Discussions of the day

More jobs seem to be available to work from home. Is this a good thing or does working from home cut people off from everyday people to interact, and it's going to be a negative change. Is working from home better for mental health, or do we need to interact with people in person to stay mentally healthy?
John-Paul M 891388 - Australia
I have worked from home for over 5 years, At the beginning it was hard but once I got into a routine I found that from a productivity perspective I was much more productive. I was able to manage my increasing workloads and I have had no mental health issues as I still get to interact with colleagues via TEAMS and ZOOM. I appreciate that working from home is not for everyone but I think that COVID has brought home the possibility for employers and employees to work together to make sure that both benefit from the arrangements.
18-Oct-22

The weather seems to be getting much colder in Winter and hotter in Summer - Is this Climate Change or just that we feel it more in our bones etcetera as we get older?
Christina C 466456
Our bodies change a lot over the years so no doubt we will feel a lot different at varying ages. Our ability to repair, hormone differences, body composition and even the weather contributes to how we feel. So there's a lot of factors.
As for arthritis it is an 'inflammation' disease and we know that there are a lot of lifestyle changes we can make to improve and sometimes eliminate the issue. Firstly changing diet can have a dramatic effect for some people. Did you know that turmeric has such powerful antiinflammatory chemicals in it that it matches nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs? There are a number of other foods that reduce inflammation as well like foods rich in carotenoids/beta carotene or vitamin A - a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is also good not only for it's antiinflammatory properties but also due to its role in collagen production which we all know is important for joints. Good sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens - basically all the bright, vibrant fruit and veggies. For vitamin E there nuts like almond but also cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is one of the best sources of vitamin E you can get. Also vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also crucial for collagen production. Another good food for joints is gelatin which is basically denatured collagen - have about 20 grams of gelatin powder (the regular/plain/unflavoured gelatine powder that you use to make cheesecake/jello etc that you find in the baking section at the supermarket) a day which should give adequate levels of glycine for good levels of collagen production. I prefer food source of gelatin over supplements industry products as the food industry has much more stricter quality control than the supplements industry which is not as heavily scrutinised, which is one reason why most registered dietitians recommend getting your vitamins/minerals from your diet over supplements.
Another important factor is body composition, particularly the type of fat that is in your body - white fat (stored fat) is highly inflammatory while brown fat (fuel) is antiinflammatory. So losing excess fat should be top priority for joint pain management. We can either exercise, diet or get cold/start shivering more (up to 13°C seems to be the magic number where your body starts using white fat as fuel to try and keep warm) to convert white fat to brown/metabolically active fat. So the cold is actually good for you in this case!
Another method to manage inflammation is intermittent fasting as fully fasting (zero calories) contributes to repair and antiinflammatory processes within the body.
Finally moving more/cardio and building muscle helps to support your joints by strengthening muscles and bones so that they can handle some of the load.
Hope this helps :)
21-Aug-22

The main difference is you cannot have one without the other. Kindness simply proceeds in Gratitude, they both go hand in hand. How do you practice Kindness and Gratitude? Notice good things, look for them, and appreciate them. Always express gratitude, write it down or thank someone.
Bugalugs
In an ideal world Kindness would always be followed by Gratitude. In today's "ME First. Last and Always" world, Kindness is not always followed by even an acknowledgement - a simple "Thank You" is enough. If you are a Male, try opening a door, or standing aside to let heavily laden woman in/out and the best you might get is a snarl or verbally abused for being condescending!
08-Oct-22

I work in retail. I love my job because I am the last person the customer sees before they leave the store. I think we should always be kind to one another because everyone is fighting a battle that we don t know. So if we can make a difference in someone s day, that s what life should be about
Bugalugs
A smile costs nothing so why not use them?
What I find Most Annoying are those customers who pay no attention whatsoever to the person serving them - particularly in Supermarkets. These Female & Male louts spend the entire time on their damned mobile phones - discussing, Sandra C, Their Private Lives, they make no attempt to respond to the Check-out operator, when the goods are put through they wave their phones over the eftpos terminal, wait long enough to see if their payment has been accepted (when not they blame the store staff & seem to think they are responsible for their credit/debit card being maxed out) then they simply walk away. No Smile. Most certainly NO "Thank You". It is the Customers who are so often extremely rude and if the indifference we sometime experience (it disappears when we speak with then thank & smile) irks then maybe we should remember those Serving us are Real People and it is as a direct result of OUR Indifference to them which makes them indifferent to us!
One of the Most soul-destroying jobs and one of the lowest paid ones, are those unfortunate Women and Men who spend their day swiping goods past a scanner in our Supermarkets.
Give them a Smile, Say "Hullo", "Good Morning/Afternoon" and Thank them for their Service - they do appreciate it and will respond in a Friendly way.
11-Aug-22

I remember a time not so long ago where many went to work with a box of tissues and continued working, does anyone think this will ever happen again?
Paul B 522937
I’ve never had a day off in my life when I had a cold. Now I’m retired a cold never stops me doing what I want to do
16-Jun-22

It concerns me greatly going on a shopping expedition to the local supermarket, especially of late. Has anybody else out there cringed at price increases of meat?... Actually, I should say everything in the supermarket lately. Then there's the price of Petrol & Diesel... Yeah, "WOW" enough said! Yes, the struggle is real when it comes to feeding one's family without the added bonus of more financial stress for those out there trying to pay off their little patch of...
Edith v
Yes it is tough out there .We are a couple of aged pensioners & I can get 4 meals from a medium chicken ,Pot of chook stock(I boil the chook using onions ,carrots & celery(don't over cook keep the stock & veg)use the 2 legs(not thighs) & wings.I brown them & with roast potatoes & veg, I use a little amount of stock to make gravy.Meal 1.The thighs we have cold with Salad,Meal 2. 1/2 the stock I put diced pumpkin & diced potato in cook gently in the stock when cooked I mash vegies well for wholesome pumpkin soup & serve with crusty bread meal 3. ,The breast I break in pieces I drain a tin of asparagus pieces add to chicken,I make a white sauce using stock(not milk)Add a handful frozen peas meal 4. (All dishes seasoned to your taste) we freeze some if portions too large. also eat other meats . I shared these recipes for others on a budget .
06-May-22

'Guns don't kill people, people kill people', is what I have been hearing since almost forever. I live in America, where it is a Constitutional Right to own a gun. Yet, with the rise in ownership of assault weaponry and the rise of mass killings, some want to know if this is a good thing. While others blame it on evil people, who possibly would have killed anyway, gun or not. Your opinions on this is sought. Thank you.
Gaza
We have a lot less murders per population than the US here in OZ with the strict gun laws, doesn't that tell you something.
04-Oct-21

When you shop for purchases, do you just buy it straight away or wait for sales? I only buy things that are on sale and wait for things to be so, because I think if retailers can sell things at sale prices for 50/70% off then we are being ripped off paying full price What are your thoughts?
Saara F
Sometimes I pay full price when I need something specific urgently otherwise I wait for sales especially online there is always a sale to be found.
22-Mar-22

My almost 19 year old grandson came to stay overnight, and while it was lovely to see him, he never let his phone out of his sight. Even eating meals, the phone was right there, and he was watching it and constantly touching it. It goes everywhere with him and he is always looking at it, laughing at it and talking on it. It kept making "tweets" I think they are, and even while watching TV he was still tapping away at it. I can't really blame him because both...
Daniel T 626103
Confiscate the dang thing, I've noticed kids destroy each other while the bloody zombie parents are staring at the phone without even flinching.
17-Mar-22

My husband just passed and while the service was beautiful the cost was very high even though it was a basic funeral. What do others think it is worth pre-paying
Grommie
Our family have a particular stance about funerals. Funerals are for the living, not the dead. People attend funerals because they see it as "the thing to do". We come into the world and just about no one knows, so why not leave the same way? Who benefits from funerals?
Many people who attend funerals are hearse chasers after a free lunch.
I know of a funeral director whose wife runs a flower shop and they have a daughter who is a caterer. Talk about tie up the whole swindle.
If you prepay, the money just sits there, earning nothing. If the funeral director decides to sell the business, often you'll find the new operator pays you back your money because it has moved away from being enough to cover the cost. Or worse, they say nothing and send your family an additional bill.
09-Mar-22

In 2017--2018, in Australia, there were about 17, million... Aussies.. prescribed medication. We are a pill popping --nation... like so many! I understand that many do need prescribed medication..for one reason or another, but haven't we become to reliant on prescribed medication? The cost to each individual Government must be enormous...for those who get subsided medication. Big pharma making billions. Do we really need some of these medications? Aren'...
Christina D
I've tried the alternative treatments for my issues but they just don't work. I have used alternative medications in the past but sometimes you need the pharmaceuticals
24-Jan-22

