The world's most difficult words to translate

are .. ilunga, schlimazl, and naa. Apparently.

Still amazing ...

I hadn't listened to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in years, and even though most of it has been bastardised for that crap airline's crap commercials, the swell of the orchestral bits are still thrilling. Once upon a time I could play the complicated piano rhythms of the third movement, but I'm sure that's long past.

Noam Chomsky on ...

the war in Iraq.

On a glorious Sunday ...

Paul, John and I walked the sunny, deserted streets of the City to see Norman Foster's stunning new Swiss RE Building. A conical building of steel and glass it's already an infamous classic, known in London as the 'gherkin'. You can see my pictures here.

About time too...

Apple appears to be set to make the UK iTunes Store available on 15th June. I've been using it for months in the US, but that requires the hassle of transferring money.

Is this a good thing? Yes. I find I'm not buying CDs anymore, not really spending more than I was before, but sampling a greater variety of music (everything from Mariza to Scissor Sisters.)

It's hot in here

Today's predicted to be the hottest day of the year so far. Anywhere from 29-32 degrees celsius (that's 83-89 fahrenheit) depending on the source.

That may seem mild to you folks in warmer climes, but it's at least 10 degrees warmer on the Tube and very sticky.

Breeders

Added to the list of cool people who have procreated: Kirsten (and Andrew) had a baby boy, Samuel, last Thursday. Hayden and Nessa had a baby boy, Barnaby, on Friday. Babies everywhere ...

Today I am annoyed that my name doesn't have any obvious ligatures. If only I've been named Gorky Laffitte.