Interesting piece by Jenni Murray

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10897639/Why-NHS-hell-bent-erasing-mention-women-writes-JENNI-MURRAY.html

While most of us struggle

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/08/national-grid-ceos-11m-pay-rise-criticised-as-uk-energy-bills-soar

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/boris-johnsons-government-spent-4-24186373

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61767856 I really don't know how these people get as far as they do in their careers.

Another match in the Nations League and a repeat of the Euros final. The match is being played at Molineux and being shown again on Channel 4. Kick off is 7.45pm.
England will get revenge, 1-0.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10902183/Chicago-commuter-20-leaps-subway-tracks-rescue-man-fallen-rail.html

The amount of people who stood by filming!!

Spring Watch is difficult for some people to watch due to the presenters over enthusiasm?

The first show of the 2022 season is based at Ken Hill in Norfolk, the Keilder Forest in Northumberland, and the Isle of Mull.

Here's a note of some of the most repeated words in the dialogue.

Fantastic, incredible, exciting, massive, brilliant, amazing, fabulous, chilled, iconic, adorable, astonishing...

NB LATE ADDITION - stunning

For fun, please guess the most used adjective, and respond.

Your views on THIS very popular BBC show invited. [ STICK to the OP - no other shows please! ]

Amazing story

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/woman-texas-murder-1980-found-alive-b2097749.html?amp&fr=operanews

Interesting story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61741352

When I was very young I asked my Dad why he wore a hat.
"So I may take it off when I meet a lady" was the prompt reply.

My Mum told me if I couldn't say something nice about somone, best to say nothing.
My Mum also taught me to count to 40, if my temper was roused.

I still open doors for others, let ladies go first, and when out for a walk I like to say "Good morning" to fellow walkers, and indeed touch my hat brim to a lady when doing so.

Personally, I have never down-voted any contributor to SL, and never will.

I am saddened by the back-biting that goes on, and hope it might cease.

Your thoughts?

Did any one see the 5 Star Channel programme on TK Maxx on Tuesday evening?.
Well worth watching if it is repeated, it looks like some whistle blowers lifted the lid on spotting the real bargains from the pseudo offers and how they induce shoppers to buy products that they don't really need or want.
There wasn't a lot new for "old hand" retailers but it was interesting to see how the old tricks can be expanded and brought into the 21st century.
If you believe that you are a smart shopper be prepared for some unpleasant surprises.

https://codaily.com/john-lewis-names-sites-for-its-more-than-four-walls-newbuild-flats#:~:text=Retailer%20aims%20to%20start%20work%20on%20flats%20furnished,tries%20to%20create%20new%20communities%20around%20its%20stores.

After 2 years of being unable to hold our Open Days we are back!
A wonderful Father’s Day family event…official Mayoral opening, Indian dancers, live music, competitions, bowls, croquet, pétanque…and raffles inc Club memberships! Click on image for full details….

I read this article in the I today. Somebody mentions they just got over Covid and says how ill they have been. Instead of the usual response of sorry you were ill, glad you are well again, there is now a kind of Covid oneupmanship. People saying how their bout of Covid was worse, or even boasting how mild their Covid was.

https://tinyurl.com/36d8azcm

Yesterday my daughter e-mailed me again, asking why I didn't do something useful with my time. “Like sitting around playing computer games is not a good thing?” I asked.
Her talking about my "doing-something-useful" seems to be her favorite topic of conversation. She was "only thinking of me", she said and suggested that I go down to the Senior Center and hang out with the gals.
I did this and when I got home last night, I decided to play a prank on her. I e-mailed her and told her that I had joined a Parachute Club. She replied, "Are you nuts? You are 73 years old and now you're going to start jumping out of airplanes?" I told her that I even got a Membership Card and e-mailed a copy to her.
She immediately telephoned me and yelled, "Good grief, Mom, where are your glasses?! This is a Membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club."
"Oh man, I'm in trouble again,” I said, “I really don't know what to do. I signed up for five jumps a week!" The line went quiet and her friend picked up the phone and said that my daughter had fainted.
Life as a Senior Citizen is not getting any easier, but sometimes it can be ever so much fun.

https://e360.yale.edu/features/insect_numbers_declining_why_it_matters

As a morning ritual I look at the weather forecast for KT4.

Today...

Met Office says thunderstorm at 1pm.
Accuweather predicts storms at 3/ 6 /9 & 10pm.
BBC weather goes for storm at 3+4 pm.

Do you have a favourite and accurate forecaster please?

