Austin Mardon

The death penalty is a complicated social phenomenon dating back to the earliest human civilizations, and continues to impact society to this day. This book takes a dive into a wide array of factors related to the death penalty including but not limited to the history, ethics, impact, and debate of the death penalty. Discussion on the topic exists on a spectrum between the abolitionists on one side and retentionists on the other, with a great deal of nuance and room for interpretation in between. Debate on the topic ranges from competing ideas about what is ethical and the nature of justice, to different interpretations around the utility and pragmatism of putting people to death. To some it is only fair that the death penalty would be the punishment for certain violent crimes such as murder, others are more concerned with the difficulty of overcoming systemic bias and the unequal impact of any program constructed and maintained by imperfect human beings. The death penalty is a mainstay of both contemporary popular culture as well as the mythology of many societies, and a robust debate on the topic is present in most nations and at the international level as well.

In 2022, law and technology are intertwined in a relationship defined by high-paced growth and deep interdependence. Technology, law, and jurisprudence have wide-ranging impacts affecting everything from purchasing a coffee in the morning to ensuring the stability and security of nations. In the New Normal, defined by ever-present and accelerated change, this book profiles the relationship between technology and legality with real examples in order that readers can adapt and understand the changing landscape. In particular, this book looks at the developments, challenges, risks, and opportunities in variety of areas including the use of technology in legal research, in the private practice of law, in criminal proceedings, state surveillance, incarceration and the penal system, in criminal enterprise and black markets, and in public health and female wellness.

Differentiating between books for young adult readers and books for middle grade readers is important for more than just marketing. Understanding the distinction between these two readerships is key for anyone and everyone involved in reading, writing, editing, and publishing books for young readers. Middle Grade or Young Adult? Defining and Understanding Young Readerships is here to set the record straight. From considering definitions, expectations, and differentiating factors between these two readerships to exploring examples of books labeled for middle grade and young adult readers, this book will leave readers with a definitive understanding of where the line is drawn between middle grade and young adult readerships. In addition, readers will take the time to consider how a book series can successfully transition from a middle grade to young adult readership, and explore an example of how that transition can take place. By the end of this book, readers will be able to confidently identify and categorize books intended for middle grade and young adult readers.

The Donner Party has taken its place in American history as the stuff of legend. A tale of hope, desperation, colonial expansion, starvation, and the shocking lengths human beings can be pushed to for survival. The struggles of the group provide an opportunity to conduct demographic analysis of who lived and who died, offering insights specifically into the survival rate of different groups in a cold weather, starvation scenario. Additionally, the story of the Donner Party was adopted as both inspirational and cautionary tale by proponents of American expansion and Manifest Destiny. A review of the origins of Manifest Destiny and how the movement used the Donner Party to influence American identity in the second half of the 19th century provides some interesting insights into what inspired thousands of would-be pioneers to venture into the unknown despite the skills and experience necessary to live in the wilderness. And beneath the analysis, discourse, political maneuvering, and nation-building that stems from this story, there is the real human experiences of those who were present. This extreme scenario saw incidents of violence, cruelty, selfishness, and death, including the impossible choices forced on family members to decide who would live and who must be abandoned to die. At the same time there were incidents of heroism, kindness, selflessness, sacrifice, loyalty, and love. Beneath everything else, what the Donner Party teaches us is that in extreme situations there are no good people nor evil people, simply frightened people doing their best to survive.

Though life with schizophrenia likely isn't what anybody had planned for or expected, and a lot is going to change, there is no reason it has to be the end of your life. Through this book, we hope to show you that instead, it can be a new beginning.

