A memo to Ramb-ette

Dear Governor Ramb-ette,

I do think that it might behove you to get your dictionary out, there must be one in the Governor's office somewhere, and investigate the meaning of the word "vindicate".

It is likely that you will find the result your minmal effort enlightening.

That is all.

Kind regards

Yank in London

In passing

Today's Guardian features an opinion piece from one Rustum Roy, of Arizona State University, that I wouldn't normally mention as it is about "homeopathy" which I don't believe I should waste my time with. It is full of the usual "memory of water, blah, blah, blah, I'm a scientist, blah, blah, blah" and, as usual, neglects to mention even one peer reviewed study that shows that homeopathy has any measurable impact. The piece is notable for Mr. Roy's invention of a new word, "homeophobia".

I am disappointed however that Mr. Roy fails to suggest that "homeophobia" be including in any future hate crimes bill.

Welcome to America - the land of kak!

Whilst reading an article in the Guardian on Friday about Christopher Foyle, chairman of Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road, a shop well worth a visit if you get to London, I learned a new word. It seems that Mr. Foyles's favourite word is "kakistrocracy", from the Greek word Greek "kakistos" (Κακιστώς) meaning worst, which means "a system of government where the rulers are the least competent, least qualified or most unprincipled citizens". If one simply replaces the "or" with an "and" I think you have the best description of the Bush administration to date!