[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Richard, Pete et al over there... what is the general feeling amongst those of our ilk as to the future of what we do? It's been a year since I've been there, of course, but even then I was appalled by even the prices alone, although I love the general atmosphere as compared to urban Canada. I was also subject to a great many lectures and comments from the head of the table in Mr. Notton's dining room, and frankly, after reading all this, I am even more concerned (but at least the EU seems a moot point now).

Two things come to mind from all this - one, I don't know how you fellows manage to eek out a living over there; and two (a bit more eccentric), this is what we DO, and at our age I can't see shedding that for birdwatching or whatever the know-it-alls consider "appropriate".

Somebody put me on the ground here, please. 'Enlightened academia' isn't everything is this one life we have, in contrast to what your government seems to be saying.