On this day, 20 years ago:

246 people went to sleep, knowing they had a flight in the morning.

2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning.

343 firefighters went to sleep knowing they might fight a fire and save a life the next day.

60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol.

8 paramedics went to sleep before their morning shift.

None of them saw past 9:59am on Sept 11, 2001.

In one single moment, life would never be the same for thousands of Americans, foreigners visiting America, their families, friends and strangers, both in America and around the world.

Tonight before you go to sleep, in preparation for your day tomorrow, and to honour those who perished, please consider making the decision to never take one second of your life for granted. NOT ONE SECOND.

Be kind - Love intensely - Work hard - Volunteer - Make every day count - Never regret growing older, it’s a privilege that was denied to so many.

God bless those who perished, bless their families and friends and never, ever forget.

Prince Andrew has been served with court papers. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58523119.amp

Mum angry after teacher pours away son’s blackcurrant squash on a hot day

https://metro.co.uk/2021/09/10/bristol-mum-angry-after-teacher-pours-away-sons-squash-on-a-hot-day-15238813/

Armed police 'arrest Afghan special forces commando at Manchester hotel where he was quarantining with his family after being evacuated from Kabul'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9978229/Armed-police-arrest-Afghan-special-forces-commando-Manchester-hotel-quarantining.html

Emma has made it through!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58511033.amp

Now where have I heard that before 🙄

https://timesnewsnetwork.com/news/world/uk/france-must-take-back-control-barnier-demands-legal-sovereignty-from-eu-in-frexit-alert/

https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/london-underground-tube-vaccine-covid-21521734?utm_source=mylondon_newsletter&utm_campaign=myeastlondon_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

There's a message on my GP's website that they can't book any flu jabs yet as they don't know when they will get the vaccine.

I had a look at my sister's GP's website to see if they are booking and the only thing I could find was about people of 50-64. They are being offered something called Flublok.

50 – 64 Flu Vaccinations

In accordance with national guidelines you will be offered Flublok Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine) this year.

This medicinal product does not have a UK marketing authorisation but has been given authorisation for temporary supply by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for immunisation against influenza. Flublok is licensed for use in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration.

Please read the Flublok Patient Information Leaflet and this statement on the gov.uk website : Gov.uk: Flublok Vaccine

If you have any concerns having read this, please use eConsult to raise these with us. Please note due to maintaining Covid safe practices, we will not be able to resolve these concerns at the flu clinics, so please do not attend an appointment if you are not 100% sure that you will have the vaccination.

Hello,

Have you seen this?
https://bit.ly/3DELCWa

Thousands of bank branches and ATMs are disappearing from high streets across the UK. For many, losing their local bank isn’t just an inconvenience. Elderly people, rural communities and people without access to the internet are being cut off from vital banking services - and easy access to their own money.

But we have a chance to reverse this trend - and keep these important services open: the government has launched a consultation on how to protect our access to cash. It could include new rules to make it harder for banks to close branches if it cuts people off from services. And they’re asking the public to have their say.

But you can bet that banks who want to put cost cutting before the communities they serve will be feeding in too. So that's where we come in. If thousands of us sign a huge petition asking the government to put in place legal protections to make sure we keep our access to banking, sending a powerful message - and drowning out those who want otherwise.

Will you join me and sign the petition today?
https://bit.ly/3DELCWa

This one looked very authentic. I realised it was a scam when they asked for my bank details. Covid passports are FREE via NHS app.
Received text message :-
NHS: We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your Covid Pass. You can apply this here: https:// vaccination-proof-id.com/apply/passport (space added as best not to open)
From phone no. 07306 406086
Be careful out there, so easy to get caught

Seems that summer has come to an abrupt end! Just about finished our BBQ.

It amazes me the lengths we go to in imposing PC onto our society.

Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar led No. 617 Squadron (the Dambusters) on a daring and legendary raid on the German dams in the Ruhr on the night of 16/17 May 1943.

19 Lancaster bombers and 133 crew took part in the raid, resulting in eight aircraft and 56 crew being lost.

Gibson had a pet black Labrador dog which he adored, they were constantly together. He even took his dog flying at times.

