I have come to realize that pretty much any emotion I have shows on my face. Someone came by today and commented that I had seemed upset when he had complained to me yesterday (he assured me that he wouldn’t make a fuss about the problem he had complained about. Unfortunately, I’m supposed to listen to those sorts of things with calm and objectivity. I thought I was, but apparently I’m high.) It’s a good thing that I really do enjoy my job, or everyone would know that I didn’t.

I’ve decided that this is a good thing. I’m a straightforward (perhaps even simple) person, at least emotionally.

I Used to Believe is a site for all the goofy stuff you thought as a kid. It’s the kind of site to share with your mom.

Michael Moore is planning his new film, Fahrenheit 911. Apparently Bowling for Columbine made wads of cash, so he’s had no problem continuing his mission of complaining for a better America.

An extremely cool view of a camel, from Japan, in 1862. Turns out they just love daikon!

“Life is a matter of passing the time enjoyably. There may be other things in life, but I’ve been too busy passing my time enjoyably to think very deeply about them.”

Peter Cook, The Guardian, January 1994

Samuel Pepys’s (pronounced “Marshmallow Peeps”) diary is online now, a day at a time. American Memory has the life stories of ordinary people available, too, drawn from the Federal Writer’s Project. The only drawback is that an effort to present them as they really are makes some of them harder to read (every crossed out word is written out and bracketed with the information that it was crossed out.) Here’s one that is pretty illegible that I’ve streamlined. Original transcription is here. Keeping in mind that retaining dialect in transcription wasn’t always out of style.

Continue reading →

The Economist gives a level-headed (as always) look at the effect the current war will probably have on international relations. Another article gives some history of the Kurdish people and the political ramifications for them of the conflict. Yes, it helps to know about the Ottoman empire.

The Internet Speculative Fiction Database is back, update your bookmarks!

I never learned conversation skills in school, but from the looks of a fifties English textbook I just bought, students used to be drilled in appropriate small talk and how to write a letter. I think this information could be quite helpful to the Internet community at large.

Here’s the first of several tips on conversation from Junior English in Action, book 3, 6th edition, 1956.

Say Something

Don’t be afraid to break the conversational ice. You needn’t say anything important or witty. Speak up and try to sound self-confident even though you’re quaking inside. What will you say?

Take a tip from Mary Ellen. She and a girl friend had just been introduced to two boys. The awkward silence that sometimes follows introductions lengthened. Suddenly Mary Ellen said in a tone of great satisfaction, “You know, we had the best scrambled eggs for supper tonight!” “Aw, we had a salad,” complained one of the boys. “How I hate salads!” And the conversation was on.

Simple, wasn’t it? Yet two things about Mary Ellen’s remark are important. She mentioned a topic of general interest — food — and she said something pleasant. When you’re stuck for a topic, remember Mary Ellen and the scrambled eggs.

Activity 1: Thinking Up Conversation Starters

Imagine yourself in each of the following situations. For each case make up three questions to start a conversation.

Example

You start a conversation with a new student in town.

1. Do you have far to come to school?

2. Is our school different from the one you attended last year?

3. Did you have a hard time finding your way around our school your first day here?

1. At a meeting of the Dramatics Club you sit next to a boy or girl you don’t know.

2. Your sister’s friend, a college freshman, calls to take your sister to the movies. Your sister isn’t quite ready.

3. You transfer to a new school. As you wait to get your program card made out, you sit next to another pupil who has just transferred to the school.

4. At the party you meet a boy who plays on your school baseball or basketball team.

Entertaining Public Harm Announcements, brought to you by Worth1000. The ones that make you kinda uncomfortable tell you that it’s quality comedy.