Hmm. Questions about 'text book'. The aircraft landed a long way down the runway and at considerable speed. Quite why the landing gear wasn't down is a huge open question, as its inoperability wouldn… (View Post)

These places were beacons of light, learning and tolerance in the Middle Ages (pre-Genghis Khan) compared with now. Or indeed, compared with Europe then. (View Post)

It's quite a leap to link the boycott of the Moscow Olympics to the fall of communism. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to the fall, yes, there's a more direct path there, but the effect of the US … (View Post)

I do disagree with it - or at least, with its conclusion - and will try try explain why. To begin with, let me say that the developments in Afghanistan post-withdrawal have been both tragic and inevi… (View Post)

- It was universal and indefinite. It took time but eventually it was joined de jure or de facto by every sport at international level, from cricket to rugby to football to F1 to the Olympics. Single… (View Post)