Whist Gibson was taking part in the raid, his dog was killed by a car - a lovely homecoming for Gibson after completing one of the most daring raids of WW2. The dog was buried on his return to RAF Scampton in a special grave that is lovingly cared for and maintained to this very day.

Enter PC and the Government with its complete saturation of society at all levels - the dog's original headstone shown on the left hand side of the image was later considered so obnoxious a name that the headstone was replaced minus name by the one one the right hand side.

My feelings ? Unprintable !!

There's a new Scooploop event for Photo London, a photography festival at Somerset house from tomorrow until the weekend. Just posting here in case anyone is interested, or wished to share it with the photography loop.

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/photo-london-photography-festival

Bananas are among the world's most popular fruit.

Bananas are also fairly nutritious, and contain high amounts of fibre and antioxidants.

Over 90% of the calories in bananas come from carbs. As the banana ripens, the starch in it turns into sugar. For this reason, unripe (green) bananas are high in starch and resistant starch, while ripe (yellow) bananas contain mostly sugar. A medium-sized (118 grams) banana contains about 105 calories.

The greener the banana is, the greater the content of resistant starch.

Resistant starch has been linked to several health benefits :

Bananas are a good source of several nutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fibre. They also contain various antioxidants and plant compounds.

Bananas are high in fibre. Unripe bananas are also rich in resistant starch and pectin, which can provide numerous health benefits.

Taking 24 grams of banana starch each day for 4 weeks caused weight loss of 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg), while also improving insulin sensitivity in patients studied.

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Bananas are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that plays hundreds of roles in the body. Magnesium may protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Unripe, green bananas are rich in resistant starch and pectin, which may promote digestive health and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Eating a moderate amount of bananas should not raise blood sugar levels significantly. However, diabetics should be careful with fully ripe bananas.

Bananas don't seem to have any known negative health effects, but they may cause allergic reactions in some individuals with latex allergy.

Although bananas are unsuitable on a low-carb diet and may cause problems for some diabetics, overall they are an incredibly healthy food.

Can not find post re: Lady reporting having Covid and how she felt.

Would love to hear if she is feeling better now.

Another world cup qualifier. Get your predictions in by 7.15.
Good luck

The BBC have just covered a story about a recording that has been rediscovered of a duck called Ripper.

It apparently says "You bloody fool!"

What do you think?

I have just got off the phone with my step sister. Her 10 year old son went to school yesterday happy and healthy.
Last night at 8 pm he started to feel unwell, he has slight asthma.
In 10 mins he was struggling to breathe. She bundled him in the car and drove 10 mins to the hospital.
10 minutes after getting there his heart stopped and they had to resuscitate him.they managed to re start his heart. Rushed tests through and he has covid. The hospital are very alarmed as this was showing with complication in blood platelets also. He is now on oxygen fighting it.
The speed is disastrous and worrying . The Dr's cannot work out why and how it was so fast.
Be vigilant out there and stay safe

https://inews.co.uk/news/mu-covid-variant-of-interest-uk-cases-detected-vaccines-who-1186886

We've been told that there are cancellations happening due to a lack of tubes to collect your blood, however, I was due for a test this morning and was unsure what would happen.
Yesterday, I received a text from the surgery reminding me of my appointment with one stipulation - wear a mask.

I turned up this morning suitably masked and had two vials worth of blood taken.

Perhaps I was lucky!

How is it where you are?

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1487167/us-army-parachute-regiment-british-army-afghanistan-latest

Emma Radacanu into the quarter finals!

She beat Shelby Rogers who put out World no. 1 Ash Barty.

Rogers says she is now expecting to get death threats on social media. Unbelievable! What is wrong with people.

Last Friday I attended the Eye casualty department of the Prince Charles Eye Unit, part of the King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor.

I had been getting peripheral flashing in the upper and right sections of my right eye. I've had cataracts dealt with in both eyes and wondered if perhaps the lens had somehow shifted and light was catching the edge giving the impression of a flash.

It wasn't that at all, it was yet another indication of years passing by and the vitreous gel inside my eye taking up less space within the eye and causing movement against the retina.

