WORMCOUNT

The Natural History Museum is going to have us celebrating Darwin year by pouring mustard down holes so we can count the number of earthworms that pop up to complain. Roll on March. 

EMMA DARWIN WAS A CLUMPY GARDENER

According to new head man at Downe House, Rowan Blaik. 

RUSSIANS SPOT A CATCH IN OUR CURRENCY

Russia Today reports that the hummingbird alongside Darwin on the £10 note has no right to be there. 

DARWIN'S BIG BEARD GOES ON SHOW

The new Natural History Museum exhibition on Darwin includes such priceless relics as bits of his beard: the Times respond by publishing a list of the ten best beards ever, with CD at number 2. 

DARWIN AGAINST DEMENTIA

Darwin cited in this article about how to stave off decline in brain function in old age: he wished he'd spent more time exercising his mind. 

FLOWER POWER

Darwin's Garden Exhibition begins at the Huntingdon in California, running till January 5th 2009, with lots of rare books and manuscripts. 

BY JOVE I THINK HE'S GOT IT

For those who believe in Eureka moments, Darwin's Galapagos mockingbirds go on display at the Natural History Museum as part of Darwin200.