PLEASE DO NOT FEED PUMPKIN TO HEDGEHOGS. Whilst hedgehogs will happily eat pumpkin as they have a sweet tooth, Pumpkins act as a laxative and will cause the hedgehog to have a very squirty bottom.
If you're putting your pumpkin outside for squirrels, keep them high up and out of hedgehogs' way!

Have you seen this?
https://tinyurl.com/y3bgq8au

It's hard to believe. In the midst of a pandemic that's already killed tens of thousands of people in this country, the government is about to increase taxes on face masks. Yes, you read that right.

When the pandemic began, Boris Johnson's government decided people would not have to pay VAT for face masks and other types of personal protective equipment (or PPE). But now, they're set to bring back VAT on masks and similar equipment at the end of this week. It could cost families almost a hundred pounds more over the coming months.

It isn’t too late to force them to change their minds. But with everything else going on, the government will be hoping the change slips under the radar. That’s where you come in friend.

If you don’t think the government should be increasing taxes on face masks and other types of PPE, sign the petition to demand they drop the hike now:
https://tinyurl.com/y3bgq8au

Mischief Night Date in the current year: October 30, 2020

Mischief NightOctober 30 is Mischief Night in Northern America and Great Britain. Tonight teenagers and children are engaged in pranks and minor vandalism.
Mischief Night has got different names. Only in the USA it is known under the names Mischief Night, Cabbage Night and Gate Night. In Canada and some other parts of the USA this night is called Mat Night and in Great Britain it's Miggy Night, Mischievous Night, Corn Night, Trick Night, Micky Night. The most interesting that Mischief Night is celebrated in Great Britain on November 4 on the eve of Bonfire Night.

As far as Mischief Night is mostly celebrated on October 30, it's tightly associated with Halloween. Trick-or-treating is a traditional activity for children.

Contemporary pranks include different tricks with toilet paper, powder-bombs, eggs, soap, fireworks, rotten fruits and pumpkins. Local grocery stores even refuse selling eggs to teenagers and pre-teens around the time of Halloween! Although the tricks during Mischief Night should be more or less harmless, sometimes children can damage homes and gardens.

Two of my fave things on the same day!! Just as well I had my Oatiflakes for breakfast then! I better treat the cat to fish tonight!
Rainforest Action Networks says.."From the playful house cat to the beautiful tiger, we’re celebrating all cats today, big and small." But it was actually only created in 2005 to highlight adoption.
On National Oatmeal Day, celebrate with a bowl of the good stuff, or even a batch of oatmeal cookies. And if you’ve got a horse, feel free to share the love. Can`t find when that was created and some websites seem to think we`ve missed it and it was 5th October but hey-ho-I don`t mind when I have an Oat cookie or a Flapjack! I`ll celebrate both days.

World Stroke Day Date in the current year: October 29, 2020

World Stroke DayWorld Stroke Day is an annual awareness day observed on October 29. It was established to raise awareness of the high rates and serious nature of stroke and educate people about the treatment and prevention of this condition.
Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident, occurs when poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death. It is a very widespread disease worldwide. Every year, over 15 million people have a stroke. About 6 million of them die, and approximately 5 million survivors are left permanently disabled.

In 2004, the World Stroke Congress was held in Vancouver, Canada. During the congress, the idea to create an awareness day dedicated to stroke was voiced. On October 29, 2006, the World Stroke Federation and the International Stroke Society merged into the World Stroke Organization, which became the main organizer of World Stroke Day.

Events and activities held on the occasion of World Stroke Day focus on raising awareness of the main risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, tobacco smoking, previous transient ischemic attacks etc. Prevention of stroke includes decreasing risk factors. It is also important to know how help stroke survivors in order to accelerate their recovery.

I have not been out shopping for months and wondered if they have still the boxes to put items in for homeless, day centres a.s.o.
As lot of us now shop on line and deliveries it would be a lovely idea to introduce to hand some items back to driver for this purpose.
What do you think?

