Human Interaction

U.S. college textbook prices have risen more than 1,000% since 1977. Because college students are forced to purchase every book their professors choose, they are considered ‘captive customers’. Due to a student’s obligation to buy these books no matter what they cost, prices have increased at 3x the rate of inflation. 

In February 1984, nurse Genene Jones was sentenced to a maximum term of 99 years for the murder of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan. Testimony showed the little girl had died after injections of succinylcholine, a hard to detect paralytic. An expert witness stated at her trial that the drug has long been a favourite for killing because it is difficult to trace. Under Texas law, a 99 year term is the equivalent to a life sentence, meaning she is eligible for parole.

by Terri R. Kurtzberg

Some people fear we’re interacting more with our phones at the expense of our loved ones. Ana Blazic Pavlovic/Shutterstock.com

The fear that digital distractions are ruining our lives and friendships is widespread.

To be sure, digital addiction is real. Consider the 2,600 times we touch our phones every day, our panic when we temporarily misplace a device, the experience of “phantom vibration syndrome” and how merely seeing a message alert can be as distracting as checking the message itself.

This can have real consequences. For example, other people do take it personally if you stop talking to them to answer a message. And taking a break from a task to look at your cell phone precludes deep thinking on whatever you were doing.

But this tells only part of the story. We need to also acknowledge that today’s technologies can make us more connected than ever before.

So how do we avoid the potential pitfalls while still reaping the benefits?

Mr Cruel was the moniker given to a serial pedophiliac rapist who targeted young girls in Melbourne during the 1980′s and 90′s. In total he is suspected of having four victims, three of the girls were raped, and one of them was abducted, raped, and murdered. Above is the sketch showing the balaclava that he was described to be wearing during his attacks.

His victims were all between the ages of 10 and 13, and he showed a particular talent in concealing his identity and removing forensic evidence. He would conduct surveillance on the families he was targeting before the attacks, and would divert police and family members away from his identity following the commission of the crime. He was also known to threaten the lives of the children he targeted, typically saying he would kill them with a knife or with a handgun. His final suspected victim was killed by three gunshot wounds to her head.

We know it’s rude to be on our phones in the company of others. But it’s also important to occasionally unplug when you’re by yourself. Because it can improve your wellbeing. Psychotherapist Nancy Collier says, the next time you’re alone, like standing in line, or in a waiting room, don’t take out your phone to check email or scroll through Instagram. Because being open to your own thoughts gives you strength, confidence, and wisdom. Plus, Dr. Collier says no one will approach you if your face is buried in your phone. And small talk with strangers can improve our wellbeing for hours afterward. So be comfortable in your own company once in a while – and see if you don’t feel better for it.

Follow me on Facebook