Showing 1 - 10 of 16
A good time of the year to chill out
Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/12/2025
» Normally at this stage of the calendar PostScript attempts a festive flavour, welcoming in the season of silly hats and hangovers, but this year it's a real struggle to find something to be festive about. At least the weather has cooperated, the lower temperatures giving us more of a wintry feeling. In that respect it is the most pleasant time of the year.
Good time to celebrate verbal gaffes
Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/10/2025
» Tomorrow happens to be Plain English Day which has in recent years morphed into International Plain Language Day designed to promote the proper use of language. In other words the aim is to cut out all the gibberish, mumbo jumbo, codswallop, balderdash, tripe, tommyrot, twaddle, tosh and bosh you may have become accustomed to… heaven forbid, some of it even in PostScript.
There's nothing like an odd book title
Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/12/2024
» For 46 years the English literary magazine Bookseller has been holding an annual award for the oddest book title, also known as the Diagram Prize. It is generally agreed that a snappy title helps the sales of a book, although some can be a bit too snappy, bordering on ridiculous.
Taking a dip in Hua Hin a long time ago
Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/04/2024
» It is not often I can remember what I was doing five days ago let alone 55 years, but a moth-eaten diary confirms that on April 14, 1969 I was in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin. A brief explanation is necessary.
If it's 'early doors' there's plenty of time
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/06/2023
» A Thai reader asked recently the meaning of the expression "early doors" which he had heard used frequently in English football commentaries. It has become quite a familiar observation in sport to indicate a game is still at an early stage. It also creeps into everyday language although perhaps in the more common form of "early days".
Being ginger adds spice to life
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/06/2023
» I have been reprimanded by a reader of ginger persuasion for failing to mention two significant days in the calendar for those of us who have grown up saddled with nicknames like "Ginger Nut", "Ginger Bonce", "Tomato Head", "Carrot Top", not to mention "Freckle Face". I plead guilty to allowing the recent "Cuddle a Ginger Day" and "World Redhead Day" slip by without a single bleat in support of gingers.
Different strokes for different folks
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/05/2023
» It was a bit alarming to learn the Eurovision Song Contest is still going strong, having celebrated its 67th year in Liverpool last weekend. The event had already looked the worse for wear back in the 1960s, but somehow it just won't go away. In fact it's got bigger and more brassy than ever -- an uninhibited celebration of kitsch.
Brits can still put on a good show
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/05/2023
» Considering how depressing the world news has been lately, the coronation of King Charles III last weekend provided a brief diversion. It might not be everybody's cup of tea but the Brits certainly know how to put on a show if a bit of history is involved. They're good at pomp and pageantry and most importantly love a parade with plenty of horses.
Going bananas over the 'Day-O' song
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/05/2023
» The recent death of the gifted Jamaican-American singer Harry Belafonte at the age of 96 inevitably sparked memories of when his biggest hit "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" swept the globe, including Britain.
When it twigged Thailand was different
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/04/2022
» For the third year running we have experienced muted Songkran celebrations, and I for one won't complain if it remains that way for a while. Of course there have been a few naughty tourists who have broken the water-throwing protocols, but maybe the heat got to them.