GOODBYE,BUTCH

When I was a schoolgirl, the female world was divided into two camps. Those who idolised Paul Newman. And those who were fans of t his sparring partner Robert Redford. The two films they made together remain classics and seriously good therapy if you're in need of the feel-good factor. So I was saddened earlier today to read of the death of Paul Newman. Because he really was one of the good guys. An American liberal, he opposed war in Vietnam, was on the CIA's list of potential trouble-makers and raised millions for charity with his salad dressing, Newman's Own. As if all that weren't enough he was a brilliant actor and remained devoted to his wife, Joanne Woodward, for over 50 years. Pretty rare in Hollywood. His last film, The Road To Perdition, is a truly brilliant evocation of the 1930's in America and I recommend you seek it out.

ADIOS FIDEL.....

There was I blethering on like an idiot about my reading glasses while the rest of the world was agog at the news that Castro has just announced he is stepping down. For years, I said I must go to Cuba ( ie while Castro was still in charge) and now it's too late. Time waits for no man, not even the legendary Fidel whose health has been a subject of speculation for nigh on two years. Let's hope Bush doesn't use this as an excuse for more gung-ho militarism. And that the transition to a new Cuba is a peaceful one. Viva socialismo!

Update: And Gordon Brown is already talking about steering Cuba towards a more "pluralist democracy" ie no doubt he has visions of the neo-cons in the US and the free market muscling in . To which I say "El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido" ...........the workers united shall never be defeated ...........