A Couple Books

I don't read many science books, partially because I find social science and history-type books easier to process. I do find various types of science interesting. It's a subject I should read more about. 

Thus, the fact I found this book so readable is particularly notable. The author is a philosopher and carefully provides an explanation of the concepts in a down-to-earth way. The book was originally written in Spanish. She translated it into English herself.  

The bottom line is that she argues many animals have a minimum understanding that creatures die and won't come back to life. They need not comprehend death in the complex way humans do. 

But, when some animals "act dead," for instance, it is logical to assume others understand what that means. Animals have various forms of comprehension. 

I welcome further books by this author. 

I re-read this book. A two-hundred and fifty or so page book is not going to comprehensively cover an over sixty-year period with another chapter about the other chief justices. His longer autobiography did not do that. However, it is a good introduction in his gentle individualistic tone. 

Don't expect too strong criticism of his colleagues as people but he disagrees with them on multiple issues.  At times, you will say "Oh come on, John." Overall, it's good light reading for amateurs and court watchers. 

Also, don't totally rely on everything he said. A blatant case is a reference to a case as being under the term of a chief justice when it was before his term of office.  I also disagreed with his "six amendments" book on various grounds. However, he does sound like someone it would be fun to discuss things with. 

Near the end of his life, Stevens changed his mind about Kavanaugh's confirmation after BK ranted and raved in his confirmation hearing. He later suggested some people chided him on that. 

Kavanaugh, perhaps given Vance's wife being his law clerk, swore in the vice president today.  Yes, I'm inclined to think James David Vance at least has the bare minimum to warrant being honored with that label. I still don't want to call him "JD."