Author Archives: Scribe Doll

Theatre Review: “Man in the Middle”

Someone should coin the phrase “bandwagon play”.  Not that there is anything wrong with drawing a story from an item of current affairs fracas, and produce a piece of drama that makes history alongside History – as long as it … Continue reading

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Words and Civilisation: The Kiss X or the X Kiss?

Who was it, that first had the idea of putting an x by the signature, to symbolise a kiss?In every social missive we receive, be it an e-mail, a card, or a text message, our contact’s name is appended with … Continue reading

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Double Standards: 7 Inconsistencies for the First Week of the Year

Saturday: The country is being squeezed by financial cuts.  Child poverty is rising sharply.  The rate of unemployment is high.  The cost of living is escalating while salaries are dropping.  Yet, last Saturday, a six-figure sum (I could not find … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: New Year’s Eve

When I was nine years old, and we were living in Nice, I would sit by the window, in my pyjamas, and watch the neighbours leave home to go to various New Year’s Eve festivities.  The men all wore black … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: Christmas Eve (Claws Sheathed – Promise!)

My Russian-Armenian grandmother celebrated on Christmas Eve.  That was when she served the special dinner, after which presents were unwrapped.  Christmas Eve was also full of mystery and magic.  It was when Gogol’s witch flew out on her broomstick, plucking … Continue reading

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Words and Civilisation: Words of ‘Comfort’?!

You’ve just had a major disappointment, heartbreak or mishap; or you’re just having a bad time.  You’re feeling low, sad, upset or angry.  Whatever the reason, you’re basically in a lousy place, from which the view is – begging your … Continue reading

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Pet Hates: (Some) Christmas Cards

No, I am not one of those people who get grumpy, depressed or reclusive at this time of year.  I love, and always have loved, Yuletide.  No, I do not like to see tinsel and baubles adorning the shops in … Continue reading

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New Header Image

Hi, Y’all.  I have just changed my header image on the Home Page.  I hope you like it. Photo of Corby Nero by kind permission of Bishop’s Park Corvus Corvae Community.

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Pet Hates: The Devil’s Demand (or Direct Debit)

When I took out a contract with my existing mobile ‘phone company, I was told that I could have the package I wanted only on condition that I paid for it by direct debit.  No, a standing order was not … Continue reading

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Words and Civilisation: You Lucky Thing!

You tell a friend you are going on holiday to New York.  This person is most likely to exclaim (at least in England), “You lucky thing! I wish I were going!” You may find this reaction offensive on two fronts.  … Continue reading

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