Category Archives: Language

The physics of new media

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

My life is in a state of turmoil. I am a ball of confusion. In recent years, I’ve been very happy to embrace many facets of what we term ‘new technology’, in particular, those aspects which affect our communications. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Digital age, Human relationships, Internet, Language, Social Media, Writing | Leave a comment

Lenten Reflections: Forty Things I Really Like And… (Day 31)–Can you help me?

Posted on March 20, 2013 by

The right context. The woman picked up the telephone and dialed the numbers slowly, trying to reach her bank. “If you want to continue in English, press 1,” she heard. “If you want to speak to someone about online access, … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Digital age, Education, Financial markets, Human relationships, Language, Religion, Service economy, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Lenten Reflections: Forty Things I Really Like And… (Day 7)–I’ve an idea

Posted on February 20, 2013 by

Putting ideas into words. I do not usually remember dreams when I wake each morning, but I never wake up empty-headed. I don’t have writer’s block. Is that a problem? It can be. Too many ideas can also be a problem. If … Continue reading →

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Lenten Reflections: Forty Things I Really Like And… (Day 6)–Where’s the devil?

Posted on February 19, 2013 by

The devil’s in the details. If you live in or near a city such as Washington DC, you should think what it would mean for you not to pay attention to the details of what you’re doing or where you’re … Continue reading →

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Lenten Reflections: Forty Things I Really Like And… (Day 2)

Posted on February 14, 2013 by

My mental cutting room floor has a few discarded ‘likes’ lying there this morning–rock music (Cream; Yes; Hendrix; Captain Beefheart; Jeff Beck: Clapton…); afro hairstyles (sings the theme for ‘Hair’ )…. But, to the surface, floated the following. Don’t seek rhyme … Continue reading →

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Chimpanzees and squashed flies

Posted on February 6, 2013 by

If I invited you round for tea would you be shocked to share the pot with a bunch of monkeys and see me dipping squashed flies into my cup? Brooke Bond ran a series of televisions ads for its PG … Continue reading →

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Hoodie done it

Looking in my wardrobe, I wonder what to wear. Should my choice be geared by style or by fear? A warm day, true, but would I feel good, If I put on the sweater with the big hood? What I … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on March 24, 2012 by | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Create a way

Posted on March 22, 2012 by

I caught a riveting discussion on NPR yesterday about the roots of creativity: it has some great take-aways, including the need to think like a seven year-old. For today, I’m not going to try to outdo the discussion, but recommend … Continue reading →

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Happy half-birthday!

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

My second grade daughter’s birthday is September 21, so today, March 21, she is getting excited. She tells me it’s her half-birthday. What? She will be exactly eight years and six months old. Let’s celebrate! She would love it if … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Education, Family, Human relationships, Language, Parenting | Tagged | 1 Comment

Simply speaking: Thank you, brown paper bag

Posted on March 11, 2012 by

My Saturdays have become quite simple in recent weeks; I’ve been trying to keep things simple and quiet. This Saturday, I craved some exercise so went to an early morning kick boxing class, after breakfast. The previous day’s burst of … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Family, Health care, Human relationships, Language, Life styles, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Sports, Urban life, Weather | Tagged , | 1 Comment