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Somebody’s ringin’ the bell Invented in 1831 by Joseph Henry, an American. They were loud – doorbells, not the Americans. Emitting an electronic buzz. Think of your favourite fat-fingered Aunt [...]

There are times when a worried hack opens the laptop with an intake of breath, a fluttering in the stomach and ponders, can I really write about that? Should I go there? Is this wise? My browser [...]

If our nearest continental neighbour is anything to go by, typically, looting follows a riot. And France knows a thing or two about rioting. But in the world of intellectual property, you can [...]

You’re dead. In fact, you died a while back. But, when you were alive you possessed a mellifluous voice, theatrical, ‘fruity’ even. Built for narration. Think Richard Burton only smoother – an [...]

As catfights go, it was a belter. In the 70’s, all good U.S. detective series had “Special Guest Stars”. We had that here, in the form of their inflated pig’s bladder-chasing footie-legend [...]

Can you remember when you heard it? Perhaps you can even recall exactly what you were doing at the time? I can. I was painting skirting boards. I stopped immediately. It’s what you do. Out of [...]

Have a think. When was the last time you bought a round of drinks and someone said, “make mine a glass of perry” ? No, it hasn’t happened to me either and I’ve bought a few rounds in my day. [...]

“Legacy”. A word much bandied about these days by career politicians running for the exit, commentators on deceased monarchs, and artists. Yes, artists. Musical artists have demonstrated a [...]

Bullets over Baghdad Gabbing a coffee in downtown Baghdad may never be the same again. Especially if you choose the local Starbucks. Your cappuccino may get a different sprinkle – one of menace. [...]

Enough already! Stop with the jingly bells, the evocative sleigh ride lyrics, fake snow and dated ski jumper music videos and Momma kissing Santa Claus chorus lines. That’s quite enough of that. [...]