What are you reading now? This is a question I am asked by (and ask of) students and staff regularly. And, yes, I have the New York Public Library tote bag to match! According to author, entrepreneur and journalist, William Schwalbe, this question can change lives, creating a shared universe for people who are otherwise … Continue reading What are you reading now?
What was the last book you read? Not for work or an assignment or because your book club forced you. What was the last book you read because you chose to, for nothing more than your own pleasure in the experience? Some people struggle to answer this. Their first thought might be a mental archaeological dig … Continue reading Readers who teach: A professional learning conversation
According to Chinese mythology, long ago there was a monster named Nián (年) (which translates to 'year' in english). Nián lived in the deepest depths of the ocean and would come up once a year to fest on humans and animals that lived in a nearby village. On this day, the townspeople and animals … Continue reading The History of Chinese New Year
In theory, the recipe chosen by the librarycook for the November blogpost was the best and most reader-friendly yet. About 20 minutes of anything resembling work, and days of reading time while the dough proved. And yet. The dough was made on a Wednesday afternoon, and used on a Friday evening, thereby providing a good … Continue reading The librarycook kneads some dough
The Big Lebowski is cult classic comedy film focusing on the character of “The Dude” Lebowski and his bowling troupe. The movie presents “The Dude” and his associates carefree characters and drags them into a series of convoluted events, all of which test and define the character of “The Dude”. The movie manages to excel … Continue reading Movie Society review: The Big Lebowski (1998)
by Joshua “Corporate drone Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) hates his soul-killing job at software company Initech. While undergoing hypnotherapy, Peter is left in a blissful state when his therapist dies in the middle of their session. He refuses to work overtime, plays games at his desk and unintentionally charms two consultants into putting him on … Continue reading Movie Review: Office Space (1999)
Every year in Australia in the lead up to both ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, there is a wave that rolls through Australian society. It is not a tidal wave, destroying everything in its wake, nor is it merely a ripple that goes ignored by all but the most sensitive of souls. It is a … Continue reading How should we remember them?
By: Aidan ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ manages to combine sci-fi speculative fiction and surrealism to create film that manages to make sense, which in both genres is a virtue that is often neglected. Furthermore, it explores many aspects of relationships including clashing personalities, rough breakups and sacrifice to name a few. These aspects … Continue reading Movie Review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Shaun of the Dead is only the second zombie film I have ever watched (the first being World War Z), yet despite my lack of experience I could certainly tell that Edgar Wight’s first film is the pinnacle of this genre. Wright’s use of music is masterful, and I was constantly surprised at the way … Continue reading Movie Society Review: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Ever wondered how we solve problems? I recently took a course called 'education psychology', where we study how the brain works when it comes to teaching and learning. A module on problem solving in particular caught my interest, so I thought I would write about the key things I learnt. According to Roger H. … Continue reading What are Problems & What is Problem Solving?