Since we are nearing the Halloween season, it would be interesting to know which ghosts or ghouls people are afraid of or what spooky experiences they have encountered with ghosts.
'smee,SWQ!
After I lost my Daughter she kept coming to me wanting me to join her...it nearly killed me but in the end I was advised to firmly advise her I was not ready yet and I never saw her again (although I sort of wish I did!)
21-Oct-21

Due to Social expansion and invasion in our kids lives, thanks to Tik Tok, Reddit, and Amino Chat: do you believe these forums are bad influences, teaching atrocious behavior and that lacking all respect for authorities much less themselves that they will not let go of their disrespectful behavior they've grown accustomed to? How do you think we can fix this problem as parents now?
Christina C 466456
It's the people around kids that influence kids the most. Not necessarily technology. Their friends, siblings, parents, school, community and online community which they have exposure to, influencing their thoughts. We're social creatures after all. It's up to parents to teach their children right from wrong or what is disrespectful and steer them in the right direction. Taking the time to educate your children will help them to make informed decisions so they can decipher what is rubbish and what is meaningful/important/useful information.
Investing more time in children pays dividends which is probably why 'back in the old days' kids had a more respectful culture - there were more stay at home mums. Distant parents = distant kids.
If you're worried about screen time, find out what they're passionate about and find a corresponding hobby so they can develop useful skills in the process (if they like gaming teach them about game development/3D modelling or if they like fashion teach them about marketing/sales, design school or architecture or chemistry in beauty products or how to make beauty products etc), or get some exercise (if it's martial arts, dancing or skateboarding etc). Take the time and find a useful way in which they can occupy their thoughts, challenge themselves and develop some useful life skills in the process.
02-Oct-21

Do you have much faith in Orthodox Medicines? Many people suffer from the negative affects of prescription drugs. Every individual is different as to how their bodies cope with drugs. It's alarming to think that a certain percentage of the population experience side affects - that bad ... that they end up in hospital due to medications. Drugs can have a toxic affect on your body. What is your opinion?
Sandra C 12043
I try to take as little medication as I can., but I do think Drs are too quick to push medication on you. Although I do believe that some people demand to be given antibiotics. We are fast becoming resistant to antibiotics because of overuse and eventually they will be of no use.
16-Aug-21

Do you think good-looking is a must when people find a boyfriend/girlfriend on dating apps? Or it would be more with how people communicate on these apps? And how many percentage do you think people are serious from dating apps?
Lachelle B
Total joke. Ever seen The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Who wants to marry a Millionaire, etc? EVERYONE is good looking. It's not based on love or the possibility of love. At least show some diversity, a big person, a blind person, a paraplegic, real people would be good. Good looks fade eventually so you shouldn't be thinking so shallow and be with that person for who they are.
20-Jul-21

Have you made your plans for retirement or did you? What are they? For the first months, I was bored so did relief teaching and volunteered with several community organizations. I joined an agency and found myself doing commercials for TV as well as stage productions as 'the old lady'. I now run acting courses for the Agency. I became a tutor and committee member for my local U3A. I began writing articles for newspapers and magazines. I traveled and began a little...
Bugalugs
I wasn't ready for retirement. I was forced into it by the female director of the Government agency I had been working for, she decided she did not want any males in the agency she was in charge of. She replaced me with THREE women - of course given the absurd structure of the Public Service it meant her Salary increased by a very substantial amount - the more staff she had under her control the bigger the salary. But I made the most of it, had a few part-time jobs until I moved into caring for an older family member. As Joe B says, I don't seem to have any spare time at all now - mind you being part of Rewardia takes up any spare time I have!
17-Jul-21

You know in amongst your family or friends there is always a moment or a story that gets spoken about all the time. To you, you might feel very embarrassed and mixed emotions. For me when I was young there was a time, my mum, sister and I were on a bus heading to town. A fly was annoying us and was dopey. It landed on my lip, I blew to blow it off but didn't realise when I did it, I accidentally exhaled and ate the fly. My mum and sister saw, laughed and me. I was...
Maureen W 406466
Many years ago while eating at a posh restaurant my dress snapped at the shoulders and I was sitting there topless
08-Jan-21

Should Australia, US and New Zealand follow the UK by banning Petrol and Diesel vehicles from 2030?
Christine M 323842
Actually ban all cars. And ban those Lycra ridden cyclists too. I think horses would be better, or walking, or just normal people on riding bikes.
08-Dec-20

I cannot believe it is 2020 and capital punishment still exists throughout the world, particularly in America. It's barbaric and does not belong in today's world.
Sabine V
l think that if you do the crime than you should pay for it. Why should the family if the murdered victims have to pay for the killer's keep while they have lost their lived one or some child molesters who has no intention of changing, they are a waste of space and resources, they should be put down.
27-Sep-20

Ok, what's the deal with AMAZON and GOOGLE constantly charging $2.00 for subscriptions etc that you don't authorize, and then you have to argue and plead with them to reverse it I've now twice had AMAZON charge me for a prime membership when I've clearly not asked or ticked any boxes allowing it They did it again the other day and all I did was look at an item, place it in the cart to think about it and then when I decided to remove it I...
Angie
Years ago my daughter wanted something off Amazon and I was ok with giving her my credit card number and I supervised her while she purchased online. Several months later I noticed for the previous 2 months $35 was coming out of my account for Prime that we didn\u2019t sign up for. Trying to get in touch with Amazon to question this, and try to cancel it was damn near impossible. I couldn\u2019t get through to anyone and due to my lack of computer skills I just kept going around in circles and it was extremely stressful!
They ended up taking over $300 from my account, we never did use the Prime account and I never ever got reimbursed!
And finally when the payments stopped (my daughter\u2019s Dad sorted it out for me)\u2026
\u2026.blow me down, the buggers started it up again the following year!!!!
I\u2019ve not ever used Amazon ever again!!!
They know they can get away with it to those who aren\u2019t tech savvy online.
Still to this day I\u2019m owed close to $400 for a service we never used or even signed up for.
3 years on and I\u2019ve never used them again or even tapped the word Amazon into the search bar ever again!!
Hate Amazon!!
07-Feb-26

I am looking for a new dog food brand for my adult beagle. I usually purchase Taste of the Wild - does anyone have any similar recommendations for quality but around $100ish price point for roughly 10kg bag of dog food?
Nola B 392757
Sorry 10 cats and I buy fresh and usually cook for them. Aldi brand is the only can food and raw meat they will eat.
18-Jan-26

Is there anything you plan to do once you are retired that you could never do while employed? Do you want to travel or maybe achieve a bucket list?
Teri 1282723
I've completed my bucket list. And, yes, there is one thing that I can think of that I can do retired but not while working.... I can sleep in until 8 if I want to:) and be to bed when I want to, take a nap in the middle of the afternoon or even evening if I want to. Short answer - sleep.
17-Dec-25

Do you send your child or children to school on the last day before the holidays with a small gift for their teacher? If you do, what is the most amount of money you would spend? I try to spend under 10 dollars on a nice jar of jam for their holiday breakfasts.
Lachelle B
Never did. But I do buy a dozen beer each Christmas for the rubbish collectors. Rain, hail or shine they still do their dirty work.
19-Dec-25

The idea that we don t tend to make judgements based on reasoning and evidence. We start with a hunch and go on a quest to have our existing beliefs confirmed. If we find a piece of evidence that does the trick, we can stop and present said evidence in case we have to justify why we believe what we believe What do you think?
Mooi
I\u2019m confused. I don\u2019t know what you are saying. I may be having a bad day but I\u2019m lost.
17-Nov-25

Surely I'm not the only getting constant requests to leave a review anytime I do, well pretty much anything!!, I even get Government departments emailing me to rate my experience with renewing a passport, or the Tax department call centre. This is all good and well, but I feel like I'm being nagged to give a review all the time. If I have a good experience....I'll give a good rating, otherwise Leave me alone!! What are your experiences??
MoB
Why give a review, if the company are doing a good job they will get return customers. If they do a crap job they won't get any return customers. That should give them the information they require, no need to give special praise, they are doing the job they get paid to do, that's all the praise they should expect.
17-Oct-25

