Monthly Archives: December 2011

Christmas: marketing, hints of hysteria …. and the odd bit of TV

Posted on December 26, 2011 by BarryH

In bleak economic times it is hardly surprising that most national retailers have been offering significant discounts in the run-up to Christmas.  Pre-Christmas sales account for a disproportionately large part of annual turnover for many businesses.  Marks & Spencer’s plea … Continue reading →

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The lead up to Christmas: stresses, strains and challenge

Posted on December 19, 2011 by BarryH

That Christmas is widely regarded by most people as a time of stress is by now a matter of cliché, as seen by cynics like me at least.  Mental stress from rushing around trying to cram in shopping for presents … Continue reading →

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A bad time of year: dogged by failure

Posted on December 12, 2011 by BarryH

It has been suggested that in the last blog-post I misinterpreted the instruction on the trains completely.  Instead of requiring customers to place litter in the bins they are instead required to dispose of the litter which is already in … Continue reading →

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English as she is ambiguated: please read carefully

Posted on December 9, 2011 by BarryH

Those who travel regularly on Arriva Trains Wales from South Wales to the North, Manchester or Holyhead, will be familiar with the following request, really an instruction because of the moral overtones of failing to comply: “Would all customers please … Continue reading →

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Looking beyond Christmas: dealing with boredom

Posted on December 5, 2011 by BarryH

It’s generally a pretty drab time of year.  Autumn has given way to Winter.  Grey skies.  Short days and long evenings.  Cold and damp.  Difficult to get on the soil to do much in the garden.  Mountains often lost in … Continue reading →

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