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's latest comments
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9th Oct 2016commented on:
Should Trump quit now?I have watched this video of Trump and frankly I fail to see what the fuss is all about. Trump has said nothing more than any other man or "woman" when in a group of their own gender. What he said " he was attracted to beautiful women, he wanted to kiss them and if they allowed that, it was basically an open book" so to speak, that is nothing more than has been said by men all over the world in a locker room, at a bar, or when out with male friends. I have heard worse from women, yes, my own sex. What man does not want or feel sexually attracted to a beautiful woman but unfortunately for Trump he was recorded saying these things. It seems to me one rule for men, one for women - If women were to say such things about men, and they do, it's ok, no one says anything, but men do it, and their crucified! Women can ogle and express all kinds of things about men physically, and it's seen as fun - but men, they all of a sudden become monsters and misogynists. So much for equality!ViewDate:
13th Sep 2016commented on:
Should The Great British Bake Off remain with the BBC?Then why even comment, surely you must have better and more important issues to read and comment on in the world ;)ViewDate:
1st Sep 2016commented on:
Junior Doctors Strike - your viewsMy comments are made from being an insider. And doctors have always worked long hours, as many of us do, it's not a 7.5 hour day career with 60 minutes for lunch and breaks every 4 hours. In fact few of us work like that. Unfortunately patients only see one side, the healing, especially if a family member has had their life saved. The government, shame their not tougher, with slow drip feed of doctors being seen as gods, and trust me, when you see them on the wards talking about not wanting to do a weekend because there is some party to go to - YES, this happens. Patients don't see this. It's simple; if you want to do a 36 hour week and no weekends, don't become a doctor, work in an office 9-5. I won't comment anymore on this subject as I have work to do, aa I only drop by once in a while, but happy debating to all of you.ViewDate:
1st Sep 2016commented on:
Junior Doctors Strike - your viewsWorking hours and pay for junior doctors The new contract says that doctors can work no more than 72 hours over seven consecutive days, down from 91 hours in the current contract. They should also only work an average of 48 hours per week, unless they opt out of the Working Time Regulations in which case the maximum is 56 hours. This is down from a current cap of 56 hours. The new contract also reduces the number of long days a doctor can be asked to work from seven to five and the number of consecutive nights they can work from seven to four. According to the BMA, the old contracts allowed junior doctors to take a break every four hours for 30 minutes. The new contract allows one 30-minute break after five hours and then another after nine hours. The new contracts also introduce a new “guardian of safe working hours”. This will be someone within a hospital or organisation responsible for ensuring that rules on safe working hours are followed. The "average junior doctor " earns around 37K with new contracts guaranteeing an additional 10%-11% to their basic pay. Plus 37%, yes 37% on top of their basic hourly rate for work between 9pm and 7am. 8% on top of all this IF they are on call.ViewDate:
1st Sep 2016commented on:
Do you support the Junior Doctor's latest planned 5 day strike?Absolutely right Cherry3 - These needs doctors need to wake up and face up to their oath as a doctor and what it really means.ViewDate:
1st Sep 2016commented on:
Junior Doctors Strike - your viewsUnfortunately many people make comments without being in the FULL picture of the contract, the huge amount of money these junior doctors get paid, their huge pensions waiting for them at the end of the line, that many of us in the real world love. Having worked in the medical profession for over 20 years and how doctors once looked at their profession, how junior doctors back in the 60's, 70's and 80's actually committed to the profession accepted certain " climbing the ladder" to become a senior consultant meant you worked weekends, they didn't complain, they felt it was part of the wonderful privilege to become a doctor and what it meant for the people they wanted to help. Not any longer, junior doctors look upon their work as being a FIVE day a week job, one where they are now willing to blackmail those who are dependent on them. Read the contract that was agreed upon, and not just depend on social media or the infantile, self absorbed 27% who are going to cause this mayhem and perhaps lives in due course. Not all junior doctors are supporting this, it's a minority, but as usual it's the minority that rules. Jeremy Hunt is not to blame, he is quite right the NHS should be a 7 day service. If you don't want to work in rotation, take your turn in weekend work, with a HUGE pay reward for doing so, then don't become a doctor. People are not ill to order Mon-Fri. Any doctor who strikes is no different to someone hitting out physically when they feel they're losing an argument or can't get their own way - the only way to debate and discuss in an adult fashion, not like some tantrum, stamping child is to do so over the table and show the general public their real worth. Appalling to do this to the general public!ViewDate:
24th Aug 2016commented on:
Would you like to turn back time?I'm not so sure people really want to return to a past time, but may be what they refer to is a "standard and society that was basically good" which today is somewhat lacking - good manners, swearing and loud behavior as common place now, school children who are permitted to call their teachers by their first name, take mobiles to school in class, no discipline or respect in schools - just look at the teachers who have been murdered, the four children under 16 who this year have murdered adults, to the free speech that has enabled those to establish and radicalize young people, the facebook pages that permit videos of beheadings and atrocities, the lifestyle choices of those who wish to have children when they cannot afford them but expect to be supported by the taxpayer because it's their right to choose to have children. Working in the medical profession for many years I witnessed the latter far too many times. Of course technology, medical science and further equality for women has been a great step forward, but personally I'm not sure our society in many of the ways I've mentioned would not be better if we had some of the morals and standards of the 50's, 60's and 70's...You could pretty well walk the streets safely, and you didn't fear that some bomb or crazed religious sector could wipe you or loved ones out...ViewDate:
14th Aug 2016commented on:
Imageering showcase imageOh she's so beautiful, I hope she didn't suffer too much losing the sight of her eye. Look after her, she's so sweet!ViewDate:
4th Aug 2016commented on:
TRAVELING SOLO AND LOOKING FOR A COMPANION?Just read a post on this subject below, where a poor lady met up with someone to travel with, someone she did not know well, and sadly and cruelly this person "scammed her" ran off with her money under the guise of booking their trip. We must ALL be careful with what and who we share information with, on any forum, as those who are unscrupulous will at times join such forums for the purpose of scamming. And this poor lady, sorry forget her "handle" right now, was obviously a trusting and genuine person and automatically thought everyone to be the same. Forums are great for the initial contact, but, and it's a bit but, the only way to know someone, someone you may want to travel with is to get to KNOW them in the real world, and not divulge too much via the internet. Don't automatically presume because someone is friendly, or you meet them on a forum, whether it be SilverSurfers or not, they are who they say they are. If you meet with someone OFF the forum, ensure: 1. you meet in a public place 2.You let someone know where and who you're meeting 3. Don't give your home address to anyone until you know them very well. 4. If you give out a phone number - don't give your land line, use a mobile number, harder to trace than a land line. 5. If they start to ask about money, or say they're suffering financial difficulties be very aware. 6. Don't invite anyone in to your home just because you get on well in a forum - because it's no different to meeting a total stranger out and then inviting them home. People can get very lost in the "friends zone" of forums and presume someone is genuine. 7. Go on your gut instincts, they are usually spot on - if you feel something, no matter how small, or you can't quite put your finger on it, TRUST it and act upon it. 8. Never give money to someone even in person to book a holiday, or anything else that means passing over a considerable sum of money. This ONLY belongs to the people we have known a lifetime or a very, very long time. For women looking for female travel companions, you might like https://www.thelmandlouise.com/en-gb/ Thelma and Louise, travel companions for women only.ViewDate:
4th Aug 2016commented on:
TRAVELING SOLO AND LOOKING FOR A COMPANION?I think in theory it sounds great to just reach out in a "virtual" forum for a travel companion, where whoever reads or responds will ultimately be meeting a total stranger for a considerable period of travelling. I think most people before diving in to such a situation would want to at least have some interaction (real world) or at least lots of email contact, then phone chats to determine, if one: they felt you got on, had enough in common apart from a holiday, and two: if they felt secure. Personally speaking, and of course this may only be me, but before I even considered travelling with someone I would want to get to know them very well, they visit me, and vice versa. If it weren't important for people to "know" someone before embarking on such a trip, then one may as well go alone anyway as everyone you come across will be total strangers on your travels, and that, I suspect is what you are trying to avoid.ViewDate:
2nd Aug 2016commented on:
How Do Single Retired People Not Become Isolated And Alone?I think when one admits "bravely" to being a recluse and they have not shared a coffee with someone in their own home since 2013, there are probably reasons WHY they have got to this stage, and that reason why they have become so cut off, will be the answer ultimately to this question. It is highly likely this gentleman is aware of groups, walking clubs etc..or about getting a dog, but my guess is there is something holding him back from what he would like to achieve. He doesn't share with the forum what his life was like before becoming a recluse which is an extremely difficult issue to overcome, and often pragmatic, direct..pull yourself together kind of advice does not help as there is a more to the face value of the problem...ViewDate:
