Month: August 2018

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John McCain

It was announced that American Senator John McCain died today. It was not a surprise. He had been ill for sometime, and just the other day his treatment for cancer had been stopped.

There are plenty of places where you can read about McCain’s life, and it’s very interesting. Try here, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain

You will note that he had a period of capture and torture during the Vietnam war. He was treated terribly. He went through a lot, and I don’t know how he survived. Whatever you think of war, you would think McCain was some kind of a hero.

Unless you are the USA President, Mr Trump, a man who managed to avoid any military service. Trump said that McCain was not a hero because he had been captured and presumably heroes aren’t captured. Mr Trump likes “people that weren’t captured”. Even to the end, Mr Trump was still saying bad things about McCain, as you can read here: https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/azdc/2016/10/15/donald-trump-vs-john-mccain-feud/91960246/

After McCain’s death, Trump has still not retracted any of his scathing criticisms. The White House wanted to put out a statement praising Mr McCain and his achievements and his life, but Mr Trump has stopped that.

Tells you a lot about Mr T.

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Puzzle

I used to love giving people simple puzzles, so here is one for you:

Three people go into a restaurant.

They each eat and the total bill is £30, so they pay £10 each (3 x 10 = 30) and leave.

After leaving, the manager realises he has charged them £5 too much, so sends the waiter after them.

The waiter realises splitting £5 between three is tricky, and besides, he got no tip, so he keeps £2 and gives each person £1 back.

That means each person paid £9.

3 x £9 = £27

Add the waiter’s tip: £27 + £2 = £29

So, where has the other pound gone?

Answer in a couple of days…

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Bank holiday

The end of August brings us a bank holiday. It is the last public holday until Christmas.

I don’t believe it celebrates anything in particular, just the end of summer.

It used to be that banks and other shops closed on these days. Travel was disrupted. The world came to a halt.

Now it’s less so. You may find that some train lines are closed for engineering work. Museums or shops will probably be open, but do check. Transport sometimes operates a different, reduced service.

If you are visiting during the last weekend in August, and have plans, do double check your plans are not affected.