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The Commitments

24/9/2018

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A Favourite Movie

The Commitments is one of my all time favourite, music based films.

It is not a musical, as such, in that the cast do not burst into song as they go about their everyday business but rather it is a film about the formation of a band and its fight for success.

Set in Ireland, this 1991 film is entertaining, funny, quirky and includes some terrific music and great performances.

Directed by Alan Parker this movie is entertainment at its best.

About The CommitmentsIn ShortThe Oscar nominated movie The Commitments follows the formation of a fictional, new Irish band. With some very funny auditions a final line-up is at last in place and the Commitments band is born.

More about this MovieThis movie is based on the novel The Commitments which is written by Irish author, Roddy Doyle, and was published in 1987. The script for the film had additional input by famous British comedy script writing duo Dick Clement and Ian la Frenais. Scriptwriters Clement and La Frenais were the funny brains behind many British comedy series including Porridge, Auf Wiedersehen Pet and The Likely Lads. The pair also worked on films such as Flushed Away.

For me some of the funniest scenes in the film are the auditions near the start of the movie take place in a front room of a house and vary from the sublime to the hilarious.

However there is other comedy throughout this movie.

Once the band members are chosen the movie follows their journey to success.

From a rag tag group of mismatched talents they progress to be a worthy Irish band.

With female band members who not only look good but sound great, an elder band member who offers talent and knowledge and younger band members who have the necessary enthusiasm surely they will be a success?

The Commitments is a bumpy, entertaining ride of a film with glorious bluesy music along the way.

When released it was a breath of fresh air - down to earth, brash, funny and youthful yet a movie with cross age appeal.

Many of the young cast were relatively unknown when this film was released and some have pretty much stayed that way.

The lead singer in the band played by Andrew Strong had some music success with a recording career on the back of this movie but ultimately it was a poisoned chalice.

Andrew Strong was aged just 16/17 when this film was released, though his earthy, blues based voice sounded far more mature.

In 2016 Strong said “The Commitments was something of an albatross around my neck in my younger days because it pigeon-holed me as a soul singer.”
He was tied to the tracks of the film for too long but now almost in middle-age he has found musical success in his own right.

Tracks from the movie include:-
  1. Mustang Sally
  2. Take Me to the River
  3. Chain of Fools
  4. Dark End of the Street
  5. I can't stand the Rain
  6. Try a little Tenderness
  7. Mr Pitiful
  8. In the Midnight Hour
Cast includes:-

Robert Arkins, Andrew Strong, Angelina Ball, Dick Massey Michael Aherne and Johnny Murphy.

The Commitments is available on D.V.D. or you can buy the soundtrack on C.D. if you prefer.

The book not only spawned a film but a theatre production which has also proved popular.

If you have never watched the Commitments why not check it out?

Your viewing experience will be better if you love soulful music but this movie has a lot to other in other ways.

This film is not suitable for children as it features some expletives and adult scenes.

Recommended as a very funny film, with great music, for me The Commitments is the best Irish film to date.
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Hints and Tips for Saving Water

2/7/2018

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Mist over Mahon Estuary Menorca. Water surrounds us but we all need fresh, clean drinking water
Heatwaves Can Cause Water Shortages

The current dry spell in the United Kingdom has acted as a reminder that one of our most precious commodities, water, does not have an endless supply.

The month of June was exceptionally hot and dry and July has kicked off with days if not weeks of a mini-heatwave set to continue.

Fresh, clean drinking water is often taken for granted in western countries which can lead to careless use.

But you can make lots of little changes that will have little impact on your life but will ensure there is enough water for us all.

Don’t Be Selfish

Perhaps this is the most important point to make.

If you are selfish you may continue to over water your garden in spite of water shortage warnings, wash the car, leave taps or faucets running unnecessarily and throw water down the drain when it could be used elsewhere.

Becoming a savvy water user is not that difficult, it helps your community as well as your family, it can reduce your water costs and help prevent drought situations.

Water Meters


Consider having a water meter fitted.

In the United Kingdom residents pay an annual water tax, which has increased steadily since privatisation of our water supply and services.

