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Boris Johnson – letting the corks fly
Boris Johnson’s latest offering in book form Unleashed about his recent political foray which ended in ignominy is typically ebullient, unapologetic, shameless and a rollick through his Mayoral and No 10 days when nothing was ever his fault. A columnist who shared his office in yesteryear described him as “this clown” who “ has an … Read more
Middle East – shifting sands with storms to come
As the Middle East stands on the brink of a new order after Israel’s onslaught on the Lebanon it is worth considering what has shifted in the power game. The attack on Hezbollah strikes at the heart of Iran’s influence in the region and also undermines Bashar Assad in Syria who relied on Hezbollah’s fighters … Read more
Kris Kristofferson – following his dream
Kris Kristofferson, the award-winning country singer and actor, has died aged 88. Among his song writing credits are “Me and Bobby McGee”, “For the Good Times”, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”, and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, all of which were hits for other artists. Along with fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson … Read more
Parkrun – a healing idea spreads across the globe
Parkrun, a 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) event for runners, walkers and volunteers that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across five continents is celebrating its 20 anniversary this week. It started in London on 2 October 2004 and grew into a global phenomenon with many millions of runners registered. … Read more
Israel – where is the end game?
And the world holds its breath. Hezbollah is decapitated of its leadership, Hamas effectively weakened if not destroyed. Will Iran retaliate as its proxies are knocked off the chessboard, though it has shown no sign of wanting a direct confrontation? From an Israeli point of view neutralizing Hamas and Hezbollah who were attacking across their … Read more
Maggie Smith – Neptune waves a farewell
Maggie Smith has died, the actress who more than any epitomized British acting at its best across seven decades on stage, on screen in films and on television. She was born 28 December 1934 and ‘made her acting debut in 1952 and was still working six decades later having moved from aspiring star to national … Read more
Virgos – uneasy with a Pluto slant
Since Sun Pluto in Virgo appear to be newsworthy with Eric Adams and Keir Starmer catching the headlines, a quick run-down of other notables. Hassan Nasrullah, 31 August 1960, leader of Hezbollah. Bashar Assad, 11 September 1965, Syrian dictator. Geert Wilders, 6 September 1963, Dutch neo-fascist politician. Chris Christie, Republican politician, 6 September 1962. Anthony … Read more
Eric Adams – New York’s beacon on dimmer
The charismatic New York mayor Eric Adams is facing a federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges bribery and soliciting illegal campaign contributions from Turkish businessmen. In typically ebullient form he has been comparing himself to Job, the biblical figure who must endure various plagues. And relates a tale from his rough childhood where his … Read more
James Middleton – Mars and Pluto yods
James Middleton’s book about Ella, his cocker spaniel, who brought him back from the brink of suicidal thoughts in 2017 is, according to reviews, a sweet book about his mental health problems – clinical depression, ADD and dyslexia – and how his pets and family were his lifeline. Born 15 April 1987, no birth time, … Read more