If ever the expression ‘defence is optional’ needed to be deployed . . .

#BATvNOR

Just listened for a third time. Oliver does say ‘Brian’ in a strangulated accent.
#thearchers

It may have been him mangling ‘Brian’. I listened twice though.

Oliver, to Fag Ash Lil. A few minutes into today’s episode.

That can be the only explanation. How did that get past an editor?
Oh:
BBC cuts.

#thearchers can someone bring me up to date about that comment about ‘the terrible business with Brad’ please. Have I missed a week of The Archers?

I rarely post here but this may not be known by others so here goes : the bloody AI default for Google really gets on my tits. If you add ‘-AI’ to your search terms it stops it.

@davidmuttering.bsky.social a thank you for that re-starter pack. My timeline has improved immeasurably already.

If Peaky Blinders is anything to go by a gang of Midland rapscallions would not have stopped with one thump of a Chardonnay bottle.
Police on the wrong track.
It’s going to be an Archers resident. Probably a disposable one like Mick who can be banged up and forgotten.

#thearchers

#thearchers

Can the SWs please, please, stop Jolene saying Moi Dahling in her every single line? If a serene old man like me feels like screaming it HAS TO BE INCREDIBLY ANNOYING for the whole listening public.
Sorry. Not sorry.

My money on the George Basher is Mick. Dispensable character who doesn’t provide much so easy to offload for the SWs. Plus he is the one who has been consistently horrible to George.
#thearchers

Boatman - the first 50 reportedly makes a great present or holiday read, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show the story behind the Shipping Forecast puzzle, on display on Brighton beach. Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his unique mind works. The first 50 is a book I never knew I needed in my life. Gift it to yourself and to the word-lovers in yours". Hugh Stephenson (Alan’s predecessor at The Guardian) says: "This is a unique book of crosswords" and Henry Morris: "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again".

Boatman - the second 50 contains another 50 puzzles from The Guardian, with five bonus puzzles previously only available online and including puzzles, solutions and the ideas and stories behind them, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show one of the stories, which is accompanied by a picture of a large cow. Reviewing Boatman - the second 50, Gyles Brandreth says: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best" and Brian Bilston: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".

It's the Seasonal Reposting Competition! Repost this over the weekend, and on Sunday one lucky person will win a signed copy of one of my books. For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 fiendish @theguardian.com #puzzles and all the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

I’m expecting a volley of Presidential Executive Orders tonight, withdrawing US residential visas for several high profile European golfers.

#rydercup

In a parallel universe Justin Rose is a cold-eyed assassin.

#rydercup

Feeling rather blue at the moment 😊

#rydercup

WTF is this ‘tied’ nonsense in the #rydercup? The term has always been ‘all square’

Just call me a boomer grandad 😉

It’s Bath. It’s raining. Pleut ça change.

#BATvEXE

He’s in for a real treat isn’t he!

Blimey. One against the head! Not a strike but even so - hen’s teeth.

#NZLvRSA

Is diving *under* a tackle going to be outlawed 😊

#NZLvRSA

Come to SW England. No silly jumpers, no worse trousers, cheap, and the only network talked about is how awful internet access is down here 😉

There is a cracking post of a female PGA golfer on a range being given unsolicited . How she kept her sang-froid is beyond me. Sadly, while it has changed over the last ten years, there are still a few dinosaurs in golf. This nay work: share.google/images/vuXg6...

Officiating by crowd and big screen

#NORvUBB

‘The player throwing in the ball stands on the mark of touch with both feet outside the field of play. The thrower must not step into the field of play until the ball has been thrown.’

#NORvUBB

Normally a big fan of Nika but there have been some seriously dodgy decisions/moments in this match.

#NORvUBB.

France are quite good at rugby.

#FRAvSCO
#FRAvECO

POTM.

Just had our water bill for next year. 72% increase. Those dividends and bonuses have to be covered by somebody.
(Annual bill: £948 😱)

Rumours of Welsh rugby resurgence greatly exaggerated.
#SCOvWAL.

Mispronunciations that make me grind my teeth:

Asterix for asterisk
and
Pacific for specific.

Contributions welcomed.