The Coldham Common Cowboy

Cambridge University urged to apologise over jailing of thousands of ‘evil’ women without evidence or trial A 1561 charter granted powers to imprison young working-class women found walking with undergraduates after dark

Scandalous that the university didn't respond to requests for comment.
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...

Cambridge University urged to apologise over jailing of thousands of ‘evil’ women without evidence or trial A 1561 charter granted powers to imprison young working-class women found walking with undergraduates after dark

More power to Caroline Biggs' elbow.
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...

Cambridge University urged to apologise over jailing of thousands of ‘evil’ women without evidence or trial A 1561 charter granted powers to imprison young working-class women found walking with undergraduates after dark

It's about time the university was held accountable for this outrage.
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...

"Restroom" is just as bad.

Has someone already started an anti-bathroom campaign? Sick of hearing the word "bathroom" used when what is meant is "toilet(s)".
A recent museum visit was spoilt when a welcoming volunteer pointed out the location of the "bathroom". I said I wasn't planning to have a bath; he looked confused. mf/

Inspired by @theduncanmackay.bsky.social 's Echolands, I visited fenland Iron Age "hill" fort Stonea Camp. Intriguing banks and ditches, just 2m above sea level; low sun, vast sky; utter silence until it was broken by the distant thunder of a distant USAAF transport – an entrancing place.

I recall with a thrill the winter a flock of fieldfares and redwings descended on our crab apple and denuded it within minutes. Apologies for the crap pic; it was taken through a grimy conservatory window.

While nothing can match the original by Joy Division, I'm very fond of Emilíana Torrini's version of Love [Dunk] Will Tear Us [You] Apart, qv.
Also please check out, if you haven't already, Robert Wyatt's Shipbuilding.

Sláinte! One of many things I've learned from the French is the importance of the aperitif. This beautiful Jura malt would gain the approval of my father-in-law, who says that I taught him how to drink whisky – much appreciated from a people who are the world's largest per capita whisky drinkers.

More delightful etymology of the "how come I never realised that?" variety: the word muscle is ultimately derived from the Latin musculus, meaning little mouse.

The appearance of muscles working was thought to resemble a mouse or mice scurrying under the skin.

Delighted to learn that the word "nosferatu" *might* be derived from the Romanian Nesuferitu, which means "the offensive one" or "the insufferable one".

I can think of a few people I'd apply it to: Nosferatu Trump has a certain ring to it, as does Nosferatu Farage.

I'm an enthralled time traveller in the company of Echolands, @theduncanmackay.bsky.social 's thrilling search for traces of Boudica's rampage against the Roman occupiers in AD60.
Apparently today is #BoudicaFriday, and I'm glad.

Actually not one on the list but mentioned under Suede's Shipbuilding: "This led me to discover the definitive 1982 version sung by Robert Wyatt and featuring Costello, which has superb brushed drums and double bass. A masterpiece."

The seven greatest cover songs of all time – according to music experts Our academic experts share their favourite cover songs, from Siouxsie and the Banshees to Suede.

Some interesting theories about the greatest cover songs here. I agree with one of them.
theconversation.com/the-seven-gr...

Ask the police if they're aware of any cat burglars operating in the area.

You'll have to go round all the neighbourhood cats asking if they've lost a toy. Or stick it on a lamppost.

Do you know for a fact that it's a cat toy?
Perhaps your cat made it.

It is written: a house without potatoes is in a right old state.

I identify more as a random waller.

Don't remember this from the time. Nor do I recall how soon it became evident that books printed on breakfast cereals wouldn't survive the addition of milk.

#Professions listed in 1881 #census. Dont believe all of them.

British beer drinkers, face the truth: a pint is too big, a half is too small – all hail the two-thirds measure | Elle Hunt Millions have always known it and now scientists agree that for health and pleasure, less is more, says freelance journalist Elle Hunt

Who's for the schooner? I reckon it would be a sensible third option for beer consumption, but I can hear the reactionary voices declaring it a trashing of our traditions and culture.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

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Twa corbies.

Remains of Roman town discovered in Cambridgeshire given protected status Evidence of highly organised urban settlement found during survey work for solar farm near Great Staughton

Remains of Roman town discovered in Cambridgeshire given protected status.
🏺

www.theguardian.com/science/2024...

Extraneous 'R', surely.

Thanks for slippers and rhubarb.

Kayaks have nozzles. Discuss.

Hendrix, Jagger, Bowie and me: Terry Reid, the British pop outlier adored by the greats He was courted by Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, toured with Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones and was idolised by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Dr Dre. British pop’s nearly man tells his astonishi...

Colossal talent from whom the world simply hasn't heard enough. I remember being staggered by his 1973 album River, and I still don't understand why it isn't one of the all-time best-sellers.
www.theguardian.com/music/2024/s...

Canoe or kayak polo. Current world champs are Germany (men) and France (women). They use a water polo ball. Jostling is frowned upon. Photo by William M. Connolley: canoe polo practice on the Cam in Cambridge.