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Rashford faces BBC award snub.
Daily Mail are trying to make an issue over Marcus Rashford not even in the shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year title.
He hasn't won anything this year, so why should he even be considered?

https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/27/slum-london-apartment-bought-for-1000-is-now-worth-3-7-million-13482974/

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage Date in the current year: October 27, 2020

World Day for Audiovisual HeritageWorld Day for Audiovisual Heritage is annually celebrated on October 27. This holiday was initiated by UNESCO in 2005 in order to raise public awareness of the significance and of preservation risks of recorded audiovisual and sound documents.
World audiovisual heritage consists of films, radio and TV programs, audio and video records, that have ever been made. Audiovisual documents are the most common carriers of primary information of the 20th and 21st centuries. They have become an important addition to the traditional written documents.

Unfortunately, much of audiovisual heritage is in danger, especially in developing countries, because of its nature. Currently many professionals work on preservation of audiovisual heritage and make everything possible to keep it for our future generations.

Celebration of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage raises public awareness of the need of preservation of audiovisual heritage and attract attention to the unique local, national and international aspects of heritage.

Does any one use a heat pump?

EDF is offering Future Heat system subsidised through Renewable Heat Incentive which works alongside your existing heating system.

Terms sound too good to be true.

Are these heat pumps very noisy?

Any comment would be appreciated.

Still regret not taking advantage of Government subsidised Solar system.

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Have not changed for a while and have not kept up what contents would cost now.

Which firms are you using and if you had a claim how satisfied were you?

Are you using a comparison site or one which does all the hard work for you. Forgot the name of the site which appeared on Dragon's Den and has been mentioned on here in the past.
Thanks

Without getting political in any way, I am really struggling to understand what's going on at the moment. On the one hand I read of people having trouble feeding their children and themselves, jobs are going left, right and centre and on the other hand, everywhere I go there are 'Sold' signs, skips and scaffolding. I'm getting very confused by it all.

Today's thought.....

Today I picked up my post from the mat and after sieving through the junk I found a small flat grey plastic bag delivered via Royal Mail. It was an order for some Duracell batteries, 2 packs, that I had ordered from Amazon. The bag had been cut open and it's contents stolen but they had posted the empty bag through my letter box!!! Cheek or what?

Intersex Awareness Day Date in the current year: October 26, 2020

Intersex Awareness DayIntersex Awareness Day is an international observance designated to raise public awareness of intersex people and to highlight the problems they face every day. It's observed every year on October 26.
Intersex is a term applied to people whose biological sex can't be easily determined as female or male due to presence of biological attributes of both sexes or lack of some attributes necessary for identification of one or another sex. It's a congenital condition caused by hormonal, genetic of chromosomal variations. And sometimes it's even a combination of all three variants.

It is hard to estimate how many babies might be born intersex because some forms of sex anatomy variations may not become apparent until later in life, but intersex people are believed to represent a significant amount of global population (according to different estimations, from 1.7% to 4%).

The idea of inaugurating Intersex Awareness Day arose during the 1990s. On October 26, 1996, intersex activists from the Intersex Society of North America and their allies from The Transexual Menace organized a demonstration in Boston outside the venue where the American Academy of Pediatrics was holding its annual conference. The anniversary of this demonstration became an international awareness day for intersex people.

The main objective of Intersex Awareness Day is to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children.

Guy Mowbray was the commentator for the Man Utd v Chelsea match yesterday.
Just after Marcus Rashford had a shot he commented, "he didn't win in parliament this week but did win in Paris. Whether you agree with Marcus Rashford's cause or not, surely you have to admire his commitment".
For some reason the twitterati have got so angry and abusive about the comment that Guy has decided to leave social media.
I can't see what wrong with the comment.

With all that has feared, stressed, upset and worried us this year, why not brighten us all up by lighting up your garden and homes early this year, the first of December, to bring a little happiness into our lives. What do you all think? my local area are all up for it.

Tory run Westminster council have started charging cafes extra rates for having tables and chairs on the pavements. The extra bill could be £100,000 a year.

The 250 year old Cubbington Pear Tree, the second largest wild pear tree in the country with a girth of 3.78m (12.4ft) and England’s Tree of the Year in 2015, has been cut down to make way for HS2.

