Beverley

People puzzle me more each day that passes.
Left. Definitely on the #left.
Join a union. #SocialJustice #Unions #TUC #COVIDhermit #COVIDsafe #WearaMask
Be kind, wear a smile; it feels good.
❤️NE (UK) - My home; my heritage.
Leeds University alumna.
Refugee from dead-bird site. People, why do you stay?
#WhitleyBay

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npub142wkkcyvzeyrqgplwpt9lvglfewqqx8mgkxhgc7q0nvhhwwjnweq29n2y5

NIP-05 Address

talktobeverley_at_mas.to@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs248ttvzxpvjpsyqlhq4jlky05uhqqrra5trt5v0q8ektmh8ffhvsprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0d4hhxarj9ecxjmntq34hez

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relay.momostr.pink

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npub142wkkcyvzeyrqgplwpt9lvglfewqqx8mgkxhgc7q0nvhhwwjnweq29n2y5

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Last Notes

2026-03-01 10:24:11 UTC

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You’ve excelled yourself with your typos this morning. 😂

2026-02-09 21:02:08 UTC

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Post-treatment I found employment but despite working from home for a couple of years my employer eventually insisted I return to campus. The person for whom I cared was terrified. Ultimately I had to give up work, which had been my only (unbelievably) respite and source of non-‘caring’ interaction.
If I had a £ for every time some bright spark offered their unsolicited ‘advice’… Hah! I can’t be polite about it. Oh, and I’m not as bitter as it sounds.

2026-02-09 20:55:43 UTC

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After a couple of years completing a 4 hour round trip to care, whilst working full time, using annual leave to support medical appmts etc (I must have been mad to let this go on for so long but… reasons…) After moving closer, within 2 months I was diagnosed with cancer, so before any social network cd be developed. Then blow me, COVID hit and we lived like hermits for years until I almost ‘broke’. Zero help from anyone, only platitudes from professionals.

2026-02-08 21:54:34 UTC

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In my experience no one cares for the carers. There are the occasional glib phrases from professionals and the rare occasions a past acquaintance might contact “If you don’t look after yourself first, you can’t look after her…”
Yeah. Fine and dandy. You come and try it if you think there’s some sort of easy choice I’m overlooking. I have no life of my own and no choice to do otherwise, unless I decided to be an absolute *rse of a human.

2025-12-17 10:48:22 UTC

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Hope you have a swift and smooth recovery.

2025-10-29 20:40:48 UTC

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My daughter pointed out today that one of my front teeth is chipped. Heck did that make me feel old.
Fortunately it doesn’t hurt. If she hadn’t noticed I don’t know when I’d have realised as I’m not in the habit of looking in the mirror if I can help it.
It was too late to call the dentist so that’ll be a job for tomorrow. 😞

2025-10-24 22:31:34 UTC

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Ooh… just remembered ‘The Thornbirds’… Crikey how long ago was that!
(Will check…)

2025-10-24 22:11:31 UTC

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Think I’ve seen you mention humidity before now you’ve said that; for some reason I always imagine Australia has ‘dry’ heat unless I concentrate and think about it. Yes, humidity is awful. I could only cope with Florida late in their season and spending most of my time in a pool.
I know Australia is HUGE and doesn’t have the same climate everywhere but have never been, so the first images that come to mind are from television. (Ssshhh… MAFS Australia is my guilty pleasure.)

2025-10-24 21:10:59 UTC

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Truthfully I do. I’m a northerner. I can cope better with the cold than the heat, though no doubt being overweight has more to do with that than anything else!
Can’t imagine how I’d cope with what you consider “sweltering”. Anything over 25 degrees and I struggle. I imagine that sounds pathetic to you. 🥴

2025-10-24 20:42:50 UTC

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Hope all’s well in your world.
The weather has turned here, so it’s big coat, scarf and gloves time.
No doubt you’re frying.
Take care.

2025-10-24 17:26:49 UTC

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Thank you so much for sharing.
[@anathema_device](https://bne.social/@anathema_device ) I think you might appreciate this.

2025-10-22 15:52:05 UTC

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Now I’m thinking of Grenfell and other injustices 💔

2025-10-21 22:47:24 UTC

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I was lucky enough to have a secure job in banking during the Thatcher era. (Not so secure these days but completely different then.) Living in the north east I’d have had to be blind not to see the consequences of that woman’s evil ideology. My family suffered and the wider community still hasn’t recovered.
Perhaps those in the south east didn’t witness the same devastation.
Some people have to feel pain themselves to understand situations. 🤷🏻‍♀️

2025-10-21 22:34:50 UTC

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I like everything I’ve heard so far.
Bit concerned about something he was supposed to have said in his past, but my age prevents me from remembering what it was!
But otherwise he seems like a breath of fresh air.
Love how he’s able to reframe trite questions and hit the mark, pointing to what really matters.

2025-10-13 00:02:07 UTC

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You’re right of course. But we, your cousins across the water, can do little but watch, worry and admire…
So all we can do is offer warm words and hope.
That said we have similar problems here and I can’t see a solution for our troubles on the horizon.

2025-10-12 23:35:13 UTC

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Be safe ❤️

2025-10-10 10:57:11 UTC

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I know only too well that the consequences of domestic abuse trickle down the generations and are incredibly difficult to escape.
The impacts are not only physical, but emotional, financial and more. Decisions, choices, relationships… Hah! I could write a book.
Unless the people making these decisions have ‘lived it’ I very much doubt they’ll ‘get it’. You have to have felt something to truly understand.
#DomesticAbuse

2025-10-04 12:48:18 UTC

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It’s quite the ‘cold shower’, isn’t it?
That said, a friend moved in the other direction, from the Inland Revenue to one of the big accountancy firms. The stress almost killed him. Sadly I’m not exaggerating.

2025-10-04 11:32:23 UTC

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I worked in the private sector, followed by a spell for a local authority (I left because although a well paid job I couldn’t bear the corruption) then in HE.
I know that toxic environments can be found anywhere but in my experience my time in the private sector was by far the best of the three environments. A sweeping generalisation but I feel the public sector is stuck in the past with length of service rewarded over ability.

2025-10-04 02:00:06 UTC

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I absolutely did. Worse in many ways actually. I was employed in HE for the penultimate 14 years of my working life.
The puerile hierarchies, misogyny, antiquated working practices… I could go on…

2025-10-03 18:49:12 UTC

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I couldn’t believe the reduced salary suggested on receiving my first job offer after a few years at home with my child. The company had seemed so enthusiastic after reviewing my experience so I didn’t expect it. A third of my final salary in my last role.
I protested to the HR director. Her response was that it had happened to her after she had children and that it was to be expected. Almost as though I should be grateful for the opportunity to return to work.
🤷🏻‍♀️

2025-10-03 18:40:35 UTC

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So many consequences. Children growing up with a parent(s), working longer hours as they try to keep a roof over their heads. All the obvious difficulties in paying bills, buying food and so on.
Constant guilt at not having enough time for the child(ren). As a single parent since my child was four, this has touched a nerve. Not news to me, but a painful reminder of the exhausting juggling act.
And then now there’s the consequences for pensions. Poverty (and cold) in older age.

2025-09-14 23:14:39 UTC

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I used to see them in my garden too but they’ve been missing for a few years now. I wondered if someone had disturbed/destroyed their roost though I couldn’t think where it might be.
Foolishly I didn’t think of illnesses.

2025-07-29 20:31:37 UTC

If neoliberalism works, why is everything falling apart? https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/07/29/if-neoliberalism-works-why-is-everything-falling-apart/

2025-07-27 17:20:40 UTC

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I usually ignore your typos, but can you please amend "he" to "she" please.

