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Billythequiche's bio
Retired, active, married for over 45 years. -
Billythequiche's latest comments
ViewDate:
8th Mar 2024Billythequiche commented on:
Would you be happy to be weighed before boarding a flight?Of course not an issue. Sounds amusing but a little research shows instances of aircraft accidents caused by underestimate of passenger weights.ViewDate:
8th Mar 2024Billythequiche commented on:
Are you particular about loading your dishwasher?Yes, very. I hate finding dishes/crockery that are less than spotless.ViewDate:
8th Mar 2024Billythequiche commented on:
Is it ever ok to buy an item of clothing, leave the price tag on, wear it once and return it?It is a sad reflection of our society that 4% think that this type of dishonesty is acceptable. It would probably look even worse if younger section of society answered this question.ViewDate:
23rd Feb 2024Billythequiche commented on:
Do you have access to an NHS Dentist?We have had the same dentist for more than thirty years. Their service has always been impeccable even through Covid. We have never been asked to have procedures beyond those needed for oral health and hygiene. Every time we have a check up, we book for the next one in 6 months. If it came to it, we would drop our cinema membership or make other savings to continue with our dentist. Actually, the same would apply to our chiropodist.ViewDate:
15th Dec 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Should motorists be fined for parking on the pavement?Of course, pavements are for pedestrians. Those who say the roads are too narrow and parking both sides obstructs services, should realise that this will lead to double yellows. To most of us it is just a nuisance, for the partially sighted, disabled and mothers with buggies, it is potentially dangerous.ViewDate:
16th Oct 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Should ultra-processed foods be labelled ‘addictive’?Of course not, would you label a strawberry or a roast dinner? Nanny state can only go so far. I would however, make compulsory, the display of the simple traffic light symbols on products (where possible) and on menus and adverts. These make it easy to see the levels of fat, sugar, salt etc.ViewDate:
6th Oct 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you agree with the decision to axe HS2 northern leg?It is disappointing to end a capital project like this but in the present economic climate, the money can be better spent. There MUST be a serious enquiry into the cause of the out of control costs. Was there incompetence? Was there corruption? Were there politically correct jobs created that were in no way necessary?ViewDate:
29th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you support the delay to the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars?Your argument is in error. The grid IS the in frastructure at its basic level; wind etc are sources. Unfortunately, these, like the infrastructure, are in no way ready for the end of fossil fuels. Also, leaving aside the well intentioned rhetoric about climate change and moral duty, a sense of proportion must prevail in the speed of change. Otherwise, the majority of people will suffer needlessly in the haste for virtue signalling targets. Many people will find it impossible to shoulder the financial burden of unplanned zealous reform without care and control. Everyone knows of the situation and the need for change but the speed and cost must be controlled. I have the most efficient gas boiler available, I also have cavity wall and double loft insulation. We save energy wherever possible. There is NO way we could afford to install a heat pump nor replace all of the radiators. We, along with this country, lead the way in our green intentions. Perhaps those with the loudest voice should aim at China, India, Russia and even the USA. Strange that we are sending foreign aid to some of the worst polluters.ViewDate:
22nd Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you support the delay to the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars?Leaving aside the cost to individuals, the infrastructure necessary is nowhere near being ready. We are not capable of generating the amount of power required and the provision of public charging is pathetic. Why are we not demanding that companies agree on one type of plug, one way of paying and sufficient facilities while charging.ViewDate:
17th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Let's start a rant about pension triple lock!The Triple Lock is an excellent thing to put into a manifesto, not so good when the economic situation means a decent payout, maybe. The exchequer, in their wisdom, has frozen the level of personal allowance for several years; so taxpayers like me will lose a significant amount to income tax. It's alright for those in the civil service who can get significant salary increases and improved retirement plans and also those already ultra high earners who can afford to be on strike for exorbitant rises. While ministers may pontificate on the "unsustainability" of our less than generous pensions, how about they publish the the future costs of civil service pensions? If we have the wherewithal to continue foreign aid to China and India, we cannot be short of available money.ViewDate:
16th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?You always make me think, then think again. I expect it's because you use facts and argument rather than dogma and insults. Mea Culpa, I do tend to form adverse opinions of people who are different from me but only when they try to force their views and intolerences on other people. You are obviously a better person than I as your tolerance and understanding exceed mine. I try to be tolerant but it is not easy; I would give anti-vaccers a lethal injection for endangering peoples lives. Enough said, we must not hog the discourse; I hope you will agree to disagree amicably.ViewDate:
14th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?Cannot argue with your use of facts or your experience in the NHS. I believe that nurses and some junior doctors had agendas other than money but not consultants, it was too calculated. Endangering lives and leaving others in pain and distress is not going to get extra funding especially when initial demand levels were so high as to be an unfunny joke. I stand corrected on the Matron role, I was perhaps using rose tinted glasses to view an ideal situation that no longer exists. After discussing our interchange with my wife, she had a mini=rant of her own after reading about the new "miracle" slimming pill that will be available. Two and a half years ago she asked the GP for help when she developed Type 2 and various other ailments, all down to obesity. She did not shy away from telling her the truth and the cause and instead of avoiding "fat shaming" made it clear it was self inflicted and needed life style change rather than drugs. She referred her to the local health dept that does preventative measure and help. They arranged for her to get a free twelve week membership to a weight control organisation. She is now just shy of 6 stones lighter and no longer has Type Two. Please, I am not holding us up as paragons of virtue and I am sure other health authorities have similar programmes. I am saying that addiction for drugs, fags, drink or unhealthy eating, is, to an extent, self inflicted and if offered help and refused, more so. It is not an excuse for abuse and assault of emergency workers and illegal behaviour, including shop lifting, to the distress of the general public. Referring to my area of experience, hunger did not drive the theft of expensive toiletries, alcohol or tobacco, they just made a profit when sold on. I admire your generosity on gender issues. You are quite right that when young no such thoughts entered my head. There where always some who offered to show you some puppies, and I have no doubt that if I was subjected to pressure from people I trusted, I would have become conflicted as I had no terms of reference or experience to deal with it. It is a form of abuse to put thoughts into the mind of a child that they are unable to deal with especially if this is done without parental oversight. We are just starting to get heartbroken youngsters bitterly regretting gender reassignment. This generation will not forgive us if we allow this blindly. Better stop before this starts to resemble a manifesto. Must admit, I enjoy debating with you. You do not resort to dogma or insults but use facts and reasoning as a surgeon uses a scalpel. I always learn something from these. if only that I may be wrong, sometimes.ViewDate:
12th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?Certainly not a rant. Passionate, informed, literate definitely. Absolutely makes you think but we are a distance apart in our perceptions. Do not think the government is incompetent, more impotent. Heads of our big companies and institutions (including NHS), are not only incompetent but care nothing for the harm they cause and take no responsibility for their actions; it is easier to blame the government. Shady lawyers, the civil service, the opposition and remoaners conspire to stall everything the government tries to do. I have a low tolerance for those who opt for a lifestyle of indolence and reliance on benefits including self-inflicted illnesses like drugs and alcohol. There is always a choice. I have contentious views on the NHS. I would pare it back to disease prevention/cure and life saving. There would be no free service for gender, cosmetic or other non life threatening conditions. I would sack anybody who spent NHS money on rethinking pronouns or championing non-females to be allowed to identify themselves as female and use female wards and toilets. Yes, I know mixed wards have been around for a long time but that does not make them right. I would sack the senior managers and replace them with real Matrons. Cosultants deliberately planning striking at the same time as junior doctors and saying it's the government fault if someone dies while still doing private work? Civil sevice and local council workers working from home or even the beach? Out of control union barons trying to do an Arthur Scargill or Jimmy Read? They did well didn't they? Our local health services are extremely efficient. Peripheral services like audiology are run independantly. If you NEED a face to face you can get one, the triaging prioritises those who do. They also support those who want to take responsibility for their own health. I have type 2 and age related arthritis. Along with meds I was given weight control advice and regular diabetes checks. I was also given a 12 week free referral to a qualified remedial gym. 18 months later my type 2 is under control and improving, I am almost a stone lighter and free of pain killers for the arthritis. Yes, there are unfortunates in our society who deserve help; but that should not always be a free ride subsidised by the rest of us. I had better stop now, that was a rant but you can take it. I can imagine us clashing swords over the despatch box.ViewDate:
11th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?Sorry for the spelling and grammatical errors in my post. I claim it is an "age" thing.ViewDate:
11th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?This is one of those rare occasions where I find myself diametrically opposed to your views. I worked in food all my working life, 20 years of this was in retail. Only a tiny number of the thieves I caught or was assaulted by was motivated by need or hunger. I make no apology for calling a thief a thief. I never earned "average earnings" in all my working life and had two experiences of unemployment. We still managed to raise 3 children without recourse to stealing or food banks. You must remember the early seventies and how hard times were but we got through it; like a lot of others we had dept which meant having two jobs. We survived by prioritising and doing without luxury goods, new cars, the latest tech etc. Through all this we still managed to look to the future and paid into a pension instead of an all-singing giant TV or the latest mobile. Now happily retired, and STILL receiving NO benefits, we have ,when necessary, been the "bank of mum and dad or of Grannie and grandad". Ignoring any moral or liberal issues, why should we subsidise these robbers through higher prices just as we do with those who won't buy car insurance. Also, we should not expect those in the service industries to be put at risk by turning a blind eye. We have seen the results of going soft on drugs, we must not make the same mistake again.ViewDate:
5th Sep 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Shoplifting on the Rise: Should We Report It or Ignore It?When I started in retail in the late sixties, shoplifting was rife even then. There are two main differences now: If you challenged them then, you risked a punch or a whack with the bottle they had stolen, now it could be a knife If you reported it, two burly bobbies would attend and whisk them away to the police station. Don't lay all the blame on the police, look also to the over-liberal judiciary who do not sentence severely enough and the CPS who appear to be incompetent at bringing cases to court. Theft is theft, there are no excuses. If some crimes are ignored, where do you stop? Robbery, Assault, Arson, Murder?ViewDate:
31st Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
"Lessons will be learned".NATS. That is who runs air traffic control in the UK. Need I say more? "People stranded, people £1000s out of pocket? Not my responsibility, it won't affect my bonus".ViewDate:
28th Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
"Lessons will be learned".Absolutely. Incompetence and indifference on an epic scale and then have the gall to say that costomers must pay extra to put it right.ViewDate:
22nd Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Have you switched supermarkets for your main weekly shop?We have changed our main supermarket but not recently. We changed during Covid. We had shopped at the supermarket for many years, had membership of their loyalty card, online forum and Christmas club were we pre-ordered our Seasonal shopping. Then Covid hit. We were advised not to go shopping as we were classed as elderly and vulnerable. We weren't too worried as we had previously registered with them for online shopping but never used it. We rang, no answer; we tried to order, no answer; we emailed, no answer; we wrote, no answer; we went on social media, the only ones being answered were the ones praising this supermarket. Eventually I went to the store and asked to see a manager, the reply was a shrug and suggestion to try Amazon. We got advice from Which who gave us a link to register with another supermarket who classed us as priority and gave us a weekly delivery slot. We have used them ever since and had superb service. If you include loyalty card prices and bonuses, the prices of the biggest supermarkets are similar so service is the key. I have not given any company names as I am not sure of moderators views on this, it may be classed as advertising, I don't know.ViewDate:
7th Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Would you consider being a Deliveroo rider?What? Deliver food to those who deem me a "coffin dodger" and claim I have robbed their future because I had the foresight to pay into a pension scheme? Not b****y likely.ViewDate:
7th Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.Ha Ha. If only I was young enough, but then I would not have the experience of age. I could not be a politician, I cannot tell a convincing lie, my face would give me away. Also, I could not maintain a diplomatic silence when confronted with: hypocrisy, corruption, incompetence and dishonesty. As a baby boomer, the sacrifices made to keep our freedoms, rights and standards were all too real to me as a child. Inclusivity and diversity will not be achieved by the force feeding of cant and minority views, the imposition of "quotas", or the erosion of free debate and discussion.ViewDate:
4th Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.Absolutely. I have said before that perhaps we need a "Grey" or "Silver" Party to rail against the sheer lack of common sense in government at national and local level. I try not to become angry but the stupidity of the week this week is a beauty. We are told we must switch to electric cars and heating. A statement was made that the National Grid needs vast improvements; it was also stated that local planning permission could take 10-15 years. I rest my case.ViewDate:
4th Aug 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.It certainly is not wrong. However, there are those minorities who would deny your right to say so and they seek influence beyond their numbers to silence any but their own tiny world view.ViewDate:
