Tag Archives: katherine gregor

Double Standards: Smoking

As those of you who are UK based will have heard, there has been a discussion in the media, over the past week, on whether films showing scenes of people smoking should be given a Certificate 18.  On one particular … Continue reading

Posted in Double Standards | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Odds & Ends: The Dumb Innocent and the Wise Enchantress

My grandmother brought me up on fairy tales.  Every evening, as daylight faded and silhouettes grew blurred, my mind’s eye would open up to the world of magic.  Talking animals would trot into our living room, princesses with stars on … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Double Standards: The Ravens in the Tower

I took one of my students to the Tower of London, last Friday.  I confess that, in the seventeen years I have lived in London, I had never been there.  Well, at least not in daytime.  I was not looking … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Half-English Observations | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Kisses, Handshakes and Hugs

When my Italian, Spanish, Irish and Basque friends greet or part with me, they kiss me.  That is, their lips smack into my cheek full on, like a firm cushion.  A solid, present, committed kiss.  My English friends*, for the … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pet Hates: Job Interview Platitudes

Sorry to keep you waiting, we’re very busy today. Tempting answer: Are you suggesting I am not busy?   I can honestly say that I have seldom been seen at the agreed time.  It is the would be employer who … Continue reading

Posted in Pet Hates | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Trust

Some thoughts on the painting Tobias and the Angel (circa 1470-80) by the Workshop of Verrocchio.  Egg tempera on poplar.  National Gallery, London. Trust me, if you will.  I am loving, I am infinite, I am immortal.  I do not … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Odds & Ends: Human Decency Is Not Dead

The past week has brought to light a ugly side to the nation, that makes me feel deeply uneasy.  I can only hope that History will not spin the truth into a falsely glorified image of an ideologically motivated revolt … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Odds & Ends: Human Decency Is Not Dead

Odds & Ends: The Money Yardstick

I know this one is going to spark off controversy, so here comes the disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, which I have formed from my own observations.  However, I would be most interested in hearing about your experiences. … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Odds & Ends: The Neglected Sense

On the Tube, the conductor’s announcement is so loud, the sound is fuzzy and incomprehensible.  I plug my fingers into my ears and meet the eyes of other passengers.  They are impassive; their curiosity at my reaction, unemotional.  In the … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Odds & Ends: An Actor’s Perception of Age

I used to be a theatrical agent.  A few of my ex-clients, I now have the pleasure and privilege of calling my friends.  Perhaps one of them will be able to solve this particular puzzle.  Or did this happen only … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments