I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business read more

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, "Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here."

Known by the sobriquet of "The Artful Dodger."

Known by the sobriquet of "The Artful Dodger."

Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
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Ah! replied my gentle fair,
Beloved, what are names but air?
Choose thou, whatever suits the line:
Call me Sappho, call me Chloris,
Call me Lalage, or Doris,
Only, only, call me thine.

In England, I'm a horror movie director. In Germany, I'm a filmmaker. In the US, I'm a bum.

In England, I'm a horror movie director. In Germany, I'm a filmmaker. In the US, I'm a bum.

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
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"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
Then when his fiery spirit rose flaming after,
High toward the topmost heaven of heavens up-caught!
"All hail! our younger brother!" Shakespeare said,
And Dante nodded his imperial head.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

A good name is better than precious ointment.

A good name is better than precious ointment.

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and read more

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and women in my life; I've been labeled "the bisexual defector." Want to know another secret? I'm even ambidextrous. I don't like labels. Just call me Martina.

Old age is . . . a lot of crossed off names in an address book.

Old age is . . . a lot of crossed off names in an address book.