Swet Columns
September 17, 2002
“Bill Me for Everything” Change
by Doreen Simmons
When one party to an old relationship of trust suddenly wants to put it entirely on a businesslike footing, what’s really afoot? Well-balanced Aunt Eva, who likes a bit of friendly give-and-take herself, advises treading warily on this one.
Dear Aunt Eva,
I have a niggling little problem and would welcome a second opinion.
I have a... more
March 20, 2002
Translation Software Problems
by Doreen Simmons
Open-minded Aunt Eva is no Luddite, but it has been increasingly coming to her attention that there is an awesome potential for error in the interface between technology and the human beings who are trying to use it. Here, she takes a realistic look at some of the pitfalls in relying too heavily on software that promises the... more
December 15, 2001
Going on Record as Being Right
by Doreen Simmons
Ruminative Aunt Eva has recently been pondering the potential ethical gulf between knowing that you are right and going on record as saying so.
Dear Aunt Eva,
I am beginning to think that I was recently dealt a card from the bottom of the pack by a professor I know. He showed me three English sentences,... more
September 15, 2001
Beginning as We Mean to Go On
by Doreen Simmons
Somnolent Aunt Eva arouses herself to ruminate on a problem of status, real and apparent. How can we avoid projecting the wrong image, especially when even our own preconceptions are working against us?
Dear Aunt Eva,
(Or should that be “Ms Hartupp”? You see, I’ve suddenly become sensitive about handles.) But I’m jumping into the middle... more
December 15, 2000
The Finagle Factor
by Doreen Simmons
This time our lovable old tabby takes a rather jaundiced look at the great "Finagle Factor" of Japan: that which, added to any equation, makes it come out in the speaker's favor. In other words, how do we cope with people who are always right?
Dear Aunt Eva,
I am a professional sub-editor, and as a... more
June 19, 2000
Shortcomings of Applicants
by Doreen Simmons
Chivalrous Aunt Eva is usually asked to take up cudgels on behalf of the browbeaten employee against an arrogant or unappreciative client. This time, however, she takes a sympathetic but practical look from the other side, at the problems encountered by people who for the first time in their lives are confronted with the knowledge of their own... more