28th Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.Have not seen the video but it is to be hoped that she is not vilified like some of our great authors, charity heads and educators. As a mere man in his seventies, who can only claim to be witness to: difficult childbirth, post birth depression, long and difficult menopause; I realise that my generation were remiss in championing womens rights. When I was young, Germain Greer terrified me but made me think seriously about these issues. I would like to think she would do the same to the activists but they cannot be reasoned with, they are more commited to their dogma than the Spanish Inquisition. The lead must come from parliament and the judiciary to curb the excesses and stop the attacks on women and freedom of speech. If you will pardon the expression, the male partners, brothers, fathers and other relatives/representives must "grow a pair" and defend, in the media and physically, women under attack. Please don't label that as "alpha male" attitude of poor helpless females. A lot of power and influence is still male orientated and the struggle for equality is not won yet. I am not an activist or political animal, I can only influence by example. We are still, if not more, happy after 50+ years of marriage as we are best friends and have respect for each other as equals.ViewDate:
28th Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you own an electric car?I can see the pro's and lusted after one of the stylish new breed. Now I am unconvinced. I had of course read about the scarcity of charging points and the confusion over paying and even the type of plug-in systems. I am more concerned with the news that the National Grid is not ready and will not be for some time. I have a garage so should I go all electric or play safe with a plug-in hybrid? Not all electrics take the same rated home charger, so will you have to buy a new one if you change cars? Manufacturers are very quiet about the battery life and the cost to replace. One last question, will my insurance increase to cover the extra risk of Lithium Ion Battery fires? Having said all that, if Kia offered a straight swop of my Sportage for a Kia electric, I probably couldn't resist.ViewDate:
28th Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you support Just Stop Oil activists or have they gone too far?Just more "rent-a-mobs", some driving away in their diesel SUVs to their wood burners. The right to protest is not a right to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of the general public. Apart from the normal stiff penalties, they should be held financially responsible for costs incurred, police time, court time and losses incurred by people they have held up.ViewDate:
24th Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.Read in todays paper that the same people who censored books by Roald Dahl, are now doing the same for the Beano. Is nothing sacred? Have we totally given up on common sense? They are now issuing warnings before performances of Shakespeares Twelfth Night. Not so long ago these people would have been ridiculed. I have been for a long time concerned that reading by the young is declining, this can only be exacerbated if all reading has warnings or is censored and sanitised to have no challenges. Add to that, the violent activists and the cowardly faculties are trying to stop free expression and discussion in educational establishments. Big Brother is now wearing a coat of many colours.ViewDate:
23rd Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.I share your fears over the grandchildren. I doubt they will forgive our generation for allowing this to happen to them. It is tantamount to abuse. At the root of things is a profound lack of being held responsible for actions that materially affect others. When a company such as Thames Water implodes, the CEO and shareholders should be individually and severally responsible for key debts like pensions. When similar companies pollute the water they are supposed to protect, they should not be able to increase prices to cover while paying dividends. If someone says "punch a Terf" and it happens they should be held responsible. There is no inclusivity or equality as long as we allow an aggressive minority to try and silence the majority view. We must protect those in the arts and education, first from attacks by rabid activists and then from institutions that have fallen under their thrall. I am glad I am old. I can express my disapproval without fear of peer pressure or interference from an employer.ViewDate:
15th Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Is the digital world excluding older people?We are sleepwalking into losing more freedoms and choices. Parking payment only by app., online banking almost universal, self checkouts at the supermarket, the list grows. Recently the news was the closure of ticket offices; what next? I am not a Luddite (millennials look it up on Google) but this affects many others as well as the older ones. How many have failed trying to read parking meter instructions in strong sunlight or your mobile for that matter? How many have struggled to get a signal on a train to present your e-ticket? How many have pre-booked rail tickets only to find the conditions on the train are different from the ones on the booking site? Two recent personal experiences highlight the problem: Boarding a cruise, an elderly lady, whose family had set up all her required documents on her phone, was unable to access them in the departure hall. When visiting a large "outlet", I tried to present my member ID on their App, it wouldn't work. I was told to alter my phone to the store's WiFi, it didn't work. I was then told to delete and then re-download App. It didn't work. Being told that there must be an in-store IT issue did not help or reduce the queue forming behind us. Minor embarrassments perhaps but unnecessary. My own opinion, for what it's worth, is that there are three reasons for going in this direction: avoiding responsibility by using a third party, allowing other parties to have profits at the expense of service, to allow our information to be collected whether we like it or not. I have little fear of data collection but am apprehensive of the security of the companies doing it. Modern ease of communications is great but the digital age must safeguard the rights of those who cannot, or choose not to change everything in their life to suit the wishes of the so called service industries.ViewDate:
