I was saddened to hear a few hours ago about the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Not because at 90 years of age he could be said to be short-changed on that account but because there are so few people in prominent positions who espouse his ideals on the world stage. I’ve often said I… Continue reading Personal thoughts on the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Tag: Quotes
Great British Political Insults
There’s not much that signifies the downward trend of society these days than the eloquence of politicians. Of course in Parliament there are all manner of procedures and protocols that go back centuries such as not being able to call someone a liar. These combined with the education system meant that politicians could literally speak… Continue reading Great British Political Insults
Coronavirus Diary 22 – Parting is such sweet sorrow
A really short but not particularly sweet post today. The wife of one my guides has died following 23 days in a coma due to the Coronavirus. As he told me, she had years left in her to drive everyone mad. Poor fellow, he’s such a nice man and engaging, dutiful guide. I’d already lent… Continue reading Coronavirus Diary 22 – Parting is such sweet sorrow
I wonder what he meant by that!
Everyone likes a good quote don’t they. I particularly adore historical quotes and admire anyone who as was said of Churchill, mobilised the English language and sent it into battle. I was always quite a fan of Donald Rumsfelds infamous quote about known unknowns. At the time he was widely lambasted for it but it… Continue reading I wonder what he meant by that!
Quotable Tennyson
Last week I posted on the birthday of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It is little known but this Poet Laureate is actually the ninth most quoted literary figure. Whilst not in the same league as Shakespeare or perhaps as entertaining as Dr. Johnson, it is likely we all are familiar with at least some of… Continue reading Quotable Tennyson
Dr Samuel Johnson, his dictionary and quotes
It is 308 years since the birth of Samuel Johnson, who wrote the English language’s most comprehensive dictionary in the 1750s. So this seems as good a time as any to express my utmost contrafibularities (see below) to the man himself. Johnson, born in 1709, spent nine years working on A Dictionary of the English… Continue reading Dr Samuel Johnson, his dictionary and quotes
3 Quotation Challenge
Greetings! I’ve been nominated by Amy Reese to participate in the Quotations Challenge in which one provides three quotations over the next three days or all in one post. I choose three quotes in one day, mostly because I’m busy and can’t guarantee when I am next on my blog. I don’t normally do challenges,… Continue reading 3 Quotation Challenge
Prince Philip – Consort, sailor, charity patron, buffoon and god! 100 Prince Philip gaffes.
Everyone knows that HRH Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Less well known is her husband HRH the Duke of Edinburgh or simply Prince Philip as he is known to most people. Having recently celebrated his 94th birthday, he is the oldest ever… Continue reading Prince Philip – Consort, sailor, charity patron, buffoon and god! 100 Prince Philip gaffes.
Mr Spock in words and pictures
Here is a bonus third post of the week, following my recent post on Leonard Nimoy and Mr. Spock. For those with no interest in Star Trek, normal service will resume on Saturday with a cultural blog on Lisbon! Rather than write a long post highlighting various aspects of the show or turning points for… Continue reading Mr Spock in words and pictures
Stephen Liddell 