If that's how you started the class then I'm quite sure you had everyone's attention! I'm certainly intrigued...

I hear ya, people move around so much these days and it can feel like a lottery as to whether you have any friends left as they come and go from your life. If you combine a hobby or interest with meeting people then you can edge up on making friends or at least not be so socially isolated.

It's a really complicated way of rolling dice

You may have reached that age where warmth really starts to win out over a lot of things and that hat looks like it would be lovely and toastie. Speaking as a guy currently wearing a hat in the house, I say go for it!

If you've not read Remains of the Day I would recommend that, short, addictive, and deserving of its reputation as a great book. I try to find these well regarded page-turners.

That's well funny and as a self-taught guitarist I feel a little called out but in a good way :D

I would indeed, I'd be keen to hear some of the critiques dealt with. The most compelling one I heard is that it most certainly should be means-tested to be worthwhile - are we not all in favour of progressive taxes? Additionally, if it was rolled out wider, how would it not just be inflationary.

What a spectacular photograph. Are you based in Chile? So lucky to get to spend time there!

If you listen to The Daily you will be familiar with their not-infrequent nonsense 'both sides' takes on things, as well as occasionally slipping into complete misinformation. NYT is the standard bearer for post-truth reality in many ways - the desire to seem at the centre of debate debases them.

Okay, I'm here really tentatively, battered from the storm of algos, looking for somewhere with high value content. Quiet Riot seems like a great place to start to set the tone.