Archive for June, 2012


What I love about my New iPad

June 30th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

As I explained in this posting, it was my birthday on Monday and I treated myself by ordering online the latest (third generation) version of the iPad. It duly arrived by post on Wednesday. Already there are many things that I love about it: It has my name and mobile number engraved on the back. […]

Posted in My life & thoughts, Science & technology | Comments (7)


What proportion of Britain is built on?

June 29th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

The answer may surprise – and reassure – you. Check it out here.

Posted in Environment | Comments (0)


Americans and UFOs – now it can be told …

June 29th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

How many Americans believe in unidentified flying objects (UFOs)? How many actually claim to have seen one? And which presidential candidate is most trusted to protect the USA from such alien visitors? Only in the United States would such questions be taken seriously. But, if you’d like to know the answers, you’ll find them here.

Posted in American current affairs | Comments (0)


Is the Royal Bank of Scotland hiding something?

June 26th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

As the latest news confirms, the last week has been a disaster for millions of customers at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Nat West (my bank) and Ulster Bank. Almost all the media attention has been on the adverse impact on so many customers and the efforts of the banks to mitigate these impacts. But we […]

Posted in Consumer matters | Comments (1)


Treating myself for my birthday

June 25th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

I was a very early adopter of the iPhone [first posting here] and, after four and a half years with the same phone, I have been wondering when I should upgrade. Similarly I was a very early adopter of the iPad [first posting here] and, after two years, again I have been wondering when I […]

Posted in My life & thoughts, Science & technology | Comments (5)


“When I’m Sixty-Four”

June 25th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

In 1967, the Beatles issued the album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and one of the songs on it was “When I’m Sixty-Four” [ lyrics here]. At the time, I was aged 19 and a big Beatles fan. At the time, I thought that 64 was pretty old. But today I am 64 and […]

Posted in Cultural issues, My life & thoughts | Comments (4)


Two reviews of “To Kill A Mocking Bird”

June 24th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

A few years ago, I finally got round to reading the 1960 Harper Lee Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill A Mocking Bird” [my review here]. However, it was only this weekend that I saw the faithful film adaptation of 1962 [my review here].

Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)


Will Barack Obama be re-elected? (2)

June 24th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

“Prospects for an Obama win have been buffeted by poor job figures and the threat of economic meltdown in Europe. Romney’s team know that convincing America’s swing voters that they might have better job prospects under Republican rule could turn the former Massachusetts governor into a president. The 2012 election is now up for grabs.” […]

Posted in American current affairs | Comments (0)


My water appointment gathers flow

June 22nd, 2012 by Roger Darlington

It is now almost three months since I started my new appointment as Chair of the Customer Challenge Group at South East Water. It’s been a fascinating time in which I’ve learned so much and met many dedicated people. The company arranged a comprehensive induction for me with four days of discussions with the most […]

Posted in Environment, My life & thoughts | Comments (2)


A review of “Prometheus”

June 21st, 2012 by Roger Darlington

I love films; I really enjoy science fiction movies; and I’ve always welcomed additions to the “Alien” franchise. This week, I saw “Prometheus” – the fifth element of the franchise when Ridley Scott, director of the original, returns to the story. You can read my review here.

Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)