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Sally Ann's latest comments
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19th Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Time to disband the EU?We signed up for the COMMON MARKET not this DYSFUNCTIONAL SUPERSTATE we are now part of. It's not working. Cyprus is in trouble, as was/is Greece etc and every member state is in recession it seems. Switzerland was wise enough to stay out; as was Norway and they are both properous countries. Radical, but I feel needs thinking about seriously. How about you?ViewDate:
19th Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
First Aid Training In SchoolsGreat AnitaN! I teach the over 60s to use computers and also help in a Job Club with CVs and finding work via the internet (both voluntary) and this got me thinking. We who are trained could offer our services in just the same way. However, the opportunities for this need to made available by the Education Dept etc.ViewDate:
19th Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Are you plagued by nuisance calls and what is your strategy for dealing with them?Brilliant Warhammer! If I am certain it's not one of those scam calls where you wind up paying a phenomenal sum (plus any silence pause: put receiver down immediately). I wait until they ask for me and I say 'I'll just go and get them'. Then I leave them hanging on with the TV/radio going close by until, possibly half an hour later when they've gone I replace the receiver. Makes me smile (evil I know!) every time.:-)ViewDate:
19th Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Pension shortfall or no pension?Hi Luluzulu - Obviously I don't know where you live, but if you are anywhere near a university ring them up and ask to speak to someone in Human Resources. Then ask them a) which agency they use for temporary work or b) if they have a bank of temporary workers and how do you get on it. If a) get yourself with that agency and it should lead you to temporary jobs in all sorts or departments. When I was in your situation (and Boy, do I sympathise!) this was my saviour. I was offered three jobs - none of which I wanted, and clung on until I was lucky enough to meet someone at the uni who had a friend who was looking to fill a vacancy that was just up my street. So, sometimes it's a case of being in the right place at the right time, but if you move within an organisation like a university you're optimising your chances of another job. Also, when there was nothing at the uni the agency could some times find me work elsewhere - great for the CV. The very,very best of luck.ViewDate:
3rd Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
What book are you currently reading?'Wedlock' by Wendy Moore after her superb biography of John Hunter in 'Knifeman'. She researches so well and writes an engrossing, interesting fact filled book. If you're interested in Georgian England they are wonderful insights. Waiting for her 'How to Make The Perfect Wife' to come out in paperback. Liza Picard's books are also wonderful books of historical facts, many hilarious. Recently read M.R Hall's 'Flight' - brilliant! Part of his coroner series. Kindles have their place, but I much prefer a paper book with a nice bookmark!ViewDate:
3rd Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Good ReadTry Rachel Hore's books - think will fill your brief. Not at all violent, different kind of mysteries to crime novels and sensible romance. Enjoy!ViewDate:
3rd Mar 2013Sally Ann commented on:
If a referendum was taken tomorrow on our EU membership how would you vote and why?The desire for Scotish Independence is an indicator of disaffection with Central Government. UKIP is rising, because we are all so heartily fed-up with the state the country is in and we lay a lot of blame on our membership and domination by the EU. Unfortunately, non of the political parties are totally sound, competant or trustworthy. So we are groping around for some secure foothold in the future due to a growing undercurrent of frustration and fear. When it comes to the referendum will we jump is the question.ViewDate:
19th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
If a referendum was taken tomorrow on our EU membership how would you vote and why?Next year there could be a tidal wave if Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants into this country: followed by Turkish. Latest poll by FT says 50% of us want to leave the EU. If nothing is done to stem the this tide then I could see ths figure rising to 80% plus by 2017.ViewDate:
11th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
If a referendum was taken tomorrow on our EU membership how would you vote and why?I don't think we can ask this question right now. Back in 1975 the 'stay outs' were in the majority, but after old crafty Harold Wilson renegotiated the terms of our joining in what was then the Common Market only (not an embryonic superstate!) the 'go ins' became the majority. That is what is happening again now only David Cameron is at the helm. The referendum is scheduled for 2017 for a reason. He needs the time between now and then to get the most favourble deal he can for us in the hope it will sway us to remain as part of the EU. My hope is he can get better value for our £50million/DAY that we pay to the EU, claw back our own legislation, protect our agricultural and fishing industries and in some way give us back our own national identity amongst other things. By the way if we do leave the EU trade - which is a big issue - need not be affected Switzerland and Norway have free trade agreements with the EU. Also, once out it will be interesting to see just where the money we do save goes!ViewDate:
