oxymorons & tautologies

From post originally published in 2009 From the greek for ‘sharply dull’, oxymorons are when words that contradict each other are combined together in error, to highlight a paradox or to satarise. A few of my usual mistakes: almost exactly simply impossible only choice nearly unique original copy initial conclusion Much more fun is when we say… Continue reading oxymorons & tautologies

just ‘because’

Originally published April 2010 My son and daughter are both still at the ‘Why?’ age. However they recently gave me a taste of my own medicine. When asked why they were pretending to be hamsters in the imaginary game they were playing the 3-year-old answered, ‘Oh, just because!” This made me wonder, am I killing their curiosity? And got me thinking about the absurd… Continue reading just ‘because’

climate change: cause and effect, and effect

Sadly, while this post was originally published in 2009, the situation is largely the same. I only hope Extinction Rebellion will have a greater impact. Attended another climate change conference this week (and watched the Age of Stupid). Some excellent presentations on social science approaches to changing individuals’ behaviour in order to minimise their carbon emissions.… Continue reading climate change: cause and effect, and effect

may, can, could, should, ought, must

I remember a particularly pedantic Religious Education teacher at school, who if asked, “Can I go to the toilet please” would answer, “I would imagine you are physically able to do that.” He would only give you permission if you said “May I go?”. Similarly, work with a good project manager and you soon learn to be… Continue reading may, can, could, should, ought, must

Harvey

Lord of the Eternal Darkening, Magus of the Illuminated Path and Emperor of the Sacred Soil, Harvey was also a keen amateur photographer and had a large collection of hats.

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Categorized as Monsters