The route was changed to avoid a golf course, but not for this impressive tree or ancient woodland.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/20/former-tree-of-the-year-felled-in-warwickshire-to-make-way-for-hs2

Don't forget clocks change this weekend 🧭

Ordered a mini rechargeable chainsaw from what I thought was an American company [price was in dollars] but turns out it was coming from China.
It hasn't arrived and when I clicked the link on the email receipt it says this shop is unavailable.
Have asked Paypal to sort it out.

Today my husband and I with our two guide dogs had another near miss with an electric car. We were crossing a side road and it came in off the main road and passed very close in front of us. If it’d been a petrol or diesel engine, or if it’d had a sound emitter fitted, we’d have heard it, but, apart from the sound of the tyres on the road, it was virtually silent.

I am a confident guide dog handler but I can honestly say that silent electric vehicles scare me. I fear that it will take serious injury to a blind person, or even worse, death, before any meaningful legislation is put into place. If it happens to me or someone that I care about, I’ll be in court and I won’t rest until we have justice.

So please, if you drive an electric vehicle, switch on your sound emitter. After all, you wouldn’t drive at night without your lights on, it’s the same thing.

Many people will like this post but please don’t. I ask anyone who would have hit the like button to please hit the share button instead and pass this far and wide. I fear for our lives and those of these two amazing dogs. See Less

Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Day is an annual observance held on October 23. It is dedicated to a rare and insufficiently studied congenital disorder that affects multiple parts of the body.
Kabuki syndrome was discovered by Japanese physician and geneticist Norio Niikawa. Dr Niikawa first observed unique facial characteristics and health problems that are now associated with the syndrome in 1969, while a treating a child patient. He assumed that he was faced with an undiagnosed genetic disorder. Kabuki syndrome (also known as Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome or Kabuki make-up syndrome) was officially discovered in 1981.

Dr Niikawa coined the term “Kabuki syndrome” as a reference to a classical Japanese dance-drama known for the elaborate make-up worn by some performers; many patients diagnosed with the syndrome have elongated lower eyelids that remind of traditional Kabuki theatre makeup.

Other symptoms include typical facial features (arched and broad eyebrows, flat nasal tip, large ears), growth delays, skeletal anomalies, low muscle tone, visual and/or hearing impairments, mild to moderate intellectual impairment, autistic-like behaviors, and others. Usually, only some of the symptoms are present in a patient with Kabuki syndrome because the disease affects each individual differently.

The syndrome doesn’t affect one’s lifespan, but coexisting conditions (for example, cardiac or renal issues) may shorten it. There is no specific treatment for the disorder, so treatment plans typically address specific symptoms.

Kabuki syndrome affects approximately 1 in 32,000 births. Due to its rarity, it is not screened for in routine prenatal testing. Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Day was created to spread information about this rare disorder and to support individuals and families affected by Kabuki syndrome.

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International Stuttering Awareness DayInternational Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is observed annually on October 22. It is organized by the International Stuttering Association, International Fluency Association, and European League of Stuttering Association.
Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder most commonly associated with involuntary repetitions of sounds or syllables which disrupt the flow of speech. It also typically involves the prolongations of sounds and involuntary pausing or hesitation before speech.

Stuttering can have a severe impact on a person's emotional state and functioning. It frequently leads to stress, social anxiety, and self-imposed isolation. Children who stutter often become targets of bullying. According to statistics, about 1% of the world's population suffer from stuttering.

International Stuttering Awareness Day was created in 1998 to raise public awareness of stuttering and educate people about this common speech disorder, its consequences and methods of treatment. Numerous events are organized across the world by international and national stuttering associations. They include (but are not limited to) online conferences, public awareness campaigns, and educational activities.

Next door are having building work done so have a loo in the front garden. My neighbour said they've now put a padlock on it as when she looked out there the other day there was a queue....3 dustmen and a delivery woman, lol. 😂😂

Anyone know what is happening in care homes? Are visitors allowed? Are residents able to mix in the communal lounge if they are distanced?

To make up for the shortfall caused by people working from home it seems Johnson is suggesting TFL scrap free travel for under 18s and pensioner freedom passes in London if the government bale them out. How does everyone feel about that?.

I just signed the petition "Help struggling businesses - not fox hunting groups" and wanted to ask if you could add your name too.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/help-struggling-businesses-not-fox-hunting-groups?bucket=email-blast-19_10_2020_fox_hunting_petition&share=19759640-cb94-45e4-95ea-9f43aa1f7eb1&source=&utm_campaign=19_10_2020_fox_hunting_petition&utm_source=

...if you are not Cornish.

