Author Archives: Charles Lambert

A roof of one’s own all’italiana

Posted on September 11, 2007 by Charles Lambert

Just over six years ago, in late June 2001, work on our house was interrupted by the unexpected visit of a local policeman (vigile). Apparently there’d been a complaint from someone, we weren’t told who, that we were about to … Continue reading →

Posted in fondi | 1 Comment

Something Rich and Strange

Posted on September 8, 2007 by Charles Lambert

Feeling nautical? Maybe you should read Sea Stories, an anthology of, er, stories about the sea, published by the National Maritime Museum to celebrate its seventieth anniversary. The collection contains a story of mine, entitled Something Rich and Strange, as … Continue reading →

Posted in something rich and strange | 2 Comments

The last word on Larry "Wide Stance" Craig?

Posted on September 8, 2007 by Charles Lambert

This comes from Queerty, via Joe.My.God (so you may have seen it already). You may need to click on it to read the fine print.

Posted in homophobia, hypocrisy, larry craig | Leave a comment

Bars

Posted on September 7, 2007 by Charles Lambert

This bar is just over the road from La Maffiosa, on the corner of rue des Dames and rue Nollet, where we stayed last year. Its slightly down-at-heel exterior makes it look as though it’s been like this for years, … Continue reading →

Posted in paris | Leave a comment

La Maffiosa (sic)

Posted on September 7, 2007 by Charles Lambert

Back to Paris, where we saw this sign outside a pizzeria in rue des Dames. It’s extraordinary the extent to which criminality can acquire a veneer of folksy charm. Who knows how long it will be before we see a … Continue reading →

Posted in mafia, paris | Leave a comment

I am human just like them

Posted on September 6, 2007 by Charles Lambert

Johann Hari may have got it wrong about Iraq (and, if I remember correctly, he’s acknowledged this more than once) but he’s spot on when he talks about homophobia. His article in today’s Independent, examining the way gay kids are … Continue reading →

Posted in education, homophobia, human rights, religion | 2 Comments

NW15

Posted on September 4, 2007 by Charles Lambert

If you’d like to read Entertaining Friends, the story of mine that was included in the Granta/British Council anthology, New Writing 15, click here. You can also enjoy the glossary, which explains, among other things, details of Roman topography, past … Continue reading →

Posted in new writing 15, shameless self-promotion, writing | 1 Comment

Good riddance to…

Posted on September 2, 2007 by Charles Lambert

…Leona Helmsley, the hatchet-faced parasite who said that paying taxes was for the ‘little people’ and left her dog $12 million. Maybe they’ll bag her ashes in one of those neat little sachets designed for pooches’ poo.

Posted in death, good riddance, money, pets | 2 Comments

Little Monsters: proofs and covers

Posted on September 2, 2007 by Charles Lambert

I’ve just been told that Picador plans to produce bound proofs of Little Monsters, rather than page proofs. I’m one step nearer to seeing the book as, well, a book. This means I’ll be able to wrap my single copy … Continue reading →

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Let the punishment fit the crime

Posted on August 29, 2007 by Charles Lambert

Nothing could seriously dim my pleasure at seeing Republican Senator Larry Craig outed in such a succulent manner (see below), but a $500 fine and one year’s probation, with the possibility of ending up in jail if uninvited footsie activity … Continue reading →

Posted in larry craig | 2 Comments