Today I learned…

Here’s a link to a previous post which explains the origin of this idea.

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… that Norwegians are apparently known for responding “up and not crying” when asked “how are you?” Himself has Norwegian friends and never mentioned this quirk, so I dug further. Apparently it’s more of a sarcastic response intended to mean “life might suck but at least I’m not being a baby” and that certainly sounds like one of his Norwegian friends, although he’d likely have used a sexist slur less acceptable word for baby, being an out-and-out bro.

… that production of aluminium requires a shed-load of low-cost natural gas for smelting, which is why a number of Middle Eastern countries are major players in its world supply. With the Straits of Hormuz currently mined to f*** hors de combat, a port in Oman suddenly become very important to the world buyers of aluminium. That said, I’m wondering how long it will take Iran to bomb said Omani port.

… that our new, across the corridor neighbour has young children. I learned this when I saw him erecting bunk beds as I walked past one of the curtainless rooms. Now I understand why one of the other neighbours was muttering under her breath in dark tones about it being a “single occupancy flat”. I’d much rather his kids (on whatever divorced dad schedule he has them) play in the garden, than the random people who don’t live here using it to exercise their dogs (most recently a Jack Russell “with sore paws”).

… that there is such a thing as an “emotional shower”. We were watching a programme about gorgeous properties in Italy when it was mentioned as a highlight, although no explanation was offered as to what made a shower emotional. My subsequent consultation of Google tells me they “combine water, light, sound, and aroma to create personalized wellness experiences”. Erm, right-o.

… about Montacute, a village in Somerset where all the buildings are built from the local, honey-coloured Ham stone. A major feature is Montacute House, an Elizabethan ‘ostentatious’ mansion (their word, not mine). The village itself has a population of around 800, and is a popular location for filming period TV/film. Driving around the village during a recent visit to the area, it was clear why, as there’s almost no modern-day signage, no satellite dishes or the like, indeed very little evidence of modern day life. Pretty much all they have to do is cover the tarmac road with dirt and roll up with the cameras.

… that perky young things who work at recruitment agencies are starting to grate on my nerves. Mostly I’ve been applying direct but, in an attempt not to be overly prescriptive, I’ve widened my search, and oh my, are my teeth ever on edge. I worked in recruitment in a previous life, but it was all about being professional and discrete, rather than breathy and excited-sounding. This experience could get old very quickly😵‍💫

What’s new in your world? Anything making you feel amused, or raise your eyebrows?

© Debs Carey, 2026