ballpoint

A recent report in the Times on the systematic abduction and Russian indoctrination of tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Ukrainian children, highlighting two boys who were lucky enough to be rescued, thanks to the Save Ukraine foundation: "Like thousands of Ukrainian children, the boys were abducted to Russia — part of a programme to re-educate them and turn them into Russians. Last year the International Criminal Court declared this a war crime, issuing arrest warrants for President Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, his children’s commissioner, who boasted of taking 720,000 Ukrainian children, including one she adopted herself." Ukraine is saying "only" 20,000 have been abducted, but even one would be too many. It's suggested that Putin is actively blocking any attempts to rescue further children, and points to another reason for abducting these kids - other than turning them into cannon fodder (as also reported in the link): "He (Putin) clearly understands every child abducted is a witness to war crimes.” ‘They tried to make us Russians’: the children Putin stole (thetimes.com)

I had a part in Oliver Twist. It was great! I couldn't ask for more.

Years ago, I auditioned for a role as an extra in Goodfellas. However, apparently, they gave the part to one of the lead actors children. I would have got it too if it wasn't for those Pesci kids.

I love music. I've been collecting vinyl ever since records began.

My wife sent me a sweet text that read, “If you're sleeping, send me your dreams. If you're laughing, send me your smile. If you're crying, send me your tears. I love you!” I replied, “I'm on the toilet, please advise…”

Bloody Arabs, parking on the footpath.

I keep dreaming that I’m helping women give birth. The doctor says I’m having a midwife crisis

My mate offered to take me to see a band called Clingfilm. But I don’t like wrap.

My wife said if you are bored why don't you make a bird table, so I did. Now she is kicking off because she only came 5th.

If you could sum up AN in one sentence...

Bloody caravans holding up traffic.