Author Archives: Scribe Doll
Words and Civilisation: English – the Fast Food Burger of the Language World
English is a democratic language. Vox populi, vox linguae. As soon as 51% of people say something in a particular way, then it becomes correct. Incorrect English usage. Now there is a minefield. Do not even venture there. “Incorrect” implies that … Continue reading
Posted in Words and Civilisation
Tagged burger, english, grammar, katherine gregor, scribe doll, scribedoll, tarzan, words
11 Comments
Odds & Ends: Autumn
It is one of my favourite days of the year. The day the clocks finally go back to a user-friendly time, as far as I am concerned. My reward for the annual body shock I am submitted to by … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends
Tagged autumn, clocks, daylight saving, energy saving, katherine gregor, scribe doll, scribedoll, seasons, summer time
1 Comment
Odds & Ends: Rabbit Rights
New York, January 2001. ‘I am looking for ear muffs,’ I told the sales assistant at Macy’s. The girl lead me down the cluttered aisles of the department store, past the jewellery and the glove section, to a stand covered … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Odds & Ends
Tagged bergdorf goodman, ear muffs, earmuffs, katherine gregor, macy's, new york, rabbits, saks, scribe doll, scribedoll
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Pet Hates: The Menace of Contagion
I am meeting two female friends for an after work drink at the Windsor Castle Pub. I give one the socially compulsory kiss on the cheek. I turn to the other but she takes a step back. “I have a … Continue reading
Posted in Pet Hates
Tagged cold, colds, contagion, doctors, flu, katherine gregor, scribe doll, scribedoll
6 Comments
Pet Hates: Sticking Things Out
When you’re struggling with a situation, do your friends tell you to “stick it out”? Stick it out. You’ll be glad you did. How do they know that? Do they have 20/20 vision into the future? Stick … Continue reading
Posted in Pet Hates
Tagged Arlecchino, choice, Figaro, katherine gregor, scribe doll, scribedoll, sticking
4 Comments
Words and Civilisation: Really. Really! Really?
Really is a word we really use really a lot. Really. In fact, every few sentences, really. I am not really sure why. Now, really! There is no need to get uppity about this. It’s really just a case of … Continue reading
Posted in Words and Civilisation
Tagged english language, katherine gregor, really, scribe doll, scribedoll
1 Comment
Double Standards: Smoking
As those of you who are UK based will have heard, there has been a discussion in the media, over the past week, on whether films showing scenes of people smoking should be given a Certificate 18. On one particular … Continue reading
Posted in Double Standards
Tagged cigarettes, double standards, katherine gregor, scribe doll, scribedoll, smoking, teenagers
4 Comments
Odds & Ends: The Dumb Innocent and the Wise Enchantress
My grandmother brought me up on fairy tales. Every evening, as daylight faded and silhouettes grew blurred, my mind’s eye would open up to the world of magic. Talking animals would trot into our living room, princesses with stars on … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends
Tagged cinderella, fairy tales, female role models, katherine gregor, rapunzel, scribe doll, scribedoll, sheherazade, sleeping beauty, snow white
8 Comments
Double Standards: The Ravens in the Tower
I took one of my students to the Tower of London, last Friday. I confess that, in the seventeen years I have lived in London, I had never been there. Well, at least not in daytime. I was not looking … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Half-English Observations
Tagged animal cruelty, katherine gregor, monarchy, ravens, scribe doll, scribedoll, tower of london
11 Comments
Kisses, Handshakes and Hugs
When my Italian, Spanish, Irish and Basque friends greet or part with me, they kiss me. That is, their lips smack into my cheek full on, like a firm cushion. A solid, present, committed kiss. My English friends*, for the … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends
Tagged basque, english, handshakes, hugs, Irish, italian, katherine gregor, kisses, musings, scribe doll, scribedoll
3 Comments
Scribe Doll 