After a thorough check, sight test and scans of both eyes, there were no serious nor long term problems discovered. I was diagnosed as having PVD Posterior Vitreous Detachment. They gave me a fact sheet to read, a slightly different version is shown below.

If you have a major problem with floaters, dark patches, or anything else associated with sudden troubled vision, please get your eyes checked without delay.

This is the fact sheet I've downloaded :

We have written this factsheet to explain what posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is,

what signs and symptoms to look out for, and what the potential risks of the condition

are. We hope it will help to answer some of the questions you may have. If you have

any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.

What is PVD?

The eye is like a camera with a lens at the front and a light-sensitive film (the retina) at the

back. Filling the space between these is a clear jelly-like tissue called the vitreous.

As we get older, the jelly-like vitreous becomes more like a liquid gel and collapses in on

itself, pulling away from the retina. Small opacities (unclear areas) may form in the gel and

as it starts to move around in the eye, these can be seen as ‘floaters’ in your vision (often

described as flies, spiders and cobwebs).

What causes PVD?

PVD is more common in people over the age of 60. This is because the texture of the vitreous

naturally changes as you get older. In 90% of people this change is usually harmless and

causes no damage to the retina. PVD is a once-in-a-lifetime event and cannot be prevented.

How is PVD diagnosed?

To diagnose PVD, an ophthalmologist (a specialist eye doctor), an optician or a nurse

practitioner will put eye drops into your eye to dilate (enlarge) your pupil. They will then look at

the middle and the back of your eye with a microscope to check the vitreous.

These eye drops will blur your vision for approximately three to four hours. You must not drive

while your vision is affected.

What are the signs and symptoms of PVD?

Mild floaters in your vision can be normal. However, if you have PVD you will usually notice:

• a sudden increase in floaters

• flashing lights like little flickers or streaks of light at the edges of your vision (more

noticeable in the dark)

PVD on its own will not permanently affect your eyesight.

Are there any risks associated with PVD?

Retinal detachment

Occasionally, when the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it pulls so hard that it tears the

retina. This happens in less than one in ten people who develop PVD. This can then lead to a

retinal detachment (when the retina becomes loose). If your retina becomes loose, you may

experience a black shadow and/or loss of vision, and you will require urgent surgical treatment.

A retinal tear (without retinal detachment) will require urgent laser treatment or cryotherapy (a

freezing treatment).

Epiretinal membrane

When the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it can cause a thin, clear layer of tissue (a

membrane) to form on the surface of the retina. This membrane can cause the retina to become wrinkled, and your vision may become distorted and blurred. If your vision is very

distorted, we may recommend you have surgery.

Do the flashes and floaters ever stop?

Generally the flashes stop after a few months and do not cause any problems.

The floaters are very obvious when they first appear. Over time they become much less

noticeable and do not cause a visual problem in most people.

You can reduce the effect of floaters by wearing dark glasses, especially if you are out in

bright sunlight, or if you are looking at a brightly-lit surface or background.

Is there anything I should look out for?

Contact our eye casualty department as soon as possible if your symptoms become worse or

if you notice any of the following:

• an increase in floaters and/or flashing lights

• a black shadow or ‘curtain’ coming over your vision

• your vision suddenly getting worse

Contact us

Eye casualty

Telephone: 023 8120 6592 (24-hour service)

Useful links

www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions/posterior-vitreous-detachment

www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017_Understanding-Posterior-vitreous-

detachment.pdf

www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/posterior-vitreous-detachment

Version 3. Published September 2020. Due for review September 2023. 2616

For a translation of this document, or a version in another format such

as easy read, large print, Braille or audio, please telephone

0800 484 0135 or email patientsupporthub@uhs.nhs.uk

For help preparing for your visit, arranging an interpreter or accessing

the hospital, please visit www.uhs.nhs.uk/additionalsupport

An interesting story of how corruption rules in the Police in some countries . Officers on low incomes owning expensive cars and living the high life .

