Well, the streets are quiet again, but the trouble is hardly over. The moral vacuum left by the sixties continues to suck the life out of many of our people, especially those in what is called the "underclass" (or do we call them politicians? I always get that confused). When materialism and deterministic philosophies take the place of "Society" and the Church, it is the ones who have little to lose who are most likely to seize the opportunity to take indiscriminately from the 'haves'. And why would they not? Any sense of a social contract has been ripped to shreds by eiher direct assault (the sixties) or by conscious neglect (the nineties).

The Church evacuated its influence by a seeming inability to translate traditional categories into modern terms. Its failure to evolve its teachings in the face of new insight and science has resulted in increasing irrelevance. The old order of respect for authority, the legitimate demands of a concept called "Society", and the powerful symbol of the monarchy, have all been replaced by rampant individualism. Instead of an evolutionary reforming zeal in the face of contemporary issues, we find a take-what-you-can-get-as-quickly-as-possible-before-it-all-collapses self-centeredness from top to bottom.

While the Queen rarely puts a wrong foot forward, it does seem to me that this is sometimes from lack of putting any foot forward. Her speeches are too careful and obviously vetted. Too often they are reactive instead of inspiring. She cannot be political, but she can use her position to model compassion. The best parts of her Christmas address are when she speaks from the heart and addresses issues from the perspective of love. One can raise the issues of the day without prescribing a political solution. If it is politically incorrect to ask what Jesus would do about something, is it also incorrect to ask instead what Love would do? I was no fan of the Princess of Wales, but this was something she actually managed to do well without crossing the line into politics (usually). Other Royals, including our beloved Queen, could learn from this. If they want to continue to be seen as necessary, or even relevant, they had better.

Our politicians are almost beyond redemption. While not quite as stultified by re-election politics as our American cousins, they have (literally) bought into the materialism, selfishness, and greed of the culture, instead of being leaders who make just laws for all.

Maybe the riots will have galvanised the great British public into trashing all the pseudo-psycho bullsh*t that feeds and rewards anti-social behaviour. Maybe, the sight of some of our young people looting casually enough to try on for size their loot will trigger the 'enough button'. Maybe someone will run for office who represents the people who do their duty to God, Queen, and Country.

Ah, 'twas great to be back in England's green and pleasant land. London is looking just a bit cleaner these days. Must be the Conservative government...! Terrific Sargent exhibition at the Royal Academy; really appreciate the late hours. It makes summer evenings more than just the pub and long walks.

Which somehow reminds me- I am so glad Labour is out of government I could piss myself. We have had so much social engineering for the past decade, I wonder if we should ever recover. And don't even mention the bloody economy! The Scottish Mafia has a lot to answer for.

Speaking of Scotland, I took the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper to Edinburgh while home. What a nightmare that has become: dirty fold down tray, grimy floor, ancient rolling stock, freeze dried coffee, surly attendants- and that was First Class! I can't imagine what the poor sods in standard got. Anyone else had this experience?

Edinburgh itself was looking good. The gardens were in bloom and well-attended in time for the Festival. Mobs of tourists getting a head start on that. Very good boost for the local economy in advance of the Festival start.

Had to go to Paris and took the Eurostar from the new station at St Pancras, my first time since it opened. Great improvement to Waterloo. I enjoyed the train itself, too. They actually had decent food, as well.

Business took me to Canterbury where years of Labour "improvements" in education and ABSOs were visibly working miracles on the yobs in the park along the city wall from the train station. Right. I've never seen so many physically dirty layabouts and bored, sulky teens.

Nevertheless, it was good to be home. There was far more to be glad about than not. I even liked the new London taxis! Much more comfortable. And the new red buses are great with all their security gadgets and signs to tell you the stops. (Yep. I know. I haven't been back in about five years!)

So, now back in the states and longing to go home. Maybe Christmas?

It's about bloody time.

The process for ending "Don't ask; Don't tell" has finally, really, begun. Kudos to the Joint Chiefs, and especially Admiral Mullen, for making the case to end this despicable policy so strongly. Basing it on the principle of integrity- personal and military -was the best start.

I grew up in a Southern family riddled with people in the military, in a military town, I'm in the reserve, and you can't throw a stick, much less a grenade without hitting a gay in uniform anywhere there is a post. There have been gays in the military ever since the first army was formed; what's the big f'ing deal?? I am so tired of all the moronic, redneck, moralistic bullsh*t about this issue. Either shut up, or go stone all the adulterers and stop wearing poly/cotton blends. And put that shrimp down!!

It's time for a make-over!

I am a complete history geek and really enjoy great cinema, so here's a burning question for me: Doesn't anyone else think it is past time for a re-make of the film 'Nicholas and Alexandra'? OK, OK, I can hear the "chick-flick" dismissal, but honestly, what a story and tragedy! The original was brilliant, and the musical score even better. It would be hard to top, but with all the new info since the Russian re-incarnation, isn't it time to re-tell the story? My vote is for- now think about it, note physical similarities- Ewan McGegor and Kate Winslett to play the title characters. It would be a great role for each of them and would make each of them reach farther for it than most of what they have done lately. Well, maybe not our Kate, but certainly Ewan. Hmmm, when they are signed and this film is produced do I get credit for being the first to suggest it/them, and may I please have a cut of the royalties?