Diction: a person’s way of pronouncing words Such a simplistic (and I do mean simplistic) definition of a word with so many shades of meaning. And one that is widely open to a plethora of subtle differences. Surely the emphasis should be less on the speaker’s  way of  pronunciation and much more on the clarity of what pours forth from their mouth. There are almost limitless ways of pronouncing a word. Factors include whether it is in the speaker’s native vocabulary plus their level of education, and hence, familiarity, with the word at issue. But no matter how much all… Continue reading

Kitchen gadgets come and go. Yet so few stay with us unless stored well out of sight and accessibility. There is a damned good reason for this; cooking is a sensory art. A touchy feely joy; the fondling foreplay before the final act of love – presenting your creation. It can be as simple or as complicated as its creator wishes but at all levels it is intensely personal. Whether it is something small and simple (eggs on toast for a breakfast in bed) or a main meal spread (the full-on weekend roast), there needs to be love and caring… Continue reading