1st Jul 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Should we encourage children to identify as cats and other animals?Absolute, dangerous nonsense; would the parents baulk at them wanting to defecate in a tray? Have we lost all common sense? Children MUST be taught the difference between fantasy, play and reality. They must NOT be subjected to other's ideas of "self expression". This used to be called "brain washing" and is a form of abuse. It is little different to saying it's alright to blow yourself up as you will wake up in paradise. Many times these things are done without parental consent and should be illegal as should allowing children to be given drugs without consulting parents. The next generation will not forgive us if we allow the inevitible consequences of this happen. Why are we allowing minorities to force dangerous and arguably immoral practices on our vulnerable children?ViewDate:
9th Jun 2023Billythequiche commented on:
NHSYou are completely right. Since we retired, We have been treating ourselves to some "bucket list" holidays including some cruises. Travel insurance is almost 20% of the cost. A good policy is necessary because you know that before treatment even starts, you will have to prove you can and will pay. It doesn't seem to apply here.ViewDate:
5th May 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Should pay and display parking cash machines be replaced by parking apps?You should be able to pay by card, the technologies been around for years and doesn't depend on a signal.ViewDate:
5th May 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you have access to an NHS Dentist?Have been going to the same dentist for more than 40 years. Check ups twice a year and treatment when we need it.ViewDate:
10th Mar 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you feel confident overtaking HGV's on the motorway?It's not a matter of of confidence or nervousness. It is common sense to bear in mind certain extra factors with HGVs. Can they see you? Non-UK number may mean left hand drive. Are they close to another vehicle and may move to overtake? Will sidewind change during overtake? Are vehicles joining from slip road that may make the lorry move out? Are you able to clear the lorry before slowing down for a vehicle in front as you may enter a blind spot. These possible hazards register much faster than writing them down.ViewDate:
10th Mar 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you buy supermarket own-label brand or Heinz baked beans?Neither. Branston are my preferred choice. Everyone's tastes are different so, unless it is a price decision, go with what you like.ViewDate:
10th Mar 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Are you in favour of ‘digital IDs’?Absolutely right. Common sense tells you that but some people get hysterical about privacy. My only concern would be security.ViewDate:
17th Feb 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Will you miss the "Totally Tropical Taste"?It was always too sweet for my taste. What troubles me is that it is another example of either distasteful virtue signalling or shameful cowardice after a tiny minority of people with loud voices claim the moral high ground. The words and expressions that we are not supposed to use is getting ludicrous. For example: a surgical knife should not be called a scalpel as it may offend a Native American??? Our beautiful language and our culture is in more peril than ever. To use a couple of misquotes "Glass houses/stones" and Without sin/cast the first stone. Sometimes I feel like screaming "What's happened to common sense?" Lost , along with decency, respect, responsibility and freedom of thought and expression.ViewDate:
3rd Feb 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Do you think UK seatbelt laws are too lenient?I do think that strict laws are necessary but it is a shame that we need the state to make us do what should be common sense. I think that there should be degrees, the press hounding ans fine for the PM was just petty but due consieration should be given to emergency workers who have to deal with the consequences. I do not need a notice to tell me that when I wash my hands that the water may be hot.ViewDate:
20th Jan 2023Billythequiche commented on:
Would you like to star in The Romance Retreat?Sorry, I'm far from being a prude, but I find love island close to being "soft porn". The thought of much older couples behaving in that way on TV is not one I relish. I know that there are people who are desperate for a taste of fame (or infamy), but I would prefer not to watch. Good luck to the young, uninhibited and attractive (if artificial) if they like this sort of thing but not for me. We see many "beautiful couples" on cruises but find Love Island as dignified as a belly flop competition. -
Billythequiche's latest forum subjects
View subject Posts: 5Billythequiche, 25/08/2023 13:02:32 started a new subject:
“Lessons will be learned”.View subject Posts: 14Billythequiche, 19/07/2023 15:03:17 started a new subject:
Inclusion versus decency and equality.View subject Posts: 3Billythequiche, 03/06/2023 13:55:59 started a new subject:
NHSView subject Posts: 9Billythequiche, 27/12/2022 00:06:35 started a new subject:
CensorshipView subject Posts: 1Billythequiche, 21/04/2021 14:01:40 started a new subject:
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