Andrew Whitehead

London Occasionals is continuing on an ecclesiastical theme. Where can we find 'Hope'?

This picture comes from Martin (others welcome from browsers), and he adds: 'It appeared in a film set in Camden, with a young couple kissing in its
doorway, but I cannot remember the title of the film.'

Can anyone remind him of the movie?

There is something obscenely fascinating about Las Vegas. Staying in the biggest hotel in the world, with 5,000 rooms. Live lions on display in the lobby. A casino area bigger than a football pitch. Not simply a pool, but an assembly of four open-air pools. Margaritas sold in 'by the yard' plastic glasses, Macdonalds style.

And it turns out that we are sharing this oasis of casino capitalism with a thousand of the most militant trade unionists in America.

The hotel's ballroom was the venue for a national convention of the United Steelworkers, a militant blue collar union with more than a million members. Swirling round the bars and gaming tables at the MGM Grand were hundred of workers sporting 'Stand Up, Fight Back!' sweat shirts - many with a figure, fashion style and political message which make Bob Crow seem the epitome of moderation.

God bless the USW, for truly they made Vegas bearable.