Tag Archives: scribe doll

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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