Random Stuff!

[JENNYJET]

Can someone please protect me from blithering idiots?

Known only to very few on the forum is the fact of my inability to talk due to my condition, yet some jobsworth at Social Services had the brainwave of supplying me with a Google Echo device and what skill does that require in order to function? In full possession of my medical file and one assumes a brain, they thought I needed such assistance and whilst grateful of the reasoning and goodwill, I made someone's day quite dreadful, a Hissy Fit might describe my reaction.

Offering the above as an example, can anyone else improve on this, to lighten the mood a little? Too much despondency is bad for general well-being

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Can someone please protect me from blithering idiots?

Known only to very few on the forum is the fact of my inability to talk due to my condition, yet some jobsworth at Social Services had the brainwave of supplying me with a Google Echo device and what skill does that require in order to function? In full possession of my medical file and one assumes a brain, they thought I needed such assistance and whilst grateful of the reasoning and goodwill, I made someone's day quite dreadful, a Hissy Fit might describe my reaction.

Offering the above as an example, can anyone else improve on this, to lighten the mood a little? Too much despondency is bad for general well-being

In her advancing years my mother who died over 30 years ago needed medical assistance for one or two conditions. She had been widowed since her mid 50s and was entititled to various benefits as she reached old age and her condition worsened.

On one occasion she had to visit a local hospital about five miles away for an out patient consultation and was told she could claim the taxi fares there and back. After the hospital visit, the authorities reneged.

My wife and I could easily have paid the taxi fare but it was a matter of principle especially with my wife. She took up the matter on behalf of my mother and was told my mother would have to attend a tribunal whose members would consider the taxi fare refusal.

As it happened the government offices where the tribunal would sit were also about five miles away. My wife asked the civil servant with whom she was dealing over the phone how my mother would get to the tribunal and back. "We'll send her money for a taxi" was the reply.

My wife said, "Just think about that". The civil servant thought for a minute and replied, "Yes it is silly isn't it? Leave it with me".

Within a few days my mother received a cheque through the post for the original taxi fare claim and the tribunal visit was cancelled.

 

[Ianbutty]

In her advancing years my mother who died over 30 years ago needed medical assistance for one or two conditions. She had been widowed since her mid 50s and was entititled to various benefits as she reached old age and her condition worsened.

On one occasion she had to visit a local hospital about five miles away for an out patient consultation and was told she could claim the taxi fares there and back. After the hospital visit, the authorities reneged.

My wife and I could easily have paid the taxi fare but it was a matter of principle especially with my wife. She took up the matter on behalf of my mother and was told my mother would have to attend a tribunal whose members would consider the taxi fare refusal.

As it happened the government offices where the tribunal would sit were also about five miles away. My wife asked the civil servant with whom she was dealing over the phone how my mother would get to the tribunal and back. "We'll send her money for a taxi" was the reply.

My wife said, "Just think about that". The civil servant thought for a minute and replied, "Yes it is silly isn't it? Leave it with me".

Within a few days my mother received a cheque through the post for the original taxi fare claim and the tribunal visit was cancelled.

Great story and proof that there are considerate people behind the bureaucracy.

Jenny I am sorry for the Echo being sent to you. The best of intentions were meant. But the 'jobsworths' are keeping this country going right now juggling the day job with unknown territories. And whilst it may seem easy to read through a file, thousands upon thousands of other files have suddenly landed on the desks of social services and DWP, local government and public health staff in the last few weeks and many hundreds of thousands are due to arrive.

On behalf of all in the public sector, sung and unsung, please bear with us. We took the wrath of the failings of deregulation for 10 years after 2010, but we are protecting the nation and working on the recovery ten years later despite a decade of cutbacks by misguided politicians hellbent on putting personal gains and ill conceived political philosophy ahead of the public good.

 

[JENNYJET]

Ian, should the flag in the file ' no telephone contact, Jennifer is medically mute', have triggered something before issuing a speech activation device?

My annoyance is with not thinking before acting, but I agree the current work of Civil Servants of all sectors is magnificent and beyond measure.

I am sorry if you were unhappy with my contribution to help introduce irony and a little humour during difficult times. I shall try harder!

 

[Creguk]

We need more fun and irony in the current situation.

 

[hay677]

We need more fun and irony in the current situation.

OK then, my brilliant solution to the lockdown 'crisis'. Supply everyone with a 2 metre radius inflatable ring to be worn around the waist. This will enable normal life to resume in complete safety.

 

[JENNYJET]

That might make a journey with Ryanair interesting, or give security and customs a headache. But seriously why is a 2 metre separation so difficult?

I very much value my personal space and make it clear to people that come to my aid, being physically close has always come with risk.

I recommend an overdose of garlic to aid the 2 metre distance rule. Easy for me as I am intolerant of the stuff.

 

[Coathanger16]

OK then, my brilliant solution to the lockdown 'crisis'. Supply everyone with a 2 metre radius inflatable ring to be worn around the waist. This will enable normal life to resume in complete safety.

