Restoration of Independence

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence in Estonia following four years of non-violent demonstrations in the Baltic States, known as The Singing Revolution.

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Categorised as History

The Barber in London

The Courtauld is one of my favourite London galleries but familiarity can breed ennui. I went again yesterday knowing what to expect but I was in for a surprise.

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Categorised as Art

Faces at an Exhibition

It used to be called the BP Portrait Award, open to British artists under forty. Lucy Willis won in 1992.

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Categorised as Art

Out to Lunch

Some good Italian and French restaurants in London close in August – so like Paris.

The Garrison Chapel

Members of the Royal Family as part of the job have to perform excruciatingly boring functions at best or, at worst, carry out engagements on advice from the Foreign Office through gritted teeth. So it is charming that King Charles can indulge his own whimsical fancies through The King’s Foundation – a Scottish charity that… Continue reading The Garrison Chapel

Three Times

“In the Church of England, marriage banns must be read three times . . . before a marriage can take place. These readings occur in the parish church of each person getting married and also in the church where the marriage will be solemnised, if it’s a different location.” (AI)

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Categorised as Literature

Miami Vice

“- Now, as you walk out to the plane, look neither to the right nor to the left. Just look straight ahead, okay? Just keep going straight ahead.”

The Syriac Church

When I read the Holy See I think it’s the Sea of Galilee, that’s how dumb I am. To slightly digress, my sister had a friend called “dumb chum” – I must ask her to remind me of DC’s identity.

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Categorised as Religion

Go to Jail

“The World Prison Brief (WPB) is a unique database that provides free access to information about prison systems throughout the world. It was launched in 2000 using data compiled by Roy Walmsley, Founder of the World Prison Brief. Country information is updated on a monthly basis, using data largely derived from governmental or other official… Continue reading Go to Jail

The Tortoise and the Hare

“A huge articulated Pirelli truck and an E type Jaguar car pass and repass along Italy’s breathtaking Autostrada Del Sole, to the accompaniment of jazz, pop and Vivaldi music.”