It might just be a marketing thing, because when I described it as a permanent marker, he knew what that was.

When I got my dyspraxia diagnosis as a child it was helpful because I then got extra time in exams. But it told me, my parents, my teachers, almost nothing about what I found more difficult than others.
Something that explained what my specific difficulties were would have been incredibly useful.

I use a sharpie a dozen times a week. I have one in my handbag.

Absolutely. My friend hired her local bowling club for it this year. The only other times she’s done that have been her 50th and her son’s 18th.

Yes, I feel it was like that too.
I quite like the addition of things like Eurovision, the Mela, etc. And the revival of things like Beltane.
Less keen on national saints…

So, socially, we look for other communal celebrations to replace them.

Don’t you think we’ve maybe lost some religious festivals too though? Like only the seriously Christian know when Pentecost is now. When 100+ years ago, UK was more of a monoculture and the whole community attended church together.

Whereas I know the date of Burn’s Night without thinking.
St George’s Day, I vaguely know it’s in April.

I’ve lived in Scotland for 20+ years, since 1990, and someone told me the castle had a deal on for tickets for St Andrew’s Day, and I had to look up the date.

Plus many more qs. Where we know what the evidence says, but we ignore it, because reasons.

I totally agree AI is partic lacking in evidence, but seems to have been given a free pass.
But there’s also lots of questions like: is 4-5 the right CSA? Should teenagers (and their biologically lateshifted circadian rhythms) be starting school at 8.30am? Is 15/16 a good age for high stakes exams?

Good question. Although I don’t think that education policy has truly been evidence-based for a while.

I’m partial to a cloak myself.

And I promise I would wear crazy outfits.

Great question. I wouldn’t even need many household servants. A cleaner one day a week would go a long way.

He’s wearing a duvet.
I don’t think Viscount Brouncker did his own vacuuming.

I don’t have household servants? You could not cook or wash up in those sleeves.

Completely agree, but I was discussing recently that ‘patriotism’ comes a close second in that. Obviously the two combined together is deadly.