Magere Hein

Oh well, I think you should prepare yourself for six of the best... Or 20, since Singaporean courts are quite liberal in applying harsh punishments for lesser offences. Ah, the cane. Quite fashionable in some circles. Wasn't some US juvenile delinquent flogged in Singapore a decade or so ago? I googled it, and my, how time flies: Michael P. Fay got four in 1994.

So should they win, they'd become the first Associate ESC Winners. Nice.

Swiss actor and first cousin of Dutch diarist Anne Frank, Buddy Elias died, aged 89.

As I understand it, godparent is mostly an honourary job.

Did he report to the duty torturer?

I understand, such mediocrity is hardly bearable. I trust it's just a temporary, eh, bump and that the Fort will return to their regular form soon.

There ought to be a law that only people from nice places can post.

Oh, the suspense...

That's what that article writes: "he would be ready to resign like his predecessor rather than ruling for life." I have two thoughts about that. Good. Governments, like nappies, should be changed often and for the same reason. I hope he stays on for a few more years. He seems a decent bloke, as popes go.

Was the reasoning behind that: she's 88 so she must be potty?

DARK HERE, ISN'T IT

Wasn't that chef a member of the McAroni clan?

Carelessly, I'd guess.

Dutch poet H.H ter Balkt died 8 March, aged 76.

I must have seen at least one episode of that show. I can't remember its content, but I do remember that it wasn't very funny. I just checked on youtube and came to the same conclusion.

Was it Ebola?

The new survivors list reminded me of the interview Dutch broadcaster NOS did with 1991 survivor Leo Beenhakker last Sunday. It seems mr Beenhakker, 72 now, is fine, 24 years later:

Bhumibol.

Oops. In attempt to close the poll, I accidentally deleted it. My apologies.

And the winner of the Second Sam Simon Sweepstake is: Vaagheid. But let's not forget the First Sam Simon Sweepstake, won by Chopped Liver.

Ok, he ain't no despot no Lungu.

And then lock up the lot, 'cause they can't prove they're innocent. Yes, that's progress.

Denials coming in with a report of a public appearance today Pics of Khamenei holding up today's newspaper, or it didn't happen.

Dunno, presumably hundreds of people did so that day. Not all of them became leader of a communist state, but that one of them would become notable is well within expectation.

Six now, if I count correctly. I imagine the chap who runs the technical side of the league is not amused. Off now, World All-Round Speed Skating Championships starts in a few minutes.