>this highly lucid and utterly bleak assessment of the global economy

Boom. Well, that's today's mood well and truly darkened, thanks!

"Note to the Kingsland pharmacist: I was this close to snarling at you, so long did your well-meaning interrogation about my attempt to buy a sodding box of Neurofen Plus continue. Back off, dude."

I laughed long and hard when I read that. It's a sad day when one is made to feel guilty when attempting to buy some mild pain relief. Heaven forbid you try and get any flu medicine! Hope the back mends soon, there are few things more disheartening to the spirit than back pain...

This was written 11 years ago. But it contains some excellent advice for anyone considering a career in journalism.
http://www.monbiot.com/2000/06/09/choose-life/

I'm as excited by anyone of tales of flying around in MIG-21s and Spitfires, that kinda thing... but the PILOT Magazine Russell speaks of is in fact, this one:

http://pilotmagazine.co.nz

cheers!