Discussions of the day

We all have many friends in different parts of our life. Some will be super good people whom we can trust for life, but some people acts like they care in the beginning, and slowly we can see their colors. 'The fake friends'. So if anyone wants to share any such experiences, you are most welcome to share
BLM
Smiling faces sometime pretend to be your friend. Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within people. The TRUTH is in their 'eyes'. Their 'eyes' don't LIE!
Jun 28, 23

Yes I have but struggling at the same time, it's just going tuff. Expensive too much.
Norman M
Absolutely. Someone came knocking on the door, said he was collecting for the orphanage, so I gave him my 2 kids!
Feb 16, 22

I have struggled to: 'squeeze whilst pushing down AND turning' a toilet cleaner lid, that once finally off, I left off! What do you think are the worst 'childproof' lids to get off / containers to get into?
Andrew C 287196
Not "child proof", but the tin cans with the pull tab lids are often extremely difficult to open. :-(
Mar 12, 23

One in four adults in the UK are currently living with obesity, a health risk highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Why some people find it difficult to lose weight? Can you be overweight and stay healthy?
Lyn A.
Mostly depends on genes and diet as to what size your body is to be. Some can be well overweight with no health issues others just have health issue no matter their body size. If you do daily exercise and eat mostly healthy go with the flow, don't let all the hype get you down as that will create more health [both mental and physical] issues that being over weight
Mar 24, 23

Often we hear from others like: "I will be happy if I have some certain amount of money". Well, some amount can give us a comfortable life, but does it make us happier? If we had all the money I wanted, how would it be? Let's see at least three of the pros and cons: Pros: Money is monumental work that keeps me busy and productive. Money allows me to buy something I always wanted but could not afford. Money brings respect in society. Cons:Lack of family...
block head
Money makes everyone happy. If you have any spare, I am only too happy to take it.!!!
Will give it a good home.
Mar 19, 23

Do you believe if you were to perform just one unexpected random act of kindness towards anyone every single day, that it would improve the quality of your personal self-esteem and quality of life, in general? If you've done an unexpected kind act, could you share it?
Purple_Power
One day, not long after losing my favourite cat, and still paying off a big vet bill, a lady paid for my order at a McDonalds drive through. So now, every so often I pay for the car behind me.
Feb 12, 23

Opinion is meant to be a personal expression, not intended to offend or influence, and does not deserve criticism but acceptance. But with the "cancel" mindset, why are we using opinion to push a thought or start a hate discussion?
BLM
Free speech (aka opinion) has never existed in the history of homo sapiens (PERIOD) - it is a FALLACY (aka a mistaken belief, especially one based on an unsound argument) - EXAMPLE: See civil (aka public) discourse in a SUPPOSEDLY Democracy (USA) on 01/06/ 2021?????
Jun 13, 22

Always a family favourite topic is the one of the child with the unusual arrival into this world Some are genuinely scary but have a great outcome, thankfully ! I was 2 weeks overdue, which my mother was not pleased about so impatiently she decided to take some cod liver oil followed by a hot bath... Said to bring on labour, which indeed it certainly did! As the hospital was down the rd, she decided to walk. Middle of the night, raining, she was squirming in...
BLM
Because of racial segregation (DEEP SOUTH) - I was born in my parents' house - Blacks (AT THAT TIME) could not use the local hospitals (WELCOME TO AMERICA). It was touch-and-go for two weeks (MY MOTHER HAD TO PERFORM A CESAREAN SECTION OPERATION ON HERSELF) - obvious - my mother and me - survive the ordeal!
Jan 13, 23

The middle class was once a symbol of the American dream. It meant financial security and an opportunity for a better future. But that portrait of the American middle class is quite different today. A survey in 2018 found that a third of middle-income adults don t have as much as $400 to cover an unexpected expense. And while the middle-class lifestyle grows more expensive and uncertain, it s also moving beyond the reach of younger generations. Do you think the...
Bugalugs
The "Middle Class" has already disappeared in Australia and it is entirely the fault of that same Middle Class!
Once, and it is not so long ago, a young couple were content to get a modest loan and buy a modest house and then, as time went by, gradually buy a better house to accommodate their family, leaving their older, more modest house for younger people so that they, too, could start achieving the Great Australian Dream: A Home of their own.
Then a New God, with absolutely nothing to do with religion reared it's evil head.
Its name is GREED.
No longer were those starting out content with that modest, affordable house. They wanted the Biggest House they could find.
It was reported recently that Australia is building the Biggest House in the World.
Not only do these younger people want the Biggest, Most Expensive houses they also want to have everything which opens and shuts and, preferably, without them having to lift a finger as it is all programmed, the lights come on so that the house is ablaze with lights when they get home, the Aircon is left on all day, the pool is ready, the garage is big enough to hold 2, 3 or 4 Range Rovers, Lexus, Mercedes and the children are returned by their ersatz parents to the parents who bred them. Every child Must have her/his own bedroom - no sharing.
Jan 09, 23