However you can opt to have a water meter instead.

Most if not all new properties have water meters fitted but if you live in an old property you can usually get a meter fitted if you prefer that option.

Meters are free so it is worth checking this option out.

If you live in a property unsuitable for a meter you can get a water rate reduction.

But the great thing about having a water meter is if you economize on water you will directly save money.

Harvest Rainwater

It makes sense to harvest rainwater when it is in rich supply.

England remains a fairly wet country but demands on its water supply and mismanagement means we are never far away from a drought.

Make a Water Butt
You will need
  • Purpose made water butt
  • Alternatively use a suitable container as a rainwater butt
  • Tubing
  • Connecting hoses
  • Overflow pipe
  • Mesh guard or lid

Installing a water butt
Consider:
  • Location. Ideally the water butt should be sited where the most rainfall can be collected
  • The obvious place is near the downspout or fall-pipe that runs from the gutters of your home
  • What you will use the water for. If it is for watering a vegetable patch or rose garden it would be useful to install the butt within easy reach
  • Attaching an appropriate tubing system to the water butt will make tap watering your garden easy. Making holes in the tubing where water is to be used maximizes impact
General advice
  • Ensure the overflow pipe will let water escape well away from your home
  • Inspect the rain water butt and any tubing system regularly
  • Clear away any debris from the mesh guard or water outlets on a regular basis
  • Multiple water butts connected together will fully utilize rainfall
  • Ensure any tube or pipe connections are secure
Create your water butt
  • If you are installing the butt on earth dig out an appropriate sized area, around four inches deep, and cover with small-sized gravel. You may be able to utilize existing garden gravel
  • Lay concrete slabs on top of the gravel to add some height. If you prefer you can build a wooden stand to hold the water butt but remember wood can rot and will not last forever. You can also simply utilize any old bricks that you have to use as a stand but you must ensure that the support is stable and safe
  • The water butt needs to be sited on a stand in order to increase water pressure. If you are going to pump water from the water butt this is essential. If you think that you will want to simply access water from the butt at the top this will not be so important
  • Position the water butt or butts and if desired connect the butts together with hose or pipe
  • Make sure that any water butts have an overflow pipe fitted so that excess water will drain away from your home
  • Fit a connector to your existing fall pipes so that rainwater is diverted to the water butt
  • The top of your rainwater butt will need to be covered, perhaps with mesh, so that leaves and other debris do not fall in.
  • A tap positioned toward the bottom of the water butt will make it easy to distribute and access water. Place this tap at an appropriate height so you do not have to bend too far and risk hurting your back

