I don’t watch Love Island, she was the host, but read recently about her personal problems and court attendance.

News flash. Just popped into my iPad.

Is this happening all over as recently main wide roads with no schools on usually 30mph have now gone to 20 & no one one is taking it seriously....I try to stick to the limit which in an automatic means speedo watching regularly and then am continually tailgated by any driver who storm up behind me at 30 so as well as Speedo watching and looking in my mirror at the irritated behind driver trying to force my speed.. I stick to my guns and crawl along at the ridiculous low speed on a main rd and then I get drivers dangerously over take on the wrong side of the road or today I was hooted at when we were actually driving past a 20 sign...How is this making roads safer continually speed/mirror watching, tailgating or dangerous overtaking angry drivers. Makes me feel stressed driving on these slow roads so try to take different routes to avoid but difficult as everywhere Is like it.
I hate the fact I’m doing my best to stick within legal limits and are made to feel I’m wrong not the idiots who want to hit 30 in a 20 zone.
I read that 86% of drivers ignore the 20 mph limit... does anyone else actually try to drive at 20 or is it just me that worries about it?
And if you are one of the tailgaters why force others to break the speed limit risking them fines and penalty points.
Can’t understand why they have made main roads 20 mph its crazy.

Hoorah! Borough recognised as a tree city of the world

We’ve joined the likes of Toronto, New York City and Paris to be celebrated as a ‘tree city of the world’.

Although we’re not a city, we’ve been recognised by the international programme which celebrates places across the world that meet standards for the care and planning of urban trees and forests.

We currently have more than 74,000 trees across the borough and around 9,000 trees line the streets of Barking and Dagenham.

The news comes after Barking and Dagenham was also gifted 272 trees from the government’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund and the Mayor of London’s Greener City Fund.

And Happy ‘Single’tine’s day to all the single people out there. So who has been enticed in to buying one of those ever so soppy valentines card and a gift for their honey bun?
Or have you received one from a mystery admirer or like me this is the first year since being an adult I haven’t received one Valentine’s Day card ...unloved😢.. Lol or should that be free to do what I want when I want.. perks of being single.
Are you out for a romantic meal or staying in with an m & s meal deal😉

It’s supposed to be less gusty than last week.. let us know how it is in your area when it starts tomorrow.
Let’s hope it’s not as windy as this storm In Norway.:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUipxR3bDc

Do you feed grey squirrels? or think they're OK? or regard them as vermin?

Have you any experience of these?
If so, your opinion of podcasts?

https://youtu.be/Nc1ZuQmwbLo

I read yesterday that they will be given a pay rise to £325 a day, tax free. 'If they attend 150 sittings of the year, could pocket nearly £50,000, tax free as not a salary, for expenses'.
Waiting for someone to tell me this is fake news? Please ......?

Botswana, home to the world's largest elephant population, on Friday was set to hold a major auction for big game hunters to kill 70 elephants, the first since scrapping a hunting ban last year.

The sale will be conducted by a local firm Auction It from the premises of the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism in the capital Gaborone.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi raised the ire of conservationists in May when he revoked a moratorium, just a year after he succeeded Ian Khama, an avid environmentalist, who introduced a blanket ban in 2014 to reverse a decline in the population of wild animals.

Masisi fended off criticism of his government's decision, saying the move would not threaten the elephant population.

Click pic to enlarge:)

After shopping with Sainsbury's online for months suddenly they wanted a one off extra security. (to check if it was me---they should have asked the delivery person)
Went through the procedures and waited for phone call. Nothing --- then I realised if it is an automatic service as we have a phone blocker I will wait a long time.
Phoned credit card for advice, she tried again to send code to landline without success. I asked for security code to be text to mobile explaining that I am hard of hearing and can not hear over mobile plus we have weak signal so I would have to go outside to find a signal. No success.I asked for an email -- can not do.I asked if I could use a card reader ---can not do.

Now I have to wait for post to arrive and it is the weekend.

