Peace in our time
It was nine o'clock on a late autumnal Sunday evening. George W had just declared the start to the bombing of Afghanistan. Tony Blair, in a rare move of conformity with American policy, declared his military and political support of the newest stage in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Whilst my roommate cynically questioned the righteousness of such an act, and another friend became emotional about the inevitable death of innocent civilians, my immediate thought was the peaceful consequences of such actions and that the diligence and bravery of these two leaders should be rewarded with a Nobel Peace Prize. A few months later and Harald Tom Nesvik, a member of the far-right Progress Party in Norway has signalled his agreement with these sentiments and nominated Bush and Blair for the prize - his argument was: "Unfortunately, sometimes... you have to use force to secure peace."...
Features: Maximum exposure
I was surprised by my meeting with Max Clifford. Here was the man who had toppled Tory giants such as Jeffery Archer and Jonathan Aitkin, exposed Gary Glitter and Michael Barrymore and most recently had a hand in the Hamilton rape allegations. I had expected to meet a figure who exuded power and influence but instead I met a man who seemed, well, demure. My pre-planned criticisms felt strangely inappropriate. This wasn't someone I wanted to fight with; this was a man I wanted to have tea with. ...
Features: Drink!
According to W. C. Fields: "Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder". I am constantly reminded of this immutable truth every time I pass the sign on The Old Ale House bearing the quotation in gold letters. It makes me shudder uncomfortably at the thought of some of my recent conquests, usually falling victim to one of my characteristic drunken lunges....
Features: Maligned musicians
Music forms an integral part of our lives - whoever we are. There can't be very many people who can say that they get through the day without listening to some sort of music at some point. Music can relax, stimulate and provoke very strong feelings to almost anyone. It is such a great gift to all of us and especially for those lucky few who have the ability to perform and give so many people so much pleasure....