Barometer
When they warned you about eight for the road
One for the road Road safety campaigners were angered by the opening of the first pub at a motorway service…
A successful obesity campaign? Fat chance
Fat chances The National Obesity Forum said that Britain is reaching a ‘doomsday scenario’ where half the population is obese.…
Barometer: Storm waves? It could be three times worse
The test of a wave Waves measuring 27ft from peak to trough were seen off Land’s End as the stormy…
The first world war in numbers
Centuries of conflict 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the war which was supposed to end all wars. Has the…
Barometer
Whose year is it anyway? Some things which 2014 has been declared to be the year of: — Year of…
Barometer: Who snorts more cocaine — the rich or the poor?
The darkest day Several people were injured on ‘Black Friday’, a day of retail discounting imported from the US, where…
Barometer
Third-class thinking A report by the Institute of Economic Affairs recommended standing-room-only third-class carriages as an alternative to longer trains…
Barometer: How many of today's Ukippers voted Tory in 2010?
Brave new words ‘Selfie’ was declared to be Oxford Dictionaries’ ‘word of the year’. It hasn’t, however, yet been added…
Barometer: David Dimbleby is not alone (unfortunately)
Whose tattoos? David Dimbleby, 75, has had a scorpion tattooed on his right shoulder. Some more tattoo-wearers who perhaps ought…
Barometer: Who eats dogs?
Dog’s dinner A Canadian hiker rescued in Quebec was reported to have killed and eaten his German shepherd dog in…
Which NHS staff have enjoyed the biggest salary increases?
What can they do? Saudi women took to the wheel in defiance of laws preventing them from driving. Some recent…
Barometer: How is the National Theatre like Tesco?
National statistics Some lesser-known facts about the National Theatre: — 26 per cent of its income comes from box office…
Should 'Union Jack' just be used at sea?
Union dispute Pedants suffered a blow as the chief vexillologist of the Flag Institute declared that the Union Jack and…
Barometer: How many ghost towns are there in Britain?
Lost property The second-to-last surviving resident of St Kilda — a small archipelago 40 miles off the Outer Hebrides which…
Barometer: How many loaves must the PM make before his breadmaker starts saving money?
Does workfare work? George Osborne announced a ‘work for benefits’ scheme. ‘Workfare’ schemes have been attacked by the left. Do…
Barometer
Vitamins and the veil A judge at Blackfriars Crown Court allowed a niqab-wearing defendant to identify herself only to a…
Barometer
Trust us The National Trust opened the Big Brother House at Elstree Studios at the weekend. Some other less grand…
Barometer
Shining examples The ‘Walkie Talkie’, a new tower block in Fenchurch Street, was blamed for partially melting the interior of…
Barometer
Your name here Supporters of Merthyr Town Football Club objected to having their ground renamed the Cigg-e Stadium in a…
The FA's 99.6pc conviction rate, and other weird facts
We will remember them A German diplomat called on Britain to commemorate but not celebrate the centenary of the Great…
Barometer
Ward ceremony There have been 29 health secretaries since 1948. How many have wards that — though not necessarily named…
Barometer: Spain’s own version of Gibraltar
Other people’s rocks Spain threatened to introduce a €40 border-crossing charge and find other ways of making life difficult for…
Barometer
Art by the seaside The Kent seaside resort of Herne Bay staged the parade of a urinal through the town…
Barometer
Running scared Three participants were gored at the Pamplona bull run. The event has reputation for danger, but how risky…
Barometer
Family games Andy Murray said that as a child he lived in the shadow of his elder brother Jamie, who…
