Hertsscot

I'm not totally sure about that. Hot Cross Buns seem to be all year round but I shall watch very closely later this year to see if they mysteriously disappear to make way for mince pies etc. You could be on to something!

Morrison seems to have had a much more successful loan spell than Barry Hepburn at Queen's Park. I think Hepburn is the younger of the two Munich loaners but he doesn't seem to be a regular starter.

I can't compete with that level of disappointment but why do supermarkets stop selling mince pies after Christmas?

Totally agree.

Mbappe would be good but I'm not sure we can afford his wages!

One of the greatest players in the modern era. The term legend is over used but absolutely applicable for the Kaiser.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67895246 A decent Tory. Chris Skidmore resigning due to Govt. policy on the environment. Credit to him and to the likes of Alok Sharma, John Selwyn Gummer etc who have called out the Tories on this issue.

Tories putting themselves forward as champions of the wrongly convicted postmasters. Isn't this ignoring the fact that a lot of the convictions took place under them and that little compensation has been paid out whilst they've been in Government? Fujitsu, at least according to the ITV drama, seem to have got off very lightly for lying and covering up what was going on.

Think it's meant to be Holyrood.

Humza has said that independence will be right at the centre of the SNP GE campaign and the first line of the manifesto. If that happens then it will be harder for Unionist parties to dismiss votes for the SNP as not being votes for indy.

Your last point is really important. My only response to your mum would be that direct rule from WM would be much, much worse. I've been amazed since moving up how naive some Scots are about England, you'd think judging by some people that Scotland is the only part of the UK that has a cost of living crisis, food banks, problems getting a dentist, NHS waiting lists, potholes etc. etc.

And bizarrely there are Rangers fans saying he's not good enough for us.

I was but I've been up here the last two years.

That's just down the road from me, so I'll keep my eyes open for that next year - or I guess, the end of this year!

There are plenty of people who do care. Being seen, rightly or wrongly, as homophobic could be weaponised against him and the SNP. And would see younger voters in particular put off voting SNP. If though he has moved on then there needn't be a problem.

I'm getting attracted to the idea of keeping decorations up to Candlemas which is, I think, 5 February. Not going to happen because my wife won't let me but there's something about the idea of lights and greenery sustaining us through the dark days of winter which may well still lie ahead. Irrespective of any religious ideas, might just be useful from a mental health point of view Anyhow I baked a Black Bun and an Apricot and Almond tart which I was led to believe is eaten in Spain at this time of year. Couple of glasses of something sparkling and a half decent film. Oh and hope all goes well and you're feeling better soon with no long term effects.

Opposition to Section 28 was not really 'woke maniac' territory. It prevented the 'promotion of same sex relationships' by local government (basically reacting to Daily Mail scare stories about the so-called Loony Left. Most of the stories were, unsurprisingly, just lies the Mail published!). There were people who supported this legislation as they believed same sex relationships were morally wrong. However that was 40 years ago and there have been significant shifts in society's opinions, e.g Church of Scotland, Methodist Church, Scottish Episcopal Church all accept same sex marriage.

Anybody doing anything? It's always puzzled me that more isn't made of this (even commercial opportunities). In my understanding, in pre-Reformation times, this was the really big event, more so than 25 December. Now all we do is take down the decorations. Anyone got Twelfth Night traditions or thinking of starting any?

I didn't enjoy it apart from Hugh Grant's oompah lumpah. On the other hand my wife loved it

'Men Up' the BBC film about Viagra was well done. Good acting and at times both funny and poignant. I thought it tackled a difficult subject well.

I see Patterson has been dropped at the first opportunity by Everton now that Coleman's back

Might as well open this up as a new thread. I've got tx booked for One Life and Napoleon for later this month so shall report back.

Rishi seems to be shy of an early election. Probably a good thing from an SNP perspective.

Spot on. Yes, Rangers have a history of moaning and seeing conspiracy theories against them (just like others think it all goes in Gers favour) but surely we can all agree that greater transparency round VAR decisions would be a good thing.

Best wishes to everyone! Hope 2024 is a good one.