Thought Provoking Entropy | 23 Jan 2009
In connection with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. re-administered the oath to Mr. Obama on Wednesday evening, one day after the two men stumbled over each other’s words during the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol. This is a fascinating article by Steven Pinker a Harvard Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. He also conducts [...]
Thought Provoking Entropy | 13 Nov 2008
This is an eloquent piece, published in Slate.com, on my daily addiction– The New York Times.. There’s nothing to it, except when there is. A question for New York Times headline writers: Are you not yourselves? You’re no doubt a witty bunch, and yet house style requires you to resist any temptation toward flavorsome puns [...]
Thought Provoking Entropy | 05 Sep 2007
Over the centuries the English language has assimilated phrases and words from other languages. Here are some examples. A cappella, Italian, sung without instrumental accompaniment (literally “in chapel style”) Ad hoc, Latin, made or done for a particular purpose (lit. “to this”) Agent provocateur, French, a person who tempts a suspected criminal to commit a [...]
Thought Provoking Entropy | 05 Oct 2006
It’s time English teachers got back to basics – less grammar, more play The report published by the University of York on its research into the teaching of grammar will hardly surprise anyone who has thought about the subject. The question being examined was whether instruction in grammar had any effect on pupils’ writing. It [...]