Justin Case, Barb Dwyer and Stan Still.

It sounds like a bad joke, but a study has revealed that there really are unfortunate people with those names in the UK.

Joining them on the list are Terry Bull, Paige Turner, Mary Christmas and Anna Sasin.

Imagine growing up as Annette Curtain or Tim Burr.

And just imagine having to introduce yourself to a crowd as Doug Hole or Hazel Nutt.

The names were uncovered by researchers from parenting group TheBabyWebsite.com after trawling through online telephone records.

Retired airman Stan Still, 76, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, said his name had been "a blooming millstone around my neck my entire life".

"When I was in the RAF my commanding officer used to shout, 'Stan Still, get a move on' and roll about laughing," he said.

"It got hugely boring after a while."

But 51-year-old Rose Bush, from Coventry, West Midlands, said she loved her name.

MORE UNFORTUNATE NAMES Pearl Button Jo King Barry Cade Carrie Oakey Priti Manek Tim Burr

"I always get comments about it but they are always very positive," she said.

Implications

Researchers also scoured phone records in the US and found some unlikely names there too.

Spare a thought for Anna Prentice, Annette Curtain and Bill Board the next time you sign your name.

A string of Americans also have very job-specific names, including Dr Leslie Doctor, Dr Thoulton Surgeon and Les Plack - a dentist in San Francisco.

A spokesman for TheBabyWebsite.com said: "When the parents of some of those people mentioned named their children, many probably didn't even realise the implications at the time.

"Parents really do need to think carefully though when choosing names for their children.

"Their name will be with them for life and what may be quirky and fun for a toddler might be regretted terribly when that person becomes older or even a grandparent perhaps."

Below are a selection of your comments.

I was named Simon Swindells at birth. It caused no end of ridicule throughout my childhood and teens and I changed my first name by deed poll shortly after turning 18 and changed the surname a few years later.

I found it difficult to be taken seriously when meeting people (socially and professionally when applying for jobs etc) as they laughed out loud when hearing the name.
Chrys Hudson Lee, Brighton

My name is the same as the actor who played the third Doctor Who. Growing up wasn't so bad, I used to get called all sorts, but because Doctor Who was seen as "cool" the nicknames were always positive.

But when he moved on and became Worzel Gummidge, the school taunts became crueller. I was constantly asked if I had an Aunt Sally, asked by teachers if I had the stupid head on today etc.

In my 20s, people still recognised the name, and when the actor passed away, I got several phone calls to see if I was still alive.
Jon Pertwee, Sion, Switzerland

This is a common name in Belgium and France but when I was living in UK it was quite weird, because people were always talking about Richard the Third and I had no clue of what they were talking about. I just realised some time later on.

Furthermore in France, one of my colleagues has double nationality (British and French) and his name is Olivier Moron (French origins). Once again in French, no problem at all... but in English
Richard Six, Paris, France (but I'm Belgian)

Mine tops the lot. Think about it.
Jenny Taylor, Kendal

Well, years of ruthless teasing have given way to slightly kinder comments along the lines of "what a great name". I just wish I had a decent answer to the question: "What were your parents thinking?"
Daisy Picking, London

My father, whose name was Albert Hall, had a lot to answer for when he named my brother Jim. Jim took a pounding whenever PE came round at school.

You'd have thought the "Royal" Albert would have been a bit more circumspect in his choice of name for his offspring!
David Hall, Cardross, Scotland

My cousins called their daughter Esther Munday, it has always made me chuckle.
Terry Withington, Hinckley, England

This article has put a big smile on many of my colleagues, friends and client's faces today. You would not believe how many times I have been e-mailed with links to your website.

I personally love my name as it makes people laugh and at least no-one will forget it! I'd never consider it unfortunate, it's just funny.
Jo King, London

My name was Susan Frame. I am a lawyer. I met and married Robert who is a banker. His surname is Mee. Now we are Sue Mee, a lawyer, and Rob Mee, a banker - ironic? I have taken no end of stick for this, believe me.
Susan Mee, Doncaster

My name being Andrew Burke, a lot of letters I get are to A Burke.
Andrew Burke, Aldershot, UK

When I lived near Aberystwyth, 20 years ago, I had a lovely neighbour called Ivy Plant. If she's still alive, or anyone knows of her whereabouts, I'd appreciate an address or any news of her.
John McCullough, Ballymena, Antrim

Unfortunately your name doesn't have to have a double meaning to be found continually amusing to others. However, I have found the benefit in adult life is that it is always noticed and remembered and is therefore a great networking "tool".
Bill Badger, Romford, Essex

A chap who preceded me as student's union president at Imperial in London changed his name to Sidney Harbour-Bridge for a year for charity. After the year he decided to keep it as he found it an asset in business... I'd love to hear if he has the moniker after nearly 20 years!
Chris Davidson, Market Bosworth

Hi, my mum was Hazel Nutt. Her maiden name was Morrison and she married my father, Peter Nutt. I watched her write out a cheque once with the checkout girl grinning, but my mum was definitely hiding a grin too. I think she loved it.
Donald Nutt, Dundee

My name is ok, but I have a 14-year-old niece called Lotte Flack. Luckily for her she lives in Germany so she is blissfully unaware of the implications. So far.
Eliot Flack-Hill, Hove, East Sussex

Doesn't sound bad but when people start chanting merrily, merrily, merrily it becomes tedious. Should have kept my maiden name.
Mary Lee, Pinner, Middlesex

I've always said that if my partner (a Button) and I had a baby girl we'd call her Pearl. With the fringe benefit that I'd get to call myself mother-of-Pearl Button.
Katie, St Albans, Hertfordshire

At the turn of the last century it was common to give girls the names of flowers, hence my Nan and her sisters who were called Ivy, Daisy and Rose. It's a shame their maiden name was Roots. My father, on the other hand, has a sister called June, which goes so well with our family name, don't you think?
Kevin May, Kent

colouring my life.
10:35 AM

Quotes by Leonardo Da Vinci

There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.

As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.

Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.


I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.


Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

colouring my life.
10:28 PM

Thursday, October 01, 2009

You Should Have Super Long Hair

You are free spirited and carefree. You are a total wild child, and no one is going to tame you! Your hair tells people that you're an individual who doesn't care what other people think. You and your hair break all the rules. You are a mysterious type who has many secrets. You prefer to keep to yourself. There's a lot hiding behind that hair. Very few people truly understand what you are all about.

What Length Hair Should You Have?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

colouring my life.
8:41 PM

Monday, May 11, 2009

~Today~



Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today


I'll be a dandy, and I'll be a rover
You'll know who I am by the songs that I sing
I'll feast at your table, I'll sleep in your clover
Who cares what the morrow shall bring


Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today


I can't be contented with yesterday's glory
I can't live on promises winter to spring
Today is my moment, now is my story
I'll laugh and I'll cry and I'll sing

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today


Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today

~John Denver

colouring my life.
8:45 PM

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Yay! Back to the blogosphere. Haven't blogged for quite a while. Tomorrow's cross country but being a first aider, I don't have to run. YAY!!! =D! I'll be located at Station 4. To those making this pilgrimage, I'll be your first glimpse of civilization; the light at the end of the tunnel! HO! HO! XD! Ok, I'm actually stationed at the part where the forest trail meets the road. So, if anyone's tired, let me know and I'll command the boys at Station 4 to carry you to the finishing point on a stretcher, or perhaps in an ambulance if you want. ;)


Just kidding.


