Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category
The best Christmas cracker jokes
December 26th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
What happened to the hyena who swallowed an Oxo cube? He made a laughing stock of himself. In which country can’t you use cash? The cheque republic! What do you call a chicken in a shell suit? An egg. How do you stay cool at a football match? Stand next to a fan! What’s the […]
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A new twist on cow-based economics
December 14th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
SOCIALISM You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbour. COMMUNISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk. FASCISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk. BUREAUCRATISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then […]
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What are the “probabilities of precipitation”?
December 9th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
The Plain English Society would prefer the expression “rain is likely”. But the Meteorlogical Office explains: “Precipitation covers a wide range of stuff falling from the sky including rain, sleet, snow, hail, drizzle and even cats and dogs – but sums it up in just one word.” So, what matters more: simplicity or precision? More on […]
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How old are you? How happy are you?
November 29th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
One of the most popular sections of my web site is the page entitled “How To Be Happy”. It’s also the section of the site that generates the most e-mails. Many readers seem to find the advice useful. I’m struck though by how many of the writers are in their teens or 20s. In fact, many […]
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The campaign to save Gaby’s Deli
October 7th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
A few weeks ago, I did a posting about the threatened closure of my favourite London cafe, a great place near Leicester Square called “Gaby’s”. I was there recently, enjoying their delicious baklava and talking to the owner about the plan to close the place at the end of April. Roger lends support to Gaby […]
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Granddaughter Catrin starts her political career
September 27th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
I took my son Richard to Labour Party Conference in Blackpool when he was just three and half months old in 1976. At the time, I was a Special Adviser to a member of the Labour Government’s Cabinet. Thirty five years later, Richard and his wife Emily have taken their daughter Catrin – aged eight […]
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A sad farewell to Gaby’s Deli
September 19th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
OK, I’m back – I’ve been in Lisbon with my sister for four days. I returned yesterday and today Vee went off to the Czech Republic for two weeks. So I’ll be spending even more time than usual in cafes and restaurants. But one of my favourites will soon be no more. It’s been there […]
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What is this and where is it? (2)
September 4th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
A few days ago, I posted a photograph on this blog and asked what it was and where one would find it. The first question was in one sense very easy and the second question was impossibly difficult. Thanks to my friend Nick for having ago at answering them. Let’s start with the second question. […]
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What is this and where is it? (1)
August 31st, 2011 by Roger Darlington
I’ll give you a few days to post your answers.
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How are hurricanes named?
August 30th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Two of our closest friends flew back from New York to London last night, but their flight was delayed by the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. But why was it called Irene? The naming convention is a bit more complicated than you might think and has changed over time. You’ll find a brief explanation in this […]
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