Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Still plenty of smiles in Thailand
Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/01/2025
» A reader politely questioned a reference to the "Land of Smiles" in last week's column, suggesting the smiles are maybe not as forthcoming as they once were. Perhaps they are not but deep down Thai people remain a cheerful lot. After five decades in the kingdom I still get a kick out of an unsolicited Thai smile whether it be from a shopkeeper, check-out lady, bank cashier or simply someone on the street. Maybe it's because I look a bit funny.
Simone Biles is redefining athletic resilience
News, Lisa Jarvis, Published on 31/07/2024
» With the Olympics underway in Paris, the world has a front seat to something truly magical: the gravity-defying skills of US gymnast Simone Biles. And although I'm, of course, looking forward to watching her attempt the Yurchenko double pike vault -- a jump she is the only woman to even attempt in competition, and which she smashed during practice in Paris last week -- I'm really just glad to see her back in a leotard, beaming while high-fiving her teammates.
No more slaps on the wrist
Postbag, Published on 26/11/2023
» Re: "RTA faces payout over death", (BP, Nov 17).
Daunting task
Postbag, Published on 07/09/2023
» Re: "Cleaning up the military", (Editorial, Sept 6).
History comes alive in those pub names
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/06/2023
» The news has been so dull this week we might as well continue to pursue last week's investigations concerning the historical value of English pub names. If nothing else it may prompt readers to recall some of the more exotic inns where they have supped ale. It beats politics anyway.
5-golden-star review
Oped, Postbag, Published on 07/07/2022
» Re: "A new era of BRICS cooperation", (Opinion, June 30).
From Billy the goat to William Windsor
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/04/2020
» An unexpected outcome of the coronavirus is that around the world wildlife is taking advantage of empty towns and visiting the deserted streets. One such example is in Llandudno, a resort town on the Irish Sea in northern Wales. During the past week spotted strolling around the town centre was a herd of Kashmir (Cashmere) Goats, which have been enjoying themselves dining on the town's tasty hedgerows.
When tradition trumps reason
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 09/12/2019
» The senseless killing of animals is something that should be condemned not celebrated. But a notoriously bloody spectacle that went ahead last week in Nepal reminds us how difficult it can be to overturn centuries of "tradition".
A most entertaining war of words
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/07/2019
» An early frontrunner for word of the year could be "disinvited" which has featured in a series of not very diplomatic exchanges flying across The Pond this week.