Today, words. Tomorrow, sticks and stones. And the day after that?

The events of September 11 were carried out by people armed not with weapons of mass destruction, but with blades you can buy at a newsagent

The Internet provides a delivery system for pathological states of mind.

Advertising men and politicians are dangerous if they are separated. Together they are diabolical.

Let the massacres remind us to turn down our political volume and venom.

Trees are very good friends. Firm friends. My five year olds tree could be relied upon to be there next day, uncritical and protective. And think of trees contribution to our lives. They provide boats, buildings, paper, furniture and, for clog-wearers, footwear. As well as contributing toothpicks and chopsticks they give little birdies somewhere comfy to sit. Best of all, they help produce breathable air and lock up that naughty carbon. Why is why I am talking to the Greens about giving trees the vote.

To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance.