Songs My Mother Never Taught Me
A swear-laden review of some glorious cursing in pop music.
Giles Turnbull
From Cover to Cover
Music connects to memories, and so do album sleeves. From ELO’s spaceship to Róisín Murphy’s see-through top, the covers that made one writer a fan.
A Common Nomenclature for Lego Families
Thousands of different Lego exist, yet when your seven-year-old asks for “a clippy bit,” you know exactly what to hand him. A breakdown of the atoms of a Lego universe.
OK Genius
Apple’s iTunes software claims to be a Genius at making mixes. We beg to differ, knowing how mixes should be made, and propose a duel of “Fingertips.”
The Present Sound of London
A big city creates a unique din and racket as recognizable as its skyline. Presenting a day in the sounds of London.
The Pride of the Bernard-Barnards of West Wickingham Is Wounded
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we receive a letter from a student in distress and do absolutely nothing to assist her.
When the Going Was Good
British elites have been caught using public money to clean their moats, and a nation seethes. A primer on Parliament and the latest controversy sweeping Great Britain.
Wait a Minute, Mr. Postman
The U.S. and the U.K. have much in common, but not postage. A duo account for the mysteries of two very different mail systems.
Attractive With Glasses
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we counsels a reader on the beauty of frames.
Love Sic
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. Our mailbag is stuffed with questions about love, often oddly phrased. We address one of the more curious examples.