Articles
Evaluations and Assessments
My children’s primary school is independent as there are many benefits to being outside the state school system. Several years ago the school made an application to become a free school, a school that was funded by the state but capable of being run like an independent school. The application was ultimately unsuccessful. But during … [Continue reading “Evaluations and Assessments”]
A dearth of creativity, a dearth of sanity
When I was in secondary school, I took a class in ancient history. I have a vivid memory of one particular section on the Egyptians that ended with s particular test that included three bonus questions which I answered as follows: Q: How many slaves did it take to build the Great Pyramid of Cheops. … [Continue reading “A dearth of creativity, a dearth of sanity”]
The oxymoron of American politics
Over the next ten days, I am certain that we will be reminded several times that orange will be the new black. Sometimes this will be a form of bragging. More often than not it will be a disparaging comment. Unfortunately, recent events in American domestic and foreign politics have left me colour blind. The … [Continue reading “The oxymoron of American politics”]
A fowl play on words
After four weeks, I have had enough of this cold. I’m not sure if it is the same virus that has overstayed its welcome, using my body for some kind of month long party. All I do know is that my nose is still clogged, I’m still coughing and sneezing, my eyes are still watering, … [Continue reading “A fowl play on words”]
So how bad was it, really?
It’s a common euphemism. In the early hours of 25 December 2016 a friend of mine lost her mother. Less obvious, just over 12 hours later George Michael finished celebrating his Last Christmas. I am expecting a lot of negativity for that last turn of phrase. Nevertheless, my friend is a good bellwether who I … [Continue reading “So how bad was it, really?”]
The demise of the rock and roll death
One of the problems of growing older is that in most cases so do the heroes of our youth. Many of the entertainers I loved in my youth died from what I refer to as rock and roll causes: an overdose, gunfire, a car accident and the ubiquitous plane crash. Today the musicians we heard on … [Continue reading “The demise of the rock and roll death”]
Life is Punderful No. 3: a superhero fantasy?
The men’s room where I work has a motion sensor in it. Walk into the darkness and a light goes on to enable one to seek relief without making a mess. But to me that toilet presented a challenge: could one enter, relieve oneself and leave before the light flickered on? I have always had … [Continue reading “Life is Punderful No. 3: a superhero fantasy?”]
Divulging trade secrets?
One of the main stories in today’s news is how senior Whitehall figures had somehow disclosed the UK’s Brexit aims on handwritten notes from a meeting that reads “Have cake and eat it”. Apparently, this slip – both in terms of paper and confidence – is likely to embarrass Britain and have a significant impact … [Continue reading “Divulging trade secrets?”]
In media rescue?
While an undergraduate in Toronto many of my professors were American. Looking back and judging by their ages, I believe many had arrived in The Great White North as part of the exodus of young adults spurred on by the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War. Although too young and a country away from … [Continue reading “In media rescue?”]
Life is Punderful No. 2: Cat and cat food
I am not a cat person. I can be as indifferent to domesticated felines as they are to their owners. I was talking to one of my neighbours a while back. She has several cats, one of which is apparently quite the mouser. In the name of pest control my neighbour regularly finds her pet … [Continue reading “Life is Punderful No. 2: Cat and cat food”]