An opinion by someone who knows.

 " It's a strange combination :  intelligence without knowledge ". The former Prime Minister of Eire has published a book 'Speaking my mind' about his time in office. His views on the current American President are some of the most interesting and even handed we've read. Unlike many folk who weigh in on the subject he has actually dealt with the man.

A very February morning on the beach. For once it's not raining. The church elder and his wife see us and wave. They think January was the wettest month they've ever known. Probably twenty runners pass us by - all female students. Males , it seems, do not do Monday mornings.

Not a light on in the hugely expensive apartment block behind the R&A clubhouse. Many of the owners jet in for two weeks golf in July and then jet off again. For much of the year it stands empty. The duplex  apartment under the cupola enjoys views across the first and last tees and is said to be the most expensive in Scotland.

Up the hill the Catholic chaplaincy is having a major refurbishment. Piles of 1950's era cupboards are piled up outside the front door. The renovation is long overdue. I'm glad to see that central heating is being installed. Someone in the church hierachy seems to have decided that piety and warmth can go together. Generations of students to come will thank them.

The ongoing restoration of the fountain seems to have restarted after an extended  Christmas pause. Workmen are busy putting up yet more fencing this morning.

This is beautiful but so is the estimated price :https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/master-works-on-paper-from-five-centuries/young-lion-resting

Couldn't work out why one of these caught my attention. Looking at pictures I can see that the rear while is 'unique' in not having any spokes - which is pretty cool :https://www.vergemotorcycles.com/uk_en/

Scottish food :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ3GjAe6ku4

How interesting . What use will it be put to?:https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/unsinkable-metal-tubes-superhydrophobic-surfaces-691642/

Portugese politics :https://cepseu.substack.com/p/in-portugal-a-48-year-long-dictatorship