27 November 1996

Humped Zebra Crossing

Birmingham has more canals than Venice. That's not true, but after some public relations hack said so everyone there believes it's true. This often repeated misconception is given additional credence because few Birminghammers have ever been to Venice.

When I visited Birmingham, I spent most of the afternoon at a humped zebra crossing, but didn't see a humped animal of any description let alone a zebra. What I did discover, though, is that Birminghamites are among the world's great liars. I had a good time.