Sadly, our gargantuan Papilio Antimachus broke free of her moorings during the night and did untold damage to the new ornamental gardens outside the science block, overturning a miniature decorative bridge, devouring saplings and causing the night watchman to scold … Continue reading
Papilio Antimachus, ladies and gentlemen, might seem a humble specimen on the screen behind me. But it is the largest butterfly to herald from the African continent. So large, in fact, that you can forget your ordinary butterfly pins. If … Continue reading
The Isle of Wight is far from the Egypt of the Biblical Era. I’d say a couple of thousand miles and a few thousand years is pretty far, wouldn’t you? But there were regular plagues. Mini ones… A couple of … Continue reading
Don’t tread on an ant, he’s done nothing to you! There might come a day when he’s treading on you! Don’t tread on an ant, you’ll end up black and blue You cut off his head, legs come looking for … Continue reading
Dear Karen, We were horrified to learn that your last meeting with us left you somewhat traumatised. We hope you will not let a few of our less hospitable inhabitants discourage you from visiting us again. Please allow us to … Continue reading
Dolly Parton memorably sang Love Is Like A Butterfly (lyrics). Sadly, history does not record how Ms Parton reacted upon discovering exactly what those cruel, heartless butterfly catchers actually do to butterflies – although her follow-up single, Love Is Like … Continue reading
Due to an error in the timetabling of the Symposium I accidentally delivered two lectures yesterday. Atherton Frisby was furious. In consequence I’m afraid this means that Dr. Steven Badgett’s lecture, Yeats’ Dung Beetles, has been cancelled. I was really … Continue reading
Spider-Man 2 – Deleted scenes #6 A long-distance telephone call. Bruce Wayne: So, you heard what Spider-Man’s been up to recently? Clark Kent: Nope. Wayne: You sound really interested. Kent: I am, I am, go on. Wayne: Well, do you … Continue reading