This time of year," she said, "people__ consciences gnaw at them. They give away truckloads of canned goods and quote Dickens and wring their hands over the __ess fortunate._" We boarded the Metro and took seats perpendicular to each other. "But God forbid anyone should address why they__e poor in the first place, or try to change the structures that keep them poor. Then the __ess fortunate_ turn into __elfare queens_ and __erelicts._ But if I were a lobbyist whoring on behalf of some transnational corporation, I__ never hear the word __erelict._""So when it comes to taking care of poor people," I said, "if Mother Teresa is the Hallmark card, then you__e the electric bill.

If we loved Steve Aylett, really loved him in the way that he deserves, a selfless love that genuinely wanted nothing save his happiness and comfort, we'd lobotomise him.

One thing that's good about procrastination is that you always have something planned for tomorrow

The streak of bleach in my hair is as obvious as ever. Am I really going out in public like this? I push my hair backward and forward a few times - but I can't hide it. Maybe I could walk along with my hand carelessly positioned at my head, as if I'm thinking hard. I attempt a few casual, pensive poses in the mirror."Is your head all right?"I swivel round in shock to see Nathaniel at the open door, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans."Er...fine," I say, my hand still glued to my head. "I was just..."Oh, there's no point. I bring my hand down from my hair and Nathaniel regards the streak for a moment."It looks nice," he says. "Like a badger.""A badger?" I say, affronted. "I don't look like a badger.""Badgers are beautiful creatures," says Nathaniel with a shrug. "I'd rather look like a badger than a stoat.

A reputation for money is almost as negotiable as money itself.

Any day above ground is a good day.