Hints And Tips To Save Water

Some of this information has stayed with me since public information films about saving water in the 1970s. Extended periods of hot dry weather back then resulted in water shortages.
Perhaps governments should consider using such public information films again.
We can all save some water with thoughtful use of this resource such as:
  • Take showers instead of baths
  • Place a water saving device in the cistern of your toilet; a small brick in the cistern will decrease the amount of water used for each flush. You can buy an appropriate water saving device if you prefer
  • Always turn the tap or faucet off when you are cleaning your teeth and bathing
  • Turn the water in the shower off whilst you lather your hair with shampoo and soap your body. Turn the water back on to rinse rather than leaving it to flow and you will save a great deal of water
  • Make sure any dripping faucets or taps are fixed as soon as possible
  • Use the plug in the basin
  • Invest in one of the latest condensing boiler systems as these will save you money, energy and water in the long run. Water will be instantly warm and not need to be run for a while to warm up
  • If you have to run the shower water whilst it heats up catch this water in a bucket or bowl as it can be saved and used to flush down the toilet or water the garden
  • Install the latest water efficient toilets and showers
  • Do not use water to clean your windows instead use a proprietary cleaner.
  • Do not clean the car, or any other vehicles, more often than is necessary.
  • Put your car in the garage at night and when not in use as it will keep cleaner this way
  • Design your garden in a water friendly way. Not all plants, trees and shrubs require bucket loads of water. Some only need a sprinkling in the hottest summer weather
  • Grow plants that survive well in the shade
  • Buy a greenhouse or lean to, however small it may be, for growing any produce. The steamy atmosphere of a well-managed greenhouse can minimize watering
  • Even dirty water may be suitable for watering your garden; not filthy, foul smelling water but simply water from your washing or pots
  • If you change the filter in your water jug use any discarded water to water plants in your garden or home
  • Never use a hosepipe or sprinkler to clean paths or water gardens. A bucket and a watering can are water friendly options
  • Consider replacing your lawn with gravel as it will be low maintenance and never need watering
  • Alternatively look at replacing the grass with an artificial lawn. The initial outlay may not be cheap but an artificial lawn has longevity, looks good and is almost maintenance free
  • If you have to water plants in the garden make sure you do so at the coolest times of the day. Preferably early in the morning and late at night. Water will be fully utilized this way
  • Next time you need to replace any of your white goods ensure the replacement is the most energy and water efficient model available
  • Never run your washing machine or dishwasher without a full load
  • If you just have a few pots and plates to wash try using the traditional method and hand wash your pots
  • If you do hand wash your dishes make sure that you always use a bowl to minimize water waste
  • If you have one of those kitchen sinks with two bowls try using one for washing dishes and the other for rinsing
  • Check the manufacturer's instructions for your dishwasher and washing machine so that you are familiar with the equipment’s economy settings. These will help you to save water, energy and money
  • If you run your tap or faucet a little before filling a glass with drinking water make sure that a bowl is catching the running water. This can be collected and used to swill paths and water plants
  • Old freezers and refrigerators can waste water. Upgrade to a more energy and water efficient model as soon as possible
  • Use the water drained from cooking vegetables to make a stock or gravy
  • If you have a pet dog or cat when their water needs changing use the discarded water for something such as watering plants

Latest Tip

Add soda crystals to a large watering can or bucket full of water. Sprinkle this mixture on any paths that have ingrained stains or need cleaning.

Leave the mixture; do not rinse away.

When rain does arrive it will wash away any residue.

This simple tip ensures brilliantly clean paths without the use of water conservation busting pressure washers.

Final Thoughts

Use your imagination but never compromise you or any other persons health and safety.

Use your water saving ideas outside of the home in your work place or school. Talk to your political representatives about local water improvements and green projects.

Once you decide to become water savvy you will be surprised how much water you can save.
You may also be shocked to realize how much water you have been carelessly wasting for far too long.

More water and summer reading
  1. How to conserve water in the home
  2. How to make a water butt
  3. Shocking truth about open water deaths
  4. How to stay safe in Summer heat and sun 
  5. Harvesting rainwater
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About registering to vote and voting

27/4/2017

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Op-ed; Talk to some young people about politics and the upcoming elections and you will get a mixed response. Nothing is ever cast in stone and we are all individuals but on more than one occasion this woman has encountered the politics of apathy.

But the politics of apathy strikes all ages.

Last year one taxi driver aged in his late 60s bragged to us he never voted and never had when asked about the EU in / out referendum.

But for some others it is genuine unresolved concerns and in other cases bone idleness.

"I live such a busy live I have no time for voting" is a good one.

My Dad worked hard all his relatively short life but he always managed to get out and vote. Sometimes this meant a 7am visit to a polling station as soon as it opened other times in the evening after work.

Certainly current shift patterns in NHS hospitals where nurses work around 13 hours in one shift are tricky but these days it's so much easier to register for a postal vote.

At one time you needed to be at death's door, if you know what I mean, to be allowed a postal or a proxy vote.

There is still a timeframe and voting deadline for postal votes but it means there is really no excuse for not voting if you are eligible.

And how many times have you heard "we do or did not get taught anything about politics in school?"

That has been the case on and off for years. Politics is of course taught in the public schools toffs attend ensuring they have an edge when it comes to elections.

Many older people adopted the habit of voting as a type of citizenship responsibility after watching their parents tootle off to vote. Family time TV viewing meant all age groups watched party political broadcasts and there was no live broadcasting from Parliament.

