ARTS / Overheard

I have learned more about love, selflessness and human understanding in this great adventure in the world of Aids than I ever did in the cut-throat, competitive world in which I spent my life. - Anthony Perkins, actor, 1932-92, in a posthumous statement

The only thing to do with E is the key it was recorded in. - Mr C, rapper with The Shamen, denying reports that the group's No 1 hit 'Ebenezer Goode' is about Ecstasy, Music Week

We're fully aware that there is a double meaning, but we feel it would be counter-productive to draw attention to it. - Radio 1 spokesman, explaining

why the song has not been banned

I am a firm advocate of state patronage of the arts and it is my intention that sponsorship should remain the icing on the cake and should never become the cake itself. - David Mellor, Secretary of State for National Heritage, gets back to business

I have a real strong survivor instinct. I'm so terrified, I will do whatever it takes not to embarrass myself. - Michelle Pfeiffer, whip-cracking star of Batman Returns, Rolling Stone

If William Faulkner were published today, they'd say it was literature. When I do it, they call it agony. - Edna O'Brien, novelist, Guardian