do or do not. there is no try. it’s the most famous line from star wars with the potential exception of “luke, i am your father”. but what does it mean and what does that have to do with the current situation in ukraine, russian aggression and desire for empire… Read More »ukraine needs yoda

there is a well-known case study from the 80s telling the story of an autistic child. its details are vague and it has been told in at least six different forms. the original report was actually redacted and it’s not even clear what actually happened but it is a similar… Read More »surprise

there are many things about the english language that truly need to be upgraded for it to be efficient and streamlined, easy to learn and functional without a huge delay for non-native speakers. most of these upgrades would make it far easier for children to learn to use the language… Read More »that’s so last millennium, english!

japanese saws (nokogiri, 鋸) have, for the last few decades, been becoming more and more popular in the west as an alternative to inaccurate, rough push-stroke cutting tools that have been the norm for centuries, requiring thicker steel, more force and causing untold mechanical injury to craftspeople. it is unsurprising… Read More »fundamentals of japanese saws

this year, as a woodworking teacher, i was given a challenge and gave it in return to students and others in the wider woodworking community. this challenge is simple. it’s a variation on the “draw this in your style” challenge floating around the art world and on instagram but with… Read More »2021 furniture challenge, stage 1

every year, one of the big questions on everyone’s mind as the seasons get snowy and trees start to get used for decoration rather than just furniture is what to buy the woodworker in your life for christmas. so let’s think about a bunch of small things, another bunch of… Read More »woodworking gifts — christmas 2021 edition