Somewhere between 10 000 and 100 000 years ago, a mysteriously small species of human roamed the Earth. Nicknamed the 'hobbits', these small humans (Homo floresiensis) were not so different from modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens). Like us, these humans walked on two legs. Moreover, Homo floresiensis constructed and used tools made of stone. Homo Floresiensis: Diving Deep into our Evolutionary Past is a collection of essays written by students of Canadian universities. These essays explore a diverse array of topics including the methods of fossil and genetic study, the ethics of fossil research as well as the anatomy of Homo floresiensis, especially as it compares to other human species such as Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. Since their discovery in Liang Bua cave in Flores, Indonesia, their existence has sparked numerous questions. Why were Homo floresiensis so small compared to other human species? Why does their brain evolution appear almost 'backwards' compared to other hominid species, with their crania becoming smaller rather than larger? Is Homo floresiensis a distinct human species or is it simply a pathological modern Homo sapiens? These questions and more will be explored throughout the course of Homo Floresiensis: Diving Deep into our Evolutionary Past.

Mental health as a topic, in general, has been gaining a stronger spotlight. This comes as no surprise as mental health is an aspect of every human being's life. The music industry has a unique role to play in this conversation as both musicians and music have become a way to facilitate the topic of mental health. However, musicians and people who work in the music industry are human beings too, and they have many hurdles to overcome in understanding and supporting their own mental health. This book will cover mental health in the music industry from a multitude of angles. One important barrier to overcome in the music industry is the underrepresentation of females. This book will cover topics as a generalized whole, but it deliberately focuses on females in the music industry in the case studies presented as a small drop of intentional representation. Topics include mental illnesses, alcohol and substance addictions, depression and suicide, imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, social influences, the impact of music on listeners, and ends off with a call to move forward through acts of community. Enjoy the learning journey, and hopefully be inspired to reflect on your own life - whether you need to reach out for mental health support or feel called to become a mental health advocate or even a little of both.

First identified in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) has since spread globally causing widespread deaths, suffering, and panic. In January, COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and in March it was finally declared a pandemic (global outbreak). While public attention has been finely attuned to the physical suffering and long-term physical effects which occur as a result of COVID, an equally important area of concern is the effects of the pandemic on mental health, especially among vulnerable populations. Surviving the Shadow Pandemic: The Mental Health Implications of COVID-19 is a collection of research essays by students of Canadian universities exploring themes related to mental illness, discrimination, and the link between physical and mental health. Throughout the course of the book, a number of questions will be explored; for instance, how have lockdown procedures and social distancing affected mental health? How are ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community differentially affected by the pandemic in terms of mental illness outcomes? How does contracting the virus change these outcomes? Finally, how has psychological treatment changed in light of health protocols discouraging in-person contact? These questions and more will be answered in Surviving the Shadow Pandemic: The Mental Health Implications of COVID-19.

How is it possible that an ordinary couple from Edmonton, Alberta became knight and dame commanders in the Order of St.Sylvester? Journey with the Mardons' as they detail their experience of being inducted into the order and travelling to Rome to meet Pope Francis. The Mardons talk honestly about the difficulties of travelling while having physical disabilities, as well as about the mental health stigma still present in the Catholic Church. Luckily the Mardons returned home before the COVID-19 pandemic, but they speculate what it'll mean for Catholic traditions in the future. With a move towards limiting physical contact, it's possible Austin was the last Canadian to kiss the pope's ring.

Many people are familiar with the effects of physical illness, but until very recently, illnesses of the mind (i.e. mental illnesses) were very poorly understood. Only just recently has it begun to be understood that mental illnesses are both very real and very serious. In particular, those living with schizophrenia have often been ostracized and discriminated against by society as a result of poor understanding of their condition. While portrayed in the media as violent, individuals with schizophrenia are in reality more likely to experience violence against them. In an effort to bring attention to the little known details of schizophrenia, Over the Edge and Into the Deep End: Schizophrenia and the Bounds of the Human Mind presents psychological research on a variety of aspects of the illness as well as interviews with Dr. Austin Mardon, a decorated researcher living with schizophrenia and his wife, Catherine Mardon, who works as a lawyer specializing in cases involving mental illness. This collection of essays by Canadian university students explores questions such as: why does one person develop schizophrenia while another doesn't? What cognitive, biological, and sociocultural factors predispose one to the illness? What treatments are available and how do they work? What is the subjective experience of someone living with this condition and what discrimination to they experience day to day? And, finally, how does schizophrenia affect the spouse and family of the individual diagnosed? These questions and more will be answered in Over the Edge and Into the Deep End: Schizophrenia and the Bounds of the Human Mind.

