George Monbiot has coined the word “perceptionware” for technology that is trailed but never trialled, and is intended only to impress the credulous. However, the IT industry has long had a word for this: “vapourware”, which seems apt when discussing aircraft emissions.
Readers' responses
Robin Hughes from Worrall, South Yorkshire, wrote in response to Monbiot's article on Heathrow's third runway and aircraft emissions.
In the 1960s, Mary Finch from Ditteridge, Wiltshire, shared a story about her friend Linda in Paddington, London. Linda's friend Cynthia would get undressed and into bed at 9pm on the dot, making it difficult not to get the hint.
Editorial mischief and social observations
Roland Webster from Brighton, East Sussex, noted the juxtaposition of headlines in Monday's Guardian print edition: “I don't want my Celebrity Traitors flatulence to define me, says Imrie” on page 3, followed by “'The smell suffocates': The huge methane leaks…” on page 4.
Julie Baker from Gloucester agreed with Elle Hunt that being called a “girl” is unwelcome, but being called a “lady” is even worse, as if to be a woman is to be a delicate innocent in need of protection.
Paul Kennedy from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, provided a further example of the bleeding obvious, at least to physicists, with a sign in an Ilkley store explaining that “Helium balloons are now upstairs”.
