Advice of the Day: Professional Standards

The Sage explains true professionalism: a good window cleaner always leaves at least one streak. A funny “Advice of the Day” about expectations, evidence, and human effort.

This Day in History: 18 January 1694 — John Edwards and the Broad Cloth Theft

On 18 January 1694, John Edwards, a plasterer of Aldgate, was implicated in the theft of forty yards of white broad cloth. Found guilty of felony, he was sentenced to death. His repentance and execution at Tyburn weeks later are recorded in the Ordinary of Newgate’s account, revealing the harsh realities of seventeenth-century justice.

Quote of the Day: Resilience in its Most Recognisable Form

Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on football and optimism: “Football is proof that hope can be rebuilt every Saturday.” A warm, thoughtful reminder that belief renews itself through routine, shared experience, and the simple human habit of showing up again — even after disappointment.

Advice of the Day: Cold Water Strategy

The Sage shares his swimming wisdom: always wait until everyone else is already in before asking if the water’s cold. A funny “Advice of the Day” about timing, peer pressure, and inevitable discomfort.

This Day in History: 17 January 1681 — Elizabeth Wigenton and the Murder of Her Apprentice

On 17 January 1681, Elizabeth Wigenton, a coat-maker of Ratcliff Parish, was tried at the Old Bailey for the wilful murder of her thirteen-year-old apprentice. After binding and beating the girl so violently that she died, Wigenton was found guilty of murder. This case reveals the brutal realities of apprenticeship and justice in seventeenth-century London.

Quote of the Day: The Comfort of Collective Suffering

Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on football and patience: “Football teaches patience: ninety minutes to discover what shouting never changed.” A humorous, thoughtful look at passion, futility, and the strange joy of caring deeply about something we cannot control — together, and very loudly.

Advice of the Day: Emergency Storage

The Sage reveals the true purpose of headwear: a hat is just a bowl that follows you around. A hilarious “Advice of the Day” about preparedness, pockets, and poor storage decisions.

Quote of the Day: The long haul

Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on end-of-month resilience: “Surviving the month is less about money, and more about patience lasting longer than optimism.” A thoughtful, gently humorous reminder that endurance often matters more than enthusiasm when resources are low and waiting is unavoidable.

Advice of the Day: Emergency Cooking

The Sage offers wildly impractical kitchen wisdom: if your oven breaks, tape a chicken to the radiator. A hilarious “Advice of the Day” about cooking, confidence, and ignoring common sense.

This Day in History: 18 December 1865 — George Wheeler and the Long Sentence

On 18 December 1865, London clerk George Wheeler pleaded guilty to embezzlement at the Old Bailey. Sentenced to penal servitude, he passed through Newgate, Pentonville and Portland prisons before his release in 1869. His story reveals the realities of Victorian imprisonment beyond the courtroom.