Arm yourself to ward off sketchy sales pitches and fake news. Critical thinking and skepticism are under- appreciated skills. 2024 marks the 28th anniversary of Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detection Kit. This talk discusses how to use the kit to analyze news stories, scientific claims, and advertising. Buckle up for an interesting year. Presented by Elizabeth Cowles, Professor and Chair, Biology Dept., ECSU

First there were baby boomers, then Gen X and Millennials and now there is Generation Alpha! This talk discusses some of the research that debunks the mythology behind generational differences, the problems with how generations are defined and labeled, and why “what’s wrong with these kids today” is probably the wrong question. Presented by Peter Bachiochi, Professor of Psychological Science, ECSU 

The speaker’s new book is a groundbreaking, expansive new account of Reconstruction that fundamentally alters our view  of this formative period in American history, 1860- 1920. Presented by Manisha Sinha, Draper Chair in American History, UConn 

Who are the killers on the frontlines of genocide and how do they come to such extraordinary evil? Based on interviews with over 225 rank- and- file perpetrators, this talk focuses on the ordinary origins of these killers and the processes by which they become capable of such atrocities. Understanding these processes is vial to preventing the future occurrence of genocide. Presented by James Waller, Director, Dodd Human Rights Impact Program, UConn

Topics covered:
-Commissioner Conduct
-Conflicts
-Bias and Pre-determination
-Ex-parte Communications
-Freedom of Information (FOI)
-How to deal with applicants’ and public testimony; Statutory standards for variances, including hardship; Differences among ZBA functions: variances, appeals, and other possible matters

General Commissioner training hours: 2
Fair & Affordable Housing training hours: 0

Cost: Free - Registration deadline May 19, 2024 at 11:00 p.m.

If you would like to order the book “What’s Legally Required” 8th Edition by Michael A. Zizka in advance of the meeting, please visit s.uconn.edu/zizkabook. The cost is $35 plus shipping.

Contact: Renata Bertotti, UConn CLEAR, renata.bertotti@uconn.edu, (860) 345-5210