Has anyone been in the same situation or can think of anything else what to do?

I feel the new technology is anti age.

Who’s braving the weather tomorrow and going out into it? Do you prepare for this type of weather.. securing things down etc..let’s us know what’s happening round your area when it starts.

Yoghurts Pastas, and other products.
Sold by Aldi Lidl Tesco Waitrose and many others.
SOURCE > kentlive news
Will check for full verification, but just so you know.

What a lovely interview... they did it so well with Holly reading his message and interviewing him and the moment they all hugged and sat together at the end on the sofa... was a very touching moment on tv.
Good luck to him I hope he can now enjoy life as his true self... Did anyone else see it?

Do you need a new dress? Take a look on Ebay "Tracy Brabin MP "shouldergate" black dress"
Ha ha

Over my lunch I was reading a favourite magazine and a lady had written an interesting letter in the 'letter' column .....she had visited Holland and found it impressively clean and tidy, no litter, no overflowing bins, no chewing gum-splattered pavements and no fly-tipping...and I've just driven home, myself, dodging ruddy potholes in our roads everywhere. We really need to 'clean up our act' here in the UK. What do you feel?

Propose Day Date in the current year: February 8, 2020
Propose Day Propose Day is celebrated on February 8, the second day of the Valentine’s week. If you’ve been meaning to propose to your significant other for quite some time but haven’t actually gotten to do it yet, this day is just for you!

Valentine’s Day is a holiday of love and romance, which is celebrated not only in Christian countries (in fact, it has long been absent from the official church calendar), but also around the world. For many people, Valentine's Day is a great occasion to finally propose to their significant other, but some believe that this is too cheesy. If you belong to the latter, consider proposing to your sweetheart on Propose Day, which is celebrated earlier than Valentine’s Day, but during the same week. And if their answer is “Yes!”, you can properly celebrate your engagement on February 14.

Back in the day, in many cultures it was traditional for a man to ask permission to marry from a woman’s father before proposing to her or even instead of proposing. In some cases, the woman’s opinion didn’t really matter; a marriage was a kind of a business transaction where the woman and her dowry were passed from one man (father or an older relative) to another. Sadly, the tradition persists in some cultures even today.

Luckily, in most of the Western world women are free to decide whom to marry (or whether they want to get married at all), and sometimes even are the first to propose to their partners instead of waiting to be asked the big question. Do you know, for example, that Queen Victoria had to propose to Prince Albert because she was a reigning monarch at the time of their engagement? In the United States, about 5% of women are the first to propose, so jewelry companies have even started manufacturing engagement rings for men.

There are a lot of ways to propose. Some prefer the traditional option, where the person who is proposing (usually the man) bends a knee in front of their significant other, asks “Will you marry me?” and presents an engagement ring. Some surprise their significant other by hiding a ring in a dessert or dropping it in a glass of champagne, and some arrange treasure hunts or flash mobs to make their marriage proposal really unforgettable.

Be that as it may, the main thing is that a marriage proposal should be made sincerely and with love, not just because you’re expected to propose. That is why some people prefer to propose on February 8 instead of Valentine’s Day, so that their partner won’t think that they have succumbed to the Valentine’s Day “love fever” and can be sure in the sincerity of their feelings and the seriousness of their intentions.

By the way, in addition to Propose Day, there are other holidays when you can propose to your significant other. For example, National Proposal Day in the United States is celebrated on March 20. And in Scotland, Ireland, England and Finland, there is a custom where a woman can propose to her partner on February 29 in a leap year.

You are at a country pub on a gloriously warm summer afternoon with old friends. You are sitting outside in the crowded spacious garden. Other tables are receiving their lunch orders delivered by the staff shouting "order for Jack Jones" - ""order for Dave Goodman".
Having got your friends list for food you go inside to place the order, but you're feeling mischievous [ after the first drink ] and decide to give a famous name to be shouted round when the delivery is announced.
What name did you give? what happened next?

