Archive for July, 2012


How to spot the big five in Kruger

July 31st, 2012 by Roger Darlington

The ‘big five’ are  buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. You  can see them all in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. There are two ways to do this. One is to be incredibly lucky – as I was on a visit to the park in 2004. You can read my account here. The other way is […]

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Why is America in decline?

July 30th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

During my recent holiday in the United States [my account here], I read an fascinating book entitled “Time To Start Thinking: America And The Spectre Of Decline” [my review here]. Today the “Guardian” has an article by Gary Younge, British but resident in Chicago, with an interesting take on this issue. He comments: ” … […]

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Is humankind causing global warming?

July 30th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

The evidence convinced me long ago, but there have still been sceptics, some of them American scientists. But a leading climate change sceptic is now completely persuaded. In an op-ed piece in the “New York Times”. Professor Richard Muller writes: “Our results show that the average temperature of the earth’s land has risen by two […]

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A review of “The Dark Knight Rises”

July 29th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

British director Christopher Nolan has given us some wonderful films, but his three Batman offerings must be one of the the most satisfying trilogies in cinema history. You can read my review of his third and last Batman film here.

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A 12-part guide to the UK

July 29th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

As the eyes of the world turn to this country where we are hosting our third Olympic Games, the BBC web site provides a helpful – and amusing – guide to understanding the United Kingdom. I particularly like the sections on accents, class and nationality. Check it out here. Part of the fun of understanding […]

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How could Obama lose?

July 28th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

A recent piece in the “Washington Post” opened with this analysis: “With 100 days left in the presidential campaign, perhaps the two most vexing questions in American politics are: How could President Obama possibly lose? And, how could he possibly win? Americans are scared, angry and struggling. They used to talk about job satisfaction; now […]

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The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics

July 28th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

Last night, Vee and I spent four hours watching live on BBC television the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics Games here in our home city of London. We have waited seven years for this time and I even volunteered to be a London Ambassador for the Games (but I was not chosen). The organiser […]

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How democratic is the United States?

July 27th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

On my web site, I have written short guides to the political systems of 11 countries including the United States – see here. Some day, I intend to get round to writing an essay on comparing different political systems and, when I do, one of the points I will draw out is the ease or […]

Posted in American current affairs | Comments (3)


London’s three Olympics: 1908, 1948, 2012

July 25th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

London is the only city to have hosted three Olympic Games. The first was in 1908, the second was 1948 (the year I was born), and this third is this week. You’ll find an interesting comparison of the three games here.

Posted in British current affairs | Comments (1)


The Olympic torch passes our road …

July 25th, 2012 by Roger Darlington

… but I am not there to see it. At about 10.30 am this morning, on Day 68 of the Olympic Torch Relay around the UK, the flame passed down Harrow Road in Sudbury Hill in north-west London, just two minutes walk from our home. My wife Vee and brother-in-law Derek were there to see […]

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