A reader from Australia expressed surprise that, as a politically aware person, I hadn't covered the student riots in London last week. He wanted to know if it was hooliganism or a sign of the Brits standing up for themselves ( Read more... )

Wednesday's short talk went very well and it's once again caused me to reflect with gratitude on being trained in public speaking at school. It's not a skill that's measured much in exams but it's still one of the most useful things I ever got to do. On top of that, I was given the opportunity to do a Young Toastmasters course, which gave me the ( Read more... )

Despite kicking, throwing and bowling (with reverse swing) Lamprey Queen's ladybug ball all over the place yesterday, the Jardin du Luxembourg was empty enough that we generally didn't hit anyone or thing except our own drinks. (Well, we, that would be me actually...) The majority of Parisians are still away at the seaside, enjoying their long ( Read more... )

A belated update. While watching the news on Friday, I spotted another reason why resistance to the ban on Muslim headscarves at school is so small. As one of the pupils approached the school gates, she obediently took off the scarf that covered her head and shoulders to reveal...a kerchief that covered almost all of her hair ( Read more... )

La rentrée is a big event in France. Dominating this year's rentrée is the law forbidding girls from wearing Muslim headscarves to school. The kidnapping of two journalists by Iraqis opposing the law has ensured maximum attention during the back to school week ( Read more... )