Brian and I talk about the importance of being number three

By about 1900 it was becoming clear that Britain was going to be overtaken by both the United States and Germany and that one of them would emerge as top dog. It is Brian’s contention that Britain chose America. 

So we talk about that and Roosevelt’s desire to get America into the Second World War and his dislike of the British empire. After that we digress - as is our wont - and talk about such subjects as Anti-Americanism, the rise of the English language, Trump’s taste in art, the half-hearted nature of the War of the Roses before speculating on Russia acting as number three between the US and China.

One correction. China, of course, did invent a few things.  Rather important things. Just a long time ago.

Also, Towton was even bloodier than I had thought. Worse, indeed than the first day of the Somme.