Boinggg boinggg.

It seems some clarification is needed of yesterday's post.  I thought this was one of those things which "everybody knows" but apparently not.  Big Ben is the nickname given to the major bell - the one that rings out the hours - in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster.  By extension, the name tends to be used for the tower itself but pedants - and I'm sure you know by now I am one - are keen to maintain the distinction.  Why "Ben" nobody is really sure - it may just be alliterative.  The main bell in the clock tower of the Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham for example is known as "Big Brum".  Hope that clear things up.