The omnipresent face

On each landing, opposite the lift-shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption beneath it ran.

Is it just me, or is Barack Obama on TV a lot? It seems no news story is complete without a visit to Our Leader to get his opinion about what's going on.

This will shock some of you, but it's possible to live your life and make decisions without wondering how Our Leader would handle it – or seeking his help or beneficent aid.