h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A somnulent invocation of geography that lulls an island to sleep on a nightly basis.

Like the deep sounding seconds of an old grandfather clock, it brings comfort to the psyche. Like all good things, it risks being taken for granted.

But if it stopped, then it would be noticed, and the sleepless masses would very probably rise up to revolution instead of breakfast.

It can also be of use to mariners, you know.

I still miss Finisterre

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1796295.stm

It's obvious in hindsight but the mantra of shipping areas is performed in an orderly clockwise progression around the British Isles. I was ever so pleased when I first saw the areas in the atlas and realised I could sing them out in order. Having just found the right page in the atlas again I'm even happier to see that it's old enough to have German Bight and Finisterre on it.