Handy links (via Cal):
Words that have different meanings in British and American English.
British English words not used in American English.

I’ve just heard that my secondary school English teacher, George Rafferty, has died at the age of 75.
He was a remarkable figure and an excellent teacher. He engaged with the kids in such a way that being in his lessons was a fun experience. His spittle-strewn, Scottish-accented speech was just the thing for a class studying the Scottish play for O-level (screeching When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning and in rain? He was particularly good at Upon the heath!) and his passion for teaching was evident in every lesson. Plagued by ill-health (his pill-rattling mock death by Sarah’s desk is something that will live in my memory for years) and perhaps mis-treated by the powers-that-be at the school, he always had the interests of his students at the heart of his work – I think that the people that I went through school with are testament to his teaching abilities.
Definitely someone who I’ll remember for the whole of my life.

I’m pleased with the Akismet anti-spam plugin for WordPress. So far:

• 1512 spam comments blocked
• 1 false negative
• 0 false positives

Recommended.

I’ve updated the graybiography. I need to fix that CSS problem though.
That’s about as close as you’re going to get to content for the timebeing.

Kennamatic retires or dies a long death. You choose.

Legs at Hortifair.  
Originally uploaded by graybo.

Meilland Roses launched their new "Moulin Rouge" variety at last week’s Hortifair in Amsterdam. This scene would have been even funnier if there had been torsoes sticking out of the other side of the wall. Unfortunately, there weren’t.

Need lined paper but only have a computer and printer to hand? Don’t worry! Use the Lined Paper Generator – how handy! (via linkbunnies).

Pat Robertson tells residents of Dover, PA, that they have forsaken God by forcing a school board out of office because they endorsed so-called "intelligent design".
I’m not a Christian, but I went to a Christian school. There I learnt that the Christian God is a merciful one. So, let’s take these ridiculous assumptions as being true:

• God exists.
• Pat Robertson is right about intelligent design – evolutionary theory is heretical claptrap.
• Some naturally-occurring disaster befalls Dover.

What will happen? The all-forgiving God will forgive the people of Dover on judgement day. The American nation will come to their aid (even if the American government is a bit slow off the mark) in their time of need. Robertson will burn in hell for preaching such un-Christian hateful nonsense.
How does this man get the support (and money) of so many Americans? Are they really that stupid, ignorant and small-minded?

Weebl and Bob become goths. Now with soft toys!

Are you a London Underground anorak? Would you like to be? In either case, all you need to know can be found at District Dave’s Underground Site, including exciting updates on the installation of runback protection equipment.
If you are not an anorak, nor aspire to be, then I recommend rushing over to Scary’s site for a quick game of Mornington Crescent.

Image021.jpg. 
Originally uploaded by graybo.

I have all sorts of issues with any manner of things – politics, people, clients, competitors, the weather, the cat’s muddy feet. Can I now get these issues resolved at McDonald’s?

Happy birthday to my Dad – 75 today.

Treacle sleeps in some pretty odd places.
I’ve just spent 20 minutes cleaning up blood on the floor and the sofa. She’s had a fight with another cat and didn’t win – a tear in her left ear was dripping blood everywhere. I’ve cleaned up the blood and the wound, but she might end up with a "bus ticket" ear.

To celebrate Dad’s birthday, Hels and I went with my parents for a stroll around Bosham on Wednesday. I got a bit artistic with the reflections in the water at the quay…

…and then we saw a fantastic sunset.

Have you been following Fraser’s tale of his trip to North Korea? No? Well, nor had I, but on one of my all too infrequent trips to his site I caught up with the whole story. Recommended reading.

Much as I detest all things Christmas-related before the advent of Advent, I must point you to Secret Santa who is abroad once more. I’ve signed up, so be sure that you do.

Making Fiends Thanksgiving Special.

I remember games like this on those enormous consoles that used to be in bowling alleys back around 1989. Class.

…that we had a splendid lunch in Chichester on Saturday in the marvellous company of Lord Percy and Lady Bren with the added bonus of sightings of Hamish and Ruth. Consumption of the world’s largest home-made burgers (with chilli – mmmm) meant no tea for me. Hurrah! I also bumped into Anne, Nick and their gorgeous little daughter.