Hollywood, you and the US Presidential election

This is what you’re favourite Hollywood stars can tell you about who you would have voted for if you lived in the US.

I prefer Jenna Jameson, Clint Eastwood and Russell Crowe to, let’s say, Will Smith, Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

Before you read further, read this post:
http://www.ninety9words.blogspot.com/2011/07/if-i-was-american_03.html

I heard Ann Romney’s speech today.

If it’s worth being a US citizen, election time is surely one of the great draws.
Where else would a candidate’s wife address a national convention and start a speech with: Love.

I love it.

If it’s Julia, you’re Obama.

Me? Go Mitt.

It really is not about the bike

I know someone, with some serious access to the US coaches/trainers fraternity who I asked:

‘What’s the word in the business?’

‘Did he use drugs?’

His answer: ‘Is that even a question…’

I read the book, edited the sports pages, wrote the headlines.

I played scrabble with a nana from Austin who became an email buddy based on where to get good chilli and how to Livestrong.

And that Austin would beat Pune for best city in the world.

There is only one thing a pedestal guarantees you. The chance to fall.

It really is not about the bike.

Open wound

Wrote a ditty for a little missy,
She wasn’t impressed and said:

Too much blood, too much pain,
Find hope, laugh again…

Had it all, I say,
In buckets and spades,
Then cashed it in for a spin.

Sex, drugs and rock’n’roll,
It all seemed so cool.
Took it to the limit,
Played the perfect fool.

Got off the ride, paid the ticket price,
Stupor wore off,
Time to take stock.

People destroyed – check.
Self contorted – check.
Health destroyed – check.
Reality distorted – check.

Suffer the rule: did the crime, do the time

My life is now an open wound.

Man United, Arsenal, Van Persie and evolution

I don’t like the Dutch football team, and generally, have never been a big fan of their players either.

Not Gullit, Van Basten or Rijkaard.

I have a natural dislike of Arsenal.

It’s genetic. Born a Red Devil, you just eat Gunners, like a lion naturally just eats deer (or anything else that gets in its way.)

The only Dutch player I took to was Ruud Van Niestelroy. He played for United.

Now, I have to deal with not only another Dutch player at United, but a Dutch and ex-Arsenal player.

Even the kings of the jungle must evolve.

Zak attack: Fareed has his Barkha moment

When you’re at the top in media the one thing you lose is your right to the phrase: “Let me explain this…”

If those four words are even on the horizon of your subconscious, resign.

Fareed Zakaria has had his Barkha Dutt moment.

Unlike Barkha and the navel-gazing Indian media, it is unlikely he will be allowed a second chance.

Unless the Indian media develop that kind of ruthless expectation of their news doyens, they will continue to be fed information they deserve, and not what they need.
That, and upskirt panty shots.

Zak actually probably had an explanation.

You're in the Army Now

I had a brief fling with discipline as sergeant with the Army division of the National Cadet Corp in school.

The commanding officer was a man whose full force I felt on the cheek of my face only once.

It was enough to wake me up and remind me that life is about more than the mores.

Butt, barrel, bayonet, brasso, beret… matter.

Most of all, family, nation and your platoon are worth dying for.

Maybe he should have slapped me a few more times.

For Harold Sir from St Vincent’s High School, usually, once was enough.

Thank-you, Sir.