He asked Gordon Brown for a rock solid assurance that whatever he did to clear the nations debts he would never ever meet a Russian millionaire to to "cadge" the money.

BBC: ANALYSIS BY CAROLE WALKER

When experimenting with the colorful approach, choose simple accoutrements like crisp white shirts, dark solid ties and classic brown loafers.

WSJ: Remix: Suits Brighten Up For Spring | Off Duty Spring 50

Mr Brown's personal approval ratings are also solid: he is more trusted than his principal opponent on the economy, health care, and even law and order.

ECONOMIST: Polls and elections

Mr Brown's task is to present his more solid image while unveiling new, attractive policies to win over those sceptics without denying himself the chance of springing a surprise or two when he finally gets the top job.

BBC: Analysis

Brandeis, however, showed how it could be done: by deploying solid masses of sociological fact (a method that led, for example, to the 1954 Brown ruling that racial segregation was unconstitutional).

ECONOMIST: A biography of Louis Brandeis: Let's look at the facts | The