Currently it seems a younger generation wanting to appear more grown up than we were at their age are babies when it comes to some things.

The Internet is at peoples' fingertips and most younger voters are competent users of modern technology. Surely this means they can do a random search and find out what voting means for them, how to register to vote and register, which political party suits their views and actually vote?

Many times we hear and say "politicians are all the same" but that is not really true.

How about "politics does not interest me." Funny that one as politics ultimately determines what taxes you pay, education standards and so much more.

On May 4 you can help decide what matters in your area by voting in local elections

On June 8 you can decide which political party and people form the next government and what it will offer others.

Maybe you prefer to let others do it for you so that you can complain but if you do not vote you cannot complain.

This General Election could be make or break in many ways and on many issues and you have to be in it to win it.

Am I eligible to vote?
"To vote in a General Election you must: ... be 18 or over on the day of the election ('polling day') be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)"

How do I register to vote?
"When you move you need to re-register to your new address. If you want to register to vote in England, Scotland or Wales, you can register online any time at gov.uk/register-to-vote. To register to vote in Northern Ireland, visit the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland website."

Possibly just for fun
https://www.politicalcompass.org/test

More;
http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/voting-systems/
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/eileen-kersey/voting-matters
http://www.newtekjournalismukworld.com/eileen-kersey/general-election-you-have-to-be-in-it-to-win-it
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RSPCA Hull needs donations

10/4/2017

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Our RSPCA dog
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RSPCA Hull image credit Hull Daily Mail
In 2014 this woman wrote the following piece in support of the local RSPCA charity based at Clough Road Hull.

Like many people this woman also made a small donation to the charity and hoped for the best so she was sad to read this week that this same local RSPCA is once again facing a huge financial crisis.

But first the background - our piece from 2014.

"The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or the RSPCA, has been the foremost animal charity in the UK for around 200 years. In recent years many other animal charities have been created, some local to the surroundings.

However, to my mind the RSPCA is still the leading animal charity in the UK but it struggles to survive. When the RSPCA was originally founded animal welfare was often not recognised. Ordinary children and people of that time were often left to suffer and so animals were obviously disregarded in many ways.

What the RSPCA showed, within a short space of time of being created though, was that such an animal charity was long overdue. Prosecutions for animal cruelty began and so did the sterling work of the RSPCA.

Almost 200 years later, you would think that we had would have learned a thing or two and animal cruelty be an issue of the past but this is far from the case.

Many people are aware of the acts of cruelty, to animals, meted out around the world, in countries such as China, but surely this does not happen in England?

After all, the English are a nation of animal lovers, aren't they?

Well I hate to admit it but the UK has seen an upsurge in the abandonment and maltreatment of animals in recent years.

Sometimes it is pets, but other times it is farm animals, and the workers that should be caring for them. Abandonment is often blamed on the current economic climate but plenty of pet owners use this excuse to part with their pet and then promptly take another into their home.

Bearing all of this in mind, I was sorry in 2014 to read in the local press that the local RSPCA was facing closure unless donations increased; the branch has been active for 106 years.

With the credit crunch charitable donations have fallen but costs have risen. This is also true of the amount of animals needing this shelter.Unfortunately there are more than ever.

Our RSPCA dog a few years ago

One of our previous dogs came to us via the RSPCA, Clough Road, Kingston-Upon-Hull, East Yorkshire. He had been neglected and in and out of the RSPCA over a few months. They rarely euthanize healthy dogs, so they stuck with it and eventually we adopted this dog.

He was a cross Alsatian or German Shepherd, with the sweetest nature. His two aims in life were to please his owners and to enjoy life. He was an adult dog when he came to us but he had six good years before bad health took its toll; did we have some fun though before he grew ill.

Without the RSPCA this dog would have to be put to sleep."

Donations helped Hull's RSPCA continue but it needs help once more..

Do not forget that the RSPCA is charity based and receives no help from the Government.

In the past the Clough Road branch have had to issue pleas for help and people have rallied and supported this charity, keeping it alive and kicking.

