The friendship of Shostakovich cast a brilliant light over my whole life and whose spiritual qualities captured my soul once and for all time.

A passion for politics stems usually from an insatiable need, either for power, or for friendship and adulation, or a combination of both.

Never be afraid to meet to the hilt the demand of either work, or friendship - two of life's major assets.

In the name of the United States and President Bush, I want to thank the Mexican people, President Fox and his government for their friendship.

I loved my 17 years with R.E.M., but I'm ready to reflect, assess and move on to a different phase of my life. The four of us will continue our close friendship, and I look forward to hearing their future efforts as the world's biggest R.E.M. fan.