My poor speaking voice really frustrates me. On the phone I say, to me it is clearly, that my wife is out and "please ring after 2". Then the caller says, "when shall I call?". Darn it, I just told you, but you clearly did not hear me!
The problem is at my end - either I speak too fast or not clearly enough to be understood. It really does cause so much confusion and frustration. Stroke! I have to learn to speak much slower and much more clearly.
Monday 24 November 2014
Saving government money
Although I welcome my free bus pass and winter fuel allowance, I am sure money can be saved by targeting these at people in real need, and not just shelling these out to all over 60?
Surely they can address the winter fuel allowance another way, for example by increasing the tax free income allowance? Much lower cost and it targets those in most need. Most would pay tax on this allowance whereas those on really low incomes would not pay tax.
Likewise free bus passes. Maybe a nominal sum for all trips (20p?) or only make the bus passes free for OAPs receiving an old age pension? Males over 60 but not yet getting an OAP would have to pay a bit longer.
On both these the government should be able to save millions. The free bus pass and winter fuel allowances are "good things", but surely in this age of austerity they both need to be better targeted at those who really need them?
Surely they can address the winter fuel allowance another way, for example by increasing the tax free income allowance? Much lower cost and it targets those in most need. Most would pay tax on this allowance whereas those on really low incomes would not pay tax.
Likewise free bus passes. Maybe a nominal sum for all trips (20p?) or only make the bus passes free for OAPs receiving an old age pension? Males over 60 but not yet getting an OAP would have to pay a bit longer.
On both these the government should be able to save millions. The free bus pass and winter fuel allowances are "good things", but surely in this age of austerity they both need to be better targeted at those who really need them?
Sunday 23 November 2014
Immigration - the OTHER side of the story.
See http://jondanzig.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/what-nigel-farage-told-british-expats.html .
A lot of UK citizens chose to live or retire in other EU countries. When we talk of restricting immigration into the UK we must remember that many also want to live elsewhere in Europe.
I think the real issue is we remain a very small, overcrowded, island.
A lot of UK citizens chose to live or retire in other EU countries. When we talk of restricting immigration into the UK we must remember that many also want to live elsewhere in Europe.
I think the real issue is we remain a very small, overcrowded, island.
Strictly Come Dancing
When a teenager I enjoyed ballroom dancing with my girlfriend Ann. It is very many years since I have danced. I really want to keep those memories as they were. We made a good dancing couple.
These days, I watch "Strictly" on TV, but pretend not to! I hope Frankie wins as I vote for her most weeks on-line for free. Lis votes by phone. Frankie looks a bit like my dear wife Lis when we first met. Frankie is a good dancer, of course.
"Strictly" is a "feel good" programme, ideal to cheer you up. I never take it too seriously. It is the nearest I come to reality TV. I absolutely abhor "Big Brother". Every time I have (accidentally) watched small parts people are either sleeping or arguing. I just do not see what fun it is to watch.
These days, I watch "Strictly" on TV, but pretend not to! I hope Frankie wins as I vote for her most weeks on-line for free. Lis votes by phone. Frankie looks a bit like my dear wife Lis when we first met. Frankie is a good dancer, of course.
"Strictly" is a "feel good" programme, ideal to cheer you up. I never take it too seriously. It is the nearest I come to reality TV. I absolutely abhor "Big Brother". Every time I have (accidentally) watched small parts people are either sleeping or arguing. I just do not see what fun it is to watch.
Hamilton wins F1 championship
 |
| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Lewis_Hamilton_October_2014.jpg/220px-Lewis_Hamilton_October_2014.jpg |
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30168481 .
UK immigration
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30167160 .
The Home Secretary has said on TV that UK immigration target are unlikely to be met.
The Conservatives published some very ambitious targets, that frankly, were a joke unless the immigration pattern was drastically changed. This remains a very contentious issue central to the next General Election. Making such STUPID claims about immigration targets serves no good at all.
We are a small, overcrowded, island and HAVE to be able to manage our immigration numbers. Currently we are a magnet for people and we need to understand just why this is so. I hope we can find a way of controlling immigration and stay in the EU, but if we don't we may have no choice but to leave. If we go, others will follow us.
Incidentally, free movement within the EU means about 800000 UK people now live in Spain. It is not just people coming into the UK,although our small size makes net immigration an acute issue. Some skills we definitely need and this is likely to continue to be the case. We just need better controls, whether by looking at points, welfare or whatever.
I am no UKIP supporter, but I do understand the issues.
The Home Secretary has said on TV that UK immigration target are unlikely to be met.
The Conservatives published some very ambitious targets, that frankly, were a joke unless the immigration pattern was drastically changed. This remains a very contentious issue central to the next General Election. Making such STUPID claims about immigration targets serves no good at all.
We are a small, overcrowded, island and HAVE to be able to manage our immigration numbers. Currently we are a magnet for people and we need to understand just why this is so. I hope we can find a way of controlling immigration and stay in the EU, but if we don't we may have no choice but to leave. If we go, others will follow us.
Incidentally, free movement within the EU means about 800000 UK people now live in Spain. It is not just people coming into the UK,although our small size makes net immigration an acute issue. Some skills we definitely need and this is likely to continue to be the case. We just need better controls, whether by looking at points, welfare or whatever.
I am no UKIP supporter, but I do understand the issues.
Grandchildren have gone home
Our "Kent" grandchildren and their parents have now returned home. They come to stay again before Christmas.
Although the house is now quiet, I am still very tired, as a result of my stroke. People tell me this will get better. I do hope so as I still get profoundly exhausted with any physical effort, quite unlike how I used to be. I want to be able to do all I did with my grandchildren before, but I get so exhausted.
Although the house is now quiet, I am still very tired, as a result of my stroke. People tell me this will get better. I do hope so as I still get profoundly exhausted with any physical effort, quite unlike how I used to be. I want to be able to do all I did with my grandchildren before, but I get so exhausted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)