By William Van Zyl (April 2022) Listen to the podcast on Podbean (or Spotify): https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xuyxy-1211da4 – William Draws Have you seen Peter Draws on YouTube? It is quite an experience. He is a gifted artist. With his down to earth approach, he has established a popular channel with 968,00 subscribers. Some of his videos have over 16… Continue reading William Draws.
Category: Articles.
Articles – all genres.
Champollion’s (JFC’s) death – French Decipherer of the Rosetta Stone – underlines one of the age-old killers: Sex, Money, Power, and Fame. Which one could it be?
By William Van Zyl (April 2022). Listen to the podcast while reading this article (Podbean- ‘The Extravagant Podcast’: https://williamvzyl.podbean.com/e/champollion-sjfc-sdeath-%e2%80%93french-decipherer-oftherosetta-stone-%e2%80%93underlines-oneof-the-age-oldkillerssexmoneypower-and-fame-whichone-c/ In 1822 – in a moment of joy and ecstasy – JFC ran breathlessly into his brother’s office and shouted: “Je tiens l’affaire!”, “I found it!” he dropped to the floor and collapsed. He was unconscious… Continue reading Champollion’s (JFC’s) death – French Decipherer of the Rosetta Stone – underlines one of the age-old killers: Sex, Money, Power, and Fame. Which one could it be?
Insect behaviour – Deception, Confusion, and Opportunity – Stuns Scientists.
By William Van Zyl (Published March 2022). In the undergrowth, an actual undercover code – which will be uncovered in this article – will stun you. A pattern and a foreknowledge that is beyond comprehension. A unique pattern – decoded in the modern times we live in – decoded by scientists. David Attenborough’s documentary Life… Continue reading Insect behaviour – Deception, Confusion, and Opportunity – Stuns Scientists.
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. 
21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?
By William Van Zyl (Published March 2022). Abstract: One of the most important questions you can ask educators is ‘Are you preparing students for the 21-st century?’ From research, we know what those critical aspects are: Students should be able to be critical thinkers, able to find creative solutions, able to do extensive collaboration, and… Continue reading 21-st Century Skills: Are students being prepared to solve real-life problems?
Four Million-pound-heavy millstone sunk an ambitious family, while Harry’s feather-light happiness floats on the Thames – an enlightening contrast.
Life’s contrasts. By William van Zyl (Published February 2022). Here is a more extended title for this article: Life’s contrasts: Harry’s weather-feather-light decision floats happily on the River Thames. While – in comparison – a 4 million-pound-heavy millstone sends an ambitious family to Davey Jones’ Locker. Two true stories – a contrast. I touch on a… Continue reading Four Million-pound-heavy millstone sunk an ambitious family, while Harry’s feather-light happiness floats on the Thames – an enlightening contrast.
Bigger than the biggest invention in the world?
By William Van Zyl. Published in January 2022. Which invention changed the world? The answer to that question will surprise you. Close to the beginning, it was the invention of fire – in primeval times. Fire transformed people’s lives. Have you seen the movie ‘Quest for Fire?’ The film portrays the invention and keeping alive… Continue reading Bigger than the biggest invention in the world?
Wounded.
By William Van Zyl. Published in 2022. Being wounded and suffering heartache is something that strikes at every human’s heart at some point. Right? Have you experienced suffering? Recently? Or, some time ago? Have you been wounded by a loved one? We all know that pain. The famous Mexican artist – Frida Kahlo –… Continue reading Wounded.
Memory of the Heart.
By William Van Zyl. Published in 2016. Edited and republished on January 13, 2023. ‘Is it possible that the human heart uses its own memory to communicate…?’ Cellular memory is a new area of interest, revealing startling facts. The Human Heart. Your heart could be the reason why you are making such excellent decisions that… Continue reading Memory of the Heart.
Leaving Your Comfort Zone Requires Courage. A Brave Move Will Make You More Efficient! A Lesson from ‘The Little Prince’ (Famous Novel by French Writer: Antoine De Saint-Exupèry 1943).
By William Van Zyl. Published in 2021. A pilot’s bracelet lost at sea was found in a fishing net—what a coincidence. The bracelet belonged to a pilot that had gone missing many years ago – in fact, just before the second world war ended in 1944. The pilot was reported to be lost at sea… Continue reading Leaving Your Comfort Zone Requires Courage. A Brave Move Will Make You More Efficient! A Lesson from ‘The Little Prince’ (Famous Novel by French Writer: Antoine De Saint-Exupèry 1943).