Weddings are often talked of as a day for the bride and groom (especially the bride) to be celebrated. But I feel most of the time it is more for the family. To follow tradition and make everyone happy. I certainly feel like that about my wedding. Half of the attendees will be my fiancee's extended family, most of whom I do not know, and there are several last-minute changes I had to make because of his family expectations. Which I would have been completely fine with if...
mike B 1066235
SO TRUE, IF YOU COULD HAVE ALL THE MONEY THAT WAS SPENT ON THIS DAY AND JUST HAD A SMALL ONE WITH TWO FOR FOUR FRIENDS OVER, THINK HOW MUCH MONEY YOU WOULD SAVE //////// $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ FOR MAYBE A HOUSE OR ANYTHING YOU NEED TO START YOUR NEW LIFE WITH THE MAN YOU LOVE. THANK YOU O/K MIKE
07-Oct-25

Many people struggle with the choice between following their passion or choosing a stable career. A passion-driven career often brings joy, motivation, and personal fulfilment, but it may not always provide financial security or long-term stability. On the other hand, a stable career offers steady income and security, which can reduce stress and support future goals, but it may not always bring happiness or a sense of purpose. The balance between passion and stability depends on...
Jack M 393074
I did a damned boring job myself for half a century and I was paid very little. After almost 30 years with the same employer I finally got a raise to $7.47 an hour and I was so proud. Then they dropped the bomb on me that same afternoon! My job description was being terminated and that meant after the layoffs and the rehiring began, I'd not be hired back again. Instead at age 59 in 2008 I was force retired and now I struggle with only SS and a tiny pension each month which si why I do asinine online surveys for next to nothing- just to live! $$$ USD is the important thing! Ask any team's players!
15-Sep-25

Working a four-day week reduces burnout and improves job satisfaction, a new study has found. Do you see any positive impacts of having a four-day work week?
Andrew C 287196
It's the usual nonsense that has not been properly thought through.
1. If people can do the same amount of work in one less day, then they are obviously not working properly now - too much slacking off. The company could enforce proper working and get rid of some of the workers ... saving money (not that the company would lower the prices of their products / services).
2. If people are working properly now and getting "stressed", then removing one day means they'll have to work harder to get the same amount of work done and get even more stressed.
3. If people are working properly now and a day is removed, less work will be done, so the company will have to employ extra people to fill in the gap ... and therefore raise prices of their products / services.
03-Aug-25

Successful people have several common behaviours. They stay positive and motivated, finding meaning in their work and fully committing to their tasks. They have clear goals, think constructively, and are goal oriented. What is your experience? What kind of people succeed in life?
Isabelle 1570997
It depends on what your definition of sucess happens to be?
Is it surviving in your work environment despite having to deal with difficult, unsupportive or destructive people. Is it staying in 1 job and getting a regular pay so you can afford a mortgage, buy a home, have a family ? Is it climbing the ladder to more responsibility and increasing pay? Or is it surviving a difficult family with trauma and recovering from using,alcohol, drugs, co-dependance, care taking others and being exploited by others because you are too kind hearted? Or is it finding peace through pray, meditation, finding balance by walking and spending time in nature? Or is it Love empathy of your near and dearest and being Kind to all peole that you meet regardless of live's challenges? I suppose we all have are own definitions? Live is challenging for everybody in one way or another, so I think we all deserve a medal for having a go and trying to do as best we can. It is not a race or a competition or trying to be better than someone else. I would like a t-shirt to say I survived and despite enormous challenges I have not lost hope or the ability to be understanding and gentle with myself or others.
16-Aug-25

I have seen estimates online of how much people think you need to retire, but as long as you want a modest retirement, you could have saved a lot less and still retire. How much do you think you really need?
sandra b 1038153
I guess no one ever heard the saying we could never have enough money. I'm a lone with a small pension and i was on disability since i was 40 so my social security is very small and i have everything i need and never done without. So just live your life and quit worrying about what you might need, and you will be just fine
02-Jul-25

OK...I used to be a Travel Agent way back in the day. Do people still use travel agents at all?!?! If no, what are the best Travel sites that you use, and do they all offer guaranteed bookings? I remember using booking.com once and booked a hotel room and when I got to the hotel they did not have my reservation. Since then, I won't use any sites at all. What are your go-to sites for anything travel related?!?!?!
Karen S 841350
None, not trustworthy. Do my own research and directly book. Haven't got the coin to travel these days so go local
31-May-25

Alcohol ads often show drinking alcohol as something that will enhance mood or well-being, as well as contribute to positive emotional experiences, friendships, and achievement all ideas which young people find appealing. Should it all be banned, in your opinion?
Boycee
Yes i'm a smoker and all advertising for smokes got ban I believe that alcohol causes more damage than smokes do
17-May-25

There are quite a few quirky words that just make me smile whenever I hear or read them. cockwomble, bamboozle, malarkey, kerfuffle, lollygag, nincompoop, shenanigans, flibbertgibbet, lollapalooza Do you have any favourite quirky words ?
Peter H (ACT) www.valleyfm.com
many of those words are made up by kids of today....teach the kids English and NOT jibberish
Nincompoop is older than me sheaninigans is old but so many other words are just rubbish
06-Apr-25

My neighbors are elderly, but the fight a lot. They throw plates and other things at each other. We called the police who sent two young officers. We watched from our window as they knocked on the door. The elderly man opened the door and beckoned them to enter. The door was still open, and we heard the elderly man ask the officers if they'd like some coffee. He went on to tell them that his wife is sleeping and asked if they'd like him to wake her. The officers...
Bex
In the case of what is potentially a domestic violence case, the police should have spoken to both parties. To not speak to the woman, just because the man seemed nice is gross misconduct. This is how people die at the hands of their partners, when the people that are there to protect you fail at doing their job. This is incomprehensible. I would call the police, and explain what you've just told us. Thank you for calling, most people turn a blind eye. Having been in this situation before, I wish someone like you had come to my aid. You did a good thing to help someone in need, so I commend you for doing the right thing.
12-Mar-25

It's important to make clear to your adult kids that it's their responsibility and in their best long-term interests to earn their own way. Stress that any financial assistance you provide to them should be viewed as a bridge to their eventual financial independence and not a handout. What are your thoughts? Should you help your adult children financially?
Beverly I
My children have never asked me to help them financially, probably because I can't, but I will help in other ways, I have told them that if they are finding things to hard, they can come back home. But they seem to be doing great.
15-Mar-25

We have a section in our local show for collections. I always said I don't have anything. Then started going through things and realized I have at least 3. My Mother died last year, and somehow I now have around 15 vases that were hers, I also have some of my mothers-in-law and some of my Grandmothers. Ok, that counts as a collection. I also have a collection of beer mugs, everything from glasses with brands on them to big steins and many pewter ones. Some...
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Really had to think about this discussion, and to my HORROR - I realizes I am a collector. I collect MUSIC and AGE (couldn't live without both of THEM) - ROFL!
06-Mar-25

Australia has just stopped building a massive Green Hydrogen plant without any explanation ... we now have windmills, massive batteries and solar panel farms on one side ... or coal gas and nuclear power on the other. What happened to using green hydrogen to power everything? And massive wave farms that require little maintenance and provide power all day and night every day? They already exist ... what happened to gravity storage of power, rather than expensive...
Paula J 395266
Two companies have walked away from their wind farms claiming they are too expensive to operate. One was the very first wind farm. Twiggy Forrest walked away from Green Hydrogen, after he was given a huge Government grant, because he claimed it is too expensive to produce and a second company has also walked away making the same claim. Intermittent power is expensive despite the claims of Minister Bowen.
08-Mar-25

This is great for many people now, that some airlines has approved small pets to get to travel with the owners. All I can say wow, wow & wow. Won t be me on those flights with all that racket & god help the smell of any animal that they have & what will they be wearing nappies? Ha ha. Bad enough on any normal flight when you have an innocent young mother with a baby/child she is so constantly picked on even to a point of breastfeeding. Now animals what has...
LA
Oh, I hear you! Some people dream of first-class luxury, and others are out here booking flights on Noah\u2019s Ark Airlines. Imagine trying to doze off, only to be jolted awake by a chihuahua having an existential crisis in 12B or a cat plotting world domination in the overhead bin.
And nappies? Who\u2019s handling those mid-flight? Is there a designated \u201cpaw-tron\u201d of the lavatory now? Will we be hit with surprise turbulence and surprise smells? Look, I\u2019m all for people traveling with their furry friends, but if I hear a parrot screaming \u201cBRACE FOR IMPACT\u201d at 30,000 feet, I\u2019m out. \ud83d\ude02
18-Feb-25

If you are a huge sport star like a captain that you represent your country & your team, I strongly believe you should at all times act your age & be responsible in your actions & in the way you speak in public. Regardless, whatever goes wrong in life, there are always ways to fix & mend things in a professional manner in a public life. Many people & especially children look up to you as you are there sport star & hero in their eyes, you need to set an example for them. I also believe...
Andrew C 287196
Parents should teach their kids that "celebrities" (whether sport or entertainment industry) are not worth "looking up to". They are just normal people who got lucky enough to be paid obscene amounts of money for doing something not really that useful to society. Some of them are good, some make mistakes that they take responsibility for, and some are simply idiots.
The real "heroes" are the people like those who work for the emergency services, doctors who save lives, the nurses in hospitals, even the sewer workers who go down stinking holes in the ground to make sure your waste water doesn't clog up and overflow everywhere, the street cleaners and garbage collectors who keep everywhere tidy. Most of these people are massively underpaid by comparison to the so-called "celebrities".
16-Feb-25

What is up with people whose In Charge of rating movies, because there are a lot of movies out there, I've watched and think they're the wrong rating like for instance the original little orphan Annie. That movie I think should be rated R because ms Hanagan is drunk and also wanted to hire bad people to go and get her and one wanted to kill her. Also, what is up with movies that are a new version of the previous movie which the second and or more seems like not as...
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Ageism, anti-social behavior, sexism, racism, (intolerant) religious viewpoints, vulgarity (in public), etc.; all started before the moviemaking industry got a toehold in 'western civilization'. Yet, your solution to the 'ills of western civilization' is to RATE movies harsher. I 'always' thought it was the job (responsibility) of the parent(s) to install morals, principles, scruples, and values in their children (silly me) - 'NOT' THE MOVIEMAKING INDUSTRY!
14-Dec-24

United Nation should involve in imposing laws or make amendment to existing laws to look after endangered species of wildlife both on land and in the sea. People from all over the world are killing these endangered animals just to make money. But on the other end these species are vanishing in an alarming rate, which means not long they won't be around for our next generation to see. Therefore, I suggest United Nation should discuss this issue and address it appropriately...
teresa b 607654
United Nations? Who's listening to them on a multitude of issues? It's up to individual countries to protect their own.
11-Dec-24

They're everywhere now. On the roads and footpaths as well. Riders un-helmeted, passengers too and at the speeds the youngsters are riding them it is only a matter of time before there is a fatality of either the rider, the passenger or a pedestrian. Should they be registered and/or the riders licensed?
Grommie
Not the tyres that are the issue, it's the power rating of the electric motor.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of them actually rate as a motor bike that needs to have a rider with a motor bike licence.
Fatalities are an inevitable consequence. You cannot legislate stupidity out of our lives.
07-Nov-24

I do not understand the reason why the weather report for Australia is sometimes given on the television morning show from overseas. This week, our weather report was given from Morocco. Today the weatherman was in Casablanca. I do not understand why the weather report for Australia needs to be given from overseas. I am aware of the promotional message to contact a specific travel agency and guess the weather report is sponsored by this company. I am interested...
Peter H (ACT) www.valleyfm.com
I prefer the app on my phone,I am involved with a community radio station and I do not believe the weather reports on the computer screen.
I usually advise listeners,that when you stick your head out the door,if its sunny its not raining,BUT if the ground is wet and the sky is overcast,THEN its probably been raining
03-Oct-24

Lots of people, while waiting in a queue, switch off because they switch onto their mobile phone. Problem is they get so engaged in what they are looking at, they miss the queue is moving and most of all, they are then too busy to engage with the sales assistant. The sales assistant has every right to ask them to stop using the smartphone or miss their place in the queue if they are on their smartphone, they should be getting it ready with their credit card details or their...
Kristina L 134251
I think there are other things in the world to get angry about. It\u2019s not your business what other people choose to do and neither is it the customer service person.
26-Sep-24

We've all seen the effects of social media in day-to-day life, and now many children are being given phones and downloading many inappropriate social media apps. Should they be allowed to be on them? There are already age restrictions on these apps, but many people ignore them and get them any way.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
I don't have children - NOT one of my many issues! However, some 'adults' should never have access to social media - example - Donald John Trump.
16-Sep-24

What do you think if you're travelling down the road and several people blinks their light to notify you of the police is ahead? Do you think it is out of generosity or the people is saving you some money from the city or state from charging you a fine?
Andrew C 287196
Such signalling means the idiot drivers slow down for a short stretch and then simply speed up again after passing the police camera. The best option is to signal a "camera" even when there isn't one, then the idiot driver slows down for longer. Even better, let the idiot drivers get caught, fined, and even potentially have their license removed. *THEN* the roads will be much safer for the rest of us who actually obey the road rules and speed *limits*.
It's very very simple: If you can't obey the road rules, then get off the road!
15-Sep-24

If you could travel to anywhere in the world and money was not a constricting factor, where would you go ? I was supposed to do a tour of England, Ireland and Scotland in 2020, but unfortunately Covid intervened, and I since had to use the money for house repairs. I would do that trip if I could, and I would also love to see other places as well, maybe Italy and Greece. Where would you go if money was not an issue?
writerrochelle
I would go to Riverside, CA, to 'meet' my aunt Lee, my mom's sister, who has been a constant companion to me by telephone and emails, since my mom's death. I met my mom when I was in my 30's, but she was murdered before I could ever see her again. Lee has been there for me. She is 91 now, and I am 76, so I would go and spend time with my precious aunt Lee. ;-D
30-Aug-24

We will be going on our first cruise soon. Do any of you have a few tips about do's and don't's. What should we avoid or not miss out on? Is it good to do most activity bookings prior to the cruise, like excursions on the islands or spa treatments? Are there things to pack that they do not mention on the booking site, for example facial tissues? I would love to get some advice.
Perry 1310449
I have been on several. You can find excursions off of the ship cheaper than the excursions through the ship, but remember if you are on a ship based excursion, they will wait for you! Excursions you purchase from someone on land, they won\u2019t wait for you, no matter the reason! Secondly, don\u2019t buy the drink packages unless you expect to drink A LOT! I think it works out to you need to drink 15 drinks a day to pay the same amount! Yes, drinks on board will range from $11-$16 each, so take advantage of things like free juice at breakfast, along with free iced tea and coffee and hot chocolate. Steak House visits are over priced, and expensive, so leave them be, unless that is what you are going for! Main dining room food is excellent, and are covered with your cruise. They have changed sone rules there, so check when you board! Yes, you can sometimes get extra food there for free in limited amounts, like if you want an extra appetizer or dessert. But people ruined it over the years by requesting 2-3 main entrees! Like lobster and such. I ate there many times, excellent food! But smaller portions! You can go online to places like YouTube and look for videos of what each cruise line and ship offer for meals, posted by people who shared their cruise info! I highly recommend doing some early viewing! Myself, I ate many meals at the buffet on the Lido deck, or whatever deck each ship uses. LOTS OF GREAT FOOD! My wife loved the Omelette Bar! They make them to your specs in front of you. They also feature things like French toast, hot cakes, scrambled eggs with inclusions for breakfast, as well as toast, bagels, sliced meats like ham, salami, chicken and Turkey, cheeses, in case you just want to make a quick sandwich before an excursion? You will probably gain a few pounds on the cruise unless you really watch yourself! \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02. Unless you REALLY want them, stay away from the photographers! Sometimes those cute pictures you had taken on the boarding ramp, Formal Night, and by the dozens of photographers on the ship, can run into the $20-$30 range EACH. SO UNLESS YOU PLAN ON $500 worth of pictures coming home with you, beware! Sign up for the tip package before you embark! You are still expected to tip your room steward, etc., but you can base that on how good (or bad) they helped you out! Everything on board will be charged to your room account. And everything is expensive, so watch yourself unless money is not an object. A candy bar in one of the stores can cost $4-5 each instead of $1.50-2 at home. One of the places I never miss, us sone ships gave a candy store! It also has a few things like stuffed animals, drinks, etc. yes it us expensive, as in $7-8 a quarter pound! But I like ut because I can buy 2-3 of these wrapped candies, 4-5 or those, a quarter cop of M&Ms. They put them in a sip lock bag usually, so I leave them in my cabin, so at night if I get a tiny sweet tooth attack, I can eat a few and ve satisfied, rather than calling room service. They DO have room service, but remember the menu us limited, expensive, and you are expected to tip! Make sure to pack things like Sun block if you are going to Mexico or Bahamas, headache medicine, and any prescriptions you have. They do have some of those things available in a place or two on board, and if you go off ship, there are usually places like a Walmart or grocery store locally, but never expect there will be when you need them! And depending on where you travel, again, prices can be cheaper or more expensive! Our last cruise was to Alaska. And there, a $5 bottle of aspirin can be upwards to $15. A $2.50 bag of candy can be $15. I have to take my CPAP, but they don\u2019t let you bring things like extension cords, electric fans, coffee pots, etc. on board, because everything us on the same circuit! If something shorts out, it can damage thousands if dollars worth of electronics! And you can be accountable for those costs! What else\u2026if you are late fir your ship, you get left there and have to figure out how to get to your next destination, incurring more costs! Some people like to bring things to decorate their doors or room, so that is an option! Especially if it is something special, like your anniversary or honeymoon! My daughter, with kids, brings cheap but strong magnetic hooks from Amazon or Walmart that she can tie string to and hang swimming suits to dry, or decorations for the room. The walls are usually magnetic in your room, so makes it easy to put up and take down with no damage. There is a closet in your room, usually just 2-3 feet wide for hanging dresses, shirts, slacks, and the like. And usually a very small safe, usually about 8-10 inches wide, 6-7 inches high and 6 inches or so deep, so you can keep passports if you need them for your cruise, there so you don\u2019t have to carry them around! In some instances you need to take your shipboard ID as well as your passport to check back in when you return from an off board excursion. And they can and will check pkges at times. You aren\u2019t allowed to bring alcohol on board. So if you do, or you buy bottles on the ship, They will be sent to the pursers office to be kept safely for you until debarkation at home! They wa t you to buy their booze! lol. You are usually allowed to bring one case of coke or Pepsi or whatever when you arrive. If you want water bottles, you can purchase them before or after you arrive onboard. Just call the front desk or visit them. If you do need an extension cord or fan for your room, they can supply them for you. The same for power strips! They don\u2019t trust power strips you bring on board, so do not pack them! My wife and I always ask for one, because unless you are in a suite, there is generally only one outlet in your cabin! So with 2 iPhones, an iPad, chargers for camera batteries, yes, my lovely wife is an avid amateur photographer, we need much more than one! I hope that helps you a little. And hope you didn\u2019t get bored listening to me rant! God Bless and watch over you on your trip!\ud83d\ude1c
25-Aug-24

