Archive for June, 2014


Five ways in which science is making us reconsider some of our most basic beliefs

June 29th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

Lifestyle can change genes. The mind can affect the body. Quantum effects exist in biology. The universe is a computer (and we are the programmers). Human beings are nothing special. A short explanation of each of these insights here.

Posted in Science & technology | Comments (0)


Sarajevo: the site of the origin of the First World War – and of the longest siege in modern history

June 28th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

One hundred years ago today, Gavrilo Princip, the Bosnian-Serb radical,  set in train a chain of events that led to the outbreak of the First World War when he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. The resultant global conflict killed at least 15 million people. But, as this article explains, in Sarajevo itself, the memory […]

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Six minutes that explain our current understanding of the composition of the universe

June 27th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

We still have a lot to learn as explained in this clever little video.

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How often do you go to the theatre?

June 26th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

Although we live in London which has a multitude of theatres, we see far, far more films than plays. But this week was my birthday so I booked for us to see two plays: the theatrical productions of the two Hilary Mantel novels “Wolf Hall” [my review of the book here] and “Bring Up The Bodies” [my […]

Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (2)


Do you keep a daily note of some aspect of your life?

June 25th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

As I have explained here, I’ve kept a daily dairy for more than 50 years. In narrative form, I simply record how I’ve spent that day: meetings attended, people met, work done, films seen, books read. There is very little reflection or emotional analysis, But I know that other people record simply one aspect of their day […]

Posted in Miscellaneous, My life & thoughts | Comments (1)


The truth about obesity: 10 shocking things you need to know

June 24th, 2014 by Roger Darlington

Nearly two-thirds of the UK population is either overweight or obese. Obesity is shortening our lives. Obesity could bankrupt the National Health Service. It’s an unfair fight between anti-obesity & food industry marketing. Obesity took off in the have-it-all 1980s. Snacking is a newly created behaviour. The food industry is behaving as the tobacco industry […]

Posted in British current affairs, Social policy | Comments (0)


England gleaming in the afternoon sun

June 23rd, 2014 by Roger Darlington

Great weekend weather – and great photo from Reid Wiseman on the International Space Station here.

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Today is Manchester Day and here are 10 reasons for Mancunians to be proud

June 22nd, 2014 by Roger Darlington

I spent the first 23 years of my life in Manchester, going to school and university there, and still have close relatives in the city. So today we celebrate Manchester Day and here are 10 reasons why Mancunians are so proud of their city.

Posted in British current affairs, My life & thoughts | Comments (0)


The two new movies I’ve seen this weekend

June 22nd, 2014 by Roger Darlington

They were very contrasting in subject and style: “The Fault In Our Stars” – my review here. “3 Days To Kill” – my review here.

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The long and the short of it

June 21st, 2014 by Roger Darlington

If you live in the Northern hemisphere – and the majority of the world’s population does – then today is the longest day of the year. So enjoy the daylight, as I will in London. If you’re an England football fan (football is not my thing), you’ve just witnessed the shortest World Cup run of […]

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