Life
Carry on Kafka: this is our Brave New World
An ex-copper who blogs as Dominic Adler – not his real name – came up with a good phrase this…
The revenge of the anger management counsellor
‘This is a New York strut,’ said the builder boyfriend as he wedged in place a steel bar, bracing shut…
The uncomfortable truth about boozing
‘Good for you. Amazing. I should do the same.’ ‘You must feel great. Lucky you.’ This is what I hear…
Why forcing a return to the office won’t work
The Romans never invented the stirrup. What we call a ‘chest of drawers’ was unknown before the late 17th century…
Dear Mary: How can I avoid a lunge on a date?
Q. I have been working in London as a receptionist in a private members’ club and consequently have had the…
Is ‘Chinatown’ offensive?
I’ve heard people using back-to-back housing to mean terraces separated by back yards. But strictly, back-to-back houses are built against…
Aussie life
I am not worried about being outed as a recipient of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ hospitality. Yes, it is true that…
Language
I never thought I’d grow up to be a Grumpy Old Man – but look how good I am at…
A light in the darkness: Home Kitchen reviewed
Home Kitchen is in Primrose Hill, another piece of fantasy London, home to the late Martin Amis and Paddington Bear.…
Must try harder, Education Secretary
The headmaster of one of the best comprehensives in the country was once asked the following question by Tony Blair:…
Dear Mary: How can I say no to charities I don’t want to support?
Q. My wife worked in the picture department of a very reputable auction house but has now taken to retirement…
The towering talent of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
When it comes to dishing out God’s gifts, you feel the Almighty could be a little more even-handed. Take Joseph-Aukuso…
My brief encounter with online dating
Provence One of my daughters and a few pals, thinking I need company, have been urging me to get Bumble,…
Printers are pure evil
‘Printers are evil,’ said the office supplies salesman after I texted him to complain that my new printer was not…