Poem: A Strong Tower/ Gedig: N Sterk Toring
A Strong Tower (English version) / N Sterk Toring (Afrikaans version) By William Van Zyl. Published in 2016. Deur William Van Zyl. Gepuliseer in 2016. Poem: A Strong Tower (dedicated to Nena by William) My mother stands mountain tall She towers high above the stratosphere Storms have no business with her She waves her hand… Continue reading Poem: A Strong Tower/ Gedig: N Sterk Toring
Inside Out.
‘Real change starts from the inside out’. This fundamental truth can be recognised as that significant change that starts deep within and eventually becomes visible on the outside. Applying this principle is powerful for behaviour modification. Hence the title ‘inside out’. Introduction The clock on the cover page can be used to illustrate how the… Continue reading Inside Out.
Die Beiteltjie (The Stonemason’s Little Chisel/The Little Cold Chisel). AFRIKAANSE GEDIG
Deur William Van Zyl. Gepubliseer in 2017. Agtergrond: Hierdie gedig was in die Nasionale Senior Sertifikaat Eksamen (RSA) vir die Afrikaanse Eerste taal eksamen in 1976 – my final jaar op skool (Hentie Cilliers, Virginia, Vrystaat).Op daardie stadium het ek nie die diepte van die gedig besef nie. Ek kon dit nie in soveel diepte… Continue reading Die Beiteltjie (The Stonemason’s Little Chisel/The Little Cold Chisel). AFRIKAANSE GEDIG
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).
Minecraft Lesson: Create a Minecraft Character to contain a USB Drive. Making freehand sketches with dimensions. Use SketchUp (3D Warehouse) & TinkerCad (3D printing) to prepare the file for 3D printing.
By William Van Zyl – Published 2018 Learning intention: To learn how to make 3-D sketches in third angle orthographic projection. To learn how to use SketchUp (software) to design a skin (minecraft character). To learn how to prepare a 3-D print for a 3-D printer. Learn how to use TinkerCad (software – prepare 3-D… Continue reading Minecraft Lesson: Create a Minecraft Character to contain a USB Drive. Making freehand sketches with dimensions. Use SketchUp (3D Warehouse) & TinkerCad (3D printing) to prepare the file for 3D printing.
Family Culture: Predictability, Stability & Security.
About this article on family culture: What are some of the elements and the relational dynamics that constitute a great loving and caring extended family? I will endeavour in this article – with references to unique events and highlights of our extended family – to identify possible factors and influences that may have impacted our… Continue reading Family Culture: Predictability, Stability & Security.
Half of Mephibosheth.
By William Van Zyl – Published January 2022. As the slender butler pulled the chair out for Mephibosheth, he shuffled closer and steadied himself by holding onto the chair’s back support. His eyes scanned over the feast set out on the large table. The grandeur of the table displayed the wealth of the palace owner.… Continue reading Half of Mephibosheth.
IN MEMORIAM: GABRIEL STEPHANUS PHILLIPUS HERHOLDT (Junior) – 56 YEARS OF AGE.
Time to say goodbye. Gawie had a surpassing love for his family. How do we know this? He posted many pictures of his siblings, dad Gawie (Senior) and his mum Ous on social media. He loved his siblings – Delien & Liz – with a special place in his heart for Neville. Like all of… Continue reading IN MEMORIAM: GABRIEL STEPHANUS PHILLIPUS HERHOLDT (Junior) – 56 YEARS OF AGE.
War medal of 12-year-old ‘Penkop’ War Hero – Pieter Grabbe – located in the U.K.
By William Van Zyl. Published January 2022. Pieter Grabbe van Zyl (Zijl) also known as PG. Pieter Grabbe – Anglo-Boer child hero – was born on September 30, 1888. He joined the Heidelberg Kommando in 1901, during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa (1899 to 1902). He would have been just over 12 years… Continue reading War medal of 12-year-old ‘Penkop’ War Hero – Pieter Grabbe – located in the U.K.
Bathtub-pilots saved miraculously by instruction manual.
By William Van Zyl (Published December 2021). Listen to the podcast of the story and article: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xgu7v-116beac The bathtub plane flew like a giant concrete brick, shaking and vibrating violently through the air. Two babies took off from the bathroom floor without wings – the bath flight baffled aeronautical engineers. The structures around them rattled,… Continue reading Bathtub-pilots saved miraculously by instruction manual.