You'll also like 'Secrets of the Museum' - the first episode was today at 8 pm on BBC 2!

https://www.thesun.ie/news/5068141/evil-builder-dad-murdered-his-kids-by-injecting-quick-hardening-construction-foam-down-their-throats/

I think this is one of the most horrific stories I have ever seen.

One of the greatest actors Kirk Douglas passed away at the grand old age of 103 years old.

“I am Spartacus”

When Hermione talked about Amortentia - the love potion - she said that it smells different to each person, according to what attracts them. Hers smelt like freshly mown grass, new parchment & spearmint toothpaste. What do you think yours would smell like?

https://youtu.be/AC0IgwmsRSE

Click to enlarge

Safer Internet Day Safer Internet Day is an annual observance organized by the Insafe network each February. It is dedicated to raising awareness of emerging online issues, from social networking to cyberbullying, and making Internet a safer place for kids and young people across the world.

Safer Internet Day was founded in 2004 as an initiative of the European Union SafeBorder project. The next year, the Insafe network took over the organization. Originally a European observance, Safer Internet Day is celebrated across all populated continents, in over 100 countries. It promotes more responsible use of Internet and gadgets by children and young people who are growing up in a digital environment.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, but a lot of people are unaware of the challenges and opportunities online. That's why Safer Internet Day is so important. It aims to educate people of all ages across the world about Internet through events at schools and colleges, conferences, press conferences, and other events. On this day, industry professionals gather to exchange their ideas on what a safer and better online world is and how to create it.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate Safer Internet Day. You can get involved in internet safety debates, create and promote positive content, report illegal and harmful content, teach children digital literacy skill, etc.

Click on picture to enlarge

https://allthatsinteresting.com/dymka-cat-titanium-paws

Although this story is several months old I thought it was interesting. What do others think 🤔

Nobody seems to have mentioned it but today's a palindrome date ie: 02-02-2020 and we won't see another one like it for a while.

It's also the 33rd day of the year with 333 days left.

Now getting a bar of functions across bottom of pages, don't really like it, it seems to get in the way when i am typing and I have to scroll down further.

... Is that jokes or people? Hmmm!

How True!

World Wetlands Day The value of wetlands should be appreciated everyday, but only one day a year it's remembered on international level. February 2 is World Wetlands Day, the international day of awareness of wetlands.

The signing of the Convention of Wetlands (known as Ramsar Convention due to the name of city in Iran, where it was signed) on February 2, 1971 became the basis of creation of World Wetlands Day in 1997, when it was celebrated for the first time. Only 18 countries signed Ramsar Convention in 1971, but later 159 countries joined the convention. Over 2,000 sites are included into the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, covering more than 200,000,000 ha.

Annually government agencies, non-government organizations and groups of citizens act to raise public awareness of the importance and value of wetlands. More than 95 countries contributed into celebration of World Wetlands Day. Numerous activities were held during the time of the celebration: lectures, seminars, art contests, clean-up days, radio and television interviews, letters to newspapers. Everything was aimed to launch the wetlands protection policies.
World Wetlands Day The value of wetlands should be appreciated everyday, but only one day a year it's remembered on international level. February 2 is World Wetlands Day, the international day of awareness of wetlands.

The signing of the Convention of Wetlands (known as Ramsar Convention due to the name of city in Iran, where it was signed) on February 2, 1971 became the basis of creation of World Wetlands Day in 1997, when it was celebrated for the first time. Only 18 countries signed Ramsar Convention in 1971, but later 159 countries joined the convention. Over 2,000 sites are included into the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, covering more than 200,000,000 ha.

Annually government agencies, non-government organizations and groups of citizens act to raise public awareness of the importance and value of wetlands. More than 95 countries contributed into celebration of World Wetlands Day. Numerous activities were held during the time of the celebration: lectures, seminars, art contests, clean-up days, radio and television interviews, letters to newspapers. Everything was aimed to launch the wetlands protection policies.

is an annual campaign held on February 2. It was established in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated improving the lives of people suffering from rheumatoid diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive inflammatory disease that primarily affects joints and often results in painful and deformed joints. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder the cause of which is not completely understood. RA affects between 0.5 and 1% of adults in developed countries. People of middle age are affected most often, but the condition can develop at any age.

