Solving the World's Problems While Sucking a Lolly

Hi Everyone

Back in 1986, I was the project manager of the child assessment unit on our local hospital site. It was an unusual project in that it was funded by local charitable donations. We started the work on site before the total funds needed had been collected, but it was thought that starting the work would encourage further donations. That proved to be the case, and the contract was completed on time and within budget. As the project was unusual and as the finished building was to be used for children, what was needed was a suitable person to officially open the building. Sarah Ferguson, the then wife of Prince Andrew, was chosen. Then, as the work proceeded, Fergie was in the news, and it was decided that it would not be appropriate to invite her. Now forty years on, she is still in the news for all the wrong reasons. We all make mistakes, but somewhere along the way, most of us learn the error of our ways. Whether it is due to money, privilege, power or a false impression of where we are in the world, Fergie and others like her never seem to get beyond the last crisis in their lives. Now, our last ambassador in America is rightly being shredded, but again, he has spent years being discredited for his actions, leaving our Prime Minister open to criticism. Strange as it may seem, in this instance, I blame Trump, as those who appointed him were blinded into thinking that he was the best man to deal with the unpredictable President, while putting his past indiscretions locked in a file somewhere. Now our Prime Minister is likely to pay the ultimate price. Will they ever learn?

Many of us have no doubt read many sad, inspiring, horrific books set in wartime. Just this week, a lady in Ukraine had her husband's body exhumed. He had been killed nearly two years ago by the Russians, and his body was buried in the Donbas region. Now, with the Russians threatening the area where he was buried, she could not contemplate his body resting in Russian soil, so she has brought his body back to be buried in Kyiv. The very next day, there was a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine and, among many others, a young man was united with his family. The amazing thing about that reunion was that two years earlier, his family had buried what they thought was their son. I hope that the body will forever be in Ukrainian soil and that the young man returning from war will have a long, happy and secure life.

If you are a long time Rubbish reader, you will know that the Junior Partner was conned into buying a set of lolly moulds shaped like animals and fruit concentrate by a smart suited, slick haired travelling salesman in 1950. It was recommended that the lollies should be sold at 1p each. That was where the Senior Partner stepped in by diluting the recommended proportions and doubling the price to 2p. At today's prices, the recommended 1p price would now be 26p wth the Senior Partner selling her lollies at 52p. Now that would have put a smile on her face (well nearly).  Whatever happened to those lolly moulds  

Just a Thought:

Whenever I meet people for the first time, I assume that they have a great story to tell and that it’s my job to find it. (Quote by Sarag Ferguson)

Nothing is impossible for the person who does not have to do it.  

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My friend’s grandfather was a decorated World War II hero. He singlehandedly destroyed thirty German planes. He was the worst mechanic the Luftwaffe ever had. 

Brian