?

By what rationale do political opponents get to vote for the Republican or Democrat Nominee in some states ? In a tight race, as this may be on both sides, it's possible that the decisive votes for each party's nominee will come from the other side ! I hereby claim copyright to the comic and sinister possibilities of a plot based on this idea.

The last days of the Roman Empire

The full faith and credit of the United States ain't what they used to be and depend on my children and yours to honour our debts. I love my children, so making them pay for my fecklessness can't be bad. I feel the love. They'll feel the IRS tickling their collar. So pay no heed to the rating agencies or the comptroller general, after all our children will have learnt this life lesson from us: stick it on the next generation.

Back in London

Christmas present - a daughter is studying with Martin Amis and gave me a signed copy of my favourite novel :The view from my room at dawn: