Old prejudices die hard

On Friday afternoon I was at the dentist. I like him, I like the country he comes from, but there is something slightly worrying to anyone raised on the British diet of ceaseless World War 2 films and television about the hearing the words "I am now cleaning your teeth - from the inside. Another size 15, please." in a German accent.

Until it's all over, of course. Then you start thinking that there may have been good reasons for that rasping noise going on so long, and old cliches like "teutonic thoroughness" start to acquire a warm, comforting glow. Thank you, Ollie.