Great British Bake Off's woke viewers were ranting on twitter tonight when the contestants were asked to make traditional Cornish Pasties. They were saying it is offensive to the natives of the far South West.

Suddenly I have to log in every time, didn't have to before, wonder if this is something to do with the recent problems we have been getting on here.

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International Pronouns Day Date in the current year: October 21, 2020

International Pronouns DayOn the third Wednesday of October, transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals around the world, as well as their allies, observe International Pronouns Day. It is an annual awareness event that seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.
Being addressed by the pronouns that match their assigned sex instead of the pronouns that match the gender they identify with is a common problem that many transgender people have to face. And the situation becomes even more complicated when it comes to non-binary and gender nonconforming people because many languages are gender binary. You’re supposed to pick either female or male pronouns, but what should you do if you identify as neither?

According to the team behind International Pronouns Day, referring to people by the third person pronouns they’ve chosen for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being misgendered hurts, even when it stems from ignorance rather than intent, so the main goal of International Pronouns Day is to educate people about personal pronouns, including gender-neutral pronouns used by non-binary and gender nonconforming people.

For example, in English, there’s the singular they. Originally used in situations where a person’s gender was unknown or irrelevant, it has been adopted into gender-inclusive language. Other gender-neutral pronouns used in the LGBTQ+ community include e/es/emself, xe/xyrs/xemself, ze/hir/hirself, ze/zers/zemself, zhe/zhers/zhimself, and others.

The originators of the International Pronouns Day are U.S. based, so the campaign website focuses on the English language. However, people from non-English-speaking countries whose languages are gendered like English are welcome to organize their version of the campaign, focusing on their language context and the specific needs of their transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming communities. The first International Pronouns Day was observed in 2018 by people from 25 countries in every inhabited continent.

...to `Kahuti Lives`?

World Osteoporosis Day is annually observed on October 20. Observation of this day raises public awareness of osteoporosis and its dangers.
World Osteoporosis Day was created by the United Kingdom's National Osteoporosis Society in 1996. European Commission supported this observance and since 1997 it's annually organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The World Health Organization co-sponsored this observance in 1998 and 1999.

Every year a different theme is chosen to organize observance. The theme of the day helps draw attention to the problematic issues, that need urgent actions. The theme of the observance also helps determinate the focus of a year-long campaign, that will be held in over 90 countries around the world.

Osteoporosis affects over half of population of our planet aged 50 and above, mostly of whom are women. This condition is responsible for millions of fractures of hips, wrists, lumbar vertebrae and ribs. Aging of bones is a preventable process and World Osteoporosis Day campaign helps people remind about the disease.

Quiz time

If the Track and Trace people ask you to self isolate, the police are given your details so they can check up on you.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Date in the current year: October 17, 2020

International Day for the Eradication of PovertyIn 1993 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was established by the United Nations General Assembly and since then it is observed every year on October 17.
This date wasn't chosen occasionally. About 100,000 people from different countries gathered at Trocadéro in Paris, France, to honor the memory of victims of hunger, poverty, violence and fear on October 17, 1987. They demanded to keep the human rights and supported the testimonial by Joseph Wresinski that says: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty”.

This holiday was established to point out that living in poverty is an acute problem in the Third World countries. The problem of poverty is too widespread that is why it may be the reason for social unrest and threat the world's safety. Nowadays the fighting with poverty is considered to be a contribution to change the world and see the better future for all of us.

All the activities held this day by the UN are aimed to hear the voice of poor people. They also can contribute to fight with poverty by describing their experience or experience of people whom they know.

I went to a coffee shop today for first time since lockdown started. Used my app to scan the QR code on the window and it worked. All was fine with the drinks. Cafe was quite busy, woman next to us feeding baby, bloke across the way a bit annoying coughing a lot.

About an hour later got a red alert notification from the app. "someone in your prozimity has tested positive for corona virus in the previous 7 days". Tapped it but it didn't tell me any more.
I do wonder what is someone who tested positive doing in a coffee shop?

