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Archive for September, 2009

Question: How do two of the things you do compare?

Posted by Anne on September 6th, 2009

We generally have more than one kind of task to do at work or at college. For instance, we might need to write up our research and then make a presentation, which are two entirely different kettles of fish (“2 versch. Töpfe mit Fischen” = 2 Paar Stiefel). Or we might need to manage a [...]

A Celebration by Mar

Posted by Anne on September 5th, 2009

In Bray to the south of Dublin, Ruby dances to this pretty song by Mar just the way I did at her age. I had wings, too, but mine were covered in cream-colored lace. I still love fairs and ferris wheels and carousels and that floating feeling they give you. So: Who is coming to [...]

Grammar Guru: Vote for the grammar of your choice!

Posted by Anne on September 5th, 2009

Democracy now! A new grammar quiz each Saturday. Join the fun.
This week: I’m looking forward to see/seeing you.

Dan Pink: Rewards and incentives don’t work

Posted by Anne on September 4th, 2009

At TED Dan Pink (a favorite of mine) presented surprising evidence showing that rewarding performance financially does not lead to higher productivity in competing individuals and groups when any skill at all is involved. Rewards work well enough when the competitors just have to complete a simple task quickly. But as soon as they have [...]

US public holidays

Posted by Anne on September 3rd, 2009

I got the date for Labor Day wrong: It’s next weekend. I should have gotten that right, because Labor Day is one of the few holidays in the States that are universally celebrated. On the other hand, it’s lost the meaning it once had, marking the end of vacation and the beginning of the school [...]

Scott Matthews: Fractured

Posted by Anne on September 2nd, 2009

After his ubergorgeous song Elusive, where could he go? Songwriter Scott Matthews backed a series of Foo Fighters accoustic concerts in 2006, and his newish album “Elsewhere” exudes Foo-like pathos. It’s a concept album filled with longing and restlessness and a desire to hit the road or at least be someplace else – “elsewhere”. He’s [...]