Following the news over the past weeks and months was making me sad. It gave the impression of an America hopelessly hostile and divided by race, class and politics, at swords’ points over even the smallest disagreements, with a government that seemed unable to perform the simplest task effectively.

After a sarcastic reporter asked him to explain quantum computing the self-avowed ‘geek’ leapt to the challenge and put him to shame.

Johnnie was in possession of the long trousers. He put them on. How do I look in longies, Sam? he laughed.

This was a shed in Covent Garden Market, thentofore dignified by the title of ‘Carpenter's Coffee House’ […] .