2025-07-26 10:25:06 UTC

"The UK has a Terrorism Act that jails grannies for protesting against genocide and an Online Safety Act that hides Gaza images until you sacrifice online privacy. Put simply: we are losing our freedoms day by day to protect genocidal Israel."
https://www.councilestatemedia.uk/p/the-online-safety-act-is-not-about?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

2025-07-22 09:41:22 UTC

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Trish, regular readers of their posts/blog will be used to them, from both.

2025-07-01 09:02:15 UTC

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Much of that sounds wrong to me. Replacing one injustice with another is not the answer.
There needs to be a concerted effort to address the problem not piecemeal approaches. Generally, drinking and driving is no longer acceptable. I can't remember the last time I heard a 'mother-in-law' joke...
It could be done but requires the will and consistency, across various institutions, Police, schools, social media... Doubt it will happen though...

2025-07-01 08:56:20 UTC

I'm regretting I've not done enough on this topic, and I doubt this will be of much help, but it's something.
#WelfareReform
https://the.organise.network/surveys/pip-reform-urgent-june-tactics

2025-06-30 22:47:35 UTC

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It's a bit late for me to delve too deeply, but your post Alex reminds me of things that happened when I was a young teenager. Things that I didn't fully comprehend at that time, that mystified and frightened me but that I instinctively knew not to discuss.
I can't know how much of this men will recognise, if they're oblivious to the actions of their peers... and surely such episodes happened to women my mother's age, but there were no warnings...

2025-06-30 22:28:34 UTC

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Sorry, but I can't resist thinking, "This is not news to me..." (and no doubt many, many others. Witnessed and experienced from the age of 5 in my case.)
And now I'm thinking of Women’s Suffrage and how change rarely comes without a 'fight', certainly when it means the powerful giving up the control they enjoy.
I think I'm generally a positive person, but in this instance, I am not hopeful.

2025-06-30 13:46:53 UTC

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I'd like to think that Paul, but it's more likely my love of crisps talking...
Ha, ha, ha...

2025-06-30 13:45:05 UTC

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I'm craving crisps and trying not to tell myself "It's okay. I must need the salt..."

2025-06-30 13:02:34 UTC

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This northern gal finds 24 degrees difficult enough...
It's 24.9 in my bedroom. 23.8 in the coolest room in the house. Supposedly. Eurghhh...

2025-06-30 09:56:50 UTC

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Ooh, I hadn't heard of them either.
I try not to use Amazon but have occasionally when I couldn't find what I needed elsewhere.
Thank you for asking the question Geri and thank you Tony for the helpful tip!

2025-06-27 08:14:52 UTC

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Did you see the piece on #BBCBreakfast this morning, where some random woman made unsubstantiated claims about claimants?
Apparently 'Jill' "thinks change is needed". We're "spending huge amounts of money which this country can't afford... there are a lot of people getting those benefits that perhaps shouldn't be..."
Ah yes, well-known 'expert' Jill...
The #BBC lost its way some time ago. (I mainly put it on for the clock in the corner/local weather forecast.)
F'in' FUMING!

2025-05-09 22:37:40 UTC

What is it about words that Keir Starmer does not understand? https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/05/09/what-is-it-about-words-that-keir-starmer-does-not-understand/

2024-12-29 02:07:15 UTC

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This encounter brought my daughter and I a good deal of joy and wonder today - late afternoon close to Alnmouth.
We also saw pheasants, swans sat in a field, deer, ummm... I know there was more... Oh, and something that I thought was a stoat but daughter thinks was only a grey squirrel. But I thought it was too slim and long and the way it moved...
We had quite the afternoon driving along the coast then inland to Alnwick.
https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/113/738/847/642/690/003/original/4a3849b4a611d983.mp4

2024-12-24 22:48:25 UTC

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Homemade? Yum!
Wishing you good health, peace and happiness.