RA cannot be cured. Existing treatments (medication, physical therapy, etc.) can only help slow the progression of joint destruction and relieve pain. The treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms, maintaining day-to-day functioning, and preventing bone deformation. For most patients, current treatments cannot assure a healthy future.

Rheumatoid Awareness Day was established to recognize people with rheumatoid disease and educate wide audiences about RA. The Rheumatoid Patient Foundation encourages people to get involved by promoting awareness messages, participating in relevant events, and sharing educational resources.

Just had a big clear out of the house while dad is in hospital I gave about a dozen black bags of stuff to the charity that collected yesterday. But I still have 35 full black bags that are for the rubbish collection. Plus about 10 flattened large boxes to go alongside the overfull paper box.
I don't think the bin men would appreciate me putting it all out at once, but how many would you put out?

Just had an email from bank to advise against using Windows 7 for banking - has anyone else received a message or just my bank. Advises using a different system (I'm presuming that means Window 10) or tablet - I do have a Fire tablet but feel 'safer' on desktop and don't have banking on my tablet - and would be even less happy having it on a phone (if I had a smart phone, which I haven't).

Today is our Independence Day! I shall be raising a glass to the future, whatever it may bring! WOO HOO!

Imbolc (Imbolg) is an ancient Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of spring. It is typically held on February 1 and is often associated with the feast of Saint Brigit of Kildare.

Imbolc is one of the four Gaelic festivals associated with the changing seasons, along with Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. Historically, it was widely observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. After the introduction of Christianity, it merged with Saint Brighid's Day, just like many other pagan festivals transformed into Christian holidays.

The word “Imbolc” derives from the Old Irish expression which means “in the belly”. This refers to the pregnancy of ewes. In Gaelic Island, the festival of Imbolc marked the beginning of the lambing season and the onset of spring.

Imbolc is strongly associated with the Gaelic goddess Brighid, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was honored as the patroness of cattle and other livestock, arts and crafts, sacred wells, smithing, medicine, poetry, and the arrival of early spring. People believed that on Imbolc eve Brighid blessed the inhabitants of virtuous households as they slept.

On Imbolc, people made bonfires, prepared special foods and attempted to predict weather. Although many of its customs died out, Imbolc is still observed by Celtic neopagans in some localities.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51325192

4 years ago today we lost the lovely Terry Wogan. I had the pleasure of meeting Terry at a book signing in Windsor, such a kind and funny man and I miss his dulcet tones on Radio 2 every morning.
Have you memories of our Terry?

Easy ways to live well.
At first I thought not one of these boring remedy programs again but it was very interesting.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is increasingly worried that he’s starting losing his mental sharpness and was advised to start--- knitting ---with improvement at the end of the trial.

Steph McGovern pregnant, apprehensive about exercising, so Dr Zoe Williams recommends that she try belly dancing – an exercise known by the Bedouin Arabs to ease labour and strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Pain killers: A group is being prescribed 15 minutes of daily group singing, which has also been proven to reduce pain.
The amount of pain killers taken was drastically reduced.

Kids with fussy eating habits. Let them play with the food first making shapes and pictures.
This went too far with me. My kids ate what was given or went hungry.

Had a call this morning from a company doing yearly insurance on domestic appliances, they knew my name and address and even what appliances I have.
That said that last year I paid £118 but being a'loyal and valued customer' I get a reduction and this year would be only £98.
I have never taken out any of these sort of policies - do they think I wouldn't know ?

Sorry to steal your usual job Lonicera.....
"World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 when a small group of environmentalists signed an international agreement at the Ramsar Convention in Iran.[1]

Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and has grown since then. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits such as conservation. Some of these benefits include: biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species, serve as buffers on the coast against storms and flooding, and naturally filter water by breaking down or transforming harmful pollutants.[2]!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wetlands_Day

Is there a noise that really upsets you?
What?
Why?
When?

