The origins of glass date back to 3,500 BC but it wasn't until the Roman Empire, 2,000 years ago, that the art of glass-blowing and the practical uses of glass became more widespread.

THE credit crisis was kind to the reputation of John Maynard Keynes, whose scribbling s from over 70 years ago inspired practical men of action to fight the recession with uninhibited stimulus.

Long ago, I'd put such things away in order to become practical.