Looking online the Hull branch has previously faced closure more than once but now it needs "£1m to rebuild its Clough Road centre - or it could close."

The centre's last renovation was 80 years ago and it must be brought inline with current welfare standards.

Ways to help include
  • a one off donation
  • a regular donation via direct debit
  • a sponsored event such as a run, walk or haircut!
  • a jumble or car boot sale
  • a coffee and cake afternoon
  • a legacy

The Hull Daily Mail reports "For more details on how you can help call Alison on 01482 343875 or email manager@rspcahull.org.uk. If you are concerned about an animal in distress or wish to report cruelty please call the National Helpline on 0300 1234 999."

  • Rescue shelters are busier than ever and in need of what help you can give, be it money or time.
  • If you are making a Last Will and Testament consider bequeathing what you can to such charities.
  • With house prices tumbling many charities legacies have fallen in value and this adds to their financial problems.
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New pound coin from March 28

27/3/2017

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There will be a new kid on the U.K. currency block Tuesday.

With millions of new pound coins ready to be released the clock will start ticking for the old coins.

The new coin is 12-sided and two tone. It is being hailed as the most secure coin ever but its introduction will cause some problems and costs to business. Just consider supermarket trollies and £1 coin machines; the new shape and thinner coin will require costly changes.

Both coins will be legal tender from March 28, 2017, until October 15, 2017.

If you have a savings jar full of £1 coins make sure you do not get caught out.

Old £1 coins that are returned will be used by the Royal Mint; they will be melted down and used in making the new coins.

Although the new coin was announced in the 2014 budget its release will catch some people out.

The coin has a similar look to an old threepenny piece in its shape.

In March 2014 we reported;
Days after the U.K. government announced a new one pound coin would be minted in order to try and beat the counterfeiters the jury is out on the good sense of such a move.

With an estimated 45m fake one pound coins in circulation a new coin in long overdue but will it really beat the fraudsters?

The Royal Mint believes it will as it uses state of the art technology which should make it the most secure coin in the world.

But there are those who believe our current currency systems are about to collapse. They obviously think the cost of a new coin is madness.

The cost of this new coin may outweigh any financial saving in the short-term. Supermarket trollies, vending machines,
payphones, betting shop fruit machines, launderette washing machines and more will have to be amended or completely revamped.

The Daily Mail Online assesses the cost as a "
£100 million bill to convert EVERY vending machine, parking meter and shopping trolley in Britain." The Royal Mint estimate £20 million.
But there are so many fake £1 coins in circulation something had to give.

If this new coin is as secure as claimed it will be money well spent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38480180
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#HouseTheFuture

20/3/2017

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More homeless people face fines in 2017
The Tory government has done little to increase the number of affordable homes across the United Kingdom. It also created the unjust bedroom tax which has resulted in hardship for many of the poorest people in the country.

Now unelected PM Theresa May's government plans to remove housing benefit eligibility for 18-21 year olds. If you are young and down on your luck you could easily end up homeless.

This woman has been contacted by one of a group of people
organising a National Demonstration against the removal of Housing Benefit for 18-21 year olds under the banner #HouseTheFuture in Bradford Centenary Square on April 8 at Midday.

#HouseTheFuture

"Councillor Richard Dunbar @rdunbar83 is leading the group and is fresh from organising over 100 events for LGBT History Month. He has a strong record of getting things done and has chosen this issue because it is so pertinent to Bradford due to us been the youngest city in the UK.

Further details about the cuts in question are within the following brief http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/Housing%20costs%2018-21%20removal%20FINAL.pdf

It is important to us that we make this a national event because all too often we find the national demonstrations taking place in London, beyond the reach of many teenagers and young people in the North.

Please can you support us in whatever way you can:

  • you could tweet with the hashtag #HouseTheFuture
  • you can share the petition running alongside this event with your twitter following and friends and family
  • you can advertise the time and date of the demo using this local news item
  • you may wish to get in touch if you were able to offer assistance in building momentum behind the event in the run up to 8 April
  • we have an extensive press release that I can send to you by request
  • you may wish to speak at the event or know of an expert that does, by all means get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you

Thank you for your time in reading this and any help that you can offer will be gratefully accepted."

Make a note of the date and help in any way that you can.

Related reading:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37873922
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/housing_benefit/housing_benefit_changes_and_welfare_reform
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/feb/25/housing-benefit-cuts-for-young-people-may-be-scaled-back
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Comic relief laughs for cash

19/3/2017

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2015- Lenny Henry and a group of children in Ethiopia celebrate the first ever Red Nose Day. Over 150 celebrities and comedians take part as 30 million viewers watch a huge night of TV on the BBC and raise over £15 million.
It will be crazy Friday in the UK March 24, 2017, as Red Nose or Comic Relief day arrives.

Once every two years fund raisers give their all to encourage us all to donate whatever we can afford to help others.

In the run up to the day groups, individuals and celebrities are raising money for charity. In many cases it is "do something funny for money."

2015 was a special year in the history of comic relief

On July 13 1985 the first Live Aid concert was held. Bob Geldof, of the Boomtown Rats, and Midge Ure, Ultravox vocalist, had the idea to host a charity concert in aid of those suffering from famine in Ethiopia.

Images and footage of the suffering and dying were filling air-time around the world with people moved to act but unsure how to help alleviate the suffering; so Band Aid was an idea to help but not just any old concert; two simultaneous concerts, one in London in the UK and one in the USA.

Musicians were pestered by Geldof to perform for free and the event was going to be like no other concert, which was fitting as the Ethiopian famine was also breaking all records.

Live Aid and its associated charity raised millions in aid and continues to do so.

In the UK the money raised by musicians, by way of Live Aid, inspired other events and charities. Sport Relief and Comic Relief followed.

Comic Relief, which also became known as Red Nose Day, raises money for charity in fun and humorous ways

Every two years red noses go on sale. The design is tweaked a little each year so it is easy to spot a cheapskate who is wearing an old model.

A little history from the Comic Relief website; "On Christmas Day, [1985] Comic Relief is launched live on BBC One from the Safawa refugee camp in Sudan during Noel Edmonds’ Late Late Breakfast Show. The producer is Helen Fielding (before her Bridget Jones days!)"

Wikipedia says "Comic Relief is an operating British charity, founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny Henry in response to famine in Ethiopia." But it was Jane Tewson's idea. Jane is a well known charity worker.

"The highlight of Comic Relief's appeal is Red Nose Day, a biennial telethon held in March, alternating with sister project Sport Relief. Comic Relief is one of the two high profile telethon events held in the United Kingdom, the other being Children in Need, held annually in November."


Red Nose Day

British people are traditionally very giving even in tough economic times.

Comic relief will raise millions of pounds for charities across the world and at home in the UK.

And in 2017 people in East Africa are again facing severe famine.

As the UK gears up for main event Friday fund raisers are already working hard.

Friday will be a day of fun, and silly nonsense, all aimed at raising money for those who need help the most. Heads will be shaved, strips performed, amateur performances staged and races run all in the name of charity.

In 2013 we reported "Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £800 million to tackle poverty and social injustice across the UK, Africa and some of the world’s poorest countries" and that is a proud achievement.

​But "At the end of the 2015 Red Nose Day telethon on 14 March it was announced that in the 30-year history of Comic Relief the Red Nose Day and Sport Relief appeals had raised in excess of £1bn (£1,047,083,706).

Please give generously.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/tv-preview-comic-relief-2017-bbc1-7pm-charity-actually-a7634131.html
https://donate.oxfam.org.uk/emergency/eastafrica
https://www.rednoseday.com/
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Sponsor breakfast in a bag

18/3/2017

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There are always more worthy charities in desperate need than most of us can afford to support.

Even if it is just a small donation it all adds up.

But there are ways to raise money for such causes including;
  • ​E Bay auctions
  • Quiz nights
  • Car boot sales
  • Sponsored runs or walks
  • Fund raising coffee mornings and cake bake afternoons
  • Jumble Sales
And so much more.

Currently East Africa is in crisis and most major fund raising organisations have launched appeals.

