Off switch, companionable and damning.

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1. To settle a grumpy little boy down for a morning nap. I feel the same relief when I turn off a loud radio.

2. "They played nicely today," says the other mother as they are leaving. She's right: we've had a peaceful and companionable lunch -- there was even space for some (only slightly distracted) mummy talk.

3. A journalist's damning verbal sketch of a boorish politician is still making me smile hours later.

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