In response to a recent article on UK climate extremes, reader Liz Haggart from Bearsted, Kent, suggests an updated rhyme to help convert temperatures from fahrenheit to centigrade, reflecting the new normal. The original rhyme from the late 1960s was “five, 10 and 21 – winter, spring and summer sun,” denoting average temperatures of that era. Haggart proposes for the 2020s: “10, 15, 28 – reduce emissions before too late.” This comes after a report described “unprecedented” changes in UK climate normalizing extremes.
Tree Shade Inequality in Schools
Peter West from London challenges the metric used in an article about private schools offering 41% more tree shade than state schools in England. He argues that if a state school sells an open playing field, the proportion of tree cover could increase, making it a poor measure of inequality. Instead, he suggests focusing on the extent of air-conditioned classrooms as a more relevant indicator of educational disparities.
Italian Idioms and Brain Ageing
Reader Les Bonney from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, at 88 years old, shares his enjoyment of learning Italian idioms, referencing an article by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett on how learning languages slows brain ageing. He notes that the Italian equivalent of “it’s another kettle of fish” is “e un altro paio di maniche” (it’s another pair of sleeves), highlighting the mental stimulation of language learning.
Word Wheel Worries for Crystal Palace Fan
John Bryant from Topsham, Exeter, a Crystal Palace fan, expresses concern over words found in the Word Wheel puzzle from the 13 July print edition, which included “eagle” and “relegated.” He wonders if this is a worrying portent for his team’s performance.
Covid Failings as National Monument
Leila Roberts from Mickley, North Yorkshire, responds to a letter from Laura Matthew, a frontline worker expressing anger over the Tories’ handling of Covid. Roberts states that Matthew’s letter should be “engraved in stone and made a national monument,” reflecting ongoing frustrations with the government’s pandemic response.