30th Jul 2016commented on:
How Do Single Retired People Not Become Isolated And Alone?All the suggestions made by people are good, but it depends on what one means by lonely and isolated. You can be in a crowded room, out with a group of people, on a walk with ramblers, in a class learning something new, all are perfectly practical and pragmatic answers but it does not mean you won't feel lonely and isolated. Many couples of long standing years on the surface seem happy but a lot don't communicate together, or share their feelings, so again it matters less where or what group you actually decide upon to welcome into your life, but more to do with the " kind" of connection YOU want or need to enable you to feel less isolated. And of course the people you eventually attempt to meet through whatever means, ideally seek the same kind of connection, then you are more likely to feel happy and fulfilled! But you must try to create the opportunities to meet others to be of benefit.ViewDate:
28th Jul 2016commented on:
Silence and strengthVery touching and beautiful words about your Dad! How proud he would be!ViewDate:
28th Jul 2016commented on:
I'm a dog person wanting to become a cat person - is there such a thing?Hello " Deffay" I have always thought being tagged as a "dog" "Horse" or "Cat" person was somewhat limiting. Surely if we are warm, loving compassionate human beings we will be kind and respect all "animals" after all they are very similar to us being sentient beings who suffer the same ailments and to a certain extent show and display loyalty and affection. However, having had animals all my life from cats, dogs, horses, donkey's to Ducks and Geese, I do know that as a PET some suit us better at certain life stages in life. So I do understand why you ask the question. Simply, YES you can love and be loved by an pet you choose to share your home. Of course if you've had dogs over the last few years a little readjustment may be needed, but as long as you decide to love and be affectionate with your new pet ( cat) then a cat can be a wonderful, loving and faithful companion. I have a Bengal, before this an Abyssinian, and before that a beautiful Ginger and cream little girl who was rescued. Generally the world seems to have a different view of cats to dogs, namely (and unfairly in my opinion) that they are aloof, only want you when being fed etc, but this is completely wrong. None of my cats have ever been like this, but I treat my cats with the same affection as I would any living being in my home. They respond accordingly. If you treat any one or animal as though it is aloof it will act aloof. My beautiful little girl Bengal just 10 this year follows me like a dog, she runs by my side, fetches a ball or stick, and paws me for attention much of the time. She sleeps next to me on my bed and when I've been unwell has laid her head on the pillow by me with her paw out stretched to my chest. She will kiss my nose, nestle her head into my arms and is barely away from the house when she has a little walk. She also greets me when I return home from shopping or whatever, so I can assure you if you do get a cat and give it lots of love and affection from an early age that cat will repay you with love and loyalty too. When it comes to choosing a kitten IF you decide upon a cat, make sure you see the home, the mother and watch how the kittens interact with the person selling the kittens and you. If they haven't been handles very much they may be more timid and therefore it might take a little more time to settle one, but again it all boils down to being patient and loving and not expecting too much over a few weeks when getting him/her home. Lastly I would say if you could have two, it's lovely for them, and two don't really cost that much more than one, and of course when you go away on holiday they would still have the security of one another. I hope this helps.ViewDate:
26th Jul 2016commented on:
WASPII had not heard of this WASPI before now, but then I am probably in a minority group of people over 60 who agrees and accepts pension age should be raised. We all live a lot longer, in general much fitter and active for longer and when the pension age was originally set at 60 for women and 65 for men, we did not live as long. Things have to change and evolve. I personally have no wish to be tagged " retired" or because I reach 60 people see me differently as I was at 59. And there is a lot of this about. Of course I feel for those who may do a manual job or work at something they loathe and can't wait to retire from it, but at 60 or 65 if reasonably fit and active there is no reason why we should give up any kind of work for may be the next 20-30 years. In fact I have witnessed those who work on longer generally remain younger for longer, opposed to those folk who just potter around a garden, play golf and travel.ViewDate:
26th Jul 2016commented on:
InheritanceWhat a beautiful posting Lionel, so full of caring and empathy. And as for our faithful friends ( four legged ones) I totally agree.ViewDate:
25th Jul 2016commented on:
MOVING HOME ALONE ......AND TO A NEW PART OF THE COUNTRYWell "Suffolknan" I have read your posting with great interest as I have moved alone, but certainly not recently. I originally moved to where I am some 18 years ago "against" my better wishes due to a man who moved to this area for his career, but alas the relationship failed ( no surprise, he was never relationship material) however, I ended up having to start again alone in an area where as you say, you have surface acquaintances, people chat, you can have a meal or have coffee together, but, and there is a huge but, unless you have history with people, where you have some background deep friendship over the years - people 9/10 have their own lives, family and friends they have history with they tend to want to be with. I think when one is their 20's, 30's or perhaps early 40's it is easier to create "history" with someone, as I believe we all need a deep seated connection to another human being, and it does not need to be the opposite sex. In the last 13 years I have moved three times and for me it is a nightmare. Moving alone is exhausting, or it was for me. And moving from one area to another does not "change how people" build friendships or ultimately view their life-long friends. You merely move from one area to another but life remains the same with the same issues, just with different scenery. And I think it's this you need to really think about. And as for selling your home and privately renting, on the surface I'm sure it sounds attractive, but, sorry another but. I privately rent, but have absolutely NO security with it. Most landlords do not let to provide homes, they let to make profit, to make money out of people and often raise rents at the end of a tenancy. Most tenancy's are only 6-12 months, rarely longer and as I say at the end of the fixed term, they are likely to put your rent up, or give you notice. Now this may be okay if you're in your 40's or early 50's but there will come a time, when security of where you live, having a home, and not just a roof over your head, will prove invaluable. With renting you have to ask if you want to paint or change something, and as for trying to get new carpet or flooring when worn can be a real problem. Basically you have no choice as it's not your home but a landlords piggy bank. I am currently looking into getting a mortgage to buy, so I have my own as I age. Security of a home for me is the key to creating a stable and happy life - even though I feel isolated without someone close and significant in my life, I know moving a 100 miles away wont resolve that, you just move the same issues with you. But of course we are all different, you may be more adventurous than me, not mind not having your own home, so you must make the decision that YOU feel is right for you. I think as we age the importance of a close relationship/friendship is vital to our emotional health to share life's ups and downs - perhaps a register of people who like to move, or are looking for someone they can build a friendship with who may eventually move near them, even perhaps share a home. I'm sure there must be plenty of ladies, divorced, widowed or single who would welcome such an opportunity instead of spending the rest of their life alone. I wish you every success in whatever you decide to do. Good luck!ViewDate:
24th Jul 2016commented on:
Do you feel lonely?I can understand and relate to a lot of what you say...except my neighbors are lovely kind people. 27 years single, gosh, I've been single for 16 years now and personally prefer to be single, as in I think people often fall into relationships out of loneliness and end up regretting it, but a good friend, female friend can be just as comforting and fill that void. It does not need to be someone of the opposite sex to share life's ups and downs, and I think when it comes down to it - it's the sharing that counts. You look such a lovely lady so I hope you didn't mind me replying.ViewDate:
24th Jul 2016commented on:
Do you feel lonely?Having read some of the many heartwarming and moving stories of how people feel isolated and lonely..even if not all the time, makes me realize WE, a lot of us feel the same, which is some ways is comforting for the fact, it makes you feel less alone, and that you do have much in common with others. Isolation can feel like an illness a disease that grows and renders us even more vulnerable and alone. It's a place I never really thought I would arrive at - like most of us! I'm self employed and work alone, love what I do for work, but due to being self-employed it means I now don't need to leave my home, nor go out on a daily basis to work. Which of course cuts you off from the rest of the world. So I understand how someone who may be a carer, or have no children, be widowed or divorced where their life has changed FEEL alone. Where I live currently and for the last 18 years, was not by my choice, but through moving with someone that I have since regretted dreadfully. I live in a rural, parochial village and as lovely as the people are I share no history with them, it's surface politeness and I miss terribly the buzz of city life where I was born. I don't have a partner, a son who lives hundreds of miles away and a best female friend who also lives hundreds of miles away, plus she has a husband who is unwell and a full time job, so I know only too well the isolation one can feel. I hope my comment on this article at least helps others to know they are NOT alone in how they feel, just perhaps not have anyone near enough to feel that all important human connection and contact...something we all need!