Japan Airlines has successfully carried out one flight using fuel made entirely from recycled cotton...also we have the capacity to replace all these huge container ships, which are a really major cause of all our air pollution...with helium airships using mainly solar-powered engines...these two are "news" stories...BUT they are real and viable...so why aren't we using them?...what is wrong?
Linda C
Helium does have an environmental impact : The extraction process can lead to air and water pollution as well as soil erosion or depletion due to mining activities.
Cotton can be converted but it takes over 100 tonnes to get 10 Kiloliters of fuel or roughly 2641 gallons, however a plane uses 1 gallon of fuel every second.
I do not think they would work out financially viable. I guess that is why they are not being used commercially.
17-Jul-24

I keep seeing artificial intelligence being pushed on society lately. Do you believe there are more cons than pros with this? Honestly, it scares me how it's coming into life a lot lately.
Andrew C 287196
"Artificial Intelligence" is an oxymoron. A computer cannot possibly "learn" nor be "intelligent" in any way at all - a computer simply follows the instructions the programmer gave it. The whole artificial intelligence bandwagon is simply nonsense and most of it is nothing but pure gimmickry by greedy corporates trying to get fools to buy yet another updated, higher priced device they don't actually need and have no idea why they want it. \ud83d\ude44
10-Jun-24

Does higher education determine success? Many assume that university is the determinant of success, but opinions have changed as many people now embrace the fact that there are other alternatives.
EILEEN W 310556
So much depends on the individual person and what they want to achieve in life. University is not the be-all and end-all for everyone. We need skilled tradespeople, artists, actors, designers, gardeners, chefs, drivers, etc. who need to learn from professionals who also learned 'on the job'.
03-Jun-24

Things aren't working great between me and my partner. And we have 2 kids. Does anyone know if "couple counselling" is worth it? Love some advice
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Fortunately, I have never been in the scenario you have described - involving children - children make it a more complicated issue to resolve - I don't have children. Hence, I cannot comment on whether COUPLE COUNSELING is worth it - Bonne chance!
10-May-24

Does good music put you in a better mood? Do you turn on music to lift you up on a bad day?
Len G
Music is always a mood changer for both good and sad moods. I always say that music is a time line of our lives.We can hear a song And mostly remember the year or period of our lives.
03-May-24

Have you ever got caught up in a traffic check points blitz or a police speed trap?
Andrew C 287196
The people who complain about such things as being "revenue gathering", etc. are usually just the morons who want to do stupid things on the road. Public roads are not a playground - follow the rules or get off the roads! It's very very simple: if you don't do anything wrong, then you won't have to pay any fines / penalties.
27-Apr-24

Throughout my life, I have resided in primarily small towns and cities, but I was compelled to relocate to a sizable metropolis, which has resulted in enormous changes. Everything is expensive, but I have discovered that there are more opportunities for professional development and superior educational options in the larger city.
Michelle S 553303
With all the violence now seemingly able to reign supreme in medium and large cities without much judicial action to prevent it happening again, you couldn't PAY me enough to go and live in a city! With digital learning now prevalent in all higher learning institutions you can get a degree online. The same would apply, IMHO, with respect to professional development being available by ZOOM or another digital interface. I live in a small country town in NSW Australia of 800 people. Im on the edge of town heading into the bush. The nearest regional shopping zone is 45 minutes west or a one hour trip east. The milky way is so beautiful on a clear moonless night and I might hear a truck and a ute bringing the guys who've been pig or Roo hunting back through town as they have their radio blaring, but sometimes you can hear a pin drop all night long until the birds start waking up in the trees outside my bedroom window. I usually get up then and await the rising sun just like now. I choose the birds and brisk fresh air over pollution and blaring horns, inpatient people, rudeness, theft and other more dangerous crimes and I am grateful that I can watch it on the news programs but I don't have to live it! Give me a home among the gum trees over concrete structures any day! Thanks for reading.
17-Apr-24

So I just witnessed my neighbour across the road reverse (slowly) down his drive. And a cyclist was racing down the footpath. They collided with each other. Everyone is okay and was civil. (Bike completely damaged) But what do you think about cyclists on the footpath? I believe they should stick to the road for many reasons
Sabine V
I'm in my 70's and when l rode my bike in my youth we were not allowed to ride on the foot path. It was against the law. So why are they ride on foot paths now. They are called FOOT PATHS.
12-Apr-24

It may be something complicated or something you dismiss because you find it just so easy to do, but it may not be for many others around you. What is that one thing you do that is just so easy... for you?
Kirsty H 1016139
Weirdly enough..
Untangling cords. My kids think it's funny. My hands just twist and gently pull tangled cords apart without much thought. 3 sets if Earphones, untangled in under a minute. They were a mess.
Xmas lights.. easy!
I get secret joy from it all too!
My secret weird superpower (well..close to!)
30-Mar-24

What is the one thing in life that upsets you the most? I have a number of things that make my blood boil, but on top of my list is dishonesty. I hate it when people lie to me. People should know by now that the truth always come out, even if it is years later
Farmgirl22
A lot of things especially child abuse and animal abuse. Once I find new born kittens in a rubbish bag dumped on the side of the road, five kitten sadly 3 died, I worked day and night to looked after the two who are now three years old and the best loving cats. Another things that I get upset at are Dishonesty and violence.
03-Jul-22

I don't know how it's at your area where you're resident but at ours house's price increased 30% over the last 5 years, and it's estimated it's not gonna decline any time soon. Really good for us to sell you our house as we gonna make those 30% + profit, however I can see how people are struggling and buying houses 3bedroom one bath for over $1m, and it's fixer upper!! I don't see that fair at all. I am worried how my son would be ever able to afford living one day....
Andrew C 287196
House prices rise, but so do wages (and everything else). Many of the people who complain they can't afford a house are wasting piles of money on restaurant dining, overseas holidays, continually updating their tech gadgets and cars, TV subscriptions, etc. In ye olde days people actually saved money for a deposit and they made sacrifices to pay off the mortgage (and the mortgage was often for a lot longer than the 30 years people expect to pay it off now). Nothing has really changed, other than the attitude of people.
Having said that, prices are also artificially raised due to the greedy "investors" (local and non-resident) who buy multiple houses to rent out and/or do up and "flip" at a profit. If it had been illegal to own more than the one house you actually live in, house prices would be a lot lower.
19-Feb-24

Are we becoming too negative and not seeing the positives in our lives or our society? Consequently, people are unhappy (even angry) and intolerant of others. Symptomatic of this are those with fixed positions on issues who aggressively condemn those with a different view, or who seek to tear down our society and our fundamental values. Shouldn t we try to adopt a more positive outlook and be more tolerant of others; to engage in discussion instead of abuse? Is social media a...
Kathleen 1396104
I have always tried to look at the positive in life! But the economy, global warming, natural disasters, war , and pandemics , do make it challenging! There is always a silver lining of you look hard enough! I have Cancer and I still find things to enjoy and celebrate! It's up to you if you see a glass half full or half empty!
02-Feb-24

