Happy Birthday, Pink Flamingo

The American Sugar industry has launched a ferocious attack on the WHO, for reporting that sugar should only take up a maximum of 10 per cent in our diets. They say the figure should be closer to a maximum of 25 per cent (!). They have threatened to influence funding cuts for the Geneva-based organisation,…

We enter exciting times again, with the French presidential elections and the US Democratic and Republican nominations. Unsurprisingly, the final two horse race in France is between Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal. The last time I recall it was a more unusual contest between the incumbent Jacques Chiraq, and surprisingly, the right-wing extremist Jean Marie…

… so says my friend’s friend’s dad, who was at Holland Village when he saw the place swarming with police cars. More details to follow as I interrogate him and trawl the local news websites. Also, my colleague’s sister, who works with the police, has confirmed that a bomb has been found. The other colleague…

Another fashion house running into trouble? This time, Yves St Laurent is closing down. What will happen to their neat and understated Flash website? Check out also their Haute Couture line – before everything closes (?).

I have relatives in the US who are staunchly Republican. That’s fine by me; I also believe in free trade and less aid, even if I’ve supported Democratic candidates for the past decade. What I don’t appreciate is receiving messages on how Barack Obama is a Muslim. That is so old hat that it’s laughable…

The London bombings are a tragedy. I was deeply saddened to hear of it, so soon after their Olympic triumph. London is one of my most-visited cities since I was a child. I was planning a trip at the end of this year, actually. On the bright side, this will give them some insight as…