Here are the news stories that have interested me this evening:
Facebook users suffer viral surge
I don’t like accepting new Facebook applications at the best of times. Now I’ll be even more careful!
CIA destroyed 92 interview tapes
News about how the CIA treated interview tapes or terror suspects
University quiz team disqualified
The “University Challenge” winners have been disqualified because one member of the team was no longer a student.
Late-night links
March 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Lunchtime links
February 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment
What I’m reading at lunchtime today…
‘Oldest English words’ identified
A research project at Reading University that analyses how words have developed, and which are likely to get less use in the future.
‘Most unfortunate names’ revealed
A study has revealed that some people in the UK have particularly unfortunate names.
The slow death of handwriting
Is handwriting dying out? Are we writing less with pens and paper and ever more with computers? Probably…
Aschermittwoch
February 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Aschermittwoch is the German name for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Although it is not a public holiday, most companies will allow their employees time off during the day to go to church, if they wish to.
At church, people are blessed with a cross on the forehead made from the ashes of last year’s palm leaves.
This is also the day on which the policital parties hold their regional meetings. The use them to plan for the coming political year, and also to critise the policies of their opponents.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
