Three Essays

“Genius goes viral”. Our understanding of the human genome has dramatically changed over the past fifteen years. It turns out that we may be more than the sum of the genes we are born with. The contribution of viruses to our phenotype is explored as is its relation to genius. “And she told me what to say”. The place of the Beatles in the history of pop music is explored. It is seen from the perspective of a young boy who was just fifteen years old when they burst on the scene in England in 1963. Their greatest hit is fondly remembered. “The little, red diary: memoir of a Liverpool supporter”. A small child becomes a Liverpool supporter. It’s a natural progression in his life driven by his love for his dad. The boy learns that his grandfather had been a professional footballer and had played for Liverpool. The team becomes an unbreakable bond between him and his dad.