Common Comic Star
Please not that an audio reading of the poem is available below the text. As hours flop, And hours top, And wiggle side to side, I laugh my self, Guffaw my way, Chuckle stuff I have tried: I feel it...
The Hong Kong Sinfonietta, a growing presence
3 May 2008 Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 4 in G minor, Op 40 Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor, Op 18 The Sinfonietta, established in 1990, offered concertgoers the rare chance to enjoy...
Medjugorje: fervent worship and booming business
The last time I came to Bosnia was in the middle of the Balkan War. My mother loves bargains and war zone holidays always are cheaper. In Bosnia, though, we were looking for something more profound...
A Morning in the Life: John McCain
In some Best Western on the campaign trail in Red State America, the Republican Standard Bearer awakens. “Psst,” he says, nudging his wife. “Psst. Cindy? Are you awake?” “John, it’s 4:30...
Cristiano Ronaldo and the coming of the Antichrist
Author's note to her faithful American readers: yes, I mean football as in "soccer." "Soccer" is an ugly word and the rest of the world barely uses it. I wake up today to a sad world. Sure, things...
There and Back Again: my trip to Orlando
I’m like a million other people: I’m at the airport, waiting for a flight. I packed last night, and even checked in on-line; it was all extremely organized. I’m that sort of person. Of course,...
Interview with author Hugh Miles
This is an interview with Hugh Miles, author of Playing Cards In Cairo. We wish to thank everyone who made this interview possible. Jonathan Mok: What inspired you to write the book? Hugh Miles:...
Playing Cards in Cairo: A Review
This is a review of Playing Cards in Cairo by Hugh Miles. Abacus. 2008. Hugh Miles, the son of a British diplomat, has a freewheeling approach to life that, by proxy, helps readers gain a better...
Monaco: for those with massive credit limits!
For the last ten years, I have been coming to sunny and opulent Monaco for the odd weekend here and there. My mother moved here following my parents' divorce. Monaco a strange place, rather like...
Two Thoughts in the Prado Museum, Madrid
I. Guards, sentries, guides, they stalk the halls like silent wraiths clad in their dead blue blazers and knee length skirts. To speak to them is to encounter monotony made woman: instructions...