2024-12-24 00:29:58 UTC

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Thank you. You're always so kind. ❤️ (And willing to give me a kick up the a*** when I need it. 😂 😂 😂 )
Yes, finding the good ones seems more difficult since COVID emerged.
I've let months go by, trying to resolve health issues and not taken a grip of 'living'. I've also struggled to adjust to not working.
Stopped taking some med's and concluded some problems were actually side effects. Hoping to finally get myself into gear now I'm feeling somewhat better.
🤪 ❤️

2024-12-24 00:21:02 UTC

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Decided to give Tai Chi a go... Managed to start a class one week before they finished for the holidays! 😂
It was SO hard. My natural setting is 'zoom mode' and making myself move slowly was incredibly difficult.
But I like a challenge and I think it will be good for me, so I'm not giving up yet! Doesn't restart until the 15th though.
Looking at finding something else too, before what I have left for a brain totally decomposes!

2024-12-24 00:17:58 UTC

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Oh dear... "considering" is doing some heavy lifting here, I suppose.
Me? Usual roller coaster/can't see the wood for the trees stuff.
Having a tussle with some tradies which doesn't help. Very frustrating, but seems to be the way of the world these days. Finding someone who can do a job without making things 10 times worse seems impossible.
Trying to 'breathe' through it but the grey, miserable weather doesn't help.

2024-12-24 00:05:38 UTC

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I loved 'Dead to Me' too.
I also liked 'Lilyhammer', 'Ginny & Georgia', 'Russian Doll' and 'Happy'. Have you watched any of these?
There's other stuff I wouldn't own up to... 😂
Hope all's well in your world.

2024-12-07 22:47:46 UTC

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One desperate day recently, I foolishly started to watch this... (I wanted a light, frothy distraction...)
It is unbelievably inane, saccharine... Just yeuch... and I found the face of the male lead disturbing in some way I can't quite put my finger on.
I think I lost brain cells I'll not regain.
Just horrible.

2024-11-26 17:09:01 UTC

Was FURIOUS this morning to hear Justin Webb ask for "the stick" in relation to the reforms to 'employment support'. (Think he was interviewing Alison McGovern.)
Yes, go ahead BBC, join in with the scapegoating...
No, don't concern yourself with the rich who avoid paying tax. It's the plebs that are costing the country not the obscenely wealthy.
Pffft... I hate this country these days.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0025cmd
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/media/press-releases/worlds-top-1-own-more-wealth-than-95-per-cent-of-humanity/

2024-11-26 13:23:35 UTC

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I very much doubt men have the first idea of what women endure. I wouldn't be surprised if even perpetrators somehow persuade themselves they're not doing anything wrong.
I don't think the prevalence has changed so much as 'lad culture' which has made some instances more blatant.
There was a horrible practice of up-skirting and worse in my daughter's school. The schl took a 'boys will be boys' attitude (2010s). Daughter was mortified/long-lasting impact.

2024-11-26 13:16:59 UTC

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I'm in my 60s. It wasn't something people talked about when I was young. In my mid-20s I finally spoke to someone about an instance of what I'd endured (step-father), they'd experienced worse (father).
The next 4 friends I spoke to had all endured similar or worse. I began to realise it wasn't 'out of the ordinary'. Far from it. It's endemic. It's just not something you advertise.

2024-11-25 23:34:25 UTC

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I'm sorry Jamie, but I think you've been living in a 'bubble'. (And I'm happy for you that this is/was your experience.)
I think my first experience of unwanted attention happened when I was 8. Men of varying ages participate in behaviour that makes women and girls 'uncomfortable' and worse.
Even when I got to my 50s it still continued... There are no totally safe spaces. It can happen when you least expect it.

2024-11-14 10:54:28 UTC

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Thank you for your openness in your thought-provoking contributions.
Have a great day Kyle and Jules.

