Okay, you either go with that or you listen to all the Forces top brass and several politicians who have worked in defence who say it’s an awful idea.

Easy answer…the Trump-like parents of rich kids will be able to pay the fine (a civil, not criminal penalty). The rest of you will have to suck it up and get shot.

Not even their third best, folks, trust me.

Mickey knows 😎.

As a pragmatist, I agree with Iain Banks.

Some good detail on the vagaries of the Languedoc’s weather this year and an insight into climate change in a region that could be marginal in a decade or so.

Yup, going down…

Events like these give real insight into the Languedoc natural wine universe.

Unelected, unaccountable and unwanted…….

From today’s DailyTelegraph - an important article on the next election. All six MP’s can’t have had 8,817 majorities in 2019! So how far can we trust the fact checking from our main news providers?

No Tory is a Christian, fact.

As good as I remember it from my teens, #budgie #neverturnyourbackonafriend

Caroline Lucas is an MP, Reform UK has no MP's.

But Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, and Isabel Oakeshott are always on TV, while she isn't.

It's because they are all owned and promoted by GB News.

I phoned Dr in East Lothian a week ago around 10am and was offered an appointment at 4.30 same day. Having lived in England then Scotland I find NHS Scotland so much better. My 90+ yo dad in England has taken several days just to get through to his surgery.

Now to the Southwest and the Basque Country. Decades since I spent time here but nostalgia bringing it all back. Way under-rated wines and such beautiful scenery, as Alan’s photos attest. Highly recommended (for reading and visiting).

My next Wine Merchant article, on Lymington's Solent Cellar, is now on wideworldofwine.co via this link. Like a London wine shop in a sleepy south coast town. #wineshop #winemerchants #wineretailer #juralover

It’s always ironic when PMs make announcements like this knowing full well he’ll be troughing in the USA well before 2030 (late 2024 at a guess).

🤣🤣🤣🤣mugs to vote corruption party

…in which Alan goes to Bordeaux. He does indeed, and eyes wide open. It’s a very nice piece, it is.