Author Archives: Scribe Doll
Odds & Ends: Pay Freely for a Service, Without Expectations
This is now a regular occurrence. I am at the supermarket, queuing to pay. A member of staff rushes towards me. His tone is cheerful, as though he has a special treat in store for me. “Would you like to … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends, Uncategorized
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Pet Hates: Sharing a Table
You’re meeting a friend you have not seen for a while, for coffee or lunch. The setting must be conducive to a leisurely, free flowing conversation. Without eavesdroppers. You take all the necessary steps beforehand. You arrive at the restaurant … Continue reading
Posted in Pet Hates, Uncategorized
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Words and Civilisation: How Are You?
I would love to hear comments on this, particularly from my non-British subscribers. I met a Russian friend, last week. After the initial greeting and ambicheek kiss, I asked, “How are you?” She told me about the state of her … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Words and Civilisation
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Odds & Ends: The Ladies’ Room*
(*See legal disclaimer below) Even in our era – sadly so full of fears and threats – there are few places as scary as the ladies’ room at a ball, or other dressing up social event. In fact, the more … Continue reading
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Double Standards: Supermarket Plastic Bags
“Do you need a bag?” There is a tone of warning in the question. In fact, if you listen closely, you will hear that the stress is on “need” and not “bag”. That is how the cashier signals that the … Continue reading
Posted in Double Standards, Uncategorized
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Words and Civilisation: The Truth About Honesty
Can I be honest? Why are you suddenly looking worried? There, you see, just because I said, “Can I be honest?” you automatically assume I’m about to say something negative; or at least something you think I think you won’t … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Words and Civilisation
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Words and Civilisation: Coffee
All I wanted, this morning, was coffee. I sleepwalked towards the nearest authorised dealer and staggered into Starbucks. “Flat latte”, I mumbled through my somnolent haze. The trademark cheerful foreign language student in the green apron didn’t react. I had … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Words and Civilisation
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Scribe Doll 