Shortcomings and Flaws: 2019
Years ago a reader accused me of being materialistic after I wrote about my lack of a favorite number, specifically criticizing me for saying that when it comes to my salary,…
I’m worried that Frost’s poems will someday die
I dreamt last night that the Earth’s orbit was temporarily shifting towards the sun, which would briefly raise temperatures high enough to kill nearly every living thing on the planet.…
Why bullies bully
“Most people are bullied because they’re better than the people who bully them.” - Simon CowellA reader sent me this quote by Cowell, who judges singing shows on television. Except…
Lottery winners are happy after all
Good news! Winning the lottery will not make you unhappy. For years, we’ve all heard that winning the lottery will make me unhappy. This made no sense, of course, since…
Sometimes the answer is exactly wrong in every possible way
In the midst of my math lesson yesterday, I leaned over and switched on the document camera. This is a device that has replaced the overhead projectors of my childhood.…
Speak Up Storytelling #65: Elva Guo
On episode #65 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling.In our follow-up segment, we read a listener's email about a filmmaker using a transition strategy…
Elva Guo: “Finding Uncle John”
On episode #65 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling. In our follow-up segment, we read a listener's email about a filmmaker using a transition…
Fun facts are never fun
Fact:The percentage of times that a “fun fact” is actually fun is exceptionally low. Yesterday, while working on a project about a Japanese bridge, Clara said, “Fun fact! This bridge…
Cashews are not pleasant
These hideous monstrosity - if you can believe it - are cashews. They grow on the end of the cashew apple.Bizarre. Right?Cashew apples are sweet and tangy. Brazilians squeeze them…
Seeking submissions for my annual list of shortcomings and flaws
Years ago a reader accused me of being materialistic after I wrote about my lack of a favorite number, specifically criticizing me for saying that when it comes to my salary,…
