One can tell you have probably never written anything longer than a snarky comment comprising of a handfull of sentences on /.

If by this you infer that Martin is a 'Grumpy old man' then you have to be, at least mentally and intellectually, a 'Hasty immature child'.

Wordperfect on DOS was close to perfect for writing. WordStar was not far behind and, in fact, provided the virtually standard program editor keystrokes on microcomputers for many years. You could write as the muse took you, never needing to faff around with a mouse, or wave your hands against an increasingly greasy touch screen. The modern GUI type interfaces may work well for 'bears of very little brain' but real writers much prefer to get ideas from their heads into the computer with as little interruption and distraction as possible.

Why not go research a little more, before being disrespectful to someone who has likely been far more productive and successful than yourself, and subsequently shooting your mouth off.

Telling people that their countries are not countries is insulting and just because you say it isn't doesn't make it right.

All of the bodies you cite are ephemeral modern organisational groups who will have a terminology to suit their uses and conveniences. Just because they choose to redefine something for their convenience doesn't make it a fact outside of their organisation.

Your choice of organisations to cite is also very amusing since most of them, except CERN, do have rather dubious reputations in many parts of the World. and I know a great many people, and likely many countries and nations, who would not accept their authority should they try to redefine ideas of nationality and country boundaries. And, frankly, were you really reaching to find something when you included CERN ?

You get an F- for comprehension.

I am not saying it is a religion and I cannot see how anyone who actually reads with an intent to comprehend, rather than get off on deluding themselves they made a clever point, would infer that. I gave an example of not giving in to people who who hold an extreme position.

Go back and do the lesson again and try for a better mark next time.

I didn't forget Northern Ireland but was talking about countries.

Northern Ireland is not a country by itself but is usually referred to as a province or region of the UK. There are many in Northern Ireland who consider themselves to be ethnically Irish and who's family lines and roots in that region pre-date the 'invasions' by the English and the Scottish Protestants. It was mostly these 'immigrants' who were concentrated in this area who forced the country to be partitioned in 1921 when the rest of Eire was given independence and became the Irish Free State. In many sporting and cultural events, many Northern Irish residents compete for Ireland, rather than Great Britain or the UK.

Northern Ireland is a very complex place/issue but, in and of itself, it is not a country

oops, accidentally hit 'submit' before adding that the video was, actually, quite amusing :)

Amusing but most British know that the correct response to 'England? Where's that?" is "Ah. You're an American. You have my fullest sympathies and I hear there are now therapies to help alleviate the symptoms. Just go to your psychiatrist and ask for a prescription of 'Education'. Hopefully, despite the indications, the FDA haven't yet officially banned it " :)

I didn't forget Northern Ireland. However, we were talking about countries and, if you know something about history, you will realise that Northern Ireland is not a country. or a nation.