Happiness is not a simple thing. It might seem simple on the surface, but across cultures, times, and individual outlooks, the definition of what happiness is shifts and changes constantly. This book looks at numerous perspectives on happiness and well-being found the world over, the ways they differ and relate, how modern and historical science support them, and where they are affected by economics, social influences, and even our own minds.

Gatekeeping exists within many facets of our world, yet most people don't know exactly what gatekeeping is and how it impacts our everyday lives. Who Shall Not Pass? Gatekeeping, Communication Theory, and Canadian Media takes a practical look at gatekeeping through the lens of Canadian communication theories and theorists, with a focus on Canadian media. From exploring the basic building blocks of communication and communication theory to exploring the difference between gatekeeping and censorship, readers will establish a solid basis of understanding before diving into explorations of gatekeeping in print and digital media, as well as a brief conversation around the ethics of gatekeeping in today's world. Through in-depth discussion and fascinating case studies, readers will begin to understand some of the complex discussions surrounding gatekeeping, and will be provided tools with which to explore gatekeeping in their own lives.

There is a great connection between space, psychology as well as theories and discoveries more than you can ever imagine. This implies that our minds, feelings, thoughts and emotions usually influence how we humans interact with the outside world; be it the earth, moon or space in general and vice versa.

Human evolution is driven by the instability of climate (Handwerk, 2014). The Nature of the Future: Climate Change is a novel surrounding the importance of climate change and the need for immediate action. From the present day to prehistoric times, it is apparent that climate change has always had an impact on humans and our evolution. However, how much of an impact climate has on human evolution is still a topic that is being further explored within multiple disciplines. This novel explores the historic view of climate change, the importance towards human evolution, the advancement of evolutionary science, Human Modification of Ecosystems and The Effects and many other interesting perspectives.

Thirty thousand to two hundred thousand years ago, Neanderthals roamed the land of much of Europe and Western Asia. First discovered in a German limestone quarry in 1856, this curious species was distinct from us, and yet also not so different. Similar to modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens), the Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) used tools, made and wore jewelry, played musical instruments, painted in caves, and most likely developed a language of sorts. Moreover, many people today possess Neanderthal DNA in their genomes, raising a variety of questions as to the identity of these mysterious beings. For instance, what is the nature of the evolutionary relationship between modern humans and Neanderthals? Given that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals co-inhabited the Earth, did they merely live side-by-side, or did they interbreed and interact? What are the implications of possessing Neanderthal DNA? Does this ancient genetic material affect medical outcomes? In particular, in light of the rise of COVID-19, can the presence of Neanderthal DNA affect outcomes for those hospitalized for COVID-19 infections? Finally, why did the Neanderthals disappear from the Earth and what factors led to their extinction? These questions and more will be explored in Neanderthals: Exploring our Genetic Past and Present, a collection of essays authored by students of Canadian universities.

Space medicine is the practice of medicine in outer space. Space medicine is crucial for all space missions, prior to launch and after launch. They are especially used to diagnose, or treat any underlying conditions an astronaut may have prior to launch, which may possibly affect the astronaut on his mission.

An in-depth look at video games. Their creation, their impact, how they can be addictive, and the controversies surrounding them.

This book is a collection of essays that were presented at the 2nd Annual Antarctic Institute of Canada Conference.

The Holocaust is one of the most polarizing and unfortunate mass causalities that took place against a single group people in the history of the world. Logotherapy Surviving Holocaust: Viktor Frankl is a research novel containing the journey of Viktor Frankl. It focuses on the trails that happened during the holocaust. It goes in depth of what logotherapy is, the philosophies, the impact it has on the world, the science involved and my more interesting perspectives.

In the early nineties, academic Austin Mardon was given the opportunity of a lifetime. He was invited to the thriving metropolis of Moscow to lecture and embark on an expedition to the little-known island of Franz Josef Land. His visit, however, would be interrupted by a suspicious Soviet intelligence agency. The experience tested the boundaries of his sanity, and would prove to have a life-long affect.