The Moral Sense Test

In a recent issue of Newsweek there were a number of articles on the brain and emotions and morality. One of the articles discussed if our morals and moral decisions are cultural or natural (i.e. if everyone in the world believes it is wrong to steal, regardless of cultural affiliation then it is a natural "instinct") or both. It is certainly some interesting stuff to ponder. After having so much training in anthropology I am inclined to say that morals and moral decisions are almost always cultural. Most anthropologists are pretty much against socio-biological determinism where our genetics solely determines who we are.

In the article they talked about the results of an online test. I took the Moral Sense Test and it certainly gave me some food for thought. I know they have different kinds of tests, but if you try it out and take the one that asks you to make decisions about whether you do something that saves five people and kills one it might seriously stress you out. Those are some tricky choices.

Octoberfest in Abilene, KS

This past Thursday, I learned about Abilene's Octoberfest during my pilates class. After the class I walked a few blocks downtown to check out the festivities. Many of the shops were open so I smelled a bunch of wonderful candles. I learned that there are at least a couple of stores downtown that sell homeade jewelry - I bought some earrings now that I have pierced ears. I explored the maze-like hardware store, which stretches about 1/2 block across the first floor of a couple buidlings. I ate some delicious rustic pork stew with egg noodles. I bought tomatoes, apples and colorful peppers from a local horticulturalist. The Abilene high school German club was taking orders for bierocks so I made my order and had a brief chat with my neighbor Ginger. She was helping the German club because they are fundraising to go to Germany this summer and she is hoping they will take her along. Hmmm ... I think I need to develop a relationship with the German club too!

The weather was beautiful that night as well. The air was so fresh and crisp. Abilene's Octoberfest was a wonderful close to a mediocre day and it really made me want to get more involved in the community. Maybe I need to join a club or something. By the way, my book club thing is not really going anywhere. I have asked a couple people and only one person was really interested. I might make a flier and put it into mailboxes on my block.

Tribute to Collin Waltner

I think most of you who read this know Collin Waltner, originally from Freeman, SD. I just have to say that while I was reading an article about the National Enquirer in Newsweek I could not help but think of Collin (and I say this with the utmost admiration and respect for him). In the following quote, just replace "uncle" with whatever Collin is to you:

"Think of the Enquirer as the media establishment's rogue uncle who likes to throw back a few at family reunions and then regale realtives with tacky, delicious stories of debatable veracity. He isn't entirely assimilated into polite company, but then you can't stop listening to him, either. The tabloid's arrival in our nation's newsrooms is eagerly greeted witha combination of admiration, disgust and envy."

I read this and instantly thought, "Collin is the Enquirer."