RJRB

I certainly Firstly ,I am not at all in favour of a ban on alcohol which is very much part of a social life for many. I come from a time when a night in the pub meant going to the local playing snooker,cards darts etc and smoking was also very much part of the scene .The presence of smokers never deterred non smokers at that time but I accept that attitudes have changed as a result of a relentless campaign. So I smoke when I feel like one and away from others and that could well include as I wander from one place to another and the occasional scowl from another pedestrian is just a fact of life.If I nip out from a restaurant for a cig then I usually am around fellow smokers or away from others.I really can do no more. So carry on drinking responsibly and I will do my best with my habit. The proposed legislation will have no effect at all on myself and I doubt that it will have on a couple of people born one day apart. Should the discussion extend to those who can eat crisps and chocolate and popcorn and where they may be consumed.

What a rotten decision to further devalue the FA Cup and rob football fans of clubs outside the elite few of the matches that bring excitement and revenue to their clubs. The sooner that these elite club create their Super League and competitions the better for the rest of football.

That is my opinion. With the approach of the Summer Olympics there is the usual hoo hah about which countries should be able to compete under their national flag. Similar controversy arises at any international sporting event. Pressure from governments and political influence from within the various sporting bodies only serves to eliminate one area of common ground that exists between all countries.

As the brain seems to send a message to some that they need a drink .Not a thirst quenching glass of water ,but for the effects of the alcoholic content,and whilst I accept that many can enjoy a drink without being anti social,you cannot escape the truth that many drink to alter their normal state of mind. I would also contend that those that do drink to excess cause far more cost and trouble to both the NHS and the police. You have thrown a fair few pejorative terms in there directed at smokers.As you say in a period of a very few years the anti smoking lobby have successfully mounted a campaign that has alienated smokers even in the open air. There are smoking and none smoking areas that I abide by and you should live with. As someone who rarely has a drink nowadays I find the company of those who are under the influence rather boring.

You are really struggling to differentiate between the any difference derived from nicotine and alcohol.Probably because there is none

So the same logic could be applied to anyone who derives enjoyment from a pint or a short or a cocktail, Incidentally, I really enjoy a cigarette but can live without the alcohol. I don’t ythink that makes me inferior or superior in any way,

That’s very simplistic as it’s obvious that both alcohol and nicotine provide a way of relaxation to those who choose one or the other or both. As for negatives,I would argue that both can be damaging to ones own health . As for others ,Smoking is much maligned for the possible effects of passive smoking but this must now be much reduced with the smoking bans indoors and public places. I would argue that alcohol related costs to others is much the greater whether to health services or the many anti social aspects of drunken behaviour.

Being one of the unfortunate/fortunates and undergoing ongoing treatment I can only express my gratitude to the NHS . The constant call of nature was the first warning sign and led to the diagnosis and various hormone medication. I have had none of the side effects which sounded a bit concerning apart from a few hot flushes which pass within a few minutes. The greatest benefit is the use of a long term catheter which once again has caused me no problems and now able to get a good 8 hours sleep a night and no need to work around public toilets when out and about. Good luck to all who have similar issues and a word of advice to all who have symptoms.Get checked out at the earliest sign ,or even get PSA checked when approaching middle age.

Looking at the turnout a significant number choose not to have any say on policies. This could be because they have absolutely no interest or live in a constituency where they believe that their vote cannot have any bearing on the result. Proportional representation would be more democratic but is not to the liking of the 2 major parties.

It is my opinion that Brexit was never a good idea and that the so called benefits that appealed to some will never be delivered.I don’t see that as bias. The “success” of Brexit is reflected in the demise of the Conservatives and right wingers who campaigned to get it through . Where are they now?

Individuals can make mistakes and can correct them If given the opportunity. Thats democracy

In the interests of the country’s economy and world standing no one should have voted for Brexit and now that it should be apparent to most that immigration and border control was just Farage and Co seeking to influence the Conservative Party then a reversal of policy is needed. When a mistake has been made it’s best to bite the bullet early.

She will now 😄

I think of Lionel Darlows sports shop where I got my first snooker cue and Adidas football boots.and Preston’s chemist where we could buy magnesium ribbon and test tubes and hydrochloride acid and things. Happy Days

It’s a good question. I am sure that I have said that “I hate ......” on a few occasions in my life without actually meaning it certainly as regards people that I have known personally. Dislike would certainly be nearer the mark in a few cases. Like Padders I could apply it to some food (including beetroot) and to some people’s habits,including one of my own.

Chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits are so relevant to the Easter message.

https://uk.investing.com/academy/crypto/what-is-bitcoin-mining/ Apparently you can mine for it so step one would be to buy a pick and shovel. Arthur Scargill is yer man.

Their threatening and ominous letters are worthy of unscrupulous debt collectors as I found when trying and finally getting a rebate on money paid. However I am quite happy to pay a little over £3 a week for the content that I do enjoy and remain free from 15 minutes every hour of adverts.

@peak4 @https://www.justanswer.co.uk/traffic-law/mzex2-morning-recieved-speeding-fine-34mph-30mph.html As you said it is a guideline only and this one was also in Lincolnshire 😁

Perhaps to my shame over 40 years of driving around the country I have picked up a few.All but one regarding the 30 mph limit plus one on the M1. That particular one was at least 30 years ago as I exited the A1 near Grantham and it was a roadside police camera. No I don’t have the paperwork but reverting to my comment I would not have been voting for fines when they applied to me 😁 even if it was for 35 mph.

So the EU have various measures in place to safeguard their borders. Wasn’t that a major reason for the pro Brexit vote?

I have had a fine at 34 mph plus 3 points ,but I would also reiterate my main point that the continuing and recovery of “lost” education across the board is easier for a teacher to manage than individuals opting out at various times as suits their parents.

The fine is there for a purpose. If the question was do you think drivers should be fined £100 for exceeding the 30 mph speed limit by 4 mph I doubt that there would be overwhelming support from motorists. There is also a flaw in your logic when comparing this issue to the school lockdown closures. Teachers have a syllabus to get through by progression over a term or school year. If all pupils were absent for a period then measures can be taken to pick up where they left off. If a number of individual pupils are missing at different times it would be far more difficult to cater for.

If you are implying that most parents take their children on holiday during term time then you are wrong. I can quite see that those that do or would like to are united in their dislike of getting fined.

Our state education system such as it is needs to do all possible with available resources to provide adequate to excellent schooling to children. I think that this is particularly important for infants and juniors where the basics for progress are established including a desire and work ethic . In a one size fits all system I fully understand why parents are discouraged from allowing their children to miss lessons unnecessarily and see no alternative to stating a policy and then imposing fines. The seven month closure due to Covid restrictions is irrelevant in the greater scheme of things.