No, I didn't watch it. This was on twitter. Apparently it was the first episode of a new series last night. The viewers voted on which boys were paired with which girls.
The twitterati went into meltdown because the two black boys got paired with the two black girls. Apparently this is racist.
https://www.gbnews.uk/gb-views/black-people-being-paired-together-on-love-island-is-not-racist-so-put-a-sock-in-it-says-mercy-muroki/312186

This is a strange new obstacle to switching energy supplier - if it ever becomes worth considering again! The hike in the 'market stabilisation charge' must have gone unnoticed when it was introduced in April, what with all the hoo-ha about the hike in the energy price cap. It does, however, seem fairer on the original supplier.
Look beyond the title of the article, to see what this is about.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/05/ofgem-announces-plans-to-change-the-energy-price-cap-every-three/

Now the kerfuffle over Boris Johnson is over is it not time to take a cold impassionate look at where we stand?.
On the con side of the scales we have a selfish self-seeking individual using his office for his own purpose, while at the same time is capable of making the most stupid errors relating to his own conduct.
He has made, of necessity, some unpopular decisions the effectiveness of which has yet to be determined.
In opposition there is no one capable of matching him in ability or personality, presence if you wish, all we have is a bunch of nonentities,

Now some of the pros, He gave us Brexit, which the country voted for, when others did their level best to wreck it.
He manged the Covid/ vaccination crisis as well as, or better than, the rest of the world. There were mistakes but that was inevitable.
On the world stage he is recognized as being the foremost politicians in supporting Ukraine.
His record shows that, love him or hate him, that he is one of the most astute politicians in the country at this time, and a winner.

If we consider these few points alone, and DISSPASIONATELY, we have to ask ourselves whether, despite his shortcomings, is it in our individual, and the country's interest to replace him for the time being?.

The most famous rivalry in world football. Tonight it's a Nations league match. Just playing for fun so you have until 7.45pm kick off to get in your predictions. Match is live on Channel 4.
I will say 1-1

This story says the Queen said there was no chance she would be photographed with Harry and Meghan’s daughter.

https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/07/queen-banned-having-a-photographer-snap-her-meet-with-lilibet-16782012/

How many Tory MPs will cast a vote of No Confidence in Boris?
At least 54 have made a written request that he should be removed, but what will be the total?

Still having problems getting BBC channels on my Samsung Smart TV, keep resetting and no difference.
Now realise it is something I have done (hard as it is to believe) as to get access to them I have to go into the Panasonic recorder with separate remote and there they all are but it does mean I have to have recorder on all the time and press view instead of record. I think I may have inadvertently combined the two remotes and sources. If there is a simple way to resolve this I would be grateful but if not, will just carry on as at least I can get BBC channels.

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/uk-consumers-one-step-closer-to-500-million-payout-a6pWU5X8xF7Y?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=qualcomm_supporters&utm_content=Qualcomm+non+subs+May+2022+B

For our today, they gave their tomorrow.
When thousands of mostly young men would not see their tomorrow.

It is the 2nd time that it has had the same fault so this time I know what the fix should be.
The TV was new in August 2019 and the first fault was in June 2020, so it was fixed under guarantee by Currys. This time it is out of guarantee so I have to decide, do I pay for a repair or buy a new TV.
The fault is, The TV turns on but the screen stays black. Doesn't even show the JVC logo. The fix is to replace the Backlight.
So I contacted Currys and they said the initial cost is £95 just to look and assess the fault. Any labour and parts would cost extra. But first they wanted to know the model and serial number. So I told them. They have replied, Sorry that is not a model that we are able to repair.
I had a look on the JVC website and it says that JVC televisions are now manufacturered , distributed and serviced by Currys. So basically, Currys are telling me they can't or won't repair a product they make.
Going to get a quote from an independent TV repair shop this week.

I never normally remember to watch formal pageants but this Jubilee one should be the exception. It's a damp and grey Sunday in London, so watching it from home has considerable appeal. Not so much fun for those in the pageant if it's rained on but the thunderstorm forecast for this afternoon doesn't cover the capital any longer.
At least it isn't meant to last nearly as long as the BBC's extended coverage; just from 2.30pm onwards. Time to cook Sunday lunch first!
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/how-to-watch-the-platinum-jubilee-pageant/

My two beautiful bird feeders have been destroyed again by two "you know who's".
I am so annoyed I can't bring myself to photograph them. Should I take them back to the Garden centre who is selling them as squirrel proof feeders or just give up like my husband has suggested. I contacted the maker's of these particular feeders but have had no feedback at all. Do you think I can get my money back because they are being sold under 'the trades descriptions act'. Advice would be most welcome because I am close to just giving up completely!

My local Wilko surpassed themselves again. A young man two ahead of me in the queue was buying a lot of lotto tickets. After printing the tickets the checkout girl asked how old he was. He said 25. Which was about the age he looked. Definitely not a teenager. She said he had to show proof he was 25 because of the shop's Check25 rules. He showed her proof on his phone screen but she said that's not accepted, it has to be something with his photo like a driving licence or passport.
People in the queue, well me and a woman, pointed out he was clearly over 18, the age for buying lotto tickets. But checkout girl said it was more than her jobsworth to let him buy the tickets without photo ID.
In the end the man asked her to keep the tickets aside while he went home and would come back later.

After being unable to run our famed Open Day celebrations for the last 2 years we are back! And it will be a fabulous day for all the family! Father’s Day competitions so bring him along…..

