Anyhow, the upshot is now two buxom books of notes, bulging with what I humbly consider as wisdom, wit or high weirdness. And I've decided to share them with you in a newly instituted 'Quotes Corner' ( or maybe Qorner, just for a laugh - see across ), drip-fed a few entries at a time. Like Chinese water-torture.

Or, in the words of the incomparable ex-Bonzo Dog Doo-dah Band bard, Neil Innes, at the commencement of his Bob Dylan impersonation:

'I've suffered for my art.

Quote Qorner.  Enjoy.

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I've finally found a 'decent Jacobite site' [ see my earlier lamentation and bemoaning in the 'Favourite Links' section ] and added it accordingly.  However, don't let that deter you from continuing to visit my suggested alternative of Uncle Jack Conrad ( or whatever he's calling himself this week ) and his 'Communist Party of Great Britain' chums.

Whilst on the subject of sites defending the apparently indefensible, I've also found a boldly revisionist website championing the memory and honour of the Bourbon monarchy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies ( 1734 - 1861 ).  Hitherto, everything I've read of them has been universally dismissive and contemptuous at best ( even when Nelson of 'Immortal Memory' was the saviour of their regime ).  The consensus picture - which I now suspect to originate in vested interests and be perpetuated by the historian herd instinct - is of inbred anachronisms holding the masses in medieval ignorance until bright modernity and heroic Garibaldi arrived to sweep them away.

Apparently, according to : http://www.realcasadiborbone.it/uk/presentazione/index.htm and quite a few other straws in the wind if you step back to consider the evidence dispassionately, it 'ain't necessarily so'.  If it were, then how come the common people died in rising after rising to keep the Bourbons ?  The last monarchs of the 'Two Sicilies' actually appear to have been noble(ish) characters, working hard to improve their people's lot and only chucked out by scheming politicians and serried ranks of ( non-combatant naturally ) Guardian-reader precursors.  A highly honourably and romantic last stand seems to have occurred, at the Siege of Gaeta, 1860-1, fought against murderous and distinctly unchivalrous opponents.  The young Queen, Maria Sophia, even 'manned' the rampart herself.  After 8,000 had fallen, King Francis II offered his loyal troops the opportunity to leave without reproach.  Almost none did.

Narnia versus the modern world in all its barbarity in other words.  Or maybe I'm swayed by that glorious last stand thing, as ever.

Anyhow, judge for yourself via the 'Favourite Links' page

I sent them an essay on the Royal Neapolitan navy ( as explicitly solicited in their otherwise empty Army and Navy sub-pages ) and with stereotypical Bourbon disdain they've declined to reply to date.  I like it when people act in character, good or bad ...

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A link has been added to that worthy body, the British Fantasy Society, in reciprocation for their kind linking to me.  Cancel that subscription to 'Accountancy Age' magazine ( too much of a white-knuckle ride at your age ... ) and use the money on a sub to the BFS instead.  You'll thank me in the long run. *

* But: 'In the long run we're all dead' ( John Maynard Keynes )

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The 'Hymn To Merrily' ( pro-author Phil Rickman rave - 'Dispatch dated 10th June 2003' below ) has been dignified by a move from this hoi-polloi 'What's Happenin Ladies ?' page to its own sub-page.  And quite right too.  What do you mean you haven't bought one of his books yet ?  For shame.

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 'Amy-Faith & the Enemy of Calm' is half done.  The end of 'Book 1' ( of 2 ) leaves her stranded, despairing, amidst scenes of universal ruin.  Never mind.

Ariel of 'The Alien online' gave his preview of 'Amy-Faith & the Stronghold' a stunning write up.  http://www.thealienonline.net/blog/alien_ed_blog.asp 

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