2024-11-09 22:46:16 UTC

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Oh, I wasn't remotely suggesting you thought it's an easy choice. As I said, I'm "torn" on the topic. Hard to reflect everything I feel in a limited number of characters. I was just participating in the conversation...
Your post has generated an interesting, moving and at times, sad, thread.
It shows diversity within both those that do and those that don't wear a poppy.

2024-11-09 22:34:48 UTC

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I'm torn on this topic, as I suppose are many others.
I'm from the north-east. I know many men from this area, who were not academically inclined, felt there was little option but the Forces in order to have an income.
I always remember my mother being bitter that her father, who lost the use of a limb and was discharged, in her view, received no help. (He was a miner and hadn't needed to enlist. He died of TB aged 57.)
I want to show respect for those who had no choice, but...

2024-11-04 19:09:21 UTC

'She continued: “Today’s Labour Party is unrecognisable. I cannot in all conscience remain in a political party that is pursuing an authoritarian political agenda whose primary objective is to retain the neoliberal status quo, serve corporate interests and protect the ruling class”.'
https://leftfootforward.org/2024/11/former-labour-mp-beth-winter-quits-party/?utm_source=LFF+Subscribers&utm_campaign=207f37e26d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_11_04_03_38&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-207f37e26d-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=207f37e26d&mc_eid=288651ed3c

2024-10-30 20:57:31 UTC

'Paul Kissack, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), said: “It’s deeply worrying that we haven’t seen changes to social security that will seriously bring down hardship. In particular private renters will feel let down by the choice to keep Local Housing Allowance frozen means that it will become further out of step with local rent levels, which have soared in recent years.” '
https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/local-housing-allowance-benefits-autumn-budget/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGPezhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHS2mK9-GuH1EvqKhMCq94jS5OB_abnc8urOeQqOgrtFVpQi3nNH7H3CljA_aem_-nj8q07qexTzZHAJyaBKLA

2024-10-20 10:10:04 UTC

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The topic of assisted dying, and the potential ramifications, are much wider than the media discussion portrays.
I worry about biased amplification of certain 'voices'.

2024-10-20 10:05:56 UTC

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Ooh, thank you for sharing this...
I don't think it's something that would create an earworm for me, but I did enjoy it.

2024-10-20 09:34:15 UTC

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I've no direct personal experience on this topic, I've never cared for someone in this situation. I'm sure if I had it would colour my view.
However, I care for a vulnerable person and I worry for their future, especially once I'm dead. So my bias is against this proposal. I would struggle to make the choice.

2024-10-20 09:34:03 UTC

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What I've read about Canada's experience makes me very concerned about 'the slippery slope'.
I can't help wondering if we're mostly hearing middle class voices on this topic, who are more likely to have able advocates. I worry that the poor and vulnerable will be 'terminated'.
This wasn't a balanced interview, though Dr Cajetan Skowronski did his best whilst Rebecca Wilcox was faux polite and talked over him.
https://www.channel4.com/news/assisted-dying-should-it-be-legal-in-the-uk

2024-10-20 08:51:57 UTC

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I'm glad you rang for advice because it did all sound extreme.
I hope you have a comfortable day.
🤗 🤗 🤗

2024-10-19 22:43:18 UTC

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Good grief!

2024-10-19 21:38:33 UTC

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Seriously, someone tells a touching story and you want to pick them up on the way they've expressed it?
You need to have a word with yourself!

2024-10-14 20:31:41 UTC

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Don't forget Spike Milligan.
I didn't quite 'get' him at first... too young. But I'm wondering if 'Q...' was repeated later because I eventually found him hilarious.
I loved 'The Goodies' too, but Dave Allen will probably remain king for me. His irreverent sketches, and the Mexican about to be shot, all had me in fits of laughter.

2024-10-13 23:04:28 UTC

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We're all occasionally a "fucking idiot". (Just some of us don't recognise/admit it.)
On the plus side, you are also a wonderful human being. I'm happy to (virtually) know you.

2024-10-06 10:33:37 UTC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3w7kv43yqo

2024-10-02 22:27:13 UTC

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Wow! Amazing that there were no injuries, thank goodness!

