Life
That’s another year gone and, against the odds, I’m still here
A fruity voice on the train’s announcement system said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, make sure you have all your belongings, family…
Draft and save is as good a New Year’s resolution as any
Draft and save. That is as good a New Year’s resolution as any. Never send an email or letter in…
I think I’ve found a miracle cure for a bad back
I’ve had various ailments during my first 74 years — the worst being those induced by smoking, such as emphysema…
Bridge
It’s surprising how many perfectly good bridge players lack confidence when it comes to squeeze plays. They seem to think…
Ave et vale
2014 was the year in which Magnus Carlsen confirmed his position as world champion, and also the year in which…
No. 343
White to play. This position is from Caruana–Ponomariov, Dortmund 2014. The structure is symmetrical but White’s pieces are very active.…
New year haiku
In Competition No. 2878 you were invited to submit a poem composed of three haikus that looks forward to the…
2192: Never again
Eight unclued lights are of a kind; as is, fancifully, the ninth. Across 6 Hurry up to fill space with…
To 2190: Petra
‘ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME’ (1D/19) is a work by AUGUSTUS TOPLADY (18/13). ELIZABETH WINDSOR (4A/26) and MICHELLE OBAMA…
A year ago, I had big plans to unite the right. This year, I’m keeping my ambitions more modest
This time last year, I wrote an article saying my main project in 2014 would be to unite the right.…
Battle for Britain
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Let’s appoint a Ministry of Scandalous Ideas
My children have a phrase called ‘fomo’ — which stands for ‘fear of missing out’. It is a constant, mildly…
Dear Mary: What can I do about my neighbours’ downmarket recycling?
Q. Since recycling was introduced in our village, the wall at the end of our drive has become the depositing…
When a forgotten bottle turns out to be a treasure
I had not drunk the wine for 20 years, and nearly all the information which I thought that I had…
How ‘data’ became like ‘butter’
Someone on Radio 4 said she had heard about the sexism of Grand Theft Auto on ‘Women’s Hour’. It is…
Sonoma survivor
I had not drunk the wine for 20 years, and nearly all the information which I thought that I had…
What Miliband needs is a grilled tomato
My children have a phrase called ‘fomo’ — which stands for ‘fear of missing out’. It is a constant, mildly…
Taki's Christmas gift to readers: a masterclass in the art of seduction
Here is my Christmas gift to Spectator readers, one that applies mostly to unmarried males, but is also available to…
Forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us
After lunch on Christmas Day my father always stood at the sink in his apron and yellow Marigolds and did…
Here’s what I’ve learned in 2014
The countryside is all very well so long as you know you can leave it. Funnily enough, exactly the same…
Without Jesus and with less Santa, what does Christmas mostly consist of?
More than ever this year I find friends planning to go abroad for Christmas, some to countries such as India…
I cannot imagine living in a world without lions
Laikipia We are privileged to live with lions on the farm. We hear them most nights. We encounter them frequently.…
Christmas reading for racing folk
‘Hang on a minute—he’s a bit wobbly,’ trainer Oliver Sherwood told photographers imploring him to stand with his winner when…
Bridge
Pierre Zimmermann, captain of the hugely successful Monaco team, plays with Franck Multon and they are probably the best sponsor/professional…
Christmas Quiz
Set by Christopher Howse.
Illustrated by Castro
