The Lockdown Diary – Day 48

…l comprise genetic components and social / environmental components.  My on-line research led me to some other fascinating gender-related chess issues. A study by Dreber, Gerdes and Gransmark reported in a 2013 edition of the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation found that “attractiveness” of the opponent influenced game strategy. The 626 participants in a tournament had been rated for attractiveness as part of  a large marketing survey…. Continue reading

The Dry Stone Walls of Cape Wrath, Scotland

…wn that, centuries ago, many such walls were constructed by whole teams of professional wall builders. There is still a professional body dedicated to construction of dry stone walls. Dry stone walls contain no cement but they withstand the worst of Scottish weather (yes, the very worst!) However, their building involves much more than the simple piling of selected stones in a line. There lies within a recurring and more solid construction. The cr… Continue reading

A Piece of Cake – 13

…telligence. She might also tell us how her mum is getting on with the iCare-Companion.” They listened to the news on Radio 4. The new Covid-19 variant was spreading rapidly among young people. Despite the successful vaccination programme, experts predicted another wave of mostly mild cases as winter approached. Beth arrived. “Vicar McVicar!” cried George. “Vicar McVicar!” cried Buster. Beth laughed “I don’t know what to do with you two! If ever yo… Continue reading