In Series 3, Episode 12 of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon mentions that Flatland is one of his favourite imaginary places to visit. Flatland is the title of a Victorian novel by Edwin Abbott Abbott (I don’t have a problem with giving a child a surname as a second name – after all, Nathan’s second... Continue Reading →
The Great Lie
One of the greatest lies of modern times is that happiness, like the Holy Grail, can be sought and – with the right formula, of course – found. Much of popular culture consists of some type of attempt to lure us into chasing the elusive rainbow of happiness, with promises of a pot of whatever... Continue Reading →
Big Poo
If you love experiences that spike your adrenaline levels, get a two-year-old child. It is, I think, a matter of time before some aspiring imperialist tyrant harnesses the destructive force that is the two-year-old boy. A reasonably small horde of toddlers could unleash havoc on a scale that quite belies their tiny frames. A couple... Continue Reading →
The Seeds of Freedom’s Tree: Why I Am a Patriot
I am proud to call myself a patriot. Not the where-do-I-sign-up-to-have-my-brains-blown-out-for-my-country type. It doesn’t take a genius to recognise the flaws in that interpretation of the term. Nor am I the my-country’s-sportsteams-are better-than-yours type of patriot, although I follow the progress of our national teams with great fervour. And despite the fact that if I... Continue Reading →
Unlearning – Part 1
You can lead a man to knowledge, but you cannot make him think. Every teacher eventually learns the truth of this. Those who can survive this revelation and still find a sense of purpose in what they do, often manage to stay in teaching. Many others drop out when they realise the futility of much... Continue Reading →
Just my opinion
There is a disturbing trend developing in society. When confronted with a logically superior argument, one simply has to say: “Well, that’s my opinion.” The idea is that these simple words trump all other arguments. They entirely dismiss years of experience in the field, they disdainfully disregard relevant learning, they have the power to override... Continue Reading →
Desire: Cookies and Cars
My son, Nathan, is almost two years old. His two greatest obsessions at the moment are cookies and cars. He is starting to speak in simple sentences now, and it is a real privilege to watch him learn and grow. From what he says, I am certain that he believes that a limitless supply of... Continue Reading →
Vapors In The Wind 