RJRB

We live in a country where foul mouthed yobs go to football matches. We live in a country where people drink until paralytic and vomit and urinate in the streets. We live in a country where the need for drugs fuels crime. We live in a country where people eat to excess and finish up stones overweight We live in a country where people prefer to beg than work . And numerous other examples which fortunately do not represent the majority of people who live in this country.

It doesn’t take much imagination when you consider what was happening in the UK not all that long ago. Large families were once more common as was child mortality.That despite slum dwellings and poor nutrition. As a nation we developed as far as basic conditions,medicine and the introduction of more convenient and available contraception. Much of that has yet to happen in mainly African countries but a hundred years or so of development is just a blink of an eye in human evolution terms.

Perhaps the appeals are also directed at the vast number of people who fall between being poor and are not multi millionaires. I would rather celebrities use their popularity to publicise worthwhile causes than trying to flog us some insurance (with a free pen) or a funeral plan!

I tried to do a good deed but it wasn’t appreciated. A young lady was going to park her car at the bottom of Lennox Road and below the “Clearway End “ sign . I walked back 50 yards or so to warn her that the traffic wardens frequently ticketed offenders (myself included once) and advised her to move her car. Somehow the conversation turned into a bit of an argument about what a daft rule that was and she wasn’t obstructing anything.Almost as though I was responsible 😁I I went on my way muttering “Do as you please then”.

That stand must have accommodated hundreds of thousands of fans before the disaster. Perhaps not the best design in hindsight but far from the worst facilities that I have experienced over the years. I was at that match in the South Stand and left after about 20 minutes when it became apparent that a disaster was unfolding rather than just another example of crowd trouble. In my opinion the big change was the wire netting fences that had been erected to prevent fans going on to the pitch. Had that not been in place I believe that many would have escaped the crush. Hopefully we live and learn.

There was a programme on Radio 4 today discussing this memorial amongst others. I have no problem with a Muslim memorial within a suitable community as there are many memorials attached to churches,villages,regiments etc.etc. On a National Scale I think the money would be better on updating monuments such as the Cenotaph by adding a bronze plaque to commemorate all the countries who supported the allies during the 2 World Wars. There is no need to specify or single out particular religions at all just countries and individuals who made some great sacrifices and contribution to the war effort.

I was really keen to see Dylan perform live in what must have been his most recent performance at a Sheffield Arena, Undoubtedly the most disappointing concert that I have ever been to. Unrecognisable renditions of some songs and for me totally self indulgent with no connection with the audience. I will stick with the recorded music that I still like. If that was the worst then Leonard Cohen was well up with the best .

No idea but I suspect that the initial thrill for some quickly turns to a grim reality of mental and physical torment at the hands of a control freak. Very sad that some fall into such a trap.

They do . And the catastrophic outcome for some of those who become victims of subsequent violence and control of the “bad boys” is a common news item. Misogynistic traits are ever present but not anything to be admired.

Guilt or innocence on the rape and trafficking charges will be judged in a court of law. What I find strange is that any man finds Tates views (which are well documented )are admired by some men ,or that some women are apparently drawn towards such men.

Did I say that? Of course spending on Covid and it’s effect on the economy was a major blow to our already weak economy. How much was necessary,how much was ill advised and how much was a total waste of money will continue to be debated for ever. However you may believe that pre Covid that the Conservative Government improved the standard of living for a great number of our population in the essentials of housing and health services then I don’t. The current crop of Conservative MPs should certainly not be within a million miles of Government,and many wont be after the next GE.

@Chekhovhttps://www.hcrlaw.com/blog/the-labour-partys-vision-for-employment-law-reform/ The Green paper contains many proposals some of which may come to pass when Labour inevitably win at the next GE primarily because the Conservative Party have failed the country and are now devoid of any policies that will reverse their demise. Reading the attached it seems that there are proposed exceptions to your main point in that an employer would still be able to impose a probationary period. There are good employers who care for their workforce but there are some shockers and protection under the law has long been required.

Assume the news is that Lee Anderson is to become their first MP. Hopefully just for a matter of months

Mussels ! I think the look of them used to put me off when my mum used to have them but once I actually tried them it was another story. Whelks not so much so.

Whereas the Conservatives have increased taxation to record levels and have cut services across the board. And that was happening before Covid spending. Who would vote for more of that?

I do envy anyone who derives comfort due to their belief in a greater power.Plenty seek such comfort particularly in times of stress. I would not dismiss all mediums or religious leaders as charlatans though some undoubtedly are.

Slice it how you like but the current situation in Gaza is controlled by Israel as has been the case for years. Not only the interception of aid from the outside but by cutting off essential supplies of water ,power and sewage systems. Even the US which has always supported Israel financially and in terms of technology has so far failed to break the embargoes imposed by Netanyahu. Any shipments from outside Gaza will still have to go through the same embargoes

Israel have a significant arms industry which also exports to other countries

It looks in better nick in that photo than it has done for many years

It’s all part of Sheffield’s history and that makes it interesting to me. I read the book when in my teens and since then have come across markers showing the height of flood at several points.

Is this a realistic and timely operation to get aid to 700,000 Palestinians or an electioneering move to keep everyone on side. If no US soldiers set foot in Gaza then presumably the IDF will continue to call the shots . I hope it contributes to relief for those who are starving but the only real answer is a settlement to allow convoys of lorries through the existing routes.

My wife uses the Scanners in Sainsbury’s when shopping and quite frequently is double checked at the exit. Not a problem at all,but I wish that all supermarkets would man the tills that are available,particularly for trolley fulls.

What sort of defence spending do we need? We are no longer a major power that can send forces and gunboats around the worlds trouble spots except as a contribution towards NATO. As for nuclear weapons ,their main function is as a deterrent and if it ever came to using them then what defence is effective.? Perhaps defence of our coastal waters and borders would be the most useful investment so rather than Aircraft carriers and Nuclear Subs perhaps the Navy should invest in suitable frigates or whatever. At the moment we don’t seem capable of intercepting rubber dinghies.

If it’s mainly TV and radio there are some transmitters that fit into the audio socket which connects to cordless head phones. Many types available on Amazon and I think Argos in a price range of about £50/£100 a set.Some operate on Bluetooth. A relative found these great as they excluded any other sounds (such as his wife telling him to mend the washing machine and do other jobs around the house).

So how does the definition of fascism sit alongside of the actions of a right wing Israeli Government in this day and age. Far right,authoritarian,ultranationalist ideology etc. Once again do not confuse fascism with Anti Semitism.