2024-10-01 23:05:08 UTC

Such a sad, sad story...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/oct/01/family-of-woman-who-lay-dead-for-three-years-had-raised-alarm-inquest-hears?CMP=share_btn_url

2024-09-27 20:18:56 UTC

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I agree, though I'm still struggling with the machine.
But pharmaceuticals aren't consequence-free, especially when taking other medications, as you imply.
I guess it may help some people who can't tolerate the machine, though I imagine there'll be those who see tablets as the 'easy' way out.

2024-09-27 07:27:55 UTC

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/oral-epilepsy-drug-eases-symptoms-osa-2024a1000h8l?ecd=wnl_sci_tech_240925_MSCPEDIT_etid6856439&uac=325933MY&impID=6856439

2024-09-18 22:17:46 UTC

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Looks yummy!
I hope you both enjoyed your meal.

2024-09-15 13:21:13 UTC

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Shocking.
Why do so many avert their eyes? Do they think it could never happen to them or theirs? Is it apathy or despair?
Read the key findings and weep, but then we must act. The way forward? I'm hoping the independent group of MPs will find a way forward hopefully with the support of unions.
I'm too exhausted from personal responsibilities to do much, but I'll do what I can.
Wake up (UK) people!
https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/113/141/561/605/913/000/original/fb9acc15a42e9950.png

2024-09-15 11:54:48 UTC

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It always provokes a snort of derision from me when people talk of Leeds (or Manchester) as "the north".
It truly isn't.
(I have a visceral reaction to such claims; I guess that makes me a bigot of the kind I'd normally detest.)
In my experience, there's a completely different culture above the line of the A59, tho' I noticed a great deal of similarity between Sheffield and the north-east. I wonder if that is something to do with the type of industry that used to be prevalent.

2024-09-15 11:12:56 UTC

Greed and apathy have brought us here.
I'm old enough to recall the glee with which the stupid/short-sighted bought shares in the country's assets. That alongside the disparagement of the Unions was the beginning of the neo-liberal disaster.
I agree with @npub1zg4…56fh comment; what passes for education churns out clones in support of the suppression of the masses. People in poverty, or the brink, are preoccupied with survival and more easily distracted.
There is no 'Saviour' on the horizon.

2024-09-15 10:47:41 UTC

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I moved back to the north-east from West Yorkshire for several reasons, which mattered more to me than money.
I expected salaries would be lower here, which is sad when you think about it but it has always been a fact of my working life.
However, I was surprised at the extent of the salary difference between Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne.
I doubt it will ever change. Levelling up? Don't make me laugh...

2024-09-14 22:46:56 UTC

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I can't resist pointing out, you had your gender in your favour.
Females in academia have a constant struggle against misogyny.
Just as surprising (to me at least) were the shocking levels of racism (and associated 'hierarchies') I encountered working for a local authority.
Hmmm... I'm trying to recall something positive, as this all sounds very negative... Public sector employers were more flexible when it came to caring responsibilities, but that's all I've got right now.

2024-09-14 20:34:37 UTC

'Last Night of the Proms', Angel Blue...
Wow, doesn't cover it! But it's all I've got...
WOW!
AMAZING!

2024-09-14 18:58:59 UTC

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Post-motherhood, I moved from the private to public sector.
Culture shock or what! (Tho' not as difficult as the reverse. A friend went through that and it nearly broke them.)
Sweeping generalisation, but I think there is a greater tolerance of incompetence in the public sector. The 'time served' approach to promotion was still dominant. It also seemed that if you joined in a lower level role, that's how you'd always be perceived, no matter your previous experience.

2024-09-10 21:05:16 UTC

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Sounds as though it was wanted, so that's good.
Yes, it's been a lovely day. The weather has turned a bit 'nippy' compared to what it's been, but being a northerner I can cope with the cool better than heat.

