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While is very difficult to change someones mind about things like this as someone who works in the steel industry and studied physics and metallurgy I would just point out that the steel did not melt. Steel melts (becomes fluid) around 1620 deg C but importantly above about 770 deg C a construction grade steel loses much of its strength and integrity and simply bends, this is known as the Curie Point. The temperature of the fire in the twin towers was in excess of the Curie point for steel and this temperature is easily achieved with a fuel based fire and the oxygen drafts that occurred.

in mid April I need to visit SA for a week on business, never visited before (first time in TX) so can anyone advise where I should stay centrally, bars, restaurants general things to do (and dont!) and of course anywhere to enjoy a cigar. Any help appreciated. thanks

Trust me mate you would pick Boycs every time.....

He’s interested in many of the things I like but comes at it from a slightly (ehm) different perspective. Good that he highlights these hobbies but can’t help feel (as an Englishman) he is trying for some kind of Dick Van Dyke/ Bertie Wooster American TV influenced aristocrat persona that died out here before the First World War. Believe me London (and in particular anywhere outside) does not have many like him…..

I laugh when I hear the description of the left in the US as communists (and confusingly sometimes facists, though I assume this is just a name calling exercise without real understanding). If you compared the Democrats to the Labour Party in the UK I think many of our stateside friends would be shocked. Generally the Dems are much closer policy wise to our UK “right wing” party the conservatives (although some of the more extreme nutters here are currently saying hold my beer. ) What I cannot stand though is this obsession in many western countries (UK included) to treat politics and political parties as football teams who you support blindly and the oppositions defeat is your victory. Madness. Zero sum games usually have an outcome of zero.

Could not agree more Rob. We are the same age and I have the same situation with my mum who is 84. I was living overseas the last few years of my Dad's life and it’s one of the reasons I moved back to the UK to spend more time with her while I can. She cooked me dinner tonight and the simple pleasure of eating together and her joy at being able to look after her 58 year old “little boy” was priceless to me, best few hours I have spent in a long time.

After a long week travelling round Brazil Esch cafe, São Paulo. Relax

The irony is of the 5 tests 4 were close games that could have gone either way. The one that was not close ended as a draw.

Dubai DF equally sparse too last month. Its really taking the pleasure out smoking cuban cigars, it should not be a treasure hunt.

Ceder - 7 years old and still wonderful. Love it.

Well I nearly got it right, bloody Manchester weather.😡

2 weeks ago not a single cuban

Going to be interesting clash of styles and a tight series. I'm going 3-2 England, no draws.

Last night I was listening to this 73 year old man for 3 hours in Birmingham. He’s still got it @Ken Gargett IMG_2160.mov