3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. Fill in the blank for the following statement, representing a flourishing defense tactic in criminal cases: “my ________ made me do it.”
Hint:
Answer: Judges and juries are moving away from solely considering somewhat antiquated methods of evaluating criminal responsibility founded on Freudian conscious and unconscious acts. More and more, in the quest for exculpation, defense attorneys are exposing the criminal mind and its genetic variations in courtrooms across the nation. Advances in genetics and neuroscience appear to suggest what some philosophers have argued for ages: that free will is an illusion or, that at least in some cases, human action is predetermined by genetics in conjunction with environmental factors. Read more here.
2. What do 50% of Americans endorse?
Hint:
Answer: 50% of Americans believe at least one conspiracy theory. According to surveys conducted by two University of Chicago researchers, the most widely accepted conspiracy theory is that bankers and the Federal Reserve intentionally and secretly caused the 2008 financial crisis. Interestingly, the researchers note that “respondents who endorse conspiracy theories are not less-informed about basic political facts than average citizens.” If ignorance is not the driver of conspiracy theory acceptance what is? Apparently, one’s adoption of conspiracy theories depends upon two psychological predispositions: 1) a tendency to establish causal connections between phenomena and jumping to conclusions in order to further establish control and certainty; and 2) attraction to sensational, theatrical and exaggerated scenarios. Read additional details here.
3. What New York City eatery adopted the Cheers model, where everyone knows your name, and took it to the extreme?
Hint:
Answer: nestled between Madison Ave. and Park Ave., Eleven Madison Park, more specifically its staff, knows your name and then some. In the spirit of attentive and select service, the restaurant Googles its customers in order to get to know them little better before they even walk through the door. As much public information that is available is gathered and used to achieve and promote exemplary, personal service. Creepy or cool? Read the details here.