2024-09-10 16:28:35 UTC

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Is that good or bad...? Or was it your mood?
Here's #WhitleyBay
https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/113/114/196/931/351/600/original/d62f3abc088432dc.jpg

2024-09-09 21:59:17 UTC

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[@anathema_device](https://bne.social/@anathema_device ) a bit tame by your standards, but you do like this sort of thing, don't you?

2024-09-09 21:54:23 UTC

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Didn't anyone tell you they're entitled...?

2024-09-09 21:53:14 UTC

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😂 😂 😂
Ideally I'd like a water cannon...
(Joking... or am I? 🤔 😂 )

2024-09-09 21:34:02 UTC

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I don't have one.
And no, I'm not buying a new door to avoid the rare caller.
I thought the purpose of social media was to pointlessly rant/vent (amongst others), so that's what I'm doing...

2024-09-09 21:28:45 UTC

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Oh, they know about 5 seconds after I've answered the door... 😂 😂 😂
There should be a 'list' of homes that don't want cold-callers. It would be a means of keeping vulnerable people safer too. Ohhh... Derrr... it would be a list for scoundrels to target, wouldn't it? GAH!
Anyway, I'm on the 'no direct mail' list and I still get that recycling through my door...
GRRR...

2024-09-09 21:24:24 UTC

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I have a 'bee in my bonnet' about this...
Can you tell?
😂 😂 😂
My daughter would never answer the door to an unexpected caller. Full stop.
She doesn't understand why I do. 'Old habits' I guess...
It's not as though I exactly have a social circle these days... Hah!

2024-09-09 21:21:57 UTC

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I daresay, but I don't see why I should have to deface my property.
That said, I acknowledge your sign is utterly FABULOUS.
I once had a charity tell me I should put a sign on the door, when I complained about one of their representatives calling DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF COVID-19!
NO! You should make an appointment, not call unannounced, and certainly not during a pandemic!
Entitled, arrogant idiots!
My house, my rules.

2024-09-09 11:43:03 UTC

I'd hate to have a job where I am obliged to knock on strangers doors, trying to sell them something.
Just had someone tell me "That's terrible" because I said "No thank you, whatever it is, I'm not interested." "How do you know?" he said...
Did I invite you? No. So what makes you think you're entitled to knock on my door and have me listen to you?
I can't understand anyone who purchases goods or services from a random stranger who has knocked on their door without prior arrangement.

2024-09-08 23:16:04 UTC

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I don't want to frighten you, but a friend of mine had a similar cyst, so when I got a lump I assumed it was the same thing.
It was assumed to be benign following initial biopsy, but turned out to be malignant. Please do get it checked out.

2024-09-08 19:20:43 UTC

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In the universities I've worked, pre-pandemic academics did whatever they liked regardless.
Admin' staff were a different matter; mostly 'policed' within an inch of their lives. Until the pandemic demonstrated that people were conscientious and fulfilled their roles without being heavily scrutinised.
That created problems when VCs wanted everyone back on campus, in part because students felt they weren't getting value for money.
Don't get me started on HE hierarchies/estates.

2024-09-08 12:16:35 UTC

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Also, the culprits have the time and means to prevaricate, whilst the vulnerable suffer and lose what cannot be regained.

2024-09-08 11:15:56 UTC

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Lack of enforcement is what angers and frustrates me about disability legislation.
This vulnerable cohort are often the least able to advocate for themselves and often have to rely on exhausted carers to 'fight' for them.
Without money or connections the hurdles to a 'decent' life are far too high.

