Had the nationality of the at least 193 journalists reporting on Gaza and killed since 7 October 2023 been American rather than Palestinian, would Donald Trump’s reaction have been any stronger than “I’m not happy about it” (Israel bombed Gaza hospital a second time, killing rescuers, say health officials, 25 August)?
Anne Plunkett
Shelf, West Yorkshire
• Your article on “performative males” (22 August) put me in mind of Jenny Eclair’s comedy routine about the need a boy has for a “northern mother”; she suggested Michael Jackson needed one to tell him to “go and fetch your other glove, Michael”. The equivalent today would presumably be “and take that Labubu off your belt”.
Deb Groves
Ribchester, Lancashire
• August has hitherto been known in political circles as the “silly season”? Now that Nigel Farage has taken (back) control of the agenda, I’m with the late Edna O’Brien: “August is a wicked month”.
Les Bright
Exeter, Devon
• I have a few vintage one-inch micrometers that fit snugly in a spectacle case (Letters, 22 August), keeping a precision instrument safe.
Chris Arrowsmith
Cam, Gloucestershire
• A surplus spectacle case lends itself to becoming a travelling humidor. Open and hold it over a steaming kettle for two seconds, pop in your cigar, and snap shut.
Richard Barnard
Wivenhoe, Essex
• I find them particularly useful for storing 35mm film canisters.
Andrew Eccles
Gourock, Inverclyde
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
