alistair the guilt of voting for Boris Johnson would take me out if the game too. Fair play.

      LT42 it’s tempting to bite but I really can’t be arsed.

      • LT42 replied to this.

          bosstrabs Who wants to read completely dry political criticism from z list celebs? In a busy political space I’d say that humour gets more eyes on it, so it’s more than worth it. As to how funny it is, that’s up to the reader.

            Fairly sure you’ve called Smallman a cockwomble at least once, Dave.

              A well phrased insult is a thing of beauty!

              I wouldn’t have david down as a massive sandy toksvig fan either, while we’re on about qi.

              bosstrabs Alan Davies guffawing with his stupid barnet

              Have you ever even watched QI? The word “cock” as an insult would be far too R-rated to air on the show.

                6 days later

                That should stop him

                Has anyone read the book Prisoners of Geography? Very interesting and makes some sense regarding what’s going on geo-politically

                  Hursty Has anyone read the book Prisoners of Geography?

                  I haven’t Hursty.

                  Hope that helps.

                      Smallman1 I haven’t Hursty.

                      Hope that helps.

                      Have you ready any book that wasn’t The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

                        Hursty Yep. 1st chapter on Russia. Great book. Lots of very useful info I hadn’t appreciated like how small the population of Russia is comparatively with their land mass (140M) and the need for southern, Mediterranean facing ports (explaining the importance of Crimea for Sevastopol) that weren’t land locked half the year by ice. Ideologically also Russia has been invaded from Europe frequently throughout their history which explains their deep-rooted paranoia. Really good read.

                            Governments actually governing, who knew…

                            Wasily it’s really well written, I’ve just bagged the updated version which was released this month, including all the up to date predicaments and how most likely geography will play its part on the outcome of these conflicts.

                            I was comforted by the analysis of the Taiwan issue, specifically the logistical challenges for China to attack and land on the island, it’s pretty much impossible, so unless they are prepared to nuke it first, that isn’t happening anytime soon

                                Hursty The person next to me on the plane was reading it. I have read the old version. Also worth listening to how to invent a country on BBC sounds. Misha Glenny does loads of 3 part series about different countries and you realise how inbred the ruling class are and how their whims have shaped the world

                                  Manufacturing Consent by Chomsky was never more relevant either.