Grand Numbers
You reported the estimate that the queen had met 4 million people during her reign. That is an average of about 170 people per day. That’s an achievement that seems unlikely, and on a par with other doubtful accomplishments that I have seen quoted, such as Winston Churchill’s lifetime consumption of cigars (2,50,000), the number of letters written by George Bernard Shaw (also 2,50,000) and the amount of miles tramped by William Wordsworth in the Lake District (1,75,000).
Adrian Williams, Oxford, in The Economist
Rule of (F)law
I have a splendid rule to ban all mobile phones when out with friends for a meal: the first one to pick up their phone pays for the meal. Works like a dream regardless of the meal’s cost.
Monica Seeley, Dorset, in FT Weekend
Tale From the Crypt
We should remember Yogi Berra’s response when, some years ago, his wife asked him if he wanted to be buried or cremated. ‘Surprise me,’ the great man replied.
Pete Clark, East Sussex, in The Daily Telegraph
Another Pandu?
On the topic of sex and heart attacks, at my late stage in life I have long given up on sex, lacking confidence in my ability to distinguish an orgasm from a heart attack.
Prof Craig Sharp, Birmingham, in The Times
