Swan, thank you for that edifying explanation of the Eccles cake. I had no idea they nested along the Manchester Ship Canal. Are they pretty, blue birds or cute little rodents?

Serious nature news: we had a birding High Alert today. Three hummingbirds are taking a rest in our mid-city back yard. This only occurs this time of year, as they head south from their nesting grounds, and it has only occurred four times in 25 years. Last night, after the first one was spotted ("Are you sure it wasn't a hawk moth?" we washed and set up the feeder, and today they are our honored guests, helping themselves to the sugar water like pro's.

Don Firth: ground lamb for Shepherd's Pie may make sense etymologically speaking (see, I can spell), but it is so fatty. Ground beef is more healthful.

Have you ever read the part of Bridget Jone's Diary where she tries to make Shepherd's Pie? It's funny.

I admit that Americans have come up with some ugly names too. Shoofly pie and dump cake. Also Mississippi Mud cake, which I believe contains every known form of chocolate.

However, "shit on a shingle" is military. Soldiers, while still humans, are in a different class.

The British "frog spawn" sets some kind of record, however. It's so ugly, but creative, too. That's the beauty of it.