Your Letters
Well done MM for your . I have found in increasingly difficult to find anything positive in the news in recent times, and as an annoyingly optimistic soul I was beginning to think maybe I lived in Zimbabwe (pronounced Zim-BAHB-wee according to reliable sources close to this correspondent) and not Reading (pronounced REE-ding according to reliable sources close... well ok, maybe not). Now please go tell your grumpy cousin whose unremitting misery seems intent on tarnishing this floundering optimism.
Dylan, Reading, UK
I'm sorry, but I don't find find "House prices are up" a cheerful thought. On the contrary.
Martje Ross, Lancaster, UK
To answer The Bob from Glasgow (Letters, Thurs), both "mice" and "mouses" are acceptable forms of the plural of computer mouse. However, as the device was so named by its inventor because of its resemblance to a mouse of the rodent variety, my personal preference is "mice".
PS, Newcastle, England
The Bob from Glasgow, as Mr Jinks would tell you, the actual pural is "meeces", as in "I hate those meeces to pieces".
TS, Bromley, England
Nominative Determinism watch: Double points for the fish-plus-sound link. Good job, professor!
Bob Pearman, Chester
Re: Maybe someone left it there on porpoise? Sorry.
Stuart, Croydon
Re: The use of the word "nearby" is a bit misleading here. Runcorn and Widnes aren't "nearby" Halton, they *are* Halton. You'll have people wondering why Runcorn and Widnes people also want in on the whole Miss Halton thing. And yes, I think Miss Halton should have a connection to one of the towns, otherwise what is the point? Hmm, just realised I am getting all ranty about a beauty pageant. Now that's pointless.
Michaela, Runcorn, UK
I agree with Rob (Letters, Wed) that a news story would not specify 'female cleaner' or 'male barrister', however if it was 'female oil-rig worker' or 'male nanny' the sex would probably be specified as it is contrary to the average reader's expectation. 'Nurse' is still gendered female in many people's minds, so saying 'male nurse' provides useful clarification.
Sarah, London
Re: Paper Monitor Thursday...does the necessity of the honourable Paper Monitor to explain that the Evening Standard is a London newspaper have anything to do with ?
Chris, Bristol