Every country uses some form of hot, steamy liquid, either a tea or soup or just a towel over a pot.

Every country uses some form of hot, steamy liquid, either a tea or soup or just a towel over a pot. If all these countries from around the globe, some with no contact with each other, all happen to come up with this same basic treatment, this must be something.

This really isn't about whether ginger tea or chicken soup work. It's really about conveying to people that medicines (for colds) aren't necessary and could be potentially dangerous for kids.

The cup of tea on arrival at a country house is a thing which, as a rule, I particularly enjoy. I like the crackling logs, the shaded lights, the scent of buttered toast, the general atmosphere of leisured cosiness.

For me starting the day without a pot of tea would be a day forever out of kilter.

Katherine Harris is a tremendously intense politician. She means well, but like any other politician, her judgment can get clouded by her intensity.