Author Archives: Scribe Doll
Pet Hates: Pet Likes: London Transport 2
Last week, Adrian challenged me to come up with a list of ‘likes’ about London Transport. So, here we go: Pet Hates Likes: London Transport 2 No. 1 Teenagers on the bus. The smaller boys grab the overhead bars, swing … Continue reading
Pet Hates: London Transport
No. 1 On the Tube, men who mark their territory by spreading their knees so wide, you have less room in the seat next to them, than entitled to by train designer. Solution: Wait for the train to brake and, … Continue reading
Posted in Pet Hates
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Odds & Ends: Isn’t It Romantic?
Two days ago, the nation was swept into a pink fluffy cloud of romance. The Government encouraged this mass adoration of somebody else’s wedding by decreeing a Bank Holiday. The country was momentarily distracted from economic problems, Britain’s increasing involvement … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends
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Pet Hates: Doctors – the New Priests
First, there were the priests. Now, there are the doctors. Has anyone else noticed the similarities between those two? Along with lawyers, they have always formed the most loathed and derided professional triumvirate in literature and the theatre. Anton Chekhov, … Continue reading
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Words and Civilisation: Being Realistic
When I first started writing this blog, and announced it to just about everyone I knew, one of my acquaintances declared – point blank – that she would not be reading it. “Nobody reads blogs, anymore,” she said. “There’s too many … Continue reading
Posted in Words and Civilisation
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Words and Civilisation: Yes and No
Rule Number One to be truly English. Banish at once the following two words from your vocabulary: ‘yes’ and ‘no’. They are unsightly, un-English, and compromising. They state an absolute, and that is bad-mannered. After all, who gives you the … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Words and Civilisation
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Words and Civilisation: I Tried To Call You
“I tried to call you.” How many times have you heard that one? It is annoying enough when friends say it but when I hear it in a professional context, I have to repress my instinct to pounce and tear … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized, Words and Civilisation
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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
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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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