the Idler

co ntents

ISSUE 40 e C A RNAL KNOWLEDGE e WINTER 2007

s

editor’s letter

contributors

9

11

NOTES FROM THE COUCH idler’s diary

14

readers’ letters

18

skivers and strivers

22

idle pleasures The Deck Chair

22

our guide to uk in peril by Ian Vince

24

good job Ryan Gilbey on life as a film critic

26

work seriously damages your health by Jan Bucquoy 29 the truth about crime Fear not, says Brian Dean 31 the wit and wisdom of mae west 37 neville by Tony Husband 40 bill & zed’s bad advice 44 Plus gwyn cartoons throughout