If the USA want Prince Andrew, could we not have Anne Sacoolas who killed Harry Dunn.
What are your views?

See photo. We are trying to disconnect and drain our washing machine ready for move. We have turned the small blue lever off (we think). Having trouble detaching pipe but it doesn’t help that we don’t have a clue what we’re doing. We have unplugged. Do we only twist the grey bit or is it the blue and grey bit. It all seems a bit seized up. Assume complete stupidity on our part.

International Internet-Free Day Date in the current year: January 26, 2020

International Internet-Free Day It’s hard for a modern person to imagine their life without the Internet. We use it every day to find information, communicate and entertain ourselves. Without any doubt, the World Wide Web has made our lives so much easier, but have you ever thought that you rely on it too much and replace real-life communication with virtual one? To help you answer these questions, the creators of International Internet-Free Day suggest that you spend the last Sunday of January without using the Internet.

International Internet-Free Day was first celebrated on January 27, 2002. According to one version, it was initiated by the UK-based Institute for Social Inventions (now known as the Global Think Tank). Other sources claim that the observance was created by the non-commercial online project DoBe.org. Be that as it may, International Internet-Free Day was definitely conceived in the UK.

The main goal of its creators was to encourage people to turn off their computers for at least a day in order to break out of the social isolation caused by the prevalence of online communication. Instead of messaging your friends and relatives, isn’t it better to meet them in person? Instead of spending the day binge-watching another meaningless TV show, isn’t it better to go to a concert, visit a museum or just take a walk in the fresh air?

Of course, back in 2002, when International Internet-Free Day was invented, much fewer people had access to the Internet, and it was much easier to do without the World Wide Web for a day or two because it wasn’t so all-pervading as it is today. These days, when a lot of people have smartphones with mobile Internet access, they use Internet literally for everything, from communicating with other people (using a messenger is so much cheaper than texting when you don’t have an unlimited texting plan) and shopping to checking the weather forecast and public transport schedules. Naturally, going without the Internet even for several hours, let alone the
whole day, is much more difficult. But also much more useful!

Maybe you will find it hard not to use the Internet at all on International Internet-Free Day because of your job demands or for other objective reasons, but you can at least try to use it as little as possible. Skip the ritual of checking all the social media updates first thing in the morning, go to the movies instead of watching a film online, call your friend instead of messaging, leave your phone at home when you go for a walk and enjoy the scenery instead of catching Pokémon...

Absolutely any technology can do both good and harm. While acknowledging all the benefits of the Internet, it is important to keep in mind that an overabundance of information and tendency to escape into the virtual world from real problems won’t do you any good. That is why it is highly recommended that you give yourself a kind of “digital detox” at least once a year in order to take a break from the Internet and figure out whether you need it as much as you think.

In addition to International Internet-Free Day, there’s also World Day Without Wi-Fi designed to raise public awareness about the possible health risks of the wireless connection.

Saw a post about this on Next Door...the guy's looking for business. Says he's only been in business for a week and can't find anyone who needs help.

https://www.firstcall4care.com/

Elgetec Professional Salon Style Hairdryer 2200W

For full details, including affected model numbers and manufacturer’s advice, click here.

Reason for recall:

The live pins of the mains supply plug are too close to the outer edge. As the hairdryer does not have an earth wire, a consumer may receive an electric shock when (un)plugging the hair dryer. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive.
What should you do next?

Electrical Safety First recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it immediately
Check the product recall notification for details of what to do next
If no details are shown, you should contact either the seller or Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or visit them at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
More information on returning recalled products can be found here.

Checking your other electrical products

Our product checker contains the details of electrical products that have been recalled since 2007. If you have searched for a product that you own and it is not listed, this means that it has not been recalled and should be safe to use. However, if you do have concerns about its safety, contact the retailer or manufacturer to alert them to a potential problem.

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