There are certain topics which very seldom, if ever, appear in the language textbooks. The list of these taboo topics is traditionally represented with the abbreviation PARSNIP, which stands for: Politics, Alcohol, Religion, Sex, Narcotics, -ISMs and Pork. Although I understand that publishers need to make money and that schools… Continue reading
We live in a consumer society, in a quite lazy culture, where it is widely believed that one can get anything he paid for – just by paying for it. The provider of the „something“ is expected to give it to his customer, while he sits comfortably and enjoys his… Continue reading
Last time I wrote admittedly a rather unflattering analysis of a presumably romantic song When Susannah cries by Espen Lind. I do most sincerely hope that no tender hearts were hurt. I just wished to expose a callous sexual predator hiding under the mask of a romantic prince charming, drawing… Continue reading
My wife could confirm to you that I am not a very romantic person, not by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s not for the lack of trying. Where does one learn to be romantic? Since most girls get their idea about what ´romantic´ means from pop songs, that’s… Continue reading
I was walking down the beach the other day and I thought, this place could use some more sand. So, here I am with a short article about a certain writer of the rather crowded British Literary Pantheon, who, perhaps more than any other, inspires constant debates over his work.… Continue reading
Recently, I have seen a video on TED in which Malcolm Cladwell, a Canadian journalist, was talking about the well-known story of David and Goliath. He was perhaps trying to bring a new fresh wind into analysing the ancient story, so he aimed for a shocking approach and attempted to… Continue reading
A wonderful book that should definitely be included in the compulsory reading list at all the pedagogical and artistic faculties that prepare our future teachers. The only issue that seems to disqualify it from reaching this academic status is that it is funny. Pity. Everybody knows that a textbook should… Continue reading
It is hardly a secret that The Czech President is on very friendly terms with China, however, some voices have been heard speculating whether this friendship is not a bit too onesided, as no promised economical profit has ever come out of it and all the bootlicking has been in… Continue reading
I have recently found an interesting post on my Facebook wall. The author(s) of the text, signed as “Sisters in Christ Worldwide” proclaim(s) that God removes some people from your life because you don’t need them anymore, they are not beneficial to you or he has something better in store… Continue reading
Minule jsem vám představil Gavina, viz link v obrázku, pozoruhodného mladého muže ze Spojených států, který se rozhodl naučit se česky a jehož příběh mi připadal tak inspirující a podnětný, že jsem se ho, s Gavinovým souhlasem, rozhodl nabídnout k zamyšlení mým studentům. Zatím se sice žádný z nich neodhodlal… Continue reading