There were moments when I wondered at the gossamer veil that stops licence from being libel. I suspect that taking on the job of England manager puts you outside the protection of the courts. It must be part of the job description that you will be held hostage by media speculation and can have your character tortured, molested and finally executed at the public whim, in exchange for a lifetime's supply of money.
A. A. GillCelebrity is a national drama whose characters' parts and plots are written by the tabloids, gossip columnists, websites and interactive buttons. The famous don't actually have to turn up to their own lives at all.
A. A. GillSport is how poor kids from poor countries pass through the eye of the needle to riches and recognition.
A. A. GillAmerica didnโt bypass or escape civilization. It did something far more profound, far cleverer: it simply changed what civilization could be.
A. A. GillAmericans think the only funny Brits are John Cleese, Benny Hill and whoever makes our toothpaste. They're not laughing with us, they are laughing at us.
A. A. GillThe interesting adults are always the school failures, the weird ones, the losers, the malcontents, this isnโt wishful thinking. Itโs the rule.
A. A. GillAn American has invented a remote control that will turn off any telly within a 20ft radius. What a marvellous device! What a splendid invention! What a really helpful and improving way of devoting your time to building something that turns off culture. Next week, I'm instigating Burn a Book Week, to encourage even more conversation. I've come up with a fantastic little device which I'll call a box of matches.
A. A. Gill