Author: Richard Carter

Anne Robinson: "Which W is the capital of Poland?" Unrecognised US Celebrity: "Worcestershire."

BBC: First pet clone is a cat As if we didn't have enough of the evil, obnoxious creatures already; now they're cloning the bastards! (I'm not a cat person.)

Reuters: People Who Sleep Less Live Longer, Study Finds [T]he study shows that longer sleep is a risk factor for cancer as well as heart disease and stroke But correlation does not show causation: perhaps, for example, people who are unwell are more likely to sleep longer.

Today is Charles Darwin's 193rd birthday. Happy Darwin Day!

I've just sent a letter to New Scientist about sex, which they published: Sir, Douglas Fox marvels at what he describes as one of the great mysteries of the human condition: why do humans spend so much time having sex without resultant pregnancy ("Gentle Persuasion", 9th February, 2002). The answer, it seems, is that it… Continue reading Sex

BBC: Princess Margaret dies Speaking from Sierra Leone, [UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair] said: "I know the whole country will be deeply saddened by Princess Margaret's death." I think the Observer captured the mood of the nation far more accurately: The death of the 71-year-old Princess Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon, one-time second in line… Continue reading Princess Margaret

Edinburgh v Newcastle. One of the contestants presses his buzzer to answer the question: Voiceover: Newcastle, Browne. …And of Browne's team-mates was called (H)ale!

Q: Why didn't the cowardly dragon observe the sabbath? A: Because it only preyed on weak knights.

BBC: Liverpool stun Man Utd Encore une fois… I believe that makes it five out of five.