Just heard on BBC news that households cannot meet indoors now, went to the website and put in postcode and it says you can.

Date in the current year: October 15, 2020

This observance was established by the UN General Assembly in 2007 and the first relating events were held in the countries around the world in 2008.
Women play an important role in the development of each country. Their work is required in many spheres of industry and they are key figures in development of agricultural economy in rural regions. Women are engaged in growing crops, cattle breeding and other forms of agricultural activity.

Rural women have a limited access to health care, education and credit, that is why they face many problems and can't help the growth of world economy. Empowering them is a way to achieve wellbeing of rural families and communities.

The UN General Assembly calls on every member state annually organize appropriate events corresponding to celebration of International Day of Rural Women. This will raise public awareness of the critical role and contribution of rural women in enhancing rural and agricultural development.

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World Arthritis Day Date in the current year: October 12, 2020

World Arthritis DayWorld Arthritis Day is an annual awareness day observed on October 12 in many countries throughout the world. Its main goal is to disseminate information about joint disorders that are collectively known as arthritis, as well as to raise public awareness of challenges that people with arthritis have to face every day.
“Arthritis” is an umbrella term often used to describe any disorder that affects joints. Generally by arthritis people mean one of the diseases where joint pain is primary, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and others. However, arthritis can also be a secondary condition to a wide range of diseases, from psoriasis and celiac disease to Lyme disease and lupus. Overall there are over 100 types of arthritis.

Typical symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion, skin redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joints. The disease typically becomes more common with age, but some of its types affect young people and even children and teenagers (for example, juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability.

World Arthritis Day was created to raise public awareness of all forms of arthritis and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Some forms of arthritis, such as fibromyalgia, may remain undiagnosed for up to 5 years, and a delayed diagnosis makes it harder to treat the condition.

Suddenly I am no longer a member of the private groups I was in, does anyone know what has happened - has this happened to anyone else ?

International Day of the Girl Child Date in the current year: October 11, 2020

International Day of the Girl ChildInternational Day of the Girl Child, also known as International Day of the Girl, is a United Nations observance held on October 11 every year. It was officially inaugurated by UN General Assembly in December 2011 to recognize girls' rights and raise awareness of the challenges girls have to face.
This international awareness day was inspired by the Because I Am a Girl campaign. The campaign was launched by the international aid organization Plan in order to address the issue of gender discrimination and promote rights of girls across the world.

International Day of the Girl Child focuses on promoting girls' empowerment and highlighting the unique challenges girls face around the world. The issues addressed on the occasion include (but are not limited to) unfree child marriage, teenage pregnancy, violence, discrimination, gender inequality etc. In many countries, girls have limited access to education, medical care, legal aid.

Each year, the United Nations selects a new theme for the day. For example, the first theme was “Ending Child Marriage”. All participants are encouraged to link events they organize to the current year's theme. International Day of the Girl Child events and activities are held by governments of Member States, the UN system, NGOs, and civil society.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brexit-no-10-snubs-tougher-food-rules-to-keep-trade-deals-on-the-menu-vdhks5262?shareToken=a5de50477ab7aef1ef5c98ef01192da2&fbclid=IwAR3PR6XGkaCrNGAV65cEYVSUFhGpOnFY3L1tQUXhiwIsktTQSF
Now we`ve Brexitted we`re desperate!!
Read it all before commenting PLEASE.

World Mental Health Day Date in the current year: October 10, 2020

World Mental Health DayWorld Mental Health Day is one of the international observances connected with the issues of health problems, that humanity faces everyday. This international day exists since 1992, when it was observed for the first time on October 10.
World Mental Health Day was imitated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The organization itself was founded in 1948 in the same era as the United Nations and World Heath Organization. The activity of the Federation is aimed at prevention of mental and emotional disorders and provision of proper treatment and care of those, who have mental disorders. Nowadays WFMH consists of more than 150 member states.

Every year observance of World Mental Health Day is organized to correspond to a certain theme, that is chosen by the Federation. Observance of this day helps break stereotypes connected with mental illnesses and encourages people to seek for professional help and care in case of early symptoms of mental disorders.

Observance of World Mental Health Day is a part of Mental Illness Awareness Week. This is a larger event, that is annually organized in the USA during the first full week of October.