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SusieB100's latest comments
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30th Jul 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsOh Poppie these are dreadful things to have had said to you at the most traumatic time of your life. I think I would have responded with a little Anglo-Saxon! My husband died more than 4 years ago and although in his case it was almost expected it was still a shock nevertheless. I still chat to him, usually about the mundane things like 'do you know where I left my purse' or 'remember we went there' when a place features on TV and I always say goodnight to him. It is perfectly normal and healthy. As for his clothes, I did this in my own good time and kept a couple of things hanging in the wardrobe, his favourite blazer and a jumper I always liked to see him wearing. All this brings comfort and if other folk think it's odd then that is their problem. I know exactly what you mean about 'normal' things - they are the anchor we need. Grieve your own way Poppie and to hell with those who don't understand.ViewDate:
14th Mar 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Is going digital isolating elderly people?There is no doubt that there are great advantages that have come with the digital revolution, indeed we are enjoying one of those benefits right now as we use this site. Like many, I use the internet to communicate with friends and sometimes with family, also for shopping, comparing utility costs and getting my bank statements. But this revolution does not seem to know where to stop and there is now talk that physical money, i.e. cash, may well be phased out as contactless payments are now so simple. But cash still has a place and not just amongst the older generation. For example, if I choose to give a tip to an individual who has given exceptional service then cash is ideal, otherwise are they supposed to carry a personal contactless payment device? The same with the homeless chap who I may choose to give a little money to - if he could afford to carry such a device I would question his need. And what happens when things go wrong, as has happened on occasion with banks when folk cannot access their accounts or make payments? Those contactless cards are vulnerable too as hackers can easily swipe past you and have the details within seconds. Technology is not infallible and should be used as an aid to our lives and not be allowed to rule them.ViewDate:
10th Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsThis threw me as I had never heard the word, so I looked it up. TERF stands for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist. I can just about get my old head around this and, in short, it seems to mean a feminist who excludes transgender people. I would have to question whether a 14 year old really understands either what a feminist truly is or what a genuine (and rare) transgender person is really all about. Feminism, a movement that exploded decades ago with the likes of women of my age seeking equality has become a vehicle for all sorts of awful opinions that have no relation to the original movement and the current explosion in so called trans genderism has become almost de rigour amongst many young. As someone who has witnessed first hand just what is involved in seeing a someone go through the whole gender reassignment process I think our kids need to learn just how traumatic the experience is - maybe they would think twice before jumping on the fashion bandwagon. Forget TERF - I prefer the term COSMO - COmmon Sense MOvementViewDate:
10th Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsYou are not alone Billythequiche. I love a good drama and there are some wonderful ones on television but there is an increasing 'fashion' to hammer home a message. As an example, I hadn't watched Doctor Who since the days of the wonderful Jon Pertwee but thought I would take a look once Jodie Whittaker took over the role. The first episode was excellent and very entertaining but then we descended into messages about race and gender - a man giving birth for heavens sake! I stopped watching. This is supposed to be an entertaining light drama aimed at all age groups so just what effect are these messages having on our young? I don't have any objection to these issues being discussed, investigated and exposed in serious journalistic programmes but wish the writers, editors and programme makers would stop brainwashing us through drama and entertainment.ViewDate:
10th Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Speakers Corner CommentsOnce again there is talk about cutting bus services, particularly in rural areas, due to the cost of running routes which often make a loss. In the main these services are used by those of us with free bus passes and, as these numbers are on the increase, bus companies cannot continue at the present rate. Many services get only a few pence in subsidy for each journey, certainly not enough to cover the running costs.There will be many villages affected around the country and the greatest effect will be felt by pensioners who will be unable to get to places such as doctors, hospitals, shops and libraries without the help of family or the cost of taxis. However surely we could reach a better solution that simply cutting services at a stroke. I for one would be happy to pay a nominal amount for each journey along with my bus pass, perhaps 50p or even £1 depending on the length of the trip and, having chatted with fellow travellers, have gleaned that they feel the same. Better that than be without a service altogether. I would be interested to know how others feelViewDate:
6th Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Should a statue of Margaret Thatcher be erected in her home town?Oh dear JeanG57 - do people still use the term Mrs Thatcher the milk snatcher! Free school milk was originally introduced in 1946 to counteract the poor diet which resulted in many child illnesses following WW2. In 1946, under Harold Wilsons Labour government it was withdrawn from secondary schools and Mrs Thatcher had good reason for finally ending it in infant and junior schools. By then families were much wealthier and well able to afford to give their children a good nutritious diet so there was no longer any need for free milk which cost the nation a considerable amount of money.ViewDate:
6th Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Should a statue of Margaret Thatcher be erected in her home town?Mrs Thatcher continues to be a divisive character and continues to be blamed entirely for the mine closures but it is worth realising that this was a Labour policy, initiated under the Wilson government. From 1965-1970, in just 5 years under Labour, 211 pits were closed. From 1979-1990, a much longer period and under Mrs Thatcher, 154 pits were closed. It has suited Labour to shine the light on Mrs Thatcher however as they do not want the unions to remember. Yes it was a terrible blow to mining communities but coal is a dirty fuel and in the long term we are better without the industry. She is also hated for the introduction of the poll tax yet looking at this objectively, it is a fairer way of funding local services. Why should a house with 6 people pay the same for services as a house with 2 people! She lost that one! But, despite rescuing the economy from the ruination left by Labour and restoring the country's financial standing she remains hated by so many - many of those will be people who owe their own livelihoods, homes and education to her policies. People have short memories and can be fickle. I am expecting some opposition to my views but please don't argue with the facts - they are irrefutable.ViewDate:
1st Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Is a 'stiff-upper-lip' mentality partially to blame for today's mental health problems?Good points Lance - judging by the constant reports of what would appear to be a mental health epidemic, we are all mentally ill. Some say that if you think you are sane then you are probably mad. I quite like being sane - guess that makes me mad too!!!!ViewDate:
1st Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Is a 'stiff-upper-lip' mentality partially to blame for today's mental health problems?Going back to the original question of ;is the stiff upper lip mentality partially to blame for today's mental health problems?' well I am not convinced. But maybe you are kinder than me Jeanmark!ViewDate:
1st Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Would you find it easy to reduce your consumption of meat?I would struggle! I like a wide range of foods including red meats, chicken, fish, vegetable and fruits and think the old adage of all things in moderation is pretty solid advice.ViewDate:
1st Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Would you find it easy to reduce your consumption of meat?Hi Berenice, I know exactly what you mean! Living alone and cooking for one is a challenge but I have found batch cooking to be a saviour. It does require some planning but instead of cooking one meal at a time I cook a whole batch of a dish and freeze in separate portions. This means I have a meal for one at my fingertips as and when I require. I have thought about writing a cookery book but the truth is its just a question of adjusting habits. A batch of shepherds pie, fish pie, beef bourguignon, chicken casserole, soups and pies - I could go on and on but I am sure you are more than capable of coming up with your own. Give it a try and please the person that matters most - YOU.ViewDate:
1st Feb 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Is a 'stiff-upper-lip' mentality partially to blame for today's mental health problems?Hello Jeanmark, Yours is a well-reasoned view which I take on board. However, my point was although in some cases celebrities who have suffered genuine mental health issues can indeed bring comfort and encouragement to others, there is a swell of those who ‘jump on the latest bandwagon’ as if, somehow, they will miss out unless they too have endured similar issues. I fully understand your point that not everyone can cope with simply putting on a brave face and relying on stoicism to see them through and have no issue with the need to seek help but there seems to be an epidemic of so called mental health issues and I know from my own experience with friends that more often than not they are simply fed up and in need of a pal to talk to, a good long walk or a new focus. Life throws all sorts of problems, sorrows, hardships and heartbreak at all of us throughout our lives and a stiff upper lip can often help you to cope. It is not a terrible thing and there is nothing wrong with it you know.ViewDate:
30th Jan 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Is a 'stiff-upper-lip' mentality partially to blame for today's mental health problems?Well, this is a tough one and I know I risk being labelled heartless but here goes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what is colloquially known as a stiff upper lip, which I prefer to refer to as stoicism. On occasions of late I think more people would benefit from exercising this instead of constantly bearing their souls in what seems to have become a fashion trend. It has become almost de rigour to tell the world of every slight, hardship or difficulty one suffers in the normal course of life and it has become a vehicle for every ‘celebrity’ to ‘inspire’ or ‘set an example’ to their followers. Or is it, my cynical self asks, perhaps just another way of ensuring they stay in the public eye? It is as if they wear their (sometimes imagined or exaggerated) depression, abuse or suffering in much the same way they would don the latest pair of must-have trainers. Yes, there are times when it is a good, in fact essential thing to talk about personal suffering especially when mental health is genuinely affected but is it necessary for the whole world to suffer in brother or sisterhood when what is really going on is a case of simple fed-upness? I have no issue whatsoever with those who are truly going through mental trauma or real depression and think it is an area in which we should be showing far more sympathy and investing in quality counselling but in many cases a good old fashioned stiff upper lip and the acceptance that you are not the centre of the universe can get you through the daily difficulties that beset us all at some time or another.ViewDate:
27th Jan 2019SusieB100 commented on:
Just joined so I'm introducing myself.Hello - I have just joined and thought I would start by introducing myself. Widowed, female and young at heart (at least I am in my head!) Originally from Birmingham but have been living in the East Midlands since I retired from an accountancy job. Enjoy reading, time with my family and a weekly session of Tai Chi. Would love to chat with anyone who is looking for the occasional chinwag.