For what it's worth, I know three Americans who did exactly that (now living in Austria and Switzerland). None of them felt personally very unsafe from murder, and only one is against private ow… (View Post)

Yes, I'm pretty much where you both are on that. Society has got a bit like some of the churches - apparently obsessed with sexual and gender issues. I'm in favour of protecting anyone vuln… (View Post)

Welcome back, CHB, we've missed you. (View Post)

Yes, great piece, Cyclefree. I must admit I've never read Vanity Fair (still time...) but I did enjoy the BBC series released as one of that glorious run of classic productions in the 70s (like … (View Post)

Thanks for the evocative description, Cookie. I've got to know Cornwall a bit as my very elderly uncle is in a care home in Hayle, near St Ives, and as it's a trek to visit him I've ta… (View Post)