By William Van Zyl Published on 18 August 2024 Bang! The shockwaves from the shrimp’s claw stunned the small fish. Research divers reported a tiny flash of lightning as the pistol’ went off. Here is a concise, fantastic, and fun story about how Hola and Revola—the two pistol shrimps—developed their ‘handguns.’ An extraordinary tale—to build writing… Continue reading Hola and Revola, the two firing Pistolas.
Category: All Genres
Wide range of articles and E-Books: Touching on a very wide spectrum of writing ranging from Education, STEM, Technology, Writing, Short Stories, Fiction, Non-fiction, Sustainability, Architecture, Biomimetics, Minecraft Education, Contemporary Teaching, Culturally Responsive Practice, Contemporary Leadership, Solving Real Life Problems, Collaboration, Spirituality, and everything else in between.
Rise, Oh Ox.
By William Van Zyl Published on 6 August 2024 The Israelites used Joseph’s alternative name—‘Ox’—to miraculously create a golden calf from molten gold. Really? Yes, the rabbis indicated that it was possible. The Chabad says they threw a pottery plaque into the molten golden jewellery the leaders collected from all the Israelites. ‘Boom!’ went the… Continue reading Rise, Oh Ox.
The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
By William Van Zyl Published on 5 October 2023. Short intro video: Creating a small blank zine booklet in under 30 seconds – from one size A4 page (magaZINE). Link the video: https://youtu.be/ab4O9SWNl9g?feature=shared Introduction In the vibrant world of artistic expression, zines emerge as unique and personal avenues for self-publishing. Originating from the punk subculture… Continue reading The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
Crocodile Skin reads Braille in the Dark.
By William van Zyl Published on 11 August 2023 The BBC’s documentary on The Secrets of Skin – specifically the skin of animals – is simply stunning. See the link at the end. What stood out for me was the crocodile’s jaws, which are lined with sensory pits and other multisensory organs. These amazingly well-designed… Continue reading Crocodile Skin reads Braille in the Dark.
A Pellet in my Mallet
By William Van Zyl Published in June 2023 ‘Whizz – plink – swoosh – whirr!’ That sound? Imagine target shooting with an air rifle. A pellet strikes one of the small metal levers hanging from a wire frame. Because the lever is lightweight, it spins round and round when the projectile hits the lever. Then,… Continue reading A Pellet in my Mallet
Could AI (ChatGPT) mark and comment on my writing work? Could the ‘Machine’ provide critical feedback?
By William Van Zyl Published 5 June 2023 Should you approach AI (ChatGPT) seeking an evaluation of your written work and requesting feedback, what would this reading machine offer in response? Curiosity piqued, would you like to discover what lies in store? I will not waste any time; here is my question and the response… Continue reading Could AI (ChatGPT) mark and comment on my writing work? Could the ‘Machine’ provide critical feedback?
Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
By William Van Zyl. Published 4 June 2023. I have been investigating AI’s potential for teachers, parents and homeschooling parents. I have summarised my finding for you in a convenient list form. I have also included a visual summary of 30 tools. Yes, I have said 30 different tools which could make the life of… Continue reading Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
Crushing: An Unexpected Route to Greatness.
Published on June 20, 2019. By William Van Zyl Want to hear about the life story of someone who started at the very bottom and ended up at the top. Here is an exciting story of someone who followed a different path. Or, maybe not so unfamiliar. Ever thought about the invitation to become a… Continue reading Crushing: An Unexpected Route to Greatness.
True stories with unfathomable depth, rich cultural variations, and extensive contexts will develop creativity in young children.
By William Van Zyl Published in April 2023 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uh8kj-13eb31d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7 ‘The stories from the Bible are too violent for my young children,’ said the caring mum. ‘I prefer different stories which do not include violence,’ said another mum. ‘The stories from the Bible are probably the best stories you can ever tell… Continue reading True stories with unfathomable depth, rich cultural variations, and extensive contexts will develop creativity in young children.
Watermelon, Blueberry, and Pomegranate Platter.
By Malinda & William Van Zyl First published in 2016. Perfect for a hot summers day. The watermelon blueberry and pomegranate platter are the perfect treat on a hot summers day. It is also quick and easy to assemble. A great idea for a lunch or dinner party. It could also be a lovely, generous… Continue reading Watermelon, Blueberry, and Pomegranate Platter.
Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
By William Van Zyl (March 5, 2022) Referencing this article: Van Zyl, W. N. (2022). Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21st-century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. Five House Publishing. https://fivehousepublishing.com/2022/03/25/introducing-the-arduino-uno-a-pioneering-digital-framework-to-prepare-students-for-21-st-century-problem-solving-five-journal-entries-a-critical-reflection-%ef%bf%bc/ Abstract: After reflecting on my own practice as a secondary school teacher in… Continue reading Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. 
Ringetjies in die bos (Doringkuil).
Deur Malinda en William Van Zyl. Gepubliseer in vir die eerste keer 2019 en weer in 2024. Foto op voorblad van die e-Boek. Crediet: Christine De Beer. https://christinedebeer.ca/designs/this-is-the-fragrance-of-november Inleiding AFRIKAANSE GEDIG: In hiedie gedig vat Malinda haar liefde vir haar ma Lizzia vas. Malinda, as n jong dogter, het baie sorgvrye ure in die bos… Continue reading Ringetjies in die bos (Doringkuil).
Riley Daniels Te Are Bell-Ritete
22 May 2003 – 26 May 2021 The Eyes of Riley. Crystal white, and clear blue night.Colour your sky, brilliant white.Look up on a beautiful day,See the eyes and the intentions of my soul. Crystal white, clear blue night.Brilliant flowers are ablazeSwirling clouds of velvet blue,Reflect in Riley’s eyes of “I am true.” (W. Van… Continue reading Riley Daniels Te Are Bell-Ritete
Man spends three days in the deep, dark belly of a cold, cruel monster—dying slowly.
By William Van Zyl April 26, 2020 Listen to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4tisi-1020ac2 Encountering the monster Copyright©William Van Zyl – April 2020 Harrison – not Harrison Ford – is trapped. It is day three. Off the East coast of Africa, in a remote part of the ocean, 32 km from land, the Nigerian man is… Continue reading Man spends three days in the deep, dark belly of a cold, cruel monster—dying slowly.
Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi – death-defiers and demon-destroyers.
By William Van Zyl (2021) Listen to the podcast of this article: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5n4bm-1010cab July 2032 “As all the countries of the world are aware, an asteroid had been detected on the radar for some time now. Black rock and ice are hurtling towards the earth. We have an emergency!” said the radio host in a… Continue reading Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi – death-defiers and demon-destroyers.
Rudders, Oars, and ‘Systems’ for Goal Setting.
Posted by William Van Zyl – May 3, 2020 Listen to the podcast (Podbean): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-rrdzn-102059d Introduction Copyright©William Van Zyl – May 2020 Have you ever been rowing in a rowboat without a rudder? You paddle hard; however, you have no control over your direction. A proper rudder – with well-chosen oars –… Continue reading Rudders, Oars, and ‘Systems’ for Goal Setting.
Dressing Well: A Style Compass and Map for Rookies – the Stuck-in-a-rut Fly Fisherman Story.
By William Van Zyl (2020). The parable of the stylish fisherman and how he caught the most beautiful woman alive will get everyone’s attention; the word stylish will make men turn their heads in this direction. How did the fisherman land the extravagant catch you may ask? I am glad you have asked. Every beautiful,… Continue reading Dressing Well: A Style Compass and Map for Rookies – the Stuck-in-a-rut Fly Fisherman Story.
Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
Lesson: Essay writing – compare and contrast (Secondary School level). Exploring sustainable practice and our oceans. A 1000-word essay. By William Van Zyl Copyright © 2020 by William Van Zyl Lesson (Essay Writing) – Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future? Lesson: Essay writing – compare and… Continue reading Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
Space Wheel Gravity: Your Spiritual Force
By William Van Zyl *Science and spiritual life parallels. True North (Verse) My bones and muscles are feeling weak. I don’t feel any pull; The influence of magnetic North is waning. But wait—I feel something… It is unfamiliar. To go with the flow or to resist? – that is the question. What is this unseen… Continue reading Space Wheel Gravity: Your Spiritual Force
Service to Authors
Need some help to publish your eBook? Need assistance with your eBook? Do you want some outstanding book covers (front and back)? Want a very reasonable price for outstanding personal service? Contact us for very low rates. Book cover – front: $ 20.00 NZ Book cover – back: $ 20.00 NZ Creating eBook files: PDF… Continue reading Service to Authors