“Thank you for reaching out!”: a phrase that should be banned
“Thank you for reaching out” is a phrase that I’ve noticed is used far too frequently. During the Olympics, BBC presenters used it when...
Contrasting 6th August 2012 with the 6th August 2011
This time last year, I was on the Isle of Wight enjoying Cowes Week. A day’s sailing with my friend Andreas Widegren was proceeded by a...
Boris Johnson hosts Rupert Murdoch at the Olympics
The Daily Mail and other titles are in uproar today. It has been revealed that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has invited Rupert Murdoch and his...
The Steeple Times features in The Sunday Telegraph
Yesterday, we received our first mainstream press mention with a feature in The Sunday Telegraph’s “Dashwood” column.
Anna White picked up on a comment on Gina Miller’s open...
It’s just not “enjoyable”
In a five star hotel last week, a waitress followed the delivery of every course with the phrase: “Please enjoy.” My guest and I commented on it each time and today,...
Vadim J. Birstein wins the first Intelligence Book of the Year Award
Yesterday a reception was held in a fascinating hotel named the St. Ermin’s to announce the winner of the first Intelligence Book of...
“Grab”: a word that should know its place
After attending a cocktail reception for the Intelligence Book of the Year Award today and meeting a fascinating array of intelligent people from the world of security,...
Celebrate World Gin Day at The Rib Room
At 12 noon I often receive a message from my good friend the photographer to the stars, John Stoddart. As a fellow gin aficionado, we regularly raise...
Greetings readers: We are just sorting out a few details and glitches but will be going live shortly. May I welcome you to The Steeple TIMES - we'll be sharing wit and wisdom in...
My response to Terence Blacker’s piece attacking Pippa Middleton
Pippa Middleton is not someone I know. I have seen her in bars and at parties but never spoken with her. I do not especially find...
The case for the regulation of the UK’s property industry
Don’t get me wrong: I know many good estate agents. At the age of 15, I worked for an incredibly respectable firm based in Lancashire....
Sinking television
A review of Julian Fellowes’s “Titanic”
Against better advice, I watched all four episodes of Julian Fellowes’s Titanic television drama. Nothing much happened in the first three episodes but unlike many others, I preserved...
A phrase that should be consigned to history
Now “hijacked by chavs,” the phrase “jog on” first became prominent in The Football Factory film about football hooliganism.
This awful insult got wider use in recent days...
Zagat’s lamest list
I am a big fan of Zagat. I fill out their surveys religiously every year and always look forward to receiving their guides.
Yesterday, though, I read a piece by Kelly Dobkin on...
