Which Tyler

As someone who went to both private boarding school and standard-state (I hated every minute of both, but the bullying was massively worse at state) - no, no I don't. Nor was I buggered, and nor was there any talk of anyone being buggered. (which, of course, is not to say that it didn't happen, there or elsewhere - but calling to it is pure, 100%, unadulterated prejudice) Calling it child abuse is pure chip-on-shoulder. They shouldn't be, and I'd be totally happy to remove private education as an option (or at least, taxed into obliteration). In the real world though - it's not that the knowledge, or the text books are better; but the environment, resources, class sizes, work ethic of peers and staff - matter (and, of course, there are plenty of exceptions). And that's purely on the academic side of things. I don't think there's much doubt about better access to sports and other extra-curriculars.

Tell me again about that chip on your shoulder

Alabama?

Yeah, I loved that - Time Commanders; Mike Loades is (was?) always quality

We Brits have been spoiled by the likes of Simon Sharma, Michael Wood, Bettany Hughes etc

More important than potential new reading material - I hope it means that Scott has got his head into a healthier place.

You've no idea the pride I felt in my nephew when his little school in Devon beat Harrow in the (rugby) schools cup. Harrow flew down to Exeter to meet their bus to Kingsbridge.

Mostly?

I liked After Life, but that's about it.

https://www.facebook.com/aidan.barry.967/posts/pfbid0J3xvjgeDmewsipYWpo4hicDfyEkti6FPxpxL3ge45diYFuvehby5M17ZrB3pAkjol

Here we go again: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/live-flooding-updates-gloucestershire-brink-9012124 Another involuntary day off work; already had 1 patient say "I'm a fisherman, I've got waders, I can get to you" and be unhappy with a (more diplomatic) response of "I'm not, I don't, I can't"

Of course. I'd be far more surprised if anyone never does that. Equally of course, everyone's different, and no-one should feel shamed for wanting what they want from entertainment (whilst bearing in mind that criticism begets criticism)

Did anyone expect anything else from Truss?

I'm not providing a link, but the Express are up in arms at the scheming EU for leaving the UK out of the EU integrated transport network! How very dare they?

If anyone's wondering, this is what a Nat20 looks like IRL

https://www.facebook.com/100016911280330/posts/pfbid0Aih7PnuoumYUuYmEPh5e9zXik1xsFLKCpbFq7FCaAUn7ziVSmQHW3MHSEeEJGBQEl/

RIP, a really good girl

Errr... What now?

FTFY

Joyeux Noël last night. Still great

In that case, they'll be fine. Especially if you do play-dates like ours (I think we ended up with 10 dogs for most of it)

We had another along later who was, erm... a touch possessive. Couldn't have played that game with him.

Enrichment top-tip. Ideally on a grassed area. Take a handful of kibble Throw it in the air Sit back and watch https://www.facebook.com/aidan.barry.967/videos/1026765041921860 (That's my Nimue and Talisker at our weekly play-group)

Could someone please remind me the definition of a dictatorship?

Worth noting that the emotional challenge is part of the "conditions" bit of "pay and conditions" - and often gets overlooked in these discussions. It's not just anti-social hours, it's also the hazards of the job.