Trashing a western alliance that has won two world wars and the Cold War and cosying up to gangster despots, Trump is thundering ahead with a comprehensive revamp of America’s image. It’s partly to boost his contrarian narcissism – doing what has never been done before; and feeding his fanbase with a) lies … Read more
With eerie timing the documentary on fashion icon Alexander McQueen who also committed suicide (in 2010) came out this week. His reputation and collections which brought him fame and fortune were seen as irreverent, quirky, imaginative, packing an emotional punch and dark. An enfant terrible “funny and disrespectful”, McQueen loved to shock and … Read more
The Daily Mail, a potent right-wing political force in the UK, is to change editor after 26 years as Paul Dacre steps down. A fervent Brexiteer he’ll be replaced by the Mail on Sunday editor Geordie Grieg, who’s a staunch Remainer, answering directly to the owner Lord Rothermere, also pro-European. Dacre was respected … Read more
With Pakistan elections fast approaching the last thing Imran Khan needed was a tell-all autobiography from his ex-wife, of a union that lasted a mere nine months in 2015. Defamation and restraining writs are flying. She claims with bland innocence that it is only a memoir and not politically motivated, despite a publication … Read more
Peter Stringfellow, known as the King of Clubs and remembered for his flamboyant style, affability, charm, lack of pretension and ability to attract top celebrities to his venues, has died. The nearest thing to a Brit Hugh Hefner he opened first topless table-dancing club in London, which had a reputation for debauchery, with … Read more
Joe Biden is being talked up as a possible Democratic candidate to take on Trump in 2020. Although there is pressure for a fresh face, Biden’s eight years as VP gives him gravitas and experience, as do his decades as a Senator. And he’s seen as a politician able to appeal to the … Read more
Guatemala’s most violent volcanic eruption in more than a century has killed at least at least 40 people with many injured and whole villages still remaining unaccounted for. Fuego, about 40km (25 miles) south-west of the capital Guatemala City, spewed rock, gas and ash into the sky. The January Lunar Eclipse set for … Read more
Joshua Boyle, the Canadian held hostage by the Taliban for five years with his wife and their three children produced during their time in captivity, has been released on bail to his parents’ home. Two months after his return to Canada he faced 19 charges, including sexual assault, misleading police and making death … Read more
Pedro Sánchez, a former economics professor and rather dishy, has replaced Rajoy as Spanish PM. He’ll have an uphill battle to push through reforms with only 84 MPs out of 350. Born 29 February 1972, Madrid, he’s a Sun Pisces opposition a Virgo Moon; with his Sun on the focal point of a … Read more
Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister has lost a no-confidence vote and is gone with his replacement, Pedro Sanchez, due to be sworn in on Monday. Rajoy has had two terms in office, the second overseeing an economic recovery and drop in unemployment, but he’s been dogged by the corruption scandals in his … Read more