'His impassive portrait, decked in comic-opera uniform, kept watch on his behalf, glowering from banks, shops and reception halls. 'Big Man' rule had been encapsulated in one timeless brand: leopardskin toque, Buddy Holly glasses and the carved cane so imbued with presidential force mere mortals, it was said, could never hope to lift it ( Read more... )

As a general rule one ought never to discuss religion - for english people it is almost as embarrassing as sex, and hardly ever as funny - but tonight's troubling news from Rome will have given even the most dogmatic atheist cause for reflection. Those of us who can should pray for him. Those of us who cannot - which includes me - should think of ( Read more... )

Shakespeare, Wagner, Dante. Any other suggestions?

Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth.

(Lear, Act 1, Scene 1, lines 91-92)

Apologies to everyone who was baffled and distraught by my sudden disappearance last night. All of a sudden the telephone stopped working, so my internet thingy (which it turns out is connected by means of the telephone) was all alone in a cruel, cruel world. Those of you who were secretly pleased by my sudden disappearance last night, of course ( Read more... )

Hello gang ( Read more... )

Those of you who have met me in the petshopboys chatroom will know that I keep an eye on American politics, and on occasion have even been known to share my observations. Now, the first thing to say is that for me it is primarily a matter of entertainment: the primaries, the conventions, the balloons, the stump speeches, the debates, the endless ( Read more... )

I really am off now, in search of adventure and sweeties in France and Northumberland. Hugs to all :)

Three predictions:

1) Line of Beauty to win the Booker on Tuesday (and deservedly so)
2) Osama bin Laden to be confirmed dead / captured as this election's 'October Surprise'
3) Indeedy to get Mozza tattoo on bottom.

'A young Italian priest, named Giovanni-Battista, was very much in love with his boyfriend Paolo. They believed that their love was forbidden by the Church but they hoped it was blessed by God. "If I ever become a bishop," joked Giovanni-Battista, "I must give you up." Then came the terrible day - Giovanni-Battista was made into a bishop. But he ( Read more... )