Monthly Archives: September 2004

The horror

Posted on September 23, 2004 by acb

It is possible to make the argument that a Bush victory in the election might in the long run be less disastrous than a Kerry one, simply because it will leave Bush unequivocally responsible for the coming catastrophes for America. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in War | 4 Comments

Getting things in proportion

Posted on September 22, 2004 by acb

The appearance of activity would be a whole lot easier if I just wrote a script that monitored Juan Cole’s site, and — every time something appeared there — posted a link with a note saying “This demands deep thought. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in War | 2 Comments

100,000 rounds

Posted on September 20, 2004 by acb

The Daily Mail has decided that we’re finished in Iraq. There is a long dispatch from Max Hastings in Baghdad; and I don’t think any British journalist has better contacts at the top of the Army than Max Hastings. It … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in War | 3 Comments

Correct Form

Posted on September 20, 2004 by acb

Too late, alas, to write to the Empereor Jean Bedel Bokassa, but now I know how I should have signed off my letter, thanks to the Amnesty International guide to composing letters in French. Pour les souverains, la formule d’appel … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Travel notes | 1 Comment

sex in space

Posted on September 19, 2004 by acb

The FWB has circumvented a pet ban by buying an aquarium, and is now researching which fish she should stock it with. Google led her to the Japanese ricefish, or Medaka, the only species of vertebrate attested to have had … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Science without worms, Trouty things | 6 Comments

Dr Williams’ blessing

Posted on September 19, 2004 by acb

Watching the collapse of the Anglican Communion, and, with it, of liberal, civilised Christianity, has been dispiriting for the last twenty years. This is partly because both sides are animated by a fierce destructive zeal. But an added twist is … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in God | 8 Comments

God damn!

Posted on September 19, 2004 by acb

Who knew Mark Steyn could be so funny? Here we were thinking he was just a clever, shameless jeering blowhard, and all along he could make us laugh out loud. Do you remember that moment of Fallujah-like depravity in Ulster … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in War | Comments Off on God damn!

Lego printer

Posted on September 18, 2004 by acb

This, from NTK, is one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of nerdery ever. Continue reading →

Posted in Blather | 1 Comment

Foiled again

Posted on September 14, 2004 by acb

My next Guardian profile was to be Sybille Bedford. She’s 93, and has just finished what she says will be her last big book. I secured an introduction from Jane Howard, rang her up, and arranged to meet. I explained … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Comments Off on Foiled again

The Turner bequest

Posted on September 11, 2004 by acb

Tate Britain is sitting on about Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | 2 Comments