If it weren't for a proper, old fashioned newspaper, I would not have discovered an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, and would never have visited the extraordinary property that has recently been named one of 31 national treasures by the USA’s National Trust for Historic Preservation. Located at 2007 Franklin Street, Haas Lilienthal ... Read More...
Lifestyle
You may have read the excoriating email that retired naval officer, Nick Crews, sent to his three children, complaining of his “bitter disappointment” with their “copulation driven” self-indulgence? Reading this made me want to have a rant of my own on the issue of modern manners – or rather, lack of ... Read More...
Despite having fuddy-duddy connotations, I was surprised to discover that the pastime we call bird watching isn’t actually that old – or at least the term isn’t. Bird watching is popularly thought of as the sort of thing dweeby old guys do to get away from the Missus. The twitcher’s ... Read More...
All the world’s a stage – or at least it could be, according to Simon Woodroffe, creator of YO! Sushi and Yotel - and originator of a novel new purpose-built home of the future. His 800 square foot flat utilizes the mechanics of stage scenery to do all sorts of unexpected ... Read More...
Who invented the one partner for life rule? And why? If you’re of the old school, you may well have been happily married for decades… but for Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones), things are a bit stale after 31 years together. Kay would like to spice up her ... Read More...
Are Prince Harry’s recent antics in Las Vegas part of an elaborate PR stunt? After all, we’re in the middle of the Olympics, and games are still very much on our minds - especially after the excitement of the beach volleyball. And Prince Harry is a well-heeled young man, for ... Read More...
No, I haven’t been on an extended summer break. My father suddenly became unwell and died after just a few weeks, on the day before the Olympics opening ceremony. I’ve not felt up to writing posts, but on this beautifully sunny weekend, I’m feeling a little more like my old ... Read More...
Following Frank Key’s post earlier this week, you may be interested to hear about Tom Hicks, the Olympic Marathon champion of the 1904 St Louis Olympic Games. Having been helped by his trainers into the stadium (see above), Hicks collapsed on the finishing line and the medal ceremony was delayed ... Read More...
When I was invited to a preview of independent filmmaker Mike Freedman’s latest documentary, I turned on my SatNav and headed for somewhere in SE11. Manoeuvring into the narrow driveway of what initially looked like a modern housing development, but then appeared to be the entrance to some sort of ... Read More...
The temperature in London rose dramatically on Tuesday, and not simply because the Chelsea Flower Show was such a hot ticket. Walking through the teeming crowds became quite an ordeal in the heat. Despite the ongoing hosepipe ban, nannying announcements were made regularly over the tannoy to remind visitors to ... Read More...