Really, the SJAB uniform makes people look like security guards. The skirt alone exaggerates the size of my already fleshy butt. But it's reasonably airy so it's ok, I guess. =) I am determined to tie a chignon (say sheen-yon, it's French!) tomorrow. It's some kind of bun located at the nape. I can't do my usual ah mah bun because of the beret. =( Oh, and I must remember to bring my umbrella and water bottle! *scribbles down*


>< Argh! I hope it will be cool tomorrow if not I'll melt in this security guard attire. =(


Oh, and don't forget to watch out for monkeys. Even though my dear mentor said that he wasn't attacked by those bold primates while he was blatantly eating potato chips while surveying the area (he's a high-ranking road martial! <3). Perhaps it's because he looks like one! ;) JUST JOKING, OK?


I was a victim of monkey attack at MacRitchie. When we were in Primary 6, we went on a field trip to the reservoir. I was holding a transparent plastic bag (containing stationery and my water bottle) when a monkey just jumped and clinged onto my arm. It didn't let go so in my shock, I swung my arm around. And it flew off. Ok, I meant it jumped off. =P


Gonna eat my dinner now!


All the best for the cross country! (Go Nobel!!!)

colouring my life.
7:31 PM

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Yay! Shan't be running for cross country! =D Should've joined SJAB a long time ago. (Right Si Ying?) XD!

I got 18 something for 2.4. ='( I hope I don't have to re-run it! But the problem is I can't remember what that 'something' was. And as Junyan had said, "IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!" =(

Well, I didn't know I'll feel nauseous while running the later laps. (First 2 were fine! I was even blowing kisses to those in 409 who were cheering me and smiling at Adeline and Xinyuan! =D) I know running after a full meal will make one vomit but I didn't know that not eating breakfast and drinking a lot of water will make one vomit too. =( And *ahem* it's not morning sickness. *sighs* So sad. I don't wanna run another 2.4km if I have to. ><

But I was very heartened by the concern I got. =) I was in Group 2 which comprised of (Zhi Xin, Mag and I) with 9 other boys. Of all the people running in the same group as I, only 2 boys actually asked if I was alright. If I was going to get any concern from anyone, I would expect it coming from females, so I didn't expect it coming from males. Anyway, I was quite heartened by it, not all males are heartless brutes when they see a damsel in distress. Ho! Ho! Ho! Bryan slowed his pace (feel quite guilty for it 'cause he's one of the more athletic in class) and asked me if I'm fine. And the other boy was ... ... ... Ahmed! I really didn't see that coming. He actually turned around twice to ask if I'm ok. In case you're wondering why I'm semi-gushing over this, it's because I've realised that certain people are more caring than they seem. =D Hanisah and Terry asked if I'm fine too, Mao Jia and Feyra accompanied me for my last lap, Mag and Feyra walked me back to class, Mao Jia passed me my WATERBOTTLE and Zhi Xin gave me a sweet! Oh, it was so sweet! (Pardon the pun, it was unintentional.)

The nausea was more than worth it. I got to feel the essence of human kindness that day. =D (Just pray that I don't need to run again, ok?)

(the following is adapted from an email I received)

People come into our lives for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a Reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvienient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realise is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a Season, because your turn has come to share, grow and learn.

They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something which you have never learnt before.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

So to all those people out there (reading this blog post), thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime... ... ...

colouring my life.
5:29 PM

Monday, March 23, 2009

Came across this on the web:

She said, "Mama look at the flowers. Can I pick one?"

I said, "No baby, why don't we just take a picture of them, because when you pick them they die."

She said, "They die?"

I said, "Yes baby, they do. But if you take a picture you can have them with you forever."

She said, "Is that why you take my picture all the time mama, so I can be with you forever?"

I said, with a aching heart and a smile on my face, "That's right baby. So I can have you forever."

She just smiled and said, "I love you Mama."

colouring my life.
10:18 PM

Friday, March 20, 2009

Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.