Are we, though? I've read the labels and Terms and Conditions on smartphones, electronics, among other things and I wonder sometimes. It sure looks like we are being experimented with or the manufacturers just don't care about us (No surprise there). Radiation warnings, Cancer warnings and Reproductive Harm warnings are popping up. I was going to buy a pair of shoes! Shoes! And, they had a warning label of possible Reproductive Harm. Seriously? That's so sick.
APB
Many years ago now...a prominent scientist in the area of radiation was employed by the mobile phone industry to finally and totally debunk the harmful effects of using a mobile phone...his final report was never used and he concluded that use of a mobile may result in some damage to the users brain...and in fact damage the user's DNA....that report is still available on line...and this was just for earlier mobiles ...not the smart phones that we cannot live without
Aug 09, 21

People are always fond of hearing the word being rich or becoming rich. So, for us to be rich, we need to have a lot of wealth. But, the question is, how much wealth do we need to be rich? The answer is different for everyone, and it really depends on your lifestyle and needs. Some people are happy with two cars and an apartment in an expensive neighbourhood while others want a private jet and a villa in Monaco. So how does one become rich? The answer is...
Tom S Qld
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
Everything in moderation, and there's a perfect balance in this life if we can find it.
Jan 01, 23

What do you think of the GoFundMe fundraising trend? Do you think some people are misusing it for their own benefit, when it is not absolutely necessary? For those people who are in a desperate situation due to circumstances out of their control, this is a good way for others or strangers to help them. However, other greedy people are ruining it for them. What are your thoughts?
Crazy Chef
Call me old school but, whatever happened to actually fundraising like selling goods and services to raise money for whatever the need is ?!?
Dec 04, 22

Although farming generally isn't entirely environmentally friendly, is it as bad as the media portrays? Have you done your research? Have you weighed up the environmental impacts of farming vs cities? Most farmers, especially in New Zealand, care about the environment and animals and feel misunderstood by people who don't understand what we try to do for the environment or how much we care about the land. What have you heard about farming? What do you think about it?
Travel
Farming is an ancient and noble profession. David was a shepherd and Jesus was a figurative shepherd.
Oct 31, 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!
Oct 08, 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.
Aug 11, 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?
Pongo
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
Jun 16, 22

At the risk of offending all and sundry, these are my thoughts. We need a license to own a gun. To drive a car. A license is needed to set up a food business. A license is needed to look after other peoples children both in home and out of home. Medics have to be registered and licensed. Teachers have to be registered and licensed. Licensed to sell alcohol. Fishing Licenses. Marriage Licenses To name a few ... Where is it okay for anyone regardless of income,...
BLM
should parents to be - need a license to raise children - YES - ask any kid(s) that has to deal with (mental cruelty - negligence - verbal abuse inflicted on them by their parents) - (sex abuse inflicted on them by their parents) - (physical abuse inflicted on them by their parents) - I GOT LUCKY - I am a survivor of physical abuse and (mental cruelty - negligence - verbal abuse) by my parents - surviving on the streets for four years as teen-ager - after becoming a teen-ager runaway - was a piece of cake - since returning home (as a teen-ager) was not a reasonable option - have not seen my parents in over 56 years and counting - BOTTOM LINE: BECAUSE TWO IDIOTS CAN BECOME A PARENT DOES NOT AUTOMATIC TRANSLATE INTO A FACT THEY WILL BECOME PARENTS !!! P.S. Society should have never ALLOWED my parents to become parents - UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!
Jan 31, 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.
Mar 22, 22

When the person isn't terminally ill, but push the button to end their life. The person is just sick of life. At the moment, they have to go overseas to do it. For some reason I don't, but agree with euthanasia by intentionally ending life to relieve pain and suffering.
Sand
Just sick of life is not fair, Kaz. In many cases it is severe mental illness. Does a person suffering from severe depression for decades not have the right to die? In the recent case, the Australian man was 103 years old. He was not in good health. I feel strongly about this as I worked for a quadriplegic, named Jo Ann Dolan, when I was younger. She fought for the right to die and an article appeared in "The Age". We have no right to interfere. I am sick and tired and people saying "people will kill their family for money". Stop hiding behind this BS as some people face suffering that we would not allow on a dog. They have the right to die and it is not your or my business.
Jun 25, 21

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...
Crazy Chef
Confiscate the dang thing, I've noticed kids destroy each other while the bloody zombie parents are staring at the phone without even flinching.
Mar 17, 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'...
NZNaturalKiwi
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
Jan 24, 22

We are being advised Via our media and politicians that our supply chains are under threat. Lack of essential products in our -- supermarkets ...drying up...due in large part to the COVID --CRISIS. Imports and exports stalled or were very sluggish. Should countries learn a