/post-36/screen-shot-2016-06-23-at-10.25.34-pm.png)
Summer Reading Recommendations
Looking back at my favorite reads over the last six months – January to June – I found a wide range of titles. While I’ve written the book recommendations with your students in mind, I do highly recommend...
The Big Quiz: The Answers
Here, then, are the answers to our recent Big Quiz. Quite a few of you, I know, had a go, and some emailed their answers. One sagacious colleague scored a fantastic 13/20 (well done). And some others…...
The Big Quiz
If you have ever worked with a polymath – and assuming you are not one yourself – you’ll know how very intimidating it can be. I recall sharing an office with one man. He knew his English literature,...
The Myth of the Scottish Cringe
I get out of bed – on working days at least – at 5.20. By most estimates, it’s early to rise. I put on the coffee pot, call my sleep dazed canine to order, and walk for 30 minutes. It’s dark. I aim as...
Best Books of 2015
As I catalogue my favorite reads over the last six months (July to December), I’m a bit surprised. I am a lover of fiction. I often crave an escape from this world and revel in the universe an author...
An Open Letter to Students (about the subject reports)
Dear Students, I’ve recently read the IB’s Language and Literature subject report for May 2015. In 25 pages—or 11,665 words if you want me to be more precise—it details all the ways that students and...
Ten Sizzling Summer Book Recommendations
For me, summer in Michigan conjures up images of long lazy days where it stays light until almost 10pm. In the afternoon, the sun beats down while we swim in the crisp Lake Huron water. In the evening,...
It's Just Not Relatable
I have recently returned from a holiday in New Zealand. Wonderful, wonderful New Zealand. Thank you. The food and drink is first rate. The people are friendly. The scenery is beautiful and remarkable....
The Free Speech Komplex
Last night I watched ‘Der Baader Meinhof Komplex’. I’ve been meaning to watch it since, roughly speaking, 2008 when the film was released. To every thing, so the aphorism goes, there is a season. Watching...
Two Scoops
Whenever I go out for ice cream, I will undoubtedly buy two scoops. I’m indifferent about eating it in a cup or a cone, but I find it difficult to limit myself to just chocolate. The other scoop will...