I have long been a fan of Science Fiction. I can recall watching Star Trek: The Next Generation series and movies as a kid with my dad (who now denies ever having watched SF in his entire life). I also recall watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the lesser-known The Last Star Fighter from my childhood years. I was reading Jules Verne and HG Wells while most of my class mates were still struggling with Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. Then I discovered Foundation by Isaac Asimov in the public library in the town where I went to college and I knew I had found one of my favourite authors (though I like the Robot novels and short stories best).
I have also long been a fan of science. Between the ages of 10 and 12 I received a microscope, chemistry set and electronics kit for birthdays and I did every experiment in their instructions. I’ve been working on a computer daily since I got my dad’s old IBM 386 for my thirteenth birthday. I read books on geology, astronomy and natural sciences. I watch documentaries for fun. Continue reading “On Imagining the Future”→
A couple of weeks ago I had myself a nice little rant here about people saying sorry without thinking what the word means. Today I once again realised how easily people can just throw around words without caring what they’re really saying.
I came into my office today to find two identical faxes from the same person lying on my desk. Both carried a cover page saying, in very big letters, “URGENT FACSIMILE”. Naturally, I picked them up before I had even put down my briefcase because here was something urgent that needed to be dealt with immediately. Guess what it was? No, really, guess? Continue reading “On Abusing Words”→
When I hear that word, I start channelling my inner-Shakespeare: ‘…I hate the word, as I hate hell, all [insert whatever you hate most in the world], and thee.’ (Tybalt, Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo and Juliet)
Now I hear your question: ‘What’s wrong with the word “sorry”? Isn’t that what we all want to hear from others?’ Yes, there’s nothing as satisfying as an apology that is owed to you, but picture this scenario: I’m starting to take in exam papers at the end of the session. Continue reading “Sorry”→
if all else fails...use a hammer 