Posted 11:42 AM by Paul
I am the Law

Recovering from a hangover caused by a big eating ( did I really eat a dozen oysters?) and drinking session with friends I found a summons on the doormat. No, I wasn't being sued for internet libel. I was being summonsed to appear as a juror. 18th January 2004 at Southwark Town Hall. I don't know what the system is in the Sates but in the UK if you are called for jury service you have to attend. Failing being an ex-con, registered insane or a member of the clergy (same thing?) you have to show up. It is your democratic duty and there are few exceptions.

I am hoping that I will not have a case involving rape, child abuse or wife beating. I may crack and start shouting " You're going down punk!!!".

The meal was in a restaurant above an Irish pub just off Oxford Street (88 Marylebone Lane W1 020 7935 9311) called the O'Connor Don. In the bar with a pint of Guiness and half a dozen oysters in front of me I had one of those transcendental moments of well being. Life really was sweet. For the duration of the oysters and smooth dark stout anyway. We went upstairs to the dinng room which feels like somone's front room and had a swab (a kind of pidgeon) salad starter and a great roast of beef between 6 of us. Cigars and champagne. The whole 9 yards. Good food, great wine and conversation are really one of the greatest joys of life.