The Causal Line
It is especially where we are inclined to ask why-questions that we will be ready to accept because-statements as answers to them, and we are particularly ready to call causes those items that can be described by clauses introduced by “because.” Mackie (1974)
Remembering B
New term, clean slate. Starting it off right, with a Bourdieu vs Goldthorpe showdown. Timely, to remember the French sociologist who was a big influence on the decision to pursue what I currently pursue. Next week, 23 January 2012, marks the 10th year since his passing. I remember the day when I was watching the … Read more
2012
“Where are you going?” “To Pinsk” “You are going to Pinsk in order to make me believe you are going to Minsk. But I know you are going to Pinsk. So whom are you trying to fool?”
Most beautiful day of winter
Tomorrow, according to people who make claims like these, will be the shortest day of the year. At 5.30 am, the December solstice will take place. Well. I am somewhat more concerned about today. It was, beautiful? And warm. I witnessed a lovely sunset and decided, this had to be the most beautiful day of … Read more
December
I’ll show you my Christmas Reading List. Will you show me yours? Mulk Raj Anand, Untouchable John Howard Griffin, Black Like Me Richard Wright, Black Boy Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed Polly Toynbee, A Working Life Polly Toynbee, Hard Work: Life in Low‐pay Britain Owen Jones, Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class Nancy Mitford, … Read more
A Metaphor
“To appreciate how neo-material conditions can influence health, it may be useful to consider the metaphor of airline travel. Differences in neo-material conditions between first and economy class may produce health inequalities after a long flight. First class passengers get, among other advantages such as better food and service, more space and a wider, more … Read more
OJT
This is why I love working in cafes: The guy I saw last week who had walked into my favourite cafe and scored an interview is working here now. Today, I asked him, are the caramel cakes any good? He lights up and says, “ooooh they are perfect.” 5 points, for selling. He shouts across … Read more
Mid-term
People from the college and university who have never been are always curious about Cowley. I think we did the right thing to live in this part of Oxford. Biking 2 minutes to the community market on a Saturday to get bread. One of the reasons. Besides spending a big portion of my time in … Read more