Life happens, and we may have drifted apart over time, but occasionally, something may remind us of them, and we'll briefly wonder how they are. If you've lost touch with a friend, you're not alone. According to recent studies, people often lose touch with others after age 25. What are your thoughts? Is it OK to lose touch with friends?
boy blunder
I have had friends for 40 years I have had them for 10 minutes most of my friends drift in and out for all kinds of reasons, just say true to yourself and be there when you can and hopefully, your friends will do the same main thing is talk keep on talking, not texting or messaging messages are so easy to get miss construed and it would be a shame if friends drift over a miss understanding
20-Jan-24

In today's society, it is so different growing up compared to the olden days. Now take this as an example, you're getting married & it is the biggest day & memories of your life to last forever. I was brought up that the man usually leads & also is the man of the house. You get married in his church & take his surname to be yours. Usually this what happens, but not many times, unfortunately. I in my opinion I am so against the rule of women keeping their surname, once they get...
Elizabeth T 396096
I advise not to as if you ever want to change back, it is a pain in the backside to prove that your current name matches your original name on your birth certificate AND it costs you lots of time and money to change all your ids from one name to the next (and for people that are remarrying a million times and do it every time for passports, bank accounts, drivers licenses, work id, social security, Tax, property and vehicle ownership, shares etc, I have no idea why they waste their time and money).
If you REALLY want to change your name, at least keep SOMETHING in your name that matches your birth certificate so you can prove that you are you.
23-Dec-23

Every few months, we get the same question which period would you rather live in? You can choose an era where you would not be able to breathe...or one where the life expectancy was 30 what was wrong with when you were born? I got decent medical support the Beatles Hawkwind hippies, punks and Talking Heads...that's not bad...you could maybe move me back a couple of years to avoid phone fetish and some social media, but yes it has been a wild ride and I...
Marietta M
I once read an article where some historian said he thought people were at their happiest during George Washington's time period, and I asked my uncle what he thought about that. He said he was sure a lot of people back then were happy, but probably just as many were unhappy, then said just like today there are happy people but just as many unhappy ones. It all depends on your outlook, circumstances (I doubt anyone with a lot of health problems or who lost more than their share of loved ones can be happy) and ability to have hope, no matter what time period you live in.
That being said, I have to add that modern times have gotten flawed by too many decades of a ME First attitude. When people always put themselves first, they turn the positive "selfs" (self-confidence, self-assurance, self-esteem) into negative ones (self-centeredness, self-involvement, selfishness) and I think that has a lot to do with things that have gone wrong in society today.
And now that "myself" has gotten a bit carried away, I'll wish everyone a "HAPPY HOLIDAY", and now I'll shut up!
22-Dec-23

If you found out a friend of yours was incarcerated for a crime he/she committed, whether knowingly or unknowingly aware of the consequences: would you support him/her and continue being that person's friend?
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Since I was incarcerated as a juvenile delinquent - my answer - would be YES - I would unequivocally support the person - regardless of the circumstances! I know 'how' the criminal justice system works in the USA. Former president Donald John Trump has evaded the consequences of his actions because he has money, and Donald John Trump is white. (Donald John Trump has admitted he knew that he wasn't cheated out of winning re-election in 2020). The criminal justice system in America is 'broken' at the juvenile level and the adult level. Furthermore, not one person was convicted in the 'Banking Scandal of 2008' - which costed countries on this planet trillions of dollars (and the major players in 'Banking scandal of 2008' were WHITE)! In addition, not one person was convicted in the 'Savings and Loan Scandal' of the late 1970s and early 1980s - which costed the USA billions of dollars (and the major players in 'Savings and Loan Scandal' were WHITE)! So much for the argument CRIME - doesn't PAY!
18-Nov-23

Do you think at 18 years old in today's society, have it too easy and need a little bit of tough love? It all depends on the circumstances. I virtually do not see this to be a problem, if your teenager is co-operating with you & the family, as life in the big world is very tough, hard & expensive to survive. As a parent, you always try to help them if you can. On the other hand, if the teenager has a strong head, doesn't want to be reasonable in every way that he/she should be &...
Morenita
I\u2019m holding on to my last baby. She\u2019s 18, going to college and works. I do not ask her to pay rent. She pays for her own college tuition and school supplies. So I definitely don\u2019t take the lil that she makes she\u2019s responsible for buying her own food sometimes and she\u2019s very smart. I also give her any extra money I have. I\u2019m very blessed to be able to do that.
21-Nov-23

So the grocery store I shop at has finally gotten rid of plastic bags from the butchery department yet wrap everything in so much plastic and sells plastic bags as you need them........ Really, I don't quite get it. Also, what is a good way of wrapping up your purchased meat (especially chicken)? As now, it leaks onto my other groceries and leaks in my shopping bag?
Robert F 1161011
The butchers where I shop use a heavy paper to wrap the meat neatly like a Christmas present, then they use a bar code sticker to tape it closed. It never leaks. The supermarket wraps the meat on a Styrofoam tray with cling wrap. That never leaks either. You could bring your own plastic bags, or you could use large Ziploc freezer bags. Those definitely won't leak. Most solutions involve plastic anyway \ud83d\ude44
03-Oct-23

Hello everyone. So I have a 6-month-old boy and was wondering is it a good thing to put your child through daycare or is it pretty ok just to wait till kindly? New at this :)
Evie
Get married (if you're not) and Raise your own kids. There's a good reason the traditional nuclear family worked so well.
Triggering in 3...2...1...
09-Sep-23

In the month of June I put Mr Percy a peach face, in my garage, on a cupboard near the brick wall to keep him safe. I gave him plenty of water and sunflower seeds. Then we left to Melbourne for a couple of nights. When we came back the cage was empty. The cage had not been opened and there was no feathers or a trace of my little bird. What do you think happened to him?
Liane H
It was professor plum ,in the laundry with the drainpipe ..
25-Aug-23

There are reports of children on a large scale refusing to go to school, and it has been labelled a medical condition. Is it really, or is it simply a case of children being children? The problem has blossomed since the Covid lockdowns, when I suppose children found all sorts of things they could do at home rather than sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher. Specialists are asking for more money and resources to deal with the problem, but shouldn't parents just tell their...
Pennye R
It\u2019s because parents are letting their children get away with everything. If there are problems at school, then investigate and deal with them. Allowing children to avoid facing problems will only create more problems for them later in life.
28-Aug-23

Skin specialists warn that soap and detergents used in baths and showers can remove vital oils from your skin...this could lead to skin complaints. Wrinkles and ageing the chemical companies respond by making shower products that make you at least as greasy after your shower... Ecologists warn that we need to conserve water...and having everyone showering or bathing on a daily basis is an extravagance the Earth does not need... Now Hollywood has joined with some...
Lachelle B
Hollywood? The owners of five+ bedrooms, three+ bathrooms, swimming pools, manicured lawns and three+ cars in the driveway with only two people living there? Oh yes, they definitely know about saving water \ud83e\udd23.
19-Aug-23

From not having your finances in order to rush through the inspection process, common mistakes made by homebuyers can derail the path to owning your dream home. How to avoid common home buying mistakes?
LA
Wow! Such a GREAT TOPIC in these times!
1. If you can\u2019t pay off a credit card each month STOP dreaming
2. Assume your mortgage will increase by 25%
3. Assume the \u201cbread winner\u201d may get sick with no insurance or financial help. Do you have a contingency fund?
4. Don\u2019t waste your money on \u201cHome Inspection Companies\u201d\u2026unless you fluke out and get one that has a lengthy PROVEN track record ( lol\u2026they all say they do) \u2026.save money and get the info you need by getting a reliable plumber , electrician, roofer, buy a moister meter and potentially more experts in their field accordingly to spend an hour instead
I could go on\u2026.if anyone wants me to keep advising\u2026let me know. My list goes on:)
03-Aug-23

With all the needs in infrastructure and the health sector, why is so much tax money spent on various sports? I believe that elected officials should be more concerned about their constituents instead of entertainment for a minority group.
Daniel T 626103
I think that they actually spend too much money trying to get minority groups to take the COVID vacation.
24-Oct-21

I can't help but wonder how many people think the government can turn old abandoned schools/buildings into homes for the homeless people. There are several abandoned schools which have been just sitting there for years. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Judy CH
A lot of homeless people choose to be homeless, it is not up to the taxpayer to pay for everything for them, a lot of working people can't afford to buy, cigarettes, alcohol drugs etc but are expected to pay for people who have chosen their life style. The Government uses the money from tax payers but treat it as it is their God given right to spend it the way they choose. And yes I do know what it is like to go hungry, not have shoes to wear. I was sent out by my Mother to steal peoples milk money when I was young. Mum always had enough to buy hers and my oldest brothers smokes and go to the movies 2 or 3 times a week while I at 8 years old was left to look after 3 brothers and a sister aged 6, 4, 3 and 2 years old. Often all we had to eat was stale bread with hot water poured over it. The more she was given the more entitled she felt. Never worked a day in her life. My brother who was 6 years and sister 5 years older than me had already been put in care because Mum could't look after them. I made up my mind when I was young that I was not going to live like that. I never smoked, started working at 14 and only brought what we could afford. It was going well until we got scammed through an invoice 4 years ago.
03-Jul-23

While some look to get cosmetic surgery to change their appearance, others are learning to love and accept their physique and be body positive . But not everyone thinks the positivity movement is healthy or realistic. What are your thoughts?
Evie
A bit of surgery is one thing, but don't change who you are. Additionally, I get not everyone is a size 2, but the obesity that's being accepted in the name of "positivity" is unhealthy and leads to additional health problems.
26-Jun-23

How do you deal with increasing cost of living? Groceries, gas, travel, utilities etc are all going up with no increase in pay.
Sabine V
Stop giving to Charity, no eating out, only replacing what we use, no more takeaways, use the car less, no new clothes or shoes, no cinema and more internet purchases. In other words NO LIFE
06-Jun-23

In previous generations, children left home at 18 years old and became independent. Now with student debt and the increasing cost of renting and buying a house, we are seeing the rise of the 'Boomerang babies' who stay or move back home for well into their 20's. Is this good for our communities and have you noticed it in yours? Do you know any 'Boomerang Babies'?
Teri 1282723
For many reasons my two sons haven't left our home. One is on the autism spectrum and will always need help, the other works part time and has committed to looking after his brother when I'm gone, none of us could afford rent on our own, plus other stuff I don't need to get into. We are all respectful of each other, never raise our voices, and contribute to the bills in a fair and agreeable way. For us, this works beautifully.
I realize other families will have their divorces or loss of jobs or financial issues, etc. and need to come home for a while. Home should always be a safe place to come to when extra help is needed.
Just don't let them take advantage and use you without contributing what they can - financially, with chores, repairs - while they're with you.
27-Jun-23

It amazes me how some people can 'transform' themselves with make-up, fake lashes etc. I struggle with mascara don't even get me started on blush 'rosy cheeks' disaster! What's your 'going out for the night' look?
allin3/24
i never liked a woman i went with that i did not recognize the next morning, only care for real women, the beauty is always inside,,,,,\ud83d\ude09
16-Jun-23

What are some of the weirdest things that you can think or remember about?
Cat8
When a woman changes to being a man and partners with a man who has become a woman, and the woman who changed to male, but only had top surgery, has their baby.
Visually that disturbs me.
16-Aug-22

We just received ours Friday. We became eligible Monday and I was able to sign up online Wednesday. I got online around 6 AM and was one of the first to sign up for Friday.
Therese C
No way!! It is not a vaccine. It is mRNA gene therapy which will permanently alter your DNA.. It has been rushed and skipped animal trials. It has not been fully approved and is ONLY being used under so called "Emergency measures". No long-term side effects are known and many have had severe reactions, permanent injury and death from this vaccine world-wide. They have said it will not stop you getting covid, becoming ill with covid OR transmitting covid to others. In fact they say we will still have to social distance, wear masks and still have to quarantine at our own expense if travelling. So what is the point for a virus with a 99.97% recovery rate without a vaccine?
04-Mar-21

The Koala Rescue services are a voluntary group that rescue check up upon...and transport injured koalas...and then return them to their natural habitat after they have been cleared by vet services in Australia. If you phone them to help an animal, or help them in any way, you are recorded as being a MOP....member of the public...."yes the MOP said that he looked distressed" ... that sort of thing. Does anyone else have funny code names for things that no-one else knows?
PEN15
Our tech support had a code they used when they were called out to fix something that wasn\u2019t actually a technical fault, but just a user error.
PICNIC.
Problem In Chair Not In Computer.
23-May-23

Calgary Alberta, Canada is where I call home Calgary is a great place for families to live because it is clean and safe, relative to other big cities. It has the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. You will never run out of gorgeous places to explore, for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the summer and skiing the list is endless. Calgary gets the most sun of any of Canada's major cities. This year Calgary was ranked the 3rd most...
Chosen
Auckland. Was good but has gradually deteriorated as a result of the many hundreds of thousands of immigrants that have been allowed in over the recent years and yet there was not the infrastructure to handle it. As a result blocked motorways, deteriorating water mains etc, schooling shortage, housing shortage etc etc. So now we all work in the city but escape to our holiday homes near the beach when we are not. All sad but true.
16-Apr-23

When you purchase your clothing, is it important to you to have brand name labels for your own security and others to see? Or will you wear and purchase clothes that don't have designer labels and prices, but are nevertheless, still decent and nice looking and comfortably fitting (and age appropriate)?
Christine M 323842
I wear whatever I bloody well want too. If I like it, it\u2019s a good fit, I can afford it, I think it will last, I\u2019ll get it. Purchasing cheap disposable fashion or clothing is nothing to be proud of.
Age appropriate? Not interested in people\u2019s preconceived ideas of what I should or shouldn\u2019t be wearing.
27-Mar-23

Do people today have a more self-centered attitude than in past generations, putting their own wants and desires before anyone and anything else?
Luna
Everyone has this trait but it just depends to what extent. There is nothing wrong with putting your needs/wants before others because you have to do what it best for you and look after yourself. But don't do it at the expense of others. There needs to be a balance.
29-Mar-23

Is it okay to put a kid in time out? I have read it all the good and the bad effects of putting a child in time out. Putting all that aside, how much damage is really being done to a child s self-worth when one is being sent to time out? Please let me know your opinion on when and is it appropriate to send a child to time out?!
Andrew C 287196
Wait. The Politically Correct numbnuts deemed smacking was "bad" and now time out is deemed "bad" as well?? No wonder we've got 10 year olds with hammers robbing liquor stores and 14 year olds doing ram raids late at night ... there's absolutely zero penalty for doing something bad. :-\ There's absolutely nothing wrong with a sensible smack on the backside (and no, that's not the same as beating the kid with a weapon).
18-Mar-23

With the unpredictable economy and increasing mortgage rate, would you rather stay as an employee or start your own business?
BLACK LIVES MATTER
I prefer my option. I retired on a 100% disability (other words my monthly federal civil service retirement checks (USA) are tax free) - I have been retired for over 24 years and counting - Life is Good (anyone for me :-))!
11-Mar-23

Should those under the age of 18, be subjected to curfews if they are out and about...esp late at night... without an adult present? My thinking is it would help lower the crime rate...if there was a law in place! It's too easy for them to get up to --mischief, use fake IDs to get into... Pubs and clubs. Steal cars, and commit break and enter In residential and business premises. Isn't it time... the law was harder and more protective of our younger generation?
allin3/24
monkey see, monkey do, if you have children and you are an asshole, chances are you will raise assholes,,,
30-Mar-22

We've heard the heads up about a recession, while most of us are feeling the pain of increased day to day living costs. Is there anything you are doing to prepare for tricky times ahead?
Carol S 657195
Unfortunately, I am not in a good place right now for a recession. In my opinion, we have been in one for a long while. No one seems to want to say the words, but I think we are already there. I live alone on one income, and I am struggling a little. I hope to get caught up after the holidays. I can save money through the winter by not going out to spend money and use gas. Although online shopping has been something I have to watch. It is almost a hobby to look forward to something in the mail when you don't get out much. I have to be careful, I know!
28-Dec-22

A number of research study show that alcohol is harmful to health. If it is beer red wine, spirit all contain the active ingredients is ethanol. So, why there shouldn't be statutory warning on alcohol bottle as it is there in cigarette. As in smoking, cancer or other health condition is not developing in each and every one. However, as science follow the statistical based data, it is accepted that cigarette smoking in injurious to health. Similarly, alcohol may not produce...
APB
Putting a health warning on cigarettes was as pointless as applying it to other items...you can make the product have ugly packaging..but people will smoke if they want to (until the majority bully them into not doing at all)..and the same applies to alcohol...I really don't like our current smug society...we used to have a democracy...but now we have a majority bullying everyone else to conform...its not just cigarettes or alcohol...its what you should think and what you can say...its creepy and terrible...1984 and worse...
AND I really REALLY hate it...I'm glad I'm getting older and won't have to put up with all this shit that much longer...and I never imagined that that would be the case...
HEADS UP.....what you are allowed to eat is probably next...but by that time you'll probably be so beaten down and compliant that you will barely even notice....welcome to your future..
18-Dec-22

Recently I saw an article that a woman calls for "only adult flight" after she experienced a few hours flight with a screaming child. Well, it was a bit brave from her to say that. Yes, it's not fun when a child screams on a plane, but what parents actually can do? They never know how the child is gonna react, and sometimes it can be unavoidable to fight with a child. I do have small child on my own he is 4 y but never been on plane because I don't want to go thru any...
Daniel T 626103
I have 4 kids and when they were under 5 Flying with them was extremely challenging, especially from New Zealand to Texas. I personally think rather than complaining about the kids..why not offer to help or invest in some decent ear plugs!!
16-Sep-22

Are we being prepared for contact with aliens? Just with the government's releasing footage of odd unknown aircraft and many sightings reported on the news, and no one is getting locked in the loony bin anymore if they say they had an encounter?
Jeneral
We've been conditioned for years. They're already here amongst us. You've only got to take a look at the WEF's Mr. Schwab, his snake sidekick and the likes of Zuckerberg to know this. We are only even told the truth when it's old news.
14-Oct-22

When it comes to music, what decade do you think the best music like bands or solo artists come from, *1950's , with Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Bill Haley and the Comets, Elvis Presley, *1960's, The Beatles, Cream , Led Zeppelin, Jimmie Henricks *1970's, The Eagles , ELO , KISS ,AC/DC Alice Cooper *1980's,, Robert Palmer, INXS , Motley Crue, Madonna 1990's.... 2000's.... 2010...
writerrochelle
I was born in 1947, and graduated high school in 1965, so I really loved the 60's the best! There were also the Kingston Trio, and the other Folk Music stars of that era! I Loved Folk Music, also Bob Dylan, Donovan, Mama's and Papa's, ABBA, just to name a few. Good Ole Days! ;-D
09-Oct-22

The Australian Capital Territory has announced that petrol cars will not be sold there after 2035. Isn't that a huge overreach? For one thing the price is prohibitive, then what about the infrastructure for charging. I'm not sure, I want an electric car, hybrid perhaps, but fully electric? Along with the power problems we are currently experiencing, will there be enough power for everyone to charge their electric car? While I have my own garage with a...
Rhian C
Sorry boss I can’t get to work today we had a power cut through the night and i don’t have enough charge to get to work! A new Excuse for those wanting a day off! Also what if fire ambo or police ran out of charge oh way to job.. eeek
06-Oct-22

As parents get older & children grow into adults we generally expect them to become independent & this reduces the load on parents. However, when children have disabilities which affecting their ability to become & remain independent, the expectation and reality of parent's lives can be that they are caring for offspring into adulthood. There are people, (mostly women) who may also be caring for their own parents as they age. Others may be caring for their spouse or...
Claude H
I am 89 & bloody independent. I manage & don't want to be a burden on my family. They deserve a life of their own
22-Sep-22

My daughter was a victim of getting bullied at school. There were always a view girls that would walk past her d either say something wicked or just bumped into her, so she would lose her balance and either fall or landed against the wall way wall. She wanted to change school's, but couldn't. We went to the school and talked to them, but nothing changed. The last option was to go see the principal of Hastings Girls High school, but she said she will sort it...
Debbie W 69651
The same thing happened to my granddaughter and the school was useless. They even tried to pick on her younger brother and she intervened but she was the one in trouble. Schools don't do the right thing for their pupils and it just seems to be a few that are bullies and they get away with it. If more is done in school we could stop this instead they just sweep it under the carpet and hope the parents go away.
23-Jul-22

Have you stopped hugging people, or stopped kissing people when greeting them? We have stopped shaking hands and probably won't ever again, but I stopped wearing lipstick because of wearing a mask. I thought there was little point, but I keep forgetting to put it on when I go out now. I get dressed, then once I'm out I remember I haven't put my lippi on. Am I the only one?
Jania S
What pandemic??? We never gave up anything for a lie and everything is a lie until it is proven. For us we refused to be cowed by a lie... Also fortunate that we saw the world before it fell down the rabbit hole and became stupid on steroids, So as we always had a simple life we continued.... as before.
18-Jul-22

How trustworthy do you believe our MEDIA are today? I read quite a lot on News sites and Newspapers, and am constantly amazed at how selective or biased the view's or judgement of these Journalists. Why don't they just shut up...and stop trying to influence the public by what they write! Once NEWS was all about publishing the facts, now it seems journalists often just want to express their biased opinions, and mislead the public from the real truth
Mopos
The media in general have never been trustworthy but! it is happening more and more nowadays. I agree with you Zing.
11-Jul-22

Are we in denial about alcohol? Why do you drink and how much in your opinion is too much? Are the guidelines for no more than two standard drinks per day realistic?
Jenny L 591463
Depends on if it is hard liquor or not. We have 2 beers and some times 2 wines and occasionally we drink every day but only for a little while and then we stop and go back to our 3 nights off a week. Some would think that was excessive. We enjoy our drinkies and nibbles. I don't care what other people think, we do as we please in our own home and we are no threat to any one. We are careful and we manage our own health and I don't think it is doing us any damage (yet)? We are here enjoying life and we are happy. I don't judge others so why should they judge us.
13-May-22

Television, mobile phone, which invention for you was the best ever? For me, hands down, it has been the microwave. It has made my life so much easier. I can remember nights when the meat wouldn't thaw or the bread was a frozen lump, but now nothing is a problem. I can defrost, thaw or cook whatever I want whenever I want. I no longer cook veggies on the cooktop, or rice and milk, it all goes into the microwave. Even the gravy goes into the microwave. I don't...
Sandra C 12043
An inside flushing toilet. Beats the old dunny or going in the bush.I've been around long enough to use the long drop. the dunny, hear and smell the duinny carts coming to pick it up. Most of you lot weren't even born then.
03-May-22

Every now and then... it's mentioned on the News...of people scamming innocent people out of their hard-earned savings. With so many people accessing the internet daily, and phone's being used by everyone, what is really being done to prosecute those guilty of fleecing innocent people out of their money? You can complain to police but many don't seem to want to know, too hard, too busy, or they don't have enough people to investigate every fraud case they receive. Should...
Judy CH
We were scammed out of $53,500, It was a scam that hardly anyone knew about, we were building a new house through GJ Gardners Manawatu, we had sold our house brought the land and they started building, we had to pay progress payments and the first invoice arrived for the slab down, we knew it had been laid about 10 days before so were expecting the bill, when it did arrive my husband was really sick with pneumonia and a blood clot in his leg, we were backwards and forwards to the Hospital and Dr, lab for tests etc then another email arrived and said when do you expect to pay this so we thought maybe we had missed another email or the accountant had been late sending it so went to the bank to pay it, they told me to go home and do it online, normally we would have gone to Palmerston North and payed by cheque and got a reciept but it wasn't an option as it was a long drive with my husbands condition. About 10 days later we found it was a scam, GJ's denied it was them who were hacked, though we learnt later it was and it had happened to them about 3 Months before but they didn't bother to let their Customers know, the money went into the mules account which had always been in overdraft, the ASB bank never questioned the payment even though it wasn't made out to her, they then let her transfer the money to two bank accounts in Australia. They would not help us at all. If it had been their money they would of had it back in a flash, The police in the City where the mule lived interviewed her and said or she hasn't got any money so we won't prosecute!. We asked the Minister of Police for help he didn't want to know. The Police Woman Detective in the town where we were renting really pushed for the woman to be charged which she was after about 2 years. She has to pay money back a little bit a week but if she stops paying I don't think we can do anything. Every payment I make now I check that the bank account belongs to the company I am paying. A little while ago the Government was caught out by the same sort of scam. Most people I have spoken to about it were not aware of that sort of scam and said they would have been caught out. The Banks don't care because they are too busy ranking in money.
26-Mar-22

NZ has decided to ban their YOUTH from taking up smoking. If you're a kid growing up in NZ today ... then, when you turn 18, you -- won't have the legal right to smoke! Good idea, or Not?
AMUSICALTONY
Best idea I've ever heard. My wife suffers from emphysema due to her years of smoking. She's 72 and is like 92 years old. I'm the same, never smoked, and can run a marathon. if needed. I walk up to 10 kilometers per day and enjoy a variety of sports. I have no difficulty breathing and when our grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to visit I have active playtime with them. Smoking is not cool and will impact you in later years.
06-Mar-22
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