Archive for October, 2008
What about money?
October 28th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
At the beginning of the summer, I blogged about a new web site created by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to offer advice to young adults on financial matters. It’s called simply What About Money (WAM). Nearly half (47%) of UK youngsters find financial language confusing and over a third (36%) are unsure of where […]
Posted in Consumer matters | Comments (1)
Czechs and Slovaks mark 70 years
October 28th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
Seventy years ago today, Czechoslovakia – now the Czech Republic and Slovakia – declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Since my wife is half-Czech, I have a special interest in Czech history. That’s why I’ve read several books on Czech history – reviewed here – and Czech historical figures – reviewed here.
Posted in History | Comments (0)
Ever heard of Little Ben?
October 27th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
You’ve all heard of Big Ben – although most people think it is the clock tower on the Houses of Parliament in London when, in fact, it is the name of the bell at the top of the tower. But have you heard of Big Ben’s younger brother Little Ben? Think I’m making this up? […]
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (1)
The American presidential election (85)
October 27th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
A week tomorrow, Americans go to the polls for a Presidential election – plus all the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate (including Joe Biden’s seat!) – in what seems to have been the longest and has certainly been the most exciting race that I can remember. Between now and 4 November, […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (3)
Has blogging has its day?
October 25th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
“Thinking about launching your own blog? Here’s some friendly advice: Don’t. And if you’ve already got one, pull the plug. Writing a weblog today isn’t the bright idea it was four years ago. The blogosphere, once a freshwater oasis of folksy self-expression and clever thought, has been flooded by a tsunami of paid bilge.” This […]
Posted in Internet | Comments (2)
The American presidential election (84)
October 24th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
It isn’t over yet- and every vote will count. Even mine? Footnote: The video was sent to me by a friend – from Sweden!
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (1)
Understanding American politics
October 24th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
The current United States Presidential election campaign has understandably created great interest all around the world but American politics is not always easy to understand. Even how the Americans actually choose their President is so different from anything in any other country. Therefore, in recent weeks, I’ve had a lot of visits to my web […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
Be open-minded, but not empty-minded
October 24th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
This ditty from Australian Tim Minchin certainly captures my approach to the world:
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (3)
Forgotten World (150): Palau
October 24th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
The tiny northern Pacific nation of Palau – which only became independent of United States administration in 1994 – consists of more than 200 volcanic and coral islands, many of them surrounded by a single barrier reef, and its tropical waters are home to an abundance of marine life, making the pace a paradise for […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
Forgotten World (149): Jordan
October 23rd, 2008 by Roger Darlington
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a small country with few natural resources, but it has played a pivotal role in the struggle for power in the Middle East. Jordan’s significance results partly from its strategic location at the crossroads of what most Christians, Jews and Muslims call the Holy Land. It is one of […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)