-- Albert Einstein

colouring my life.
7:16 PM

Saturday, March 07, 2009

You Are Sunny and Inspiring

When You Are Comfortable: You are quite quirky, and you enjoy doing things your own way. You are optimistic, and you've always got a good idea brewing. People find you to be positive and uplifting. You make people feel good about themselves. When You Are At Your Best: You are bold and dramatic. You have confidence in yourself, and that's enough to get you through anything. People see you as capable and goal oriented. You have your eye on the prize, and others admire that about you. When You Are in a Social Setting: You are a carefree, adventurous person. You love excitement, and you enjoy being in a changing, dynamic environment. People find you to be funny, generous, and competent. You're well spoken, and you know how to wow people with your words.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

colouring my life.
6:42 PM

Friday, February 27, 2009

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting for me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love
And be loved by you

-Kevin Michael McKeehan

colouring my life.
9:15 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009

I can feel your eyes

even now

behind me

as though you're here




Why you had to leave so soon

I'll never know

I hide the tears




You always reached

beyond pain

to beauty

your heart was my first home




You pointed to

the best in me

then you left me all ... alone




For the angels are around

they see

every move we make... toward love

they come to...

see us, feel us, hold us, heal us

you were... an angel... of love




I can feel your eyes

even now

behind me

your words are clear




All those who came before

still light our way

despite the tears




Deep within our hearts

is the truth

we're given

it becomes the song we sing




Keep believing in

the way of life

and show others how... to dream




For the angels are around

they see

every move we make... toward love

they come to...

see us, feel us, hold us, heal us




We're all... angels... of love...

colouring my life.
11:28 PM

Friday, November 07, 2008

Exams are over. Although the stress of exams is gone, somehow, I still feel quite tense. *sighs* Somehow, the monotonous cycle of everyday life at home, with nothing much to do (other than packing stuff and reading Agatha Christie books) seems to things around me dreary and boring. No kudos to the bright and sunny weather outside for driving away my ideal dark, cool and moist (in other words optimal-conditions-for-fungus-to-thrive) weather. =( Aiya! So sad! I have to inject some sense of purpose and EXCITEMENT into my life! Going to the movies doesn't excite me. Unless its those insightful movies which will profoundly affect my way of thinking, stimulate me intellectually, etc. I'm unsympathetic to superfluous portrayals of angsty teenage relationships and phantasmagoric depictions of the human emotions.


Oh, but I don't mind going to the National Library. In fact, I would love to go there! =D! I would take the lift from the highest floor all the way, (not stopping unless someone just happens to take the lift in the middle of my journey to the the centre of the earth) to ground level and go squealing with fear and excitement, watching myself plummet from metres above the ground (this is a (literally) cheap substitution for the ubiquitous theme park ride which brings you up 10 storeys high before plunging you down)! Well, other than the short-lived excitement I can get from the lift, I should be able to derive satisfaction from the books that I've borrowed! XD! Yay! Ok, so I've decided that I should go to the National Library when I can. Oh yeah, before I forget, I have to remind my father of his promise to let me see a sunset by the sea by the end of this year. This would be his birthday present to me. =) Although I don't mind going to any place to see my sunset by the sea, I wonder what the possibilities are to view it at the boardwalk in Raffles Marina. I first went there for a wedding held in the evening. There was this boardwalk extending near the wedding venue, with sailboats or little ships beside it, out to the sea, ending at a lighthouse. It was beautiful walking on the boardwalk, seeing only the sky in front of you and hearing only the sound of waves. The evening sun covered the whole sky. It was like walking into the sunset. Ahhh... *sighs dreamily* Maybe I'll take a ride on the Singapore Flyer and see Singapore's skyline. I've heard that it's nice. =D! You know downtown, there's this capsule with each end attached to some sort of rope. You sit in it before being propelled high up into the sky. I think it's supposed to give one the thrills while viewing the city's skyline but I think I'll only see the contents of my stomach if I go on a ride like that.


*sighs* I think I'm going bonkers. I've decided to inject life into my life. I'll start with window shopping down Orchard Road. (Although I can't say I love shopping).


But, somehow, I know I'm going to be happy.


Love this life of mine.

colouring my life.
11:42 AM

Saturday, November 01, 2008

I'll definitely be happier still.

colouring my life.
11:49 AM

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I'm going to be happy.

colouring my life.
9:22 PM