Most successful American politicians look well-fed on endorsements, campaign contributions and chicken dinners.

In Washington, the first thing people tell you is what their job is. In Los Angeles you learn their star sign. In Houston you're told how rich they are. And in New York they tell you what their rent is.

I've served on five different juries, and many of them were bonkers in their own way.

I know of no wars started by anyone to impose lack of religion on someone else.

Life was so much simpler in pre-video days when everyone refused invitations because the 'Forsyte Saga' was on. Now we all just have a long list of unwatched shows, all of which, it seems, our friends are raving about. I feel as outdated as if I wore a Fair Isle sweater, ate Pot Noodle and had a two-bar electric fire in the sitting room.

Poor Harper Seven Beckham, having to live with that name all her life. It's the Boy Named Sue syndrome; at the very least it will toughen her up.

Fish have water, the bushmen of the Kalahari have sand, and Houstonians have interior décor.