December 22nd 2003 - December 28th 2003
Sunday Beagled
Saturday Wham
Friday Eggsellent
Thursday So festive
Wednesday Patronised
Tuesday Changing rooms
Monday Needling
Sunday 28th December 2003
Some brave attempts to wrest maximum punnage from the sadly beleaguered Beagle:
Do beagles dream of little green sheep?
Has the Beagle bungled?
The Beagle is stranded
But my favourite remark by far was overheard at the office, when we discussing Damien Hirst's involvement with the project: "Now the Martians can be sure there's no intelligent life on Earth".
Saturday 27th December 2003
I'm sorry to have to do this, but I'm obliged to draw your attention to a Telegraph: story earlier in the week
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale shook central California yesterday...In Paso Robles, Madelyn Stemper, an accountant, described its effect. "It was really jerky," she said. "Other ones that I have been in had that roll to them, but this was just like a 'Bam'.
Friday 26th December 2003
I got paid an extra £240 to work yesterday, got a lift into the office, did a quiet night's work, and still got to go the Swan for a pint or three on the way home. My Christmas dinner? A cheese and potato omelette, since you ask.
How was it for you?
Thursday 25th December 2003
Where's a hyphen when you need one?
Official London Underground Christmas message: Festive travel information: There will be no trains on Christmas Day
Wednesday 24th December 2003
February 1755. Doctor Johnson writes to his so-called patron, the Earl of Chesterfield:
Seven years, My lord have now past since I waited in your outward Rooms or was repulsed from your Door, during which time I have been pushing on my work through difficulties of which it is useless to complain, and have brought it at last to the verge of Publication without one Act of assistance, one word of encouragement, or one smile of favour. Such treatment I did not expect, for I never had a Patron before.
The Shepherd in Virgil grew at last acquainted with Love, and found him a Native of the Rocks. Is not a Patron, My Lord, one who looks with unconcern on a Man struggling for Life in the water and when he has reached ground encumbers him with help. The notice which you have been pleased to take of my Labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent and cannot enjoy it, till I am solitary and cannot impart it, till I am known, and do not want it.
I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligation where no benefit has been received, or to be unwilling that the Public should consider me as owing that to a Patron, which Providence has enabled me to do for myself.
(Quoted for no other reason than that it came up in conversation at the [fabulous] closing night of Radio Egypt last week.)
Tuesday 23rd December 2003
There are moves afoot to ban mobile phones from changing rooms at the gym. Why?? Think about it.
Monday 22nd December 2003
......previous week
