Mrs J is a great Iain Banks fan. I took her to meet him at book signings / conferences a couple of times, and on the second occasion, I managed to wrangle myself onto a whisky tasting event with him.… (View Post)

Noy my area, but I bet it's fairly common to swap parts out if there's an immediate spares shortage; and it was only out of service for four months. Planes are often stored for ages - hundr… (View Post)

Possibly. I was trying to follow the trajectory of the second planes missiles, and it seemed a little off. Either that or the rocket hit a second or so earlier and the plane took time to disintegrate… (View Post)

Well, the money would be nice. But not the ignominity and public shame... :) (View Post)

Iran mostly responds asymmetrically. More money and weapons to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and others to cause Iran's enemies pain. (View Post)