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58405215

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-58451074

Hello beautiful people,

Would you like to participate in my #PhD research regarding #sustainability?
To participate you have to be:
• In the #UK
•Between 25-40 years

Please follow the link to the questionnaire!

https://bedsbmri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71buL61xpFWZhXw?Q_CHL=social&Q_SocialSource=facebook

Another world cup qualifyer to predict. Get your predictions in by 4.30pm
Good luck

Dramatic pictures show the complete mess left by a lorry destroyed when it left the M11 near London in the early hours.

The goods lorry crashed and left the carriageway near Harlow at about 4.30am on Saturday.

The M25 was initially closed southbound while emergency services worked at the scene.

According to Essex Roads Police team on Twitter, thankfully no-one was seriously injured in the crash.

Anyone ever heard of it? Good or bad reports?

I thought it worth passing on to others.

I totally love this article and the photos. It reminds me that every older person has a story to tell.
https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/reflections-of-the-past-tom-hussey/

This happened at a New York Airport.

This airline gate agent deserves an award for how she handled a passenger who probably

deserved to fly as cargo.

A crowded flight was canceled. A

single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.

Suddenly, an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS."

The agent replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first who were in front of you; and then I'm sure we'll be able to work something out."

The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"

Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention, please?", she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him with his identity, please come to Gate 14".

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the airlines agent, gritted his teeth, and said, "F*** You!"

Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir, you'll have to get in line for that, too."

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain...

Credit : Tom Anderton

Something different tonight because the Premier League is on a break. Tonight's match is a European qualifyer for the next World Cup. You have until 7.15pm to get in your score predictions.
Good luck

Millions of elderly British people will go without a third 'booster' Covid jab this Autumn as the Government seeks to prioritise the 'clinically vulnerable', it has been announced.

Among those classed as clinically vulnerable are cancer patients, transplant recipients and those with immune diseases that affect their immune systems.

Who is paying the money back to the government
It’s old news but Primark is one

https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2021/04/primark-profits-plunge-90-as-ab-foods-repays-121m-furlough-cash/

It’s a little remote

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19496788.skiddaw-house-englands-remote-property-goes-sale-1-5million/

Not sure you will get your shopping delivered!

Would you ride on one?

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRSVbPB7/

3 new driving laws come into force.
1. The driving licence extension is ending
2. Changes to number plates
3. New E10 fuel will replace regular petrol
According to the Mirror there are14 new laws
More info, (published last week)
https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/3-new-driving-laws-coming-5843709

https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/14-new-laws-changes-coming-24835607

Long ago, I decided to become a member of a ScoopLoop loop, I now find it an annoyance, so how do I un-member from a loop? I've already disabled notifications but one group is really bugging me

Did anyone watch tonights episode ?
What a brilliant young man only 20 yrs. old - great,

Scientists use 3D printing to create synthetic beef from $30,000 cow cells

https://uk.yahoo.com/finance/news/scientists-3d-printing-create-synthetic-121757937.html

Pen left behind two dogs which were the pets of a worker there, they have since been brought out by the Taliban and shot. Also a dog was stabbed by them in its crate which they never realised till some time later.
God help the animals out there. 🙏
And god help little girls being taken away from their family as slave brides. 🙏

PS. Alpaca Geronimo has just been executed.
PPS. Young gay Afghan trapped, beaten up and worse.

An old priest got sick of everyone in his parish confessing adultery.
During one Sunday's sermon he told them, "If one more person confesses to adultery, I'll quit!"
Since everyone liked him, they decided to use a code word: "fallen." From then on, anyone who had committed adultery said they had "fallen."
This satisfied the old priest and the parishioners, and everything was fine for years, until finally the old priest passed away at the ripe old age of 93.
Shortly after the new young priest settled in, he paid a call on the mayor.
The priest was quite concerned. "You have to do something about the sidewalks in this town, Mayor. You can't believe how many people come into the confessional talking about having fallen!"
The mayor started to laugh, realizing that no one had explained their code word to the new priest.
But before the mayor could explain, the priest shook his finger at the mayor and said,
"I don't know why you're laughing; your wife fell three times last week!!..

https://www.facebook.com/100011508247374/videos/528400191577239

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scotland-held-a-snow-plow-naming-contest-with-hilarious-results/

An old story but the names made me smile