My father-in-law is from Burkina, and his family, including my brother-in-law, still live there. The rejection of ECOWAS and the alliance with Mali and Niger is popular, owing mostly to what I’d describe as a general anti colonialist and, particularly, anti French sentiment, which I suppose is understandable.

The article talks about how the countries have rejected French military aid, but the overwhelming opinion I hear from any of the expats I talk with is that the French were only there to protect their mineral interests and provided minimal aid outside of that.

Ultimately, the combined military power of all three nations is not enough to fend off the insurgency. They are further hampered by inter-ethnic conflict, and I very much doubt that Russia will be able to provide any meaningful support, especially for free. This all leads to intense civilian suffering which, in my opinion, requires UN intervention. Unfortunately unless the military junta suddenly reverses its opinion on western influence, this is unlikely to happen.

And only with consent

Honestly, it sounded like my Nan when she’s got her teeth out

All day long on the chaise longue

Treating somebody poorly, purely for spite or some form of retaliation, seems like a lot of unnecessary energy to expend on somebody who may not deserve that much space in your mind. The golden rule is not about whether someone has the right to be treated better than they have you, it is about discovering grace within yourself and extending it towards all others.

As to why you should, I could use another turn of phrase- “Lead by example”. You had a poor example in how to extend grace to others in the form of your teachers, and you have the opportunity to be a positive example to others in their place.

With bonus suffering!

Ah yes, the famous Soviet era of the United States. How could I forget?

It was a US made Bell 212

Or if you’re up in the top end, there’s Nawarla Gabarnmung which dates to about 44kya. Some natural rock pillars in the shelter, others modified and others still constructed or relocated.

Could you use a command strip or something?

Time to start practicing then! Try to get out on a couple of grade 3’s in your area before you head over.

I did it with hiking shoes because that’s all I had with me, but I’d recommend hiking boots with good ankle support instead. There’s a short scramble towards the top but it’s not overly difficult.

Another favourite of that trip was the Old Man of Storr up at the Isle of Skye. It’s a less technical hike but much more exposed to the elements and can get windy.

Also, I’m by no means a photographer. Scotland is just so stupidly pretty that you struggle to take a bad photo- get over there!

I took a hike up in to the Lost Valley in Glen Coe on the recommendation of a very drunk Scotsman at a nightclub in Edinburgh. It was the absolute highlight of my trip and I’m so glad I made it.

Happy jamming!

Have you had a listen to Drive-By Truckers? Southern rock without the yee haw rebel pride.

Books!

Also books!

I hope impressionism is your bag.

All sorts of stuff. Books, trinkets, records, art. I like to hit up small regional galleries and local artists exhibits for original art, but I also have a lot of prints and posters as well.

Art gallery gift shops are a fantastic place for high quality prints and posters that don’t break the bank, and then you can spend as much or as little as you like on getting them mounted and on display.

Genuinely, I encourage you to see a doctor first- at that rate you have a good chance of serious alcohol withdrawal. It is more dangerous than heroin withdrawal and the symptoms can range from sweats and shakes up to seizure and death.

Quitting booze will improve your life immeasurably but you need to do it with the assistance of a doctor or GP, your life depends on it. I believe in you, mate.