This is just for fun. The match is a Nations League game. It's live on Channel 4, kick off is 5pm.
I will predict Hungary 0 England 2

I buy Maris Piper potatoes for roasting as they are the best but the last few bags, over a period of a Month, the potato beneath the skin is black! therefore most of them have to be peeled to nothing nearly to be edible!
Anyone else noticed this. Can anyone recommend a good spud that roasts well?

It's the day of the Epsom Derby, so what are your predictions for a winner or each way bet? Just for fun so you have until they are under starters order at 4.30.
There are no fences so nobody can whinge about it being cruel.
My each way will be Star of India.

I just signed the petition "Stop The £99 Petrol Fee"



https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stopthe-ps100-petrol-fee?share=eb87c7f5-7929-4e7b-814c-d1e96664a824&source=&utm_campaign=blast2022-06-01&utm_source=

After that display yesterday can anybody, in their right mind, argue that the Monarchy, and our Queen in particular, does nothing but good for this country.
Thousands turn out and sleep in the streets for days just to be there, people travel from as far as Australia and Canada just for a small part glimpse of the proceedings and the pageantry, what more proof do the Republicans need.
I plead guilty to being a committed Royalist but have to recognize that ,as we all must, it is necessary for the Monarchy to move with the times and that it probably needs some slimming down, but there are signs that the Queen and our future King(s) are aware of that, and it will come.
As for the Republicans let them point to an individual who will devote their life to the serving the people of this country as well, and for as long, as our Queen has done. If they can't then they should go away into a corner and die, and good riddance.
As most of you know, I am not one to become emotional much preferring to look at the cold reality of life, but I have to confess that, watching yesterdays events, I could have burst with pride at having the privilidge of being British.

After 2 years of cancellations due to covid..we are back! More fabulous than ever! Just click on the image for full poster!

Includes Dame Arlene Foster (reward for supporting the previous Conservative administration).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/honours-list-marks-hm-the-queens-jubilee-year

I thought i would join in with the festivities

I have just come across this petition that members may have views on.
https://www.change.org/p/stop-levi-bellfield-getting-married-eaeef76b-fad9-4500-9bda-f5a7f905a974?original_footer_petition_id=32586392&algorithm=promoted&source_location=petition_footer&grid_position=6&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uAGFO%2FQEAAAAAYpdyGx0yVzRjOTI1NjkzMA%3D%3D

More here.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61418262

https://chng.it/TWr7GyTz

The mayor, Sadiq Khan has asked Transport for London to launch a consultation on expanding the Ulez from its current boundary of the North and South Circular roads to cover all 33 boroughs.

Sadiq Khan is planning to push the extension of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all the London boroughs. This will price working Londoners off the roads and cause the scrapage of perfectly good cars causing a terrible impact on the environment !!
Extending the Ultra Low Emission Zone even further than to the current north and south circular limit will mean anyone OUTSIDE the zone will have to pay : £12.50 for cars, vans and motorbikes to drive in the zone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year..

OUTER LONDON IS RESIDENTIAL & should NOT be subject to the ULEZ ..

EVEN IF YOU LIVE NOWHERE NEAR LONDON PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION BECAUSE : ONCE THIS IS PASSED IN LONDON IT WILL BE COMING TO MORE TOWNS/CITIES

You can read a newspaper article about it here:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/ulez-ultra-low-emission-zone-expand-greater-london-sadiq-khan-b986027.html?amp



I have friends that have recently purchased cars on finance that will not be compliant, but will be trapped as they can’t afford to upgrade them..

Others that would have to pay £12.50 to visit sick relatives, this is simply not acceptable..

This is a bit long winded but I am sure she must be the one

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNJNuBEM/?k=1

I went to get cash at ATM machine at 7.15 this morning, put card in and it disappeared. Then a notice saying This machine is out of order. Waited until 9.00 to call the bank - 20 minutes - to be told cards are shredded when that happens so would have to get onto my own bank. Another 20 minutes at my own bank to be told they'd send another which might take 5 working days. I'm not sure whether the 5day break includes any working days so it won't be this week.

I was due to call into builders merchants to order some slabs but couldn't without card so decided to buy on line with my credit card, a process I started at about 4.00 this afternoon. Now everything needs verification so couldn't pay without using their 'card machine', of which I have two as it took so long for the first one to arrive they sent another. First time of using today. Attempted at least 3 times on both machines to insert card only to be told Error - Wrong Card. So then another 15 minutes to get through to M & S, who couldn't understand it but said they would send a text code only there was nowhere for me to put the number as it was set up for the card reader. Finally they decided to give me an exemption and just purchase on line but order kept coming back as unable to pay, use another form of payment which I can't as I don't have a debit card at the moment. Then transferred to the Fraud department who arranged it so that I could put the number received via text in, tried another 3 times and still came back as unable to fulfil order. They appreciated I had now been trying at least 8 times to pay. Was on to them for about 25 minutes then they said they'd ring me back, which they did. 6.15, just tried again as they have apparently set me up for the text code, still can't fulfil order and I'm giving up for today.

Just a quickie, please

Can anyone confirm that 21 sq. metres of slabs 450 x 450 equals 115 slabs?

Tried looking on Google but not very bright person here - thanks.