But nearer to home homelessness in the UK is on the increase.

With unsecured tenancies, high levels of personal debt, high rents, a lack of affordable homes and the dreadful bedroom tax is it any wonder people of various age groups end up homeless?

Supporting the Breakfast in a Bag charity is just one way you can help a person struggling to survive life as a homeless individual.

​The website introduction says;
Hello and welcome to Breakfast In A Bag!© Joupin Ghamsari

Thanks for calling in. We provide free, healthy breakfasts (in a bag!) to London’s homeless. On this website you can read our story, make a donation by sponsoring a bag or find out the many other ways to help us support London’s rough sleepers. We’re regularly updating our site so please take a minute to browse the latest news stories.

We’d love you to follow us on Twitter and join the friendly army of people who help us spread the word and raise awareness about what we do. Please bookmark our site and come back regularly to see what we’ve been up to. If I’ve got any tea, coffee or milk left after the latest brekkie station I’ll pop the kettle on!

Take care, Michelle x
(Michelle Clark, founder)
Set up a regular donation, make a one off payment or donate as and when you can afford to do so.

Many people are only a short step away from homelessness.

If you think "that will never be me" think again. Divorce, bereavement, unemployment and ill health are just a few ways your life can be turned on its head.

​Homelessness - it happens - it could happen to you!

​
http://www.breakfastinabag.co.uk/
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Finding a tasty green tea

22/2/2017

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Drinking green tea has allegedly many health benefits but for many traditional tea drinkers in the U.K. that is a bitter sweet positive.

Let's face it if you have tried drinking green tea you will likely already know it can be a bitter drink with an equally bitter after taste.

But these days there are many green tea options.

This woman likes Tetley decaffeinated, not sure how that works, green tea with honey. It is packed in convenient tea bags perfect for work and home.

Pop a couple of the bags into your work or travel bag and all you need is hot water and a mug or cup.

They do not need sweetener or sugar adding unless you have a very sweet tooth. Making a cup of it for a hard working NHS junior doctor pre-retirement I was surprised that he wanted a couple of spoons of sugar adding. But he was an Asian doctor used to drinking hot sweet milk free tea.

The latest good buy green tea bag is by Heath and Heather retailing at £1.49 for 20 bags from Aldi.

Looking online Holland and Barrett have the same product retailing at £2.49 for 20 bags. At time of writing though they are on offer as a "buy one get one half price deal."

So not cheap either way.

This woman opted for the organic green tea and Moroccan mint variety. Packed in a pretty floral box as soon as the outer cellophane was broken a rush of mint filled the air. The bags are individually wrapped so that gives you an idea of the strength of the mint.

The aroma as you make the drink is strong mint almost spearmint.

But unlike so many herbal tea bags the mint flavour translates into the drink.

For this woman is was a nice relaxing and refreshing cuppa, no sweetener needed. To be fair she does not take sugar in tea normally

The Benefits of drinking green tea

Drinking green tea can reportedly aid weight loss and help reduce blood pressure. There are also claims it can help reduce cholesterol, control diabetes and improve heart health.

​Note: Possible side-effects

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/superfoods/Pages/is-green-tea-a-superfood.aspx
GREEN TEA HAS BEEN USED IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR CENTURIES TO TREAT EVERYTHING FROM HEADACHES TO DEPRESSION.

THE LEAVES ARE SUPPOSEDLY RICHER IN ANTIOXIDANTS THAN OTHER TYPES OF TEA BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY ARE PROCESSED.

GREEN TEA CONTAINS B VITAMINS, FOLATE (NATURALLY OCCURRING FOLIC ACID), MANGANESE, POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, CAFFEINE AND OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS, NOTABLY CATECHINS.

ALL TYPES OF TEA – GREEN, BLACK AND OOLONG – ARE PRODUCED FROM THE CAMELLIA SINENSIS PLANT USING DIFFERENT METHODS. FRESH LEAVES FROM THE PLANT ARE STEAMED TO PRODUCE GREEN TEA, WHILE THE LEAVES OF BLACK TEA AND OOLONG INVOLVE FERMENTATION.

