this laidly and loathsome worm

There's been a lot of talk recently about the problem of libel chill on British science writing, that people self-censor for fear they'd be sued (as Simon Singh was by British Chiropractic Association).

There are 12 months left before the next World Cup and every England fan can reel off Sven Goran Eriksson's starting XI within 15 seconds.

That sort of talk is neighbouring on treason.