Tonight I've been invited to a large ball for a large bank as part of the whole celebrating Christmas roller-coaster.

So, for the first time in my life, I have equipped myself with a dashing dinner jacket, new dress-shirt and a real bow-tie! Combine that with existing black trousers, shoes and a pair of cuff-links I got last Christmas from a client and presto the ensemble pops into existence.

Against the combined drawing talents of a small child and the writing ability of an illiterate foreigner that comprised the instructions supplied with my bow-tie I still managed to get the hang of it. One strategic trim later this afternoon and a quick trip to the dry-cleaners and I'll be looking like a million Lire.

Who knows I might even post a photo.

[)amien