11th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Prime Minister For The DayFirstly, I would place an embargo on ALL immigration for 5 years, keep working immigrants - we need them, institutions like the NHS would collapse without them. Monitor the situation carefully over that period of time and then only allow in those people in who have verified jobs to go to (plus other stringent criteria, like Austria). Formulate issuing clothing/food vouchers for the unemployed and legislate for them to earn money by doing voluntary work; rather than benefit handouts (once have roof over their heads) .So would need to set that up.Prosecute all guilty of wrongdoing bankers and MPs and ensure could never hold such posts again. Foreign aid is not only humanitarian - it's a powerful political tool - but it needs to be reined in, scrutinised properly and the sums designated according to what we can afford and when: which isn't now. So instigate interim stop on that. Tell Brussels where to stick some of its daft laws eg Human Rights. Then I think I'd like a nice cup of tea please!ViewDate:
9th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Battle for king's burial seems wonWould you dig up someone who happened to die and be buried somewhere else and transfer them to YOUR chosen place with suprious justification to have another tourist marketing ploy as it strikes me York is doing here? Richard III remains should have the dignity of being reburied in Leicester Cathedral as orginally agreed under the terms of the licence issued to Leicester Uni - and I come from Yorkshire!ViewDate:
7th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Money Saving TipsAbsolutely brilliant warhammer! Hand on heart can truly say do all of those and now so automatic no longer think of them as money saving - which of course they are - just a way of life. Thank you for reminding me and setting it out for all to see and hopefully benefit from; even if they only adopt one item. No point in getting older if you don't get wiser too.ViewDate:
5th Feb 2013ViewDate:
5th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Money Saving TipsJust remembered..... I used to have a phenomenal memory, now it's just a memory. This is money saving, but also a health item.Talcum powder - hard to find now and there is a reason for that: it contains small harmful particles just like asbestos and really should be avoided. The powder found in health food shops is cornstarch - cornflour to you and me. So all you need to do is buy a cheap packet of cornflour in the supermarket. Pour it into your nice powder bowl, spray the puff (on the TOP - not on the surface touching the powder or will form lump) with your favouite perfume. Put on the lid and wai ;-) t for the perfume to infuse the cornflour. Eh Voila posh body powder for pence!ViewDate:
5th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
If a referendum was taken tomorrow on our EU membership how would you vote and why?Lord, this is SO difficult. We need ALL THE TRUE FACTS - not just the stuff the goverment will spin beautifully for us. But where do we get a totally unbiased, easy to understand list of pros and cons??ViewDate:
5th Feb 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Money Saving Tips:-)Good for you Polly, keep it up! My scrooge ieas are: Cutting the toothpaste (or cream) tube in half when getting empty, scooping out any from the top half into the bottom half and using the top half to make a lid for the easy to get add remainder by squeezing it into the middle to get it to fit. Batch cooking to use the whole oven and heat. Then stock the freezer with the goodies. (Make cakes in bread tins so can cut into slices and fit into the oblong boxes and into the freezer easily). Food offers - cook and freeze. Bulk buy and share costs with friends - large sacks of spuds are particularly good for this saving. Buy clothes on Ebay and at Oxfam online - don't be proud. Have bought brand new for fraction of the cost. If something is brand new with tags then it is brand new: don't forget that coat you paid hundreds for had probably been tried on by a dozen people before you! Make charity shops you friend for jigsaws, books, DVDs etc and then pass them on to friends. Search comparison sites and change suppliers - you don't owe them any loyalty. Get a cash back credit card and pay it off in full every month. Read the newspapers for free online (only The Times demands a subscription). Use any vouchers you can - keep them in your bag or pocket so you have them to hand. Look for deals on the net before going to London say - often have them combined with rail ticket. Don't buy fancy cleaning stuff - vinegar, ammonia, bicarb and a cheap cream cleaner will tackle most problems. Admit might want antibacterial spray and limescale remover, but not all these other items - remember they make fantastic claims and like face creams are only 'chemicals' in attractive packaging.ViewDate:
5th Feb 2013ViewDate:
12th Jan 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Junk MailHi Opelaccent - Sorry, I should have said I do exactly as you do with the odd letter (returned postage not paid etc) and, yes, it does work. But the PO are obliged to deliver stuff that they have accepted on contract regardless of notices or returns. As business is flagging with more of us emailing (and who can blame us with first class stamps as an outrageous 60p each) they are turning, apparently, to businesses to deliver their bumpf to raise revenue and this is likely to rise - hence my first post.ViewDate:
12th Jan 2013Sally Ann commented on:
Mobile Phones.Hi Barry - Like you I have simple mobile pay-as-you-go phone and use it to call people if necessary when out, text, use the camera occasionally and can listen to the radio, but it's not very good. Up until very recently I was totally happy with it, but now I keep finding about all the 'apps' available I am getting more and more tempted to go for a simple android phone, but then will I use it when all is available online anyway? It's easy to think we are falling behind when new things come into view, but if it fulfils the needs you have for it then hang on to it. Like the saying is 'if it ain't broke don't mend it'.ViewDate:
18th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Password posers perplexing BritonsNo, but have to keep a little black book (which never leaves the house) so I can look them up! This bit of software I am definitely going to look into, but of course that could, I guess, still be 'compromised'??ViewDate:
18th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Big news for the hard of hearingBrilliant! Don't need one - yet - but this is a great idea and will benefit those who do need them and the NHS.ViewDate:
13th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Cancer screening project unveiledANY screening is a good thing and everyone offered it should take it up. It does save lives.ViewDate:
13th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Religious documents going digitalIsn't that just wonderful! What a resource!ViewDate:
13th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Insufficient seating for weary shoppersHi - You are dead right: space equals more mechandise. (Have you noticed more and more seems to be jammed into floor space?). It's also to do with through put. In - buy -out: 'next please'. They don't want us cluttering up the place just sitting. Wander, yes, you might buy. Sit you won't. Shopping is not longer the pleasure it once was - it's too hot, things are on high rails, no room to move freely and like you say you have to use the cafe to take the weight off. I buy online every time I can and often just search the websites like M&S to find what I want then order online for store collection. Then I head straight to the store,try it or return it through Cusotmer Services and head for home. It's just too much hassle to do otherwise, and frankly with free postage and returns available I prefer to shop online whenever I can. NB With BHS you now have to buy something to use their loo!! You get a door code at the bottom of you receipt. How's that for friendly customer service!ViewDate:
13th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Do you have difficulty getting a whole nights sleep?Hi Lily - Yes, I've been using Melatonin for some years, but only when absolutely necessary as it is a hormone after all (natural or not). It does not work immediately so it's a bit of a problem if at 2.00 am you feel you are never going to get to sleep and then take it as you will then sleep on for a good 6 or so hours and if you have to get up at say 7.00 am it's a bit of a pain. However, if I know I have got to get up the next day and have a busy day ahead I take it at 11.00 pm. I really don't know, but I assume it is something to do with the EU regulations on natural/alternative medicines that you cannot buy it in this country.But that makes me a little wary of it. In the USA you can buy many drugs that are prescription only in this country and that makes one think. So, yes it does work but I would advise caution. You can still buy - I think - 5-HTP which when reaches the brain is converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin which is a precursor of Melatonin. As we age our ability to produce Melatonin naturally decreases (doesn't everything!) so it is logical that it works. You can import it from The States, it's not illegal.ViewDate:
4th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Personal health budgets rolled outI am a fully paid-up member of the sceptics, some would say cynics society. So forgive me if I sound less than enthusiatic about this initiative. I am sure some GP/hospitals etc will use it wisely and patients will benefit, BUT some doctors will encounter the very manipualtive who have stalked the corridors of the NHS since 1948 and will give in through exhaustion, others through lack of expertise in dealing with them and then as the RCN says others will be articulate enough to get what they want and there could be inequalities. In other words it is very open to abuse and will probably cost more than originally thought. Abandoned in a few years time - watch this space.ViewDate:
4th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
The AndropauseAs a woman I have been grateful for all the information regarding feminine health matters and am delighted to see men are now getting more attention. It's not a day before time.ViewDate:
4th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
The 12 days of organising ChristmasJanuary - in the sales, especially for cards, wrapping paper etc.ViewDate:
4th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Byrne's pledge to jobless over 50sDon't these politicians just love the sound of their own voices and especially when they think we will fall for their 'wonderful' ideas that are just going to come to fruition just like that! Perhaps he forgot about the recession, the desire for most employers to avoid hiring the over 50s as they are too expensive or not to easy to mould into their company ethos etc. Well, he is a politician and what do they know? However, perhaps we should be kinder and pat him on the head and whisper in his ear that like all politicians we know he has to be seen to be doing something even though it's a load of codswallop.ViewDate:
4th Dec 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Your views on Silver SidekicksWouldn't we all, blutone: but that is NOT the point!ViewDate:
27th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Warning over grapefruit health riskKnow from working in the NHS that you have never been able to eat grapefruit along with taking Amlodipine( to stabilise high blood pressure), but why, don't know. It is strange that it is just grapefruit - why not the other citrus fruits? It must contain some indiviual enzyme or the like, I suppose. Anyone know the answer without being too technical?ViewDate:
27th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
What book are you currently reading?If you like crime novels I would recommend all of Stephen Booth's books, but you need to start with the very first one 'Black Dog' as they build the characters of DC Cooper and DS Fry throughout. We've had interesting partnerships such as Daziel & Pascoe, Morse & Lewis etc., so if you liked them you will like these two; though they are diametrically opposed. Stephen Booth constructs his stories well, all based in the lovely Peak District, and though dark subjects he can be hilariously funny aswell.ViewDate:
27th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Funny English expressions ....I know this one aswell! (Think it's definitely north of the Thames). But, sorry, can't help. However, The Radio Times runs 'Dictionary Corner' which answers questions like yours, so they might be worth contacting. Two very good books on such colloquialisms are 'Shaggy Dogs and Black Sheep' and 'Red Herrings and White Elephants' both by Albert Jack, but I can't see this one in either. Now intrigued myself to know the answer!ViewDate:
27th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
English GrammarWe were fortunate enough to be brought up in an age when grammar and spelling were important and, yes, misuse or bad spelling is irritating, but it is humiliating to someone to correct a mistake unless you are in the position of appointed teacher. A lot of younger people went through a time of education when 'free-flow' was the idea; no puctuation, no grammar - just let the creative juices flow unhindered by such niceties. My children went through this and it was a very silly idea. I had to teach both of them grammar, spelling and how to construct a sentence that had the correct meaning. Blame the past education ideas and the generally now accepted 'e-speak' regarding the importance of grammar etc. The English language has passed through many ages, stages and phases. We might not like it, but we are just in another one.ViewDate:
24th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Christmas Adverts: Best thing on the box?You're a woman after my own heart Sandra.ViewDate:
24th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Mince Pies with Orange PastryEssentially that is exactly what it is. Same as almond slices - just a festive variation.ViewDate:
24th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Christmas puddingGorgeous! But we all eat too much at Xmas and I like to save the pud until January. It extends the festive feeling and it is comforting on cold, wet miserable days. PS. If you buy shop bought they are usually reduced in January so get nice feeling of saving money aswell and the good ones will keep until next Xmas. Just call me Scrooge!ViewDate:
24th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Where do you go to find a recipe?A good source of recipes is the BBC website. I have a copy of The Times Cook Book by Katie Stewart (who remembers her, I wonder) from 1976. It is brown with age and some pages bear evidence of egg and flour, but I would not part with it for the world. It is now out of print I think - even Amazon can't supply. It has the best chicken liver pate recipe and scone recipe I have ever found - though I have tweaked the pate one!ViewDate:
24th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Some say middle aged is a state of mind ....Why are we all so obsessed with age? It is something I have never understood. We don't choose when we are born, we can't stop time or the phases of life we go through. We are all at some age and some position in the time we are alive: there is nothing unique in any of it. It simply does not matter how old you are: what matters is how you decide to live your life and how you feel inside. Plus the ability to forget the clock and numbers.ViewDate:
15th Nov 2012Sally Ann commented on:
Christmas Adverts: Best thing on the box?Best Christmas Advert - the 'off' button. Sorry Folks, but they are all just trying to sell us something and we are all old enough to know what we want not what they think we want!