Quintus Curtius

In this podcast we give short reviews of five movies I've seen recently:

Hell or High Water (2016)

Life (2017)

Son of a Gun (2014)

Black Snow (2017)

Michael Clayton (2007)

A reader who is doing volunteer work says he's feeling underappreciated and taken advantage of in his work. He wants to know to maintain his focus and positivity, and at the same protect himself from being used. We discuss some strategies and insights.

In this podcast we talk about Denis Villenueve's new film, the visually dazzling "Blade Runner 2049."  In conception and execution, this film accomplishes the rare feat of being a sequel that is entirely worthy of its original.  We'll give a few reasons why this movie is worth a careful viewing, and why I think it is a triumph of cinematic art.

In this podcast, we discuss some questions about the role of "Adrastia" or "Nemesis," the ancient goddess of retribution. We also talk about the redemptive power of struggle as the theme of the compelling 2011 film "The Grey."

What is the motive behind North Korea's belligerent behavior? Who is pulling the strings in the background? And what is the best way to resolve this situation? We discuss the power realities in East Asia and explore some options for the United States at home and abroad.

The Italian astronomer Galileo was examined by the Inquisition for heresy in 1633. At issue was his advocacy of the heliocentric (sun-centered) view of the solar system. What was the significance of the trial, and what were the motivations of the participants?

Is there any truth to the proposition that paranormal phenomena are real? If so, in what way? Is there more to this world than just physical material? And does science have all the answers?

We discuss these issues.

This podcast accompanies my most recent article. In it, we explore two additional dimensions of the "plutocratic conspiracy": the techno-palaces of the global elite, and the creeping confiscation of public lands by private actors. The end result of these two trends is to accelerate already destabilizing wealth imbalances.

In this podcast, we discuss the legal merits of Michelle Carter's appeal of her involuntary manslaughter conviction in the notorious "texting suicide" trial.

What were the relevant issues in the case?

Was the conviction proper?

What is the likelihood of the conviction surviving appellate review?

Our society seems to be producing more dirtbags than ever before. They're everywhere, and they love to seek out people to take advantage of. We discuss how to spot a dirtbag, and how to deal with the common games (the "dirtbag shuffle") that dirtbags love to play. The only person who cares about you is you, and knowing a few key points will help you protect yourself from their games.