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Jackie

Why leave the comfort of your home to go and see a film that has a storyline you are familiar with? I didn’t see Sully about the ‘plane that crash landed without loss of life on the Hudson River in 2009. I have been to Jackie, although the story is even more familiar.

Book Reviews

You scan the book reviews? Some are plodding, dull recitals of the plot – actually this is good – saves reading the book; others are masterful.

Investment Themes

I have been reflecting on my criteria for investing my savings and how they have changed over the years. To begin with I was a pure stock picker, choosing companies on the advice of friends, relations and a stockbroker. I then had a eureka moment when I realised that it would be more rational to… Continue reading Investment Themes

Two VCs

Next month a memorial stone will be laid at the Shepherd’s Bush war memorial on Shepherd’s Bush Green in memory of First World War recipient of the Victoria Cross and native of Hammersmith, L/Sgt Frederick Palmer.

Testament

A few mid 20th century writers have been mentioned here as being unjustly neglected today: Alec Waugh and Peter Fleming, both overshadowed by their younger brothers, William Sansom and now I have another name to add to the list.

Fish

The three greatest game fish are the Atlantic salmon, tarpon and bonefish; Ted Williams says so.

Dry January?

I went to lunch and ordered a Panang (sic) Curry. It was, no doubt about it, road-kill. I didn’t need to be a mortician to recognise those little squirrel bones – well maybe it was something else …

Song and Dance

It is a pleasure to write about a film that delivers unalloyed pleasure – a little bitter-sweet and a bit feel-good – a good combo like a dark chocolate and orange pudding. I will be surprised if you don’t warm to La La Land and shed a tear too.

The Zimmermann Telegram

An article in The Spectator last week by Sinclair McKay sent me to a bookcase to pull this out. His piece was about Old Etonian, Nigel de Grey, who decoded the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 with a Presbyterian pastor, the Rev William Montgomery.

Flaming June

Choosing presents is tricky. Books and booze usually go down well but “things” are often risky. Many people are reluctant to add to their clutter. I was given an unusual and most satisfactory Christmas present this year …