If you ask any police officer what the worst part of the job is, they will always say breaking bad news to relatives, but this is not the truth. The worst part is staying in the room after you've broken the news, so that you're forced to be there when someone's life disintegrates around them. Some people say it doesn't bother them - such people are not to be trusted.
Ben AaronovitchIf you find yourself talking to the police, my advice is to stay calm but look guilty; it's your safest bet.
Ben AaronovitchThat which does not kill us has to get up extra early in the morning if it wants to get us next time.
Ben AaronovitchIf you ask any police officer what the worst part of the job is, they will always say breaking bad news to relatives, but this is not the truth. The worst part is staying in the room after you've broken the news, so that you're forced to be there when someone's life disintegrates around them. Some people say it doesn't bother them - such people are not to be trusted.
Ben AaronovitchThe motto of West African cooking is that if the food doesn't set fire to the tablecloth the cook is being stingy with the pepper.
Ben AaronovitchThe clever people at CERN are smashing particles together in the hope that Doctor Who will turn up and tell them to stop
Ben AaronovitchBeing a seasoned Londoner, Martin gave the body the "London once-over" - a quick glance to determine whether this was a drunk, a crazy or a human being in distress. The fact that it was entirely possible for someone to be all three simultaneously is why good-Samaritanism in London is considered an extreme sport - like BASE jumping or crocodile wrestling.
Ben Aaronovitch