links for 2009-09-26

"Well," I said. "I now know all about him. And he now knows all about me. And I now know that he agrees with almost everything I say. And he knows that about me. We have roughly the same taste in books, music, politics, food and holiday resorts. We are – there's no other word for it – empathic."

"Yes," said my partner. "Go on." "And," I said. "It was the most boring evening I've ever had in my entire life. I've always thought how marvellous it would be to have friends who asked me about myself. But now when I hear what I have to say I know why I always chose the present crowd."