Sunday Express and Benefit Claimants

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

What is it with The Sunday Express and people on benefits?  What they fail or forget to realise is that most genuine claimants need this money, paltry as it is, to live on.  It is not, contrary to their 'research' a fortune.  Most are not scoungers and most are definitely not thumbing their noses at the taxpayer.  This paper has a go at claimants because they are an easy target.  I have given up complaining to them and one of their writers who shall remain nameless, who is usually the main writer of these missives.  Whether he is responsible this time or not I don't know but it really is not nice to tell readers half the story.  Some people play the system and they are the ones who need stopping but you cannot blithely go on at length about how badly the taxpayer is being conned by all these claimants.  If the Express cared one iota for it's readers, many of whom are disabled they would soon realise that NOT everyone claiming these paltry benefits is a shyster, but they won't print that exception because it takes away the power of their arguments.  Most claimants have already paid into the system and not being able to predict when or even if they would become disabled in their lifetime, are simply claiming back what they need to live, but as the money received is so poor even that cannot be guaranteed.  Until fresh air is able to feed, clothe and house a disabled person then the state, as a 'caring' state has to do it.  Tax payers need to know that, God forbid, if anything happened to them in their lifetime they would have help when they need it.  Just because they are able bodied now does not guarantee mishaps in the future but NO-ONE even thinks about that, and it's something they do not realise, disablement can easily happen to them.  Most disabled people do not choose to be this way, and if the Express think it's right or fair to have a go at these people then they are wrong.  One line which really angered me was where they say 'Research shows that if a person claims benefit for more than 1 year then they stay on it for 7 years.'  They leave the statement like that, so what are they saying? that someone decides to claim benefit for a year and then says 'oh I can't be bothered lets stay at home for another 7?'  Doesn't work like that Express.  Let me explain it for you yet again - most long term disabled people are on benefit long term because their condition worsens over time and in some cases is not operable, you are simply left by the NHS to get on with it. 

I will no longer buy the Express after this article was printed today because I am sick to the back teeth of this persecution of those on benefit. 

Perhaps they would like the people on benefit to be forgotten about and live on the streets because if you want to take their money away that's the outcome.  So, here's a question they can't answer for all their bluff and bluster - what will you replace it with?

© silversapphire 2009

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Whisky Fuelled Mince Pies!

Blimey! Talk about alcohol in mince pies!  Hubs put whisky in these as I don't drink brandy (don't drink whisky for that matter come to that) oh well, suffice to say that these whisky fuelled filled mince pies are the best home made pies I have ever tasted bar none, and no I'm not just saying that because he made them - they are really that nice.  I helped as well by coming over all arty and making square bases for the pies; then just putting some of the homemade filling on them and lightly dusting with icing sugar at the end.  Hubs went for the more traditional little pie shape - awww.  Both lots were totally scrummy and needless to say like there are only a couple left.  Well, didn't really want my roast lamb dinner tonight!  Yes, we did use 'proper' whisky, yep, the famous one!  Not the usual paint stripper variety we seem to have had in previous pies in previous years.  As ever, doggie is occupying the front row seats between the kitchen and dining room ever hopeful as always but he really couldn't cope with whisky ... sleeps enough as it is.

Then hubs, proud as a peacock with his endeavours (I'm surprised I can spell that right after having whisky fuelled filled mince pies) pipes up: 'First time I've ever made mince pies' to which I reply: 'So you've made we wait 13 years for this, while greedily shovelling shop bought down your neck knowing I can't have shop bought because of the apples and other assorted crud that goes into prepackaged food these days.'  He went ... oh, er, yeah.  He is priceless isn't he?  No really, I mean I couldn't give him away!!!

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author

A Tuneful Chorus of 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' is not nice at 3.30am

I swear this village is filling up with more idiots than it can handle.  Was woken up this morning by two of them launching into a very tuneful rendition of 'Its a Long Way to Tipperary' at the delightfully ungoldly hour of 3:30am!  Does nothing ever curtail these idiots?  It's snowing, it's freezing cold and very icy out there  - even moreso at half past sodding three in the morning.  Perhaps when you're that well oiled you don't feel the cold but you'd have to be pretty well trolleyed to be that far gone - trust me.  They finally sung their way past the house and I suspect got home ok.  Does that then give me the right to turn up outside said home with a huge brass band at let's say 7am when they will still be asleep and repay their very kind serenade with my own medley of Christmas songs and tunes??  Well I would you see, but I don't feel it's fair to the other people who live alongside the idiots to wake them up even though they were probably serenaded by said idiots too.

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author

A Hairy Baker in The Kitchen?

