Author Archives: Scribe Doll

Pet Hates: Job Interview Platitudes

Sorry to keep you waiting, we’re very busy today. Tempting answer: Are you suggesting I am not busy?   I can honestly say that I have seldom been seen at the agreed time.  It is the would be employer who … Continue reading

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Trust

Some thoughts on the painting Tobias and the Angel (circa 1470-80) by the Workshop of Verrocchio.  Egg tempera on poplar.  National Gallery, London. Trust me, if you will.  I am loving, I am infinite, I am immortal.  I do not … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: Human Decency Is Not Dead

The past week has brought to light a ugly side to the nation, that makes me feel deeply uneasy.  I can only hope that History will not spin the truth into a falsely glorified image of an ideologically motivated revolt … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: The Money Yardstick

I know this one is going to spark off controversy, so here comes the disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, which I have formed from my own observations.  However, I would be most interested in hearing about your experiences. … Continue reading

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Words and Civilisation: Sales Assistants’ Language

You wear a brand new purple T-shirt and notice, and the end of the day, that the colour has run over your white underwear and even rubbed off on your skin.  The following day, you take it back to the … Continue reading

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Pet Hates: In Restaurants

No.1 Is everything O.K.? Have you noticed how waiters wait for the exact moment when you have your mouth full, before they ask you that? I often try and cheat them by staging my forkfuls when they are not around … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: The Neglected Sense

On the Tube, the conductor’s announcement is so loud, the sound is fuzzy and incomprehensible.  I plug my fingers into my ears and meet the eyes of other passengers.  They are impassive; their curiosity at my reaction, unemotional.  In the … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: An Actor’s Perception of Age

I used to be a theatrical agent.  A few of my ex-clients, I now have the pleasure and privilege of calling my friends.  Perhaps one of them will be able to solve this particular puzzle.  Or did this happen only … Continue reading

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Odds & Ends: Crows

To listen to my Sound Sculpture feature on crows on the BBC Radio 4 programme Saturday Live, broadcast on 14 January 2012 please click here.  It’s the weekend.  I go for a walk in my local park, which flanks the river.  … Continue reading

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Pet Hates: “We” Couples

I have the privilege of knowing couples whose relationships (at least as far as I can see) are an inspiration.  In some cases, I have a friendship with both partners; in others, just with one – generally because I either … Continue reading

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