The Mafia. The name alone conjures shadowy images of underworld activity – debts and allegiances, honor and respect, family, power, and death. Add to that the popular cinematic exploits of Hollywood Mafioso as portrayed by Brando, De Niro, Pacino et al, and there is a romanticism associated with ‘the men of honor’ that is difficult […]
Continue readingPublic Stoning Iranian courts still order public stonings, and those sentenced are often severely whipped before they are stoned. Women are buried up to their necks before a stoning. If convicted of adultery, Iranian law requires the stones not be too big or too small so that the probable death is not merciful or prolonged. […]
Continue readingPaul of Tarsus Saul of Tarsus, a.k.a. Paul the Apostle, Paul of Tarsus [?-65 c.e.] was a Hellenistic Jew and student of Gamaliel the Elder who served as enforcer for the Pharisaic Sanhedrin against the apostate Christian sect following the crucifixion of Jesus. Around 33 c.e. he experienced a dramatic conversion experience while on the […]
Continue readingAfter scouring book reviews and Wikipedia, a list of the Top Ten Best Apocalyptic Novels was born. The books on this list take you down the darkest paths in uncivilized worlds, from cannibalistic gangs to vampire infected corpses. If this list doesn’t get you thinking on the quickest way stock your basement full of water, […]
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…For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is a question of cubic capacity, " said he; "a man with so large a brain must have something in it. " … Sherlock Holmes – The Adventure of the Blue […]
Continue readingEver since the term ‘subliminal advertising’ was coined in the 1950s, the idea of advertisements with hidden messages that can influence us without our conscious understanding has captivated the popular imagination. If adverts can steer us toward a particular product through surreptitiously placed words or images designed to be absorbed at a subconscious level, how […]
Continue readingPsychology is the study of the human mind and mental processes in relation to human behaviors – human nature. Due to its subject matter, psychology is not considered a ‘hard’ science, even though psychologists do experiment and publish their findings in respected journals. Some of the experiments psychologists have conducted over the years reveal things […]
Continue readingTreadmills are an excellent way to improve the fitness and health of beginners to advanced athletes. They provide a safe and comfortable way to get an intense jogging or walking workout that is easier on the joints. While treadmills are a good choice for anyone interested in exercising, they come with such a variety of […]
Continue readingAtheism is generating quite a lot of attention these days. Prominent atheists are getting the word out about their views in increasing numbers and generating lots of public debate on the proper place of religion in governments and societies in the modern world. And now more than ever, atheists have been able to network together […]
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