Some other topic. Time to talk about something other than me. Henman's out of Wimbledon. The Metro (a free digest of news that's handed out on the Tube) showed a picture of Henman's wife for each year he's been in the semi-finals. In 1998 it's all supportive optimism. By 2001 it's a painful crushing grimace. Now, it's resignation. Face it Britain, he's unlikely to go all the way. There's still hope for Andy Roddick, who's much more fun to watch.



Every six months a country's leader is chosen as president of the European Union, a largely ceremonial but highly public role. It is Italy's turn which means that Italy's prime minister, the highly irreputable Silvio Berlusconi, is EU pres. Italy's richest person, he was also the defendant in several bribery investigations until the Italian parliament passed a law giving blanket protection to its senior leaders. He's also America's biggest advocate in the EU. So, underneath the weight of public scrutiny what does he do? He kicks off his very first speech by comparing a questioning German mp to a Nazi concentration camp leader. Then refuses to withdrawal the comment. The Germany government asked, and begrudgingly got, an apology, but this has clearly tarred Berlusconi's tenure. It's would be a farce if it didn't so clearly outline EU's problems.



Watched Scorcese's Gangs of New York last night. I normally love Daniel Day-Lewis, but what was it with the Dustin Hoffman accent? I'm curious to know more about Five Points and that period of New York's history and the accompanying documentary was interesting, but unless you have a preoccupation with ax warfare and bad wigs, I'd skip it.