Wednesday 20 February 2013

Blade runner with an edge

For those of us who remember Oscar Pistorius's outraged reaction in an interview given immediately after this shock defeat to Brazilian Alan Oliveira in the Paralympics last year, there was always that hint of slyness and egomania brimming away underneath.

He is not the first South African sporting hero to come under such a cloud either - there was cricket captain Hansie Cronje who infamously accepted bribes to alter the course of a Test match, as well as fast bowler Makhaya Ntini who spent some time in prison for rape.

If O.J. Simpson's example is anything to go by, Oscar Pistorius is in for some painful few months (or years) ahead.


Wednesday 13 February 2013

Good Things: 26

Shops

Those that are still with us at the moment.


 

Oh God

My initial shock and disappointment of Pope Benedict's resignation is tempered on reflection. It's actually quite a noble and conscientious decision (and perfectly legal in Canon law) to step down, and Benedict himself well knows the effects of old age and deteriorating health, as witnessed by the declining years of his predecessor John Paul II.

First the UK tows the line with gay marriage. Now the Pope himself has resigned.

And then that very evening, St. Peter's basilica was struck by lightning. Is it not just me that's upset about this, but someone else too?!