For those wo are in the UK you'll know who The Hairy Bikers are (Dave Myers & Simon King) and they are accidental chefs who are also motorcyclists who ride round the country (nee the world) on their powerful machines cooking delights all over the place.  They sometimes slip into Hairy Baker mode where they bring us the delights of baking, sugary confections, cakes and chocolates when they are not being The Hairy Bikers.  You can follow them on Twitter if you'd like, and you can find them on this link:- http://twitter.com/HairyBikers and on their website here:- www.hairybikers.com/

That said, the hairy baker in my kitchen is neither Si or Dave, no, it's the husband!  Threatened last night, completely out of the blue, to 'do some baking tomorrow.'  He's hairy in sofar as he has a bit of a beard going on and he bakes, so Hairy Baker in the Kitchen seemed like a good title; go on admit it, you've gotten this far on it eh?  Any road up, he's in the kitchen now making some mince pies without the apples because I'm allergic and they give him erm, wind.  He's prepared I'll give him that - not!  Goes into the kitchen first thing and is searching for hours for baking tins, swearing that he had some 'somewhere' well wherever 'somewhere' turns out to be it isn't in our kitchen this morning.  So off he goes to the local store, main roads clear of the old white stuff but the pavements are another matter, like well, ice (probably because it IS ice dear).  The local councils will only ever be interested in salting the pavements when they are sued because some poor soul has gone A over T.  Hubs then comes home with an assortment of tins and bowls and heaven knows what else to do battle in the kitchen.  A small set to occurs when I am taking up the space he wants by getting the dog's dinner sorted out.  Small ripple of bad temper flares and then quickly subsides when dog is fed and he can limber up to do his 'baking' - the husband that is, not the dog; although if he could bake we'd never have to work again, he'd have his own agent and he'd give those talented dogs on the Simon Cowell mega money making machine Britain's Got Talent a run for their money!

See, thought it was too good to be true, he's just come upstairs and asked if he can have the printer on!  You're SUPPOSED to be baking matey, s'cuse me while I go crack the whip!!!

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author

Mad Dogs in the Snow and the Final Paul O'Grady Show

S-i-g-h!!!  Yes, dear beloved border collie is at it again!  Not content with humping the hosepipe in the summer, he has to eat every single snowflake in winter (when else?) and tries to eat all the snow when it lies on the ground.  Anyone else have a dog like this?  I have no idea what he thinks snow is, but I really don't think he's is honestly thinking 'yum, dinner time' but with him, you never know.  That's one for Cesar Millan isn't it, bet a pound to a penny he wouldn't have an answer for that.  Imagine if you will, a crowded arena somewhere in England and The Dog Whisperer, the Great Cesar Millan is introduced to the crowd.  After the talks and the instructions on how to be your pack's leader, the inevitable cry goes up: 'Any questions?'   My hand goes up, and I'm picked. I take the mic and say: 'Cesar, why does my border collie hump the hosepipe in summer and try catching every snowflake and eating as much snow as he can get down his gullet in winter?'  I can imagine the howls of laughter reverberating around the arena, and poor Cesar standing on stage open mouthed as he thinks 'What am I doing here?' it would be a riot, I bet he wouldn't have an answer for that but as I'm unable to go to any of his shows we are never likely to know the answer LOL, what a shame eh? cos I'd LOVE to know.  I mean, the hosepipe isn't even female dog shaped ya know?

Oh Paul O'Grady, how heartbreaking was that show tonight?  You HAVE GOT TO COME BACK somehow to TV, this CANNOT be the last of you at teatime.  Surely someone, somewhere can get you a deal to come back?

You have a wonderful way of chatting to your guests like they're old friends and it makes the viewers feel like we are too.  No one else has the same knack of making people feel instantly at home like you do, and you get away with saying things to your guests that other people cannot do, take for instance saying to Dame Shirley Bassey: 'Your'e a frustrated stripper really' - anyone else would have had a clout in the face, but you just get laughter and everyone loves you for it.  You get away with it because you are, like me, a Scouser and you have that irreplaceable cheeky charm that cannot be taught.  You are missed already matey, get back on TV soon or else ok? - you really are missed already.  You are an institution at five o' clock and please note I did say you are an institution, not you should be in an institution, just before you start kicking off heh heh.  Whoever decided they couldn't afford you needs their bumps feeling, how can they let you go?  - well, they can only sit and watch the viewing figures slide to zero 'At Five on Four' now that they've let you and your hilarious show go for good.  It's our loss my friend and what a shame!

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author

Well, it snowed and Kent stopped.

We had a light deluge and Kent came to a standstill!  M20 stuffed, M2 stuffed, A249 Stuffed, A299 stuffed, well, you get the picture.  All of our major transport links stuffed; what a day.  No postal deliveries or collections, nothing! na-da! zero!  Why does this happen e-v-e-r-y single time it snows???  I know I go on about north Wales and I need to again, because the roads up there are properly gritted with the results that the roads are open and safe to use.  Yes, ok, sometimes the weather is SO bad the gritters fight a losing battle but the snow has to be constantly falling and building up to almost unmanageable levels NOT the measly 4 inches we had in Kent, I mean come on!!!  All those concerned with gritting in Kent say the roads were gritted 'properly' but in my own experience properly gritted roads do not contribute to the total closure of the main roads and infrastructures of an entire county.  Even on the main A2 just outside of Bapchild near Sittingbourne a lorry jack-knifed and rather selfishly straddled the carriageway, crossing it's arms and snubbing attempts to cajole it out of the way so other vehicles could pass!

We have more of the same predicted for tonight so Saturday will be another day of nothing moving I guess.  Obviously people have to be safe and stay at home where they can, but watching some people driving like it's a balmy 70 degrees and wall to wall sunshine is a joke; THAT'S why there are so many accidents, well, that and the fact that the roads do not appear to be gritted properly to start with.  Cars and lorries do have purchase when the road is gritted, they do not slip and slide all over the show.  But no matter what the prevailing driving conditions some drivers carry on regardless; if they paid attention to the conditions they would learn to drive slowly; they'd have no choice, they'd not use their brakes but instead use their gears to control the car, and in automatics they'd use their lower gears.  When I lived in north Wales I had no choice but to learn the hard way as north Wales snowfalls do teach you how to drive in winter if nothing else.  Perhaps that's why there are so many accidents and shunts, ice skating with cars (4x4's on Ice anyone?) here, because the only time you do get to learn (or practice if you will) is when the snow hits but it's not a good way to learn if you end up on your roof because you've hit a patch of black ice.

Pity the snow didn't hold off for one more week when most people would have been at home for Christmas, with the obvious exceptions of the men and women of our unfailing emergency services who do a wonderful job, and all the other unsung heroes who work over the Christmas and New Year holidays.  Mostly the roads would have been clear, all presents and cards awaiting delivery would have been delivered and would not now be sitting crying in a darkened post room waiting for some poor soul to take pity on them and get them to where they need to be.  Next week, you can bet the sun will be cracking the flags and it will be a balmy 70 degrees, only joking, but you never know eh?  I do know though that this global warming con is worrying isn't it, all this snow and ice!!!

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author

So, is it to be a deluge or a sprinkling???

According to the weather bods here in Kent you'd think we were going to be under six feet of snow come morning!  Notice how they generalise and say 'The South East' and when you look at the weather map there is NO snow at all going to be falling on your particular part of Kent?

I am a northerner by birth and as such have endured some really cold winters, and I do mean cold.  Walking to school in skirts and socks and bare legs because trousers were not allowed for girls.  Snow so thick on the pavements you had to walk in the road.  The types of winters where you can wash a pair of jeans and hang 'em on the line to, ahem, dry (well atttempt to at least) only to find you go out later in the day to bring them in and find they are frozen solid and will happily stand up by themselves in the corner of the kitchen for at least an hour until they thaw. 

I have also endured some long and pretty substantial snowfalls in north Wales where I used to live for many years.  To say that what we get down here and what forecasters consider substantial bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to those snowfalls of the 1980's in north Wales, I would class these here today as light dustings but then I don't know how much snow one forecaster has ever seen in their (usually short) lifetimes because they seem to be getting younger each year.  I have been lucky enough to see major falls of snow which need a snow plough to keep the roads clear.  One year even they couldn't cope, for as fast as they were clearing the main A5 from Corwen to Llangollen it was falling again (and building up) behind them.  All they succeeded in doing was creating walls of snow on each side of the road up to 6 feet each side and only passable by one car despite it being a main trunk road through the valley.  Those drivers must have been knackered to say the least, as they would usually have done a full day's work and be clearing the snow or gritting through the nights when it was really bad, still do as far as I know. 

When you have driven on compacted snow which has fallen on top of ice and then frozen and are experiencing a blizzard at the same time then you will know what real snowfalls are like, and for forecasters to compare what dustings we get here to those major snowfalls is just plain daft.  So when they talk of centimetres falling, I have to laugh because they wouldn't cope with what north Wales produces.

Mind you, driving down the M1 in a swelling, swirling blizzard is fun, especially when it wasn't forecast!

Not far from where I used to live in north Wales is the always beautiful Horseshoe Pass; mountainside reaching vainly up to try touching the sky on one side and on the other a drop so severe you are terrified to come down the pass on a good day let alone a winter's day.  So, on the days like today when it is very cold and sudden severe frosts are forecast the pass will be closed.  You see, even on good days it is possible to travel down the pass and see a tyre go sailing past from some poor soul behind whose tyre has either burst or come loose, course once it starts going ....

At the top of the Pass is The Ponderosa, a cafe and small arcade where skiers and outdoor enthusiasts gather to have fun in the snow because once you get up there (if the pass is open) it is truly spectacular and rivals places like Switzerland and Austria, dare I say the French Alps for beauty.  I was up there one day having a coffee and watching the world go by when a group of skiers came in with all their gear, and started depositing their skis etc in the corner while they went off to get warm and a coffee.  It was just like being in the Alps and yet I was only half an hour away from home at the time in north Wales.  It was majestic and beautiful and that is why the beauty of north Wales for me, takes some beating.  It is a fabulous place and if I had the money I would be back up there like a shot.  For now though, I have my memories and all this talk of snow brings it all back, bounding and tumbling towards me like a playful puppy.

If you get the chance to see north Wales, particularly the Horseshoe Pass just outside of Llangollen then please do, you will not be disappointed.  Just make sure you go when the pass is open, it is safe to do so and for Heaven's sake be careful on the way down!

© silversapphire 2009

All rights reserved. No part of the publications, or of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means without the express prior written permission of the Author