Clive Wismayer 🇪🇺🥪

A brigade…. A fucking brigade In 1989, the British Army could deploy a full corps of four divisions (3 armoured, 1 infantry) in W Germany. With 10,000s more troops in other areas. Even the bloody Dutch could deploy a corps. Germany had 3 standing corps of mostly heavy units. By 2010, Britain could barely keep a reinforced brigade in Afghanistan. And that was with an army of 105,000 regulars and 30,000 TA. We now have an army of ~70k regulars and 20k reserve. Deployability is even lower. Equipment count lower still. The idea our troops would go toe to toe with a peer adversary is at best for the birds. At worst, cruel.

What are the best British empire films?

Is this because Muslim jury members may not convict a Muslim, or am I not allowed to say that ?

A few thoughts on the Netherlands 🇳🇱   After several years living here, I want to say it clearly: I really like this country.   The Dutch have a special kind of quiet decency — direct, practical, and often kinder than they give themselves credit for. I appreciate the freedom, the safety, the respect for personal space, and the way life feels organized without being oppressive.   This environment has also given me space to breathe and continue my journey with mental health — to manage my psychoses better and build a meaningful life.   I love the beautiful light on the canals, the bike culture (even if I still complain about the rain), and the simple pleasure of Friday mornings at the market. Most of all, I’m grateful for the good people I’ve met — normal, warm, down-to-earth people who value real life.   It’s not perfect, of course. No country is. But this place has given me space to grow, to heal in my own way, and to create. And for that, I’m truly thankful.

FIFA is panicking: World Cup hotel cancellations are surging as global fans ditch the U.S., citing soaring costs, visa bonds, and Trump’s dictatorial behavior. Turns out nobody wants to pay $1,000 a night just to experience an authoritarian simulation.