Charlotte Mason saw her educational philosophy as groundbreaking, rooted in the Bible, contemporary science, and her observations of children. Yet, her philosophy is often regarded as a form of "classical education." But why? What about it would make it "classical"?

The Cracker Barrel problem: There are fewer and fewer people, and hardly any young people, who have a sense of nostalgia -- even based on TV shows like The Waltons -- for old country stores, rocking chairs on the front porch, hard rock candy, etc.

Which do you prefer in a TV show? 1. Distinct episodes (can watch in any order) 2. Distinct but related episodes (some overarching story, but episode story resolved at end) 3. Episodes like chapters in one big story Or do you like all kinds, depending on if they're good.

I don't really understand the appeal of breakfast food restaurants. I make far better pancakes myself, and I'd rather not pay for the thick spongy things I've been served in restaurants. Plus, I eat three eggs every day. Why would I pay for them in a restaurant too?

I like real books. I've never wanted an e-reader. But now my interlibrary loan system here has shrunk. Some books I want are online (e.g., archive.org), though, so ... What's the best inexpensive e-reader?

If you're North American, do you put single quotation marks around words used as words (e.g.: Most people marked 'Interested'; The word 'hungry' comes to mind)? If so, please let me know why. Were you taught to do this?

Help me steel-man the use of the verb steel-man.