, not human type.

I’ve always said the reason we decided not to have children was because we were selfish. We wanted to do what we wanted, when we wanted, etc. I’m currently 51 years old and have not regretted the decision (nor has my wife). Not yet;)

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A POST FOR OR AGAINST HAVING CHILDREN

Interestingly, two individuals recently weighed in on this subject and I’d like to highlight them. The first was the Pope (see article) who claimed that couples who chose not to have children (but dogs and cats instead) “take some of our humanity away from us, and nations can suffer from this.” One of his points obviously refers to the problem that many nations are experiencing as birth rates are down, which COULD turn out to be a problem for nations.

The second is from Thelma Sutcliffe, the oldest person in the US who recently died at 115 years of age (see article). Thelma credited her long life to “the fact that she never had children, never smoked and believed strongly in never worrying about anything.” Now I think I would have liked Thelma, especially since the last thing she credited her long to was “never worrying about anything” which, in my opinion, is some GREAT advice. IF ONLY I COULD CONSISTENTLY DO IT.

Obviously having children is a person choice and one in which many undergraduate students won’t seriously consider for several more years. And look, children are great. I love spending time with my nephew and niece.

Thoughts?

Check back here this Sunday for my first weekly post of the spring 2022 semester!

Alex and I lost Sutton yesterday. The grief we are experiencing is still raw, as the loss was unexpected and too soon. We were laying with him when he passed, which was bitter sweet. I’m so glad we were there. As I sit in my study this morning, I wanted to write down some thoughts about this chunk of our lives that, in some ways, disappeared yesterday. So I decided to write it in the form of a note to Sutton.

Dear Sutton or “Shbeing,”

We had the privilege of adopting you over 8 years ago. You were a little over 2 years old when fate brought us together. We adopted you in Lake Zurich, IL, a fairly forgettable city, except for you. At the time, we still had Champ and Finn, our two golden retrievers. Champ was up in age and having considerable physical troubles so we wanted to have a friend for Finn, as we didn’t know how much longer Champ would be with us.

I’ll always remember two things the day we adopted you. The first was how beautiful you were. Yeah, I know you never bragged about your good looks, but those who met you will back me up on this. First, you were so big. I’ll admit that I was quite intimidated when I first approached you. And your beautiful white, brown, black markings…just beautiful. The second thing I’ll never forget was how the woman who was fostering you cried when you got in our truck. I distincly remember her saying, “He’s just such a special dog.” She was sure right. You were special.

That said, your split personality took some getting used to. Yes Sutton, you had a split personality. Our first couple of months in Delavan were memorable, if not a bit worrisome. You were extremely barky (this never stopped) and were VERY territorial of ANYTHING walking within 40 yards of our property (never stopped). I remember being concerned at the thought of taking you to CO that summer, as we hoped you woudn’t act similarly in Grand Lake where there would be tons of people walking around daily. Our fears dissolved when we realized that you were a tedd bear as soon as you drove away from our home. You showed everyone love while they oohed and aahed over you. You were arguably the most popular dog in Grand Lake in the summer for years. And definitely a “Gentle Giant.”

You were such a lover. You know you’re buddy Niles, one of our cats will miss you. You and he were such buddies, although I’d say you tolerated him well sometimes when he’d annoy you. Of course Fraser, our other cat will miss you too. I must tell you that Axel, your neighbor dog friend sat by the fence last night staring toward your trolley, seemingly waiting for you to come outside. And your two girlfriend dogs next door will miss you as well. We will certainly miss seeing you out on the trolley toward the back of our house standing guard or mayby just talking with Axel and your girlfriends. Probably a bit of both.

Sutton I want you thank your for enriching our lives. I know we treated you like a king during our time together, but we were the lucky ones. I hope I never forget the following things about you: (1) The way you would nonchalantly mosey into the kitchen with those sad eyes whenever anyone took the plastic wrap off of a piece of sliced cheese; (2) Your “I want to go outside” dance (Click HERE to watch); (3) Your fear of bad weather; (4) Your dislike of the postman; and (5) Your love of people and other animals.

Thanks again for the enriching our lives!

Sunday wrapped up my 3rd week social distancing. Alex and I haven’t traveled anywhere since March 28th.

Still spending alot of time getting caught up and with working remotely. I’m not near as envious of people who work remotely now that I’m doing it. I am learning how to better divide my work and personal life though. Alex and I have been drinking coffee at David’s Speakeasy (my basement study) and Paul’s Porch Coffeehouse (our enclosed back porch). And then she, and Fraser have been meeting me at my office (David’s Speakeasy after 430 pm) at lunch as well.

Decided to use Instacart.com to have my groceries delivered. Was supposed to receive our first order ($132) this past Sunday, but they never came. Emailed my shopper and he sent me a picture of my groceries sitting by my front door (see below)

HOWEVER, anyone that has been to my house or knows the address and enters it into Google Maps will see that the image below is a picture of my front porch:

Soo, unfortunately I did not receive my groceries and haven’t received any contact from Instacart since. Yesterday I contacted my bank and filed a dispute so there’s that:)

Anyway, that is frustrating, but it’s nothing and I’m still grateful for many things (job, wife, technology, pets, family) and I’ll get some groceries sooner or later (not sure it will be from Instacart). Maybe the people at the other house above needed them more than us.