Or this...

 

[hay677]

Bit surprised we haven't seen people in scuba kit yet.

 

[Creguk]

Bit surprised we haven't seen people in scuba kit yet.

I have seen genuine images on Facebook of a lady in scuba mask and snorkel.

 

[JENNYJET]

One idea for you, get a muslin cloth and an odour eater and some elastic or string, fashion a face mask from those items. The carbon coatings in the shoeliner may do more to prevent escape of infective material to the atmosphere. I have one taped into my wheels bin and works a treat!

 

[hay677]

One idea for you, get a muslin cloth and an odour eater and some elastic or string, fashion a face mask from those items. The carbon coatings in the shoeliner may do more to prevent escape of infective material to the atmosphere. I have one taped into my wheels bin and works a treat!

It may or may not work with viruses but I wouldn't be too surprised if something similar became mandatory as we try to get out of this lockdown mess, at least until a vaccine becomes widely available.

 

[JENNYJET]

I read that the face mask is an illusion, they are only good for the wearer to prevent transmission but not the receiving of organisms. I believe N95 type protection is good for most situations, as with asbestos ingestion and hydrocarbon exposure.

I am certain someone will correct me in the usual manner! A vaccine is a long way off.

 

[hay677]

I read that the face mask is an illusion, they are only good for the wearer to prevent transmission but not the receiving of organisms.

But thankfully if everyone wears one you only need to block the transmission

 

[JENNYJET]

......er, a fashion item? Satin, organza, leather, carbon fibre. The options are limitless and profitable to someone.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

I read that the face mask is an illusion, they are only good for the wearer to prevent transmission but not the receiving of organisms.

A facemask will offer some protection to the wearer, but as you say its main purpose is to protect others from the wearer should He/She cough or sneeze.
One route of transmission that most people do not consider is via the eyes. Moisture from the eyes drains into the nasal cavity (hence the runny nose if you cry). When an infected person coughs or sneezes thousands of microscopic droplets are released into the air. These can be inhaled by others or could land in your eyes without you being aware.

I have seen genuine images on Facebook Groups of a lady in scuba mask and snorkel.

The scuba mask (or other eye protection such as goggles or safety spectacles) would therefore be useful as long as they're worn with a facemask. The snorkel however is a complete waste of time as you would still be drawing un-filtered air from around you into your lungs.

Stay at home. Stay safe!

Kevin

 

[hay677]

......er, a fashion item? Satin, organza, leather, carbon fibre. The options are limitless and profitable to someone.

Undoubtedly someone will profit from this, but the main point is if everyone wears one, no-one can easily transmit via the air, so everyone benefits (except the infected ones!).

Just now added to the BBC news page:

The World Health Organization's special envoy on coronavirus, Dr David Nabarro, said he thought wearing face masks would become the "norm".

He said the priority was health care workers and then for people who have the disease to minimise their risk of spreading it.

But in the future he can see face masks being recommended for people who can't socially distance in their jobs, such as hairdressers, and then eventually everyone.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

A facemask will offer some protection to the wearer, but as you say its main purpose is to protect others from the wearer should He/She cough or sneeze.
One route of transmission that most people do not consider is via the eyes. Moisture from the eyes drains into the nasal cavity (hence the runny nose if you cry). When an infected person coughs or sneezes thousands of microscopic droplets are released into the air. These can be inhaled by others or could land in your eyes without you being aware.
Kevin

Kevin,

I believe that your background gives you a far greater insight into the CORONA-19 virus than mine, but one concern I have when out doing my daily exercise is someone speaking to me, especially if I'm down wind of them.

I live on the edge of a city in a suburb that is not overburdened with walkers and cyclists, although there are certainly more than in 'normal' times. I've so far managed to be at least 2 metres away from others - usually a lot more than that by crossing roads from one side to another when I see someone approaching on my side.

The much reduced traffic density also makes it easier to step well into a road to pass people who are on pavements.

If people step out of my way I acknowledge their courtesy with a wave of the hand and a smile. However, I notice that when the situation is reversed many will speak to me, saying, "Thank you" or utter some other polite response. What concerns me is that many people actually spit when speaking. They don't intend to and often may not be aware that they do, but things like slightly loose dentures or speech 'deficiencies' can cause tiny bits of saliva to be ejected from their mouth.

So not only do I keep a weather eye for people approaching in order to get out of their way - and constantly look behind in case joggers or cyclsits are coming from that direction - I also take account of the wind direction and strength to avoid the possibility of coming into contact with unintended spit particles from people whose only wish is to utter a friendly word in passing.

 

[JENNYJET]

Perhaps a refresh of non verbal communication is required, a simple nod of the head, varied smiles or gentle Japanese style bowing might help.

I can get by this way given my lack of speaking ability and as more people understand I am not being rude.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there Ray and all, how's everyone doing with the current situation, also, is there are current commercial flights in and out of Birmingham Airport at all.... Andyc