Monday 21 January 2013

GETTING THINGS RIGHT, GETTING THINGS WRONG AND HURRAH FOR ENGLISH


My recent piece in praise of real books got a ringing endorsement in the Sunday Times in a piece by Robert Collins entitled "The Book Bounces Back”. From a Viking Invasion sales increase, raping, pillaging and plundering real books in 2011 when e-books registered sales increases of 366% this fell back to 20% last year. Meanwhile sales of e-books fell in the USA and Barnes and Noble’s Nook is having a ropey time. And Facebook users in the UK fell by 600,000 last year. Is common sense prevailing?


It’s also good to get things wrong. The One-Stop Travel Shop previously conveniently based at Brighton Station has relocated to splendid new premises in the centre of the City over ½ mile from the station. I was livid and predicted a disaster.


I was wrong.

It’s full. Tourists love it. It’s been a brilliant way of putting integrated travel advice in the heart of the city.  Mind you the Sales Executive there whom I knew confided “it’s a bit weird…we haven’t got used to it yet”.

And now two from James Arnold Baker whose nephew sent him these. The first a wonderfully simple way to understand the fiscal cliff in America

Simply imagine the US Fiscal situation as a household budget

  • Annual family income in 2012: $21,700
  • Money the family spent in 2012: $38,200
  • New debt on the credit card: $16,500

But the outstanding balance on credit card: $142,710
Total budget cuts so far: $38.50.

This does not look good Mr Obama.


You need to cut your spending and increase your income. A lot. OK?

The second demonstrates why English is such a great language.


It’s about the “Burger Problem” and I’ve been hoarse with laughter as a result of these:-

  • Went to the fridge to check my burgers, and they're off! .....
  • Tesco PR people are having a mare
  • New kids’ food found in supermarket.....My Lidl Pony
  • Has this been going on furlong?
  • I always though Tesco burgers were good......well, good to soft in places
  • Sounds like these Tesco stories are being made-up on the hoof
  • Just got a batch of 200 Tesco burgers cheap, it only cost me a pony
  • Despite the scandal, Tesco say burger sales remain stable

www.colourfulthinkers.com

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