Archive for December, 2014
Why older people are usually happier and what younger people can learn from this
December 8th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
An article in the “New York Times”, David Brooks argues: “It’s comforting to know that, for many, life gets happier with age. But it’s more useful to know how individuals get better at doing the things they do. The point of culture is to spread that wisdom from old to young; to put that thousand-year-heart […]
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (0)
The tradition continues: the Darlington Christmas letter
December 7th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
Vee and I are spending evenings writing Christmas cards to friends at home and abroad. We like to pass on some news but can’t write too much in each card, so as usual we are using the format of a Christmas letter which many say they enjoy. You can read the letter for 2014 here.
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (0)
Are you right- or left-handed?
December 6th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
There are some fascinating facts and figures about right-handedness and left-handedness in this news paper article. I am right-handed – except with a knife and fork. I rationalise this by the following arguments: The fork does twice as much work as the knife – it holds the food and transfers it to the mouth, whereas […]
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The newest and nicest hotel on my recent travels
December 5th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
I have just returned from a trip to Sheffield where I attended a Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Tinder Foundation where I am a non-exective Board member. I stayed overnight at a newly-opened boutique hotel called Brocco on the Park. It has eight rooms, all with delightful decor and excellent facilities, and […]
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My new role at the communications regulator Ofcom
December 5th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
I am pleased to announce that, following an open selection process, the communications regulator Ofcom has appointed me as Chair of the Consumer Forum for Communications (CFC). I am not new to Ofcom – I was the Member for England on the Communications Consumer Panel for eight and half years – and I am not […]
Posted in Consumer matters, My life & thoughts | Comments (12)
A review of the film “Nightcrawler”
December 4th, 2014 by Roger Darlington
This is not a movie for everyone but, if you’re up for a dark satire, this is a really impressive directorial debut – see my review here.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
It’s important that you know where you are in the universe
December 3rd, 2014 by Roger Darlington
26 pictures will make you re-evaluate your entire existence – check them out here.
Posted in Science & technology | Comments (0)
What is the most popular boys’ (and girls’) name for new babies in Britain?
December 2nd, 2014 by Roger Darlington
Sections of the British media have been excited about this question over the last few days. Various Right-wing newspapers have asserted that the most popular name is Mohammed and variants of it and implied that Britain is somehow being taken over by Muslims. More liberal sections of the media have reacted in ways which arguably […]
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (0)
The oldest working astronomical clock in the world – and one of the most splendid clocks you will ever see
December 1st, 2014 by Roger Darlington
On our last day of a long weekend in Prague, Vee and I were strolling through the Old Town Square when we heard the astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall strike the hour. We have enjoyed this experience many, many times but each occasion is quite magical, This is the oldest working astronomical clock […]
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Climate change: isn’t the message clear enough?
December 1st, 2014 by Roger Darlington
Fact: According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average temperature over land and ocean from January to October was the hottest since records began in 1880.
Posted in Environment | Comments (0)