Pagad Ultimo

One of the most famous contemporary Russian writers, Vasily Aksyonov, 76, remains in critical condition after suffering a stroke in January. No recent link in English but it is reported here that the left hemisphere of his brain is dead, and he will never be able to walk again. Potential candidate for 2009.

What does it tell us that one of France's most successful movies ever, across all genres, is the original "Emmanuelle"? It's a bit of a shame that the actress who played Emmanuelle in some of the early films isn't from Belgium, because it would have tied neatly in to the title of the thread, but Sylvia Kristel is Dutch. The poor Belgians can't even produce a good pr0n star. O yes, they can! Dries Breyne, the cousin of Godfried cardinal Danneels, who was considered one of the favourites to succeed the late pope John Paul II. (Danneels was the favourite, not Breyne, obviously...) Danneels was not a papabile as you suggest. He's too liberal, supports gay rights and what not. He will never get there. The actual favourite and real competitor at the last conclave was Cardinal Martini who has now turned 80 and cannot therefore be elected.

Cardinal Antonio José González Zumárraga, archbishop emeritus of Quito, has died of stomach cancer, aged 83.

There is another old fart, Sergei Mikhalkov, 93. Book him for next year. hmmm but what's his health like these days? The last relevant thing I heard that he was taken to hospital in May 2007 with lung problems. But the year passed and he is still with us. I would however include him into my shortlist for next year if I had one.

There is another old fart, Sergei Mikhalkov, 93. Book him for next year.

I will but he'll be dead by then.

Quite irritating he was with his sermons, dull prose and bad style. Never a good writer. Nevertheless, RIP.

Hamed Karzai. Will die of natural reasons (such as Taleban).

Arik Sharon. The guy has been long dead but this should be formal.

Levi-Strauss. Just pity him.

Hugo Claus, Belgian writer and one of the most important 20th century Dutch language authors, has died yesterday. An Alzheimer patient, he requested his life to be terminated through euthanasia.

I stick with Pinter. I'm stubborn.

Harold Pinter.

Salinger -- just want him to be read again...

Vaclav Havel is definitely one to watch this year: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/...ent_7460165.htm

Suharto for sure. I'd say Sureharto.