Reputations rise and fall almost as regularly as the tides.

I know now that the mythic monster I created was largely a fiction.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.

He would have lied to himself as facilely as an alcoholic lies to himself to justify the 10 a.m. tumbler of vodka : it may be early here, but in Baghdad it's almost evening.

I've never been hurt by a sea creature, except for jellyfish and sea urchins.

I don't believe in blaming inanimate objects for anything.

I guess I'm a hopeful optimist, because to be a pessimist is to be suicidal.