‘Remember, remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot.’ The annual bonfires and burning of a scarecrow-effigy have been turned nowadays into a fun barbecue. But the 17th century plot was deadly serious, part of the virulent war between Protestants and Roman Catholics. ‘Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent To … Read more
Kevin Spacey has apologised for a drunken sexual encounter with a 14 year old boy thirty years ago which he says he doesn’t remember. He says he has been bi-sexual in the past but is now gay. Born 27 July 1959 5.51am (questionable time) South Orange, New Jersey, he had a Nazi-obsessed … Read more
Madrid’s enforcer sent in to oversee the day-to-day running of Catalonia’s affairs after the regional government and police chief were fired, is Spain’s deputy prime minister, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría. Born 10 June 1971 she’s a former lawyer, seen as competent, though charisma-free and untainted by corruption. An election will be held … Read more
Another deeply depressing sexual abuse story trying to break in the media is from former child star Corey Feldman. In 2008 he and his fellow child actor Corey Haim openly described the abuse they suffered at the hands of rich and powerful men in Hollywood in the 1980s, to zero response. Haim … Read more
The remaining JFK assassination files, may be released this Thursday as Trump seeks to brew up another publicity storm to distract from his various mishaps, mis-speaks and failures. How much of interest will come if they are opened to public view is questionable though the CIA’s handling of the investigation … Read more
Ewan McGregor appears to have been struck by the Hollywood curse on marriages after splitting from his long-time wife, production designer Eve Mavrakis. Born 31 March 1971 8.10pm Perth, Scotland, he has an Aries Sun opposition Uranus square Mars in Capricorn, so will always need excitement and risk; plus a constantly-changing Gemini … Read more
The Trump lash-back reflex appears to be misfiring spectacularly as he digs himself a crater-sized hole over presidential condolences to the families of soldiers killed in action. Following Roy Cohn, his mentor’s advice – ‘always be on the attack, counterpunch whenever punched and never apologize. Never, ever, ever apologize’ – he blames … Read more
A historic moment for China yesterday as President Xi Jinping strengthened his control over his 1.4 billion population and had his Thoughts written into the constitution, an honour previously reserved only for Mao Tse Tung and Deng Xiaoping. He stands for a socialism that is in contrast to western liberalism, democracy and … Read more
Arthur Janov has died, the American psychologist who promoted Primal (Scream) Therapy which became a cultural phenomenon of the 60s and 70s with John Lennon as an advocate. Primal therapy was used to re-experience childhood pain, expressing repressed anger or frustration through spontaneous and unrestrained screams, hysteria, or violence. Born 21 August 1924 … Read more
The Balfour Declaration, 2 November 1917, expressed the support of the British government during WW1 for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, then an Ottoman region with a minority Jewish population. And it added: “it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the … Read more