Of boats and stuff

Today we went to some of the museums of Shelburne, including the Dory shop, where they continue to build dories, although not at the frenetic pace of the previous century.

Making an exhibition of yourself

I haven't written many new jokes this month - this is perhaps a flaw with spending my weekends hurling myself down hills or going to weddings.

(Actually, hurling suggests rather more commitment and determination - it's been more like hanging off the back of a bicycle trying not to die, but let's leave that aside for the moment.)

Heating up again

Hong Kong has suddenly got warm again. After almost two months of damp chilliness, just as I prepare to fly off to Japan, where conditions are still baltic, the sun comes out again. It's almost like I'm cursed, a Flying Dutchman doomed to always avoid clement weather.

Why The British Had An Empire

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the British floated around the world, taking control of land by force of arms. It's not much of a sop to point out that everyone else was at it, and possibly only a small consolation that we weren't the Belgians. In each case I like to think we invaded with the best of intentions.

Of Goldschlager, and airport construction

Last night I sat on a rooftop in Wan Chai, drinking a poor man's version of Goldschlager.

I'm not sure why there needs to be a poor man's version of Goldschlager. I'm not sure why there needs to be Goldschlager. Surely in a world with as much pain, suffering and evil as there is, can there really be room for a cinnamon flavoured schnapps with flakes of gold floating around in it?