Monthly Archives: February 2010

Botulism Strikes French Philosopher

Posted on Thursday: February 11, 2010 by Michael Hendry

This is the best thing of its kind since the Sokol hoax.

Posted in Orbilius, Philosophy | 2 Comments

BBC Shakespeare On Sale

Posted on Wednesday: February 10, 2010 by Michael Hendry

Since I wrote about the BBC Shakespeare DVDs two and a half years ago, prices have dropped on both sides of the Atlantic. You can now get the American discs for $99.99 per set, down from $149.99, but that still … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackfriars, Culture: Plays, Theater Reviews | Leave a comment

A Musical Anniversary

Posted on Tuesday: February 9, 2010 by Michael Hendry

Does a 125th birthday count as a significant anniversary? If so — also if not — today is Alban Berg’s 125th. In commemoration, I’m playing the only really tolerable pieces written by the New Vienna School, Berg’s Violin Concerto and … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Orbilius | 1 Comment

How Hard Is It To Come Up With An Original Joke?

Posted on Wednesday: February 3, 2010 by Michael Hendry

When a visiting friend’s cat stuck its head through my bedroom door at 4:00 am, it occurred to me that we could rename her ‘Snoop Catty Cat’. According to Bing, the phrase has already been used 28 times on the … Continue reading →

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Quotation of the Day

Posted on Tuesday: February 2, 2010 by Michael Hendry

Last year, Dr. Esquirol compiled a table of statistics concerning insanity. It reads as follows: “Driven mad by love: two men, sixty women. Driven mad by religion: six men, twenty women. Driven mad by politics: forty-eight men, three women. Driven … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture: Fiction | Leave a comment

Quotation of the Day

Posted on Monday: February 1, 2010 by Michael Hendry

Like all artists when they are not looking merely outrageous, Onuphrius was very particular about his appearance. It was not that he dressed fashionably, but he always tried to give his lamentable selection of clothes a certain romantic dash, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Orbilius | Leave a comment