A weak question…

It is occasionally suggested for interviews…”What is your greatest weakness?” I occasionally sit in on job interview or performance review panels as well as having been subject to my own annual performance reviews. I am glad, for the right reasons, that this question never arises. It seems to appear frequently in interview guides, however. MyContinue reading “A weak question…”

Correcting the Teacher

We’ve all done it in our student days – or held our breath as others have been foolhardy enough to attempt it – correcting the teacher. We learned a lot from how the teacher responded, particularly when the student was actually right. Adolescent joy abounded if the teacher blustered and blundered and obfuscated around hisContinue reading “Correcting the Teacher”

Monkeying Around with Genetics

Another cinematic prequel has arisen. Many may remember the fascination we had with the late 60s TV series and eventual movie Planet of the Apes.  The plot explored what it might be like to consider a kind of reversed evolution process, where humans were a subspecies to the intelligently superior ape. Rise of the Planet ofContinue reading “Monkeying Around with Genetics”

One thing my training never equipped me for…

… is IT troubleshooting. For a small, ageing congregation, we’re very wired up. We digitally record our services, network with one another through email and a few are even braving Facebook and Twitter. This week I ventured into Android tablet territory and began teaching myself its various idiosyncracies and exploring the wonders of syncing itContinue reading “One thing my training never equipped me for…”

Jumping to conclusions and landing on our faces…

We are quick to name the culprits if there’s a possibility of reinforcing our prejudices. Two instances are apparent today: the London riots – in this far flung outpost of the old empire we hear alarmed predictions of “how the same will happen here if we don’t stop the boats” and “just as Enoch PowellContinue reading “Jumping to conclusions and landing on our faces…”

When the High Court saves us from ourselves…

    There’s a very good reason for the separation of powers – particularly law and governance: High Court puts Malaysia deal on hold | News.com.au. There will be many who gnash their teeth and wail that a High Court intervention interferes with the so-called “will of the people.” It depends, however, on what theContinue reading “When the High Court saves us from ourselves…”

Peter picked a permanent positive pistuous posture

A variant on Peter picked a pepper? No – just some leftovers from this morning’s ruminations on the Gospel of Matthew’s account of Peter walking on the water and sinking. I would never dare use such a pretentious alliterative phrase anywhere else but here. I reiterate the view, however, that Peter was not being typicallyContinue reading “Peter picked a permanent positive pistuous posture”

Trying a Triantiwontigongolope

It was my usual charge in and grope my way in the dark. I needed some things from the office, so I felt for the right shaped key, found the lock – turned the knob and entered the dark cave I call my study. I reached out my hands and felt around the desk. BotherContinue reading “Trying a Triantiwontigongolope”