Someone at Slate magazine has been reading my blog and stealing my brilliant ideas. Seriously. Sort of.

On October 23, 2012, I came out in favor of skipping after skipping down the deserted streets of Brattleboro, Vermont. “The swinging of the arms, the momentary, almost violent liftoff…

Continue ReadingSomeone at Slate magazine has been reading my blog and stealing my brilliant ideas. Seriously. Sort of.

Verbal sparring 101: Comparing apples and oranges makes a whole lot of sense. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The next time someone attempts to counter your argument by claiming that you are making an “apples to oranges” comparison, say this: Really? Apples and oranges are both similarly sized…

Continue ReadingVerbal sparring 101: Comparing apples and oranges makes a whole lot of sense. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The prize for my latest writing contest is the threat of tears and possible humiliation. No wonder my students are writing up a storm.

It’s that time of year again when I encourage my students to make me cry. Parents and teachers often ask me about how my students so consistently fall in love…

Continue ReadingThe prize for my latest writing contest is the threat of tears and possible humiliation. No wonder my students are writing up a storm.

Stupid people think they’re smart, and smart people think they’re not. Most important: They can’t help it. This explains everything.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that causes incompetent people to believe they know more than they think they know. Unskilled individuals suffer from a false sense of superiority,…

Continue ReadingStupid people think they’re smart, and smart people think they’re not. Most important: They can’t help it. This explains everything.