The fragility of the human ego

I've never been in favour of restrictive practices or restraint of trade. A few years ago the mighty Harrods took legal action against a small retailer near where I lived for calling itself "The 'arrods of the North". More recently the fast food outlet known as KFC went after a small pub restaurant in rural Derbyshire because it advertised a menu item as "family feast". The wrapper on a loaf of bread I bought from Tesco announced, "Rustic" is a trade mark of Tesco. But my favourite is page iv in the preface of a book which states, "What Works™ and related names such as Blended Learning: What Works™ are registered trademarks of Bersin & Associates. Copyright © 2006 Bersin & Associates." Should I burn my old copy of "What Works in Adult Instruction: The Management, Design and Delivery of Instruction" by William E. Montague and Frederick G. Knirk? By the way the verb 'josh' has had the vernacular meaning "to tease or banter with someone" for about two hundred years and is probably based on the name of the 19th century American humorist, Josh Billings. Can you copy protect a name? All Joshua's beware!

Found it!

In my first posting of blog # 3 I wrote, "This is the third Blog I've initiated. I actually forgot where I left the others, so if anyone comes across an ageing, disconnected old blog that bears my name, please throw it a crust or something." Then I found this one - it almost made me dewy-eyed! The prodigal blog returns; crack open the fatted calf!

Frank confessions

I have to come clean right now - this is the third Blog I've initiated. I actually forgot where I left the others, so if anyone comes across an ageing, disconnected old blog that bears my name, please throw it a crust or something.Some people I respect and admire are prolific bloggers. As for me, I never caught the discipline to maintain a diary, and even my ubiquitous "To Do Lists" swiftly become separated from the tasks I truly have in hand. But one thing I am is a voracious (perhaps omnivorous) learner. And when someone as smart as Clive Shepherd announces, "In 2006, I learned more from blogging than from any other activity", I have to pay attention.So here comes #3. Be gentle with it good reader, and if ever you find it wandering too far from its creator, give me a nudge.

Munich Air Disaster 1958

It's hard to believe that almost half a century has passed since the unspeakably tragic loss of the Manchester United team on Thursday 6th February 1958. I was at Demesne County Infant school in Langley, a council estate near Manchester. I had no interest in football up to that point. When Miss Brown, the Headmistress (later honoured as Elsie Brown MBE) called a special assembly, I naturally assumed it was to sing "Happy Birthday to me" since I'd turned 7 the day before. but when this dignified and controlled woman wept on the stage before several hundred children, I must have "egodecentred". I knew for the first time in my life that something bigger than self defines the world around you. Emotionally, if not geographically, I've been a "red" ever since.

Web 2.0

Almost 400 million entries in Google for this topic. Thought I'd mention it.

Blogs Transferred

I found my old blog so I've transferred the new one to here.