The surreal deal according to author Douglas Murray.
Murray languidly shrugged off such a claim, pointing out that it would be rare to find a commentator who is NOT a realist in such matters.
For as Douglas pointed out, 'almost nobody says he's a surrealist.'
Murray did concede that Salvador Dali considered himself one, though, 'that didn't really catch on very widely.'
The name game
Global politics, continued.
Chatting with a pal in the local boozer, reader Alan Jones happened to mention that faithful and feisty Robin to Donald Trump's Batman… JD Vance.
'I've always wondered,' mused the pal, 'If JD Vance is related to the writer JD Salinger.'
A perplexed Alan replied: 'You do realise that's not how it works, right?'
Dusty dealings
Philosophical thought of the day from Derek Moore, who says: 'When you clean a vacuum cleaner, you become the vacuum cleaner.'
The Browning version
Our more cynical readers probably assume that today's youngsters indolently waste their every waking hour hypnotised by TikTok videos.
Nothing could be further from the truth, for the modern youth is as driven and dynamic as any previous generation.
Reader Sue Graham was on a train and overheard two teenage girls chatting.
Said one to the other: 'I'm tanning tonight and I'm tanning tomorrow.'
Her friend found it impossible to hide her admiration as she answered: 'Wow! You do keep busy, don't you?'
A true tale
Another Glasgow conversation containing a great deal of profundity.
Paul Murray was in Waterstones bookshop on Sauchiehall Street where a man and woman were chatting.
Reproduced below, in full blazing Technicolor, is a snippet of their dramatic dialogue…
Man: This week's been a week. (Thoughtful pause.) In fact, I'd go so far as to say this year's been a year.
Woman: Oh my God… so true! Speak your truth Gavin, speak your truth.
Birdy blast blues
Mystified reader Kevin Devine gets in touch to ask the Diary: 'Why do people always moan about the start of the grouse season?'
The Herald Diary is published twice a week - on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Do you have a tale to tell? Contact The Diary on 07375 137824 or thediary@theherald.co.uk
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