in April 1904, a decade before war broke out, resolving long-standing colonial disputes in North Africa, and providing a basis for the beginning of an alliance.  A motivating factor for the agreement was France's desire to protect itself against its old rival Germany, and Britain's eagerness to keep Germany in check in light of a revamped German navy -- a potential challenge to Britain's supremacy at sea.

                                 

As some of you know, I belong to an informal social club where I mingle with friends and help out in small ways.  Something like the Lions Club but with a more colorful membership.

Anyway, tonight I ran into J. who said he had no idea I had a blog, and it was so interesting to read the ravings of a mad man, but in relatively lucid prose.  

Also saw M. who is resigned to her neighbors Posh and David, but says she has given up trying to embarrass the paparazzi with dirty looks and withering disdain.  She says it's like trying to shame carrion birds while they pick at a carcass.

Just had a message from Eduardo, hob-nobbing in Palm Beach and Miami and from the sounds of it, having entirely too much fun.

Am reading Jim Thompson, to put an edge on the world -- picked up a three-novel collection in Montreal: "The Kill-Off," "The Nothing Man," and "Bad Boy."  "Thompson's writing is full of weird detours, shot through with horror and loathing."  [Village Voice]  Just the thing.