GREEN TEA IS ALLEGED TO BOOST WEIGHT LOSS, REDUCE CHOLESTEROL, COMBAT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND PREVENT CANCER AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

WE'VE TEAMED UP WITH THE BRITISH DIETETIC ASSOCIATION (BDA) TO EXAMINE WHETHER THE MYRIAD HEALTH CLAIMS MADE ABOUT GREEN TEA ARE SUPPORTED BY THE EVIDENCE......MORE
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House of Lords not fit for purpose

21/2/2017

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Op-ed: The unelected House of Lords is back in the spotlight.

As they debated the triggering of Article 50 Monday unelected PM Theresa May took the unprecedented step to sit on the sidelines in a somewhat intimidating way.

The Lords is also in the news as a fly-on-the-wall documentary airs on BBC.

With one Lady already confirming what most of us suspected, that some Lords and Ladies claim their £300 a day for doing basically sod all, does the House of Lords represent value for money?

Is it even fit for purpose?

Take a look at our earlier report from late 2014:

"Times are tough in the UK, at least for we plebs.

Most people balance a fine financial line which could snap at any time.

Homelessness, use of food banks, poverty in general, fuel poverty and the rich poor divide are increasing.

But fear not, as David Cameron and his ministers would say, we are all in this together.

If you still believe that blatant lie consider news reports that the House of Lords, often called the best club in London, refused a budget cut as it would mean cheaper Champagne. The story dates back a couple of years but is only now making headline news. The gist of it is still pertinent.

Lords and Ladies of the House, and I use those terms very loosely, are provided with £260,000 worth of Champagne each year. These 'people' are against a budget cut not as it will stop the free flow of Champagne but because it might mean they have to endure a cheaper version!

Their arrogance is unbelievable. But in recent days we have experienced a fair few 'Let them eat cake' moments in the UK which suggest too many politicians, elected or not, are completely out of touch with the real world; a world they shape and expect others to play along with.
  • Firstly there was the House of Lords hitting headlines following revelations that previously convicted Tory peer Lord Hanningfield claimed a £300 a day allowance for days he merely showed up, briefly
  • Tory MP Stephen Dorrell was accused of a blatant conflict of interest but the PM still to act on that one.
  • Tory Andrew Mitchell lost his PlebGate libel appeal but even the judge showed a touch or arrogance when he hinted the police officer involved was likely not bright enough to make up such a story, involving the word Pleb.
  • Then there was the Sun publishing pictures of Nigel Mills, [Conservative Amber Valley MP, elected in 2010] playing the hit online game Candy Crush Saga during a meeting of the works and pensions committee, of which he is a member - Tory MP plays Candy Crush during DWP committee meeting.
  • Also this week Conservative peer Baroness Jenkin of Kennington said "poor people don't know how to cook" at a press conference. The arrogant peer was speaking in Westminster as results of a parliamentary inquiry into the use of and increased need for foodbanks in the UK were released - Poor people cannot cook Tory Peer apologises.
​There have been too many tales of Tory MPs asking cash for access or abusing the parliamentary system.

Perhaps ChampagneGate will be the final straw for the general public.

Read details of the Lords abuse of the system at the Mirror. A portion is copied below:
The House of Lords has bought more than 17,000 bottles of bubbly in the last four years at a cost of more than £260,000 - enough for the 788 peers to have five bottles each a year.

But a cost-saving plan to share food and drink costs with the House of Commons was binned because they feared it would mean quaffing less luxurious brands.

The Lords refusal to downgrade was revealed by Sir Malcolm Jack, clerk of Commons between 2006 and 2011, as he gave evidence to a committee looking at how the palace of Westminster should be run.

Sir Jack told MPs: “The Lords feared that the quality of Champagne would not be as good if they chose a joint service.”

Committee chair Jack Straw was so gobsmacked, he asked Sir Malcolm: “Did you make that up? Is that true?”

Sir Malcolm replied: “Yes, it is true.”
http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/12/uk-lords-reject-champagne-budget-cut/
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