2024-09-08 10:44:26 UTC

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Weather update.
The day started dreich... this is 11.40 in #WhitleyBay which is 3.38 miles from #SouthShields as the crow flies (8 miles from the #Toon / #NewcastleuponTyne).
https://media.mas.to/media_attachments/files/113/101/519/555/192/060/original/37366cb711f96cc7.jpg

2024-09-04 22:25:24 UTC

Did anyone else enjoy this? I certainly did.
'The Zelensky Story'
I want to know more about his wife too. From the story so far, she really must be someone special. I guess she'd have to be...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001zps2/the-zelensky-story

2024-09-04 18:06:12 UTC

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"Researchers assessed the cost-benefit ratio of policies across a range of departments in a drive to convince Rachel Reeves she should downgrade costly road projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing in favour of putting more cash into health, education and skills to boost to the economy."

2024-09-04 18:05:40 UTC

"Spending extra cash on mental health services would boost economic growth and improve the nation’s wellbeing more than building new roads, according to an academic analysis."
"The report from the London School of Economics (LSE) argues that a rethink is needed inside Whitehall about how to approach spending decisions, with more focus on how the money actually improves people’s lives, particularly in terms of wellbeing."
https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/sep/03/mental-health-new-roads-study-lse-rachel-reeves-services?CMP=share_btn_url

2024-09-03 20:43:42 UTC

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Thank you for caring enough to comment. I'm grateful.
If it was my 'story' I w'd've done this in a heartbeat a long time ago. (I've connections at the Yorkshire Post who would no doubt have supported me in finding a suitable contact if I asked.)
My family member won't allow me to do this. They're afraid it would have negative consequences for them later on.
I hate feeling so helpless. I've never felt so 'beaten' and powerless. I usually find a way.🤷🏻‍♀️

2024-09-03 08:37:23 UTC

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I wish I knew how many people are living like me... more or less like a hermit.
Everyone I knew before the pandemic began has gone back to 'normal'.
It's really difficult and at times I question myself, but I really cannot voluntarily submit to risking an illness especially when the potential outcome is so debilitating.
I've always thought folk were pretty bonkers, but this... 🤷🏻‍♀️

2024-09-02 21:38:14 UTC

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I care for a vulnerable family member. It's approaching 4 years since I contacted their local authority regarding the need for remedial work to resolve a damp problem. There are also pests in the property now.
I am banging my head against a brick wall. I've involved councillors and our local MP. All we receive are meaningless platitudes with no action.
A vulnerable, disabled person just doesn't matter, do they?
Caring is exhausting enough without these 'fights'.

2024-08-30 13:09:59 UTC

I've just driven past the aftermath of an accident. An old lady was lying in the road; a Policeman was sitting next to her.
I drove on as an ambulance came towards me...
I had a visceral reaction; felt very shaken up.
Then I thought of Gaza. Not just one person lying wounded and bleeding. One after another, after another...
Why are we tolerating our politicians facilitating the intolerable? Why allow the continued supply of arms? What can 'ordinary' folk do to stop this madness?

2024-08-21 19:58:59 UTC

When you constantly feel manipulated by the person for whom you care... how do you try to decide what is reasonable?
Sorry to throw this out into the fediverse. There's just the two of us and it's getting harder and harder to be objective about our situation.
Sometimes I think they can't help themselves, then other times I think I'm enabling this helplessness. They do struggle, but I don't know where that 'line' is...
Meantime, I'm more and more... depressed I suppose...

2024-08-20 23:53:32 UTC

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Not at all surprised to learn this about you.
A heart-warming story, and I also love that your daughter was with you to learn of the difference her mother made (makes) in this world. Though I'm sure she knows this anyway... but good to hear it from someone else. 💖

2024-08-19 21:14:48 UTC

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Feeling less bad... Just remembered this element of the convo'...
Him: "You don't need that on near me..."
Me: "Why, when did you last take a test...?"
Him: "You don't need to test now..."
Me: ROARRRRR!
🤦🏻‍♀️ 🤦🏻‍♀️ 🤦🏻‍♀️
🤷🏻‍♀️ 🤷🏻‍♀️ 🤷🏻‍♀️
#CovidIsNotOver
#COVID19
(He told me there was no need to be so aggressive. Don't know whether to laugh or cry.)