Although I could relate several amusing stories, I think I'll just sum up some of the more poignant differences I observed in a set of rules I've established as a sort of 'American's guide to the UK'

• Left is Right.
• Up is Down.
• Zero is One.
• Public is Private.

These apply to driving, lightswitches, building floors, and schools respectively. Once one wraps one's head around these paradoxes, one is well on one's way to understanding the wonders of British living. In all seriousness, though, I was most taken with how similar things are in the US and the UK - we share very similar cultures. [and Fermi levels - Ed]

Andrew Landahl - God save Quantum Computing!

I recently mused over some news that "Lazarus" won a product naming contest for a Financial Services product being developed in the UK. Call me old fashioned, but am not sure that a wealth vs virtue story adequately reinforces the goals for Corporate Finance (or was it the poverty and scab ridden existence that is attractive? ["...thou shalt not prosper" (Deut. 28:16)]). Metaphors to parables are dangerous at best - but this is exquisite.

Some scholars view the parable as a direct criticism of Jewish royalty or Judah (the rich man) by Lazarus (Elazar or "Eliezer" - the God helped). Most Christians view Lazarus as a fairly poor role model and not very virtuous even amongst lepers. So the name either epitomizes a poorly whistleblower on one hand (good for FSA* compliance aspects), and on the other, a destitute beggar (good for SFA* compliance).

The only rational explanation is that the product managers must have had poor attendance at School and Church (or Synagogue) and the resulting incorrect understanding of the "Lazarus from the ashes" story (it was actually the phoenix who rose from ashes shouting 'wolf, wolf, my kingdom for a wolf'!).

* God help the Financial Services Act and the Scottish Football Association (but not both).