That’s a familiar and sunny shot; Edinburgh is lovely today indeed. And that’s a good boss, great to hear they do exist!

The NC500 has just a phenomenal amount to see and do, even in a week you’ll have to skip plenty. And the book is pretty zippy in pace, covering a fair time period, but I’m struggling slightly with all the Earls and their names, it is missing an appendice on them all and their allegiences. The author wrote on the independence wars and the Scottish/English wars between both books also. But I suspect their are other accounts for both that are better. But there is surprisingly little written about the Covenanters and the campaigns

A question for your local branch if you want to know the real reason then, they do have a database of addresses

Have you been there long? More likely out of date info, perhaps the previous tenant was a bit Gemmony

I suspect they are in for a few seats sadly. What’s a good night for them I wonder? Double digits they would be ecstatic about I suspect. 8 more likely imo, one each region

That you for posting, I have been indeed busy this weekend and totally forgot last night. I’ve been up in Caithness with the kids, and avoided the game as I knew the scoreline would not be pretty. Good to read you are doing some writing, I’ve been reading history instead

A Land Afflicted: Scotland and the Covenanter Wars, 1638-90
- Paterson, Raymond Campbell

Some pretty horrible stuff in this period of warfare

I disagree, Sarwar made a mistake by even making eye contact with Offord. He could have owned up to that, and explained that he meant in the context of the debates that they could both attack Swinney. A believable and wholly inappropriate action, but here we are; with tit for tat accusations and unbecoming language of our candidates. That would have at least allowed him to set the record straight and then move on. Instead he poured petrol on his own campaign. The only childish actions imo have been from Sarwar, with that expected from Offord anyway

Yup. Sarwar has either lied and is now doubling down or Offord is mistaken, as an offhand comment about getting Swinney ahead of the debates could be easy to misconstrue, which is much more likely. Either way I say pretty desperate stuff from them both

I don’t believe Offord at all. There is a wide spectrum of what could have occured in that talk. I chose to believe neither, but do chose to believe vote SLab get Reform - as that is happening all over the country as it is

Sarwar has said no to an alliance, not to working with Reform to oust the SNP. His non-rebuttal of all supposed possibilities and confirmation of what was said leads me to one conclusion. Out by July

They were seen talking, about the SNP is more than believable, you think they share much else?

I would characterise desperation in even talking to Reform personally, even the Tories aren’t that thick. And a denial and accusations of lying over something that clearly did occur, means that this is pretty desperate stuff from both party leaders imo. A clarification and explanation of what did occur would mean that they could walk away without the scandal, the mud slinging here mires both parties in the political duldrums. And I don’t expect Sarwar to survive this tbh, gone by July is my bet

Aye, the golden sands and sunshine make for good photos. A decent wind breaker still essential in summer!

How much sangria and patatas bravas have you had so far? And, been practicing your spanish? Hablas espanol?

Some things are above your paygrade. Some things are someone else’s job. Some things are subtler, like Mark Carney’s response to interviewing. Some things are best left as mid terms are coming. Some things are not to haunt humanities great achievements by little men. And some things are best left alone

The value in cooking isn’t in measurements or simulations. Cooking is subtle and varied: ingredients differ, animals and plants are never quite the same. No two dishes are the same. And nor would we want them to be, that’s boring.

Replicators are the same as AI is today: fucking slop

Table top in person things. I haven’t been in 20 years, but I bet it hasn’t changed much! Dice, pencils, sausage party, and an unmistakable festival odour

Been a good week work wise. Now I’m off on my hols! Caithness bound on Monday, getting packed and ready tomorrow: gonna bake a Dundee Cake, yum. Sunday nae sure yet, prolly a swim, mibbes the Pentlands, still wanting to go see Project Hail Mary yet! Something social I’m sure. Conpulsion is on, maybe all day Sunday RPGs?

The good news is that plenty of times have seen troubles as has the world today. The bad news is it may last for some time yet

Fuck aye, 7 string represent! Mostly use mine for palm muted riffs, but love the contrast