In other news - random news stories of interest

[eastlandssaint]

WATCH: Platforms take shape in construction of new £18.3m Balgray station

[eastlandssaint]

BBC loses £1.1billion as millions of homes refuse to pay the licence fee amid 'bias' storm

[stlucifer]

1 hour ago, eastlandssaint said:

BBC loses £1.1billion as millions of homes refuse to pay the licence fee amid 'bias' storm

I am on of the many who DO pay my licence and I think, the more the non payment is publicised, the more likely people will use the "defund the BBC" excuse not to pay. IMO, to the detriment of information hubs. People claim the Beeb is biased, and it is to a certain extent, particularly here, in Scotland where it tends to underplay what the Scottish SNP led parliament is achieving while overplaying any failings but most other outlets are owned and controlled by the super rich. What kind of bias do you think they'll be leaning to?

Yes. The BBC needs to be shown to be independent of government control. Maybe by introducing an element of "people power" such as a cross sectional committee made up of ordinary citizens, but we need something of a reasonable magnitude to counter the propaganda churned out by the millionaires' club.

Edited November 21, 2025 by stlucifer

[eastlandssaint]

Visitors to Scots hospitals told to wear face masks amid flu outbreak

[stlucifer]

6 hours ago, eastlandssaint said:

Visitors to Scots hospitals told to wear face masks amid flu outbreak

I have to say. Quite right. I am at the hospital now. It is a mere inconvenience, even for the 5 1/2 hours I've been, to wear a mask if it protects my wife and all the other patients whose immune systems are at there lowest.

[HSS]

39 minutes ago, stlucifer said:

I have to say. Quite right. I am at the hospital now. It is a mere inconvenience, even for the 5 1/2 hours I've been, to wear a mask if it protects my wife and all the other patients whose immune systems are at there lowest.

It also protects you

 

[stlucifer]

1 minute ago, HSS said:

It also protects you

 

I know. But given the fact I am relatively healthy, the consequences are much less likely to be life threatening.

[beyond our ken]

39 minutes ago, HSS said:

It also protects you

 

The mask will only protect the wearer if it is FFP2 rated or higher.  Anything less will not only allow small droplets through, it will keep them nice & warm and in direct line of everything you breathe in.

The purpose of the lower-rated masks is to slow-down & divert the movement of exhaled droplets so they travel a lesser distance and are less likely to go directly in your breathing zone, they work really well at that level.

I'll be honest and say my preference is for everyone in any healthcare setting to wear a FFP 2 mask.  Given recent surgeries,&  illnesses, i carry a mask to wear in any confined area that has a lot of people in close proximity.  I don't feel the need in the supermarket but will wear one in a bus, and especially in the queue at the chemist

Edited December 7, 2025 by beyond our ken

[faraway saint]

Just seen a lady on the BBC news saying that reindeer that are used at various events throughout the Christmas period are suffering from psychological stress. 

If that's the case I worry about Santa's reindeer as they are under REAL pressure. 

Worlds gone flippin crazy. 🙄

 

[StanleySaint]

4 hours ago, faraway saint said:

Just seen a lady on the BBC news saying that reindeer that are used at various events throughout the Christmas period are suffering from psychological stress. 

If that's the case I worry about Santa's reindeer as they are under REAL pressure. 

Worlds gone flippin crazy. 🙄

 

Watch Arthur Christmas, will put your mind at ease 😀

[eastlandssaint]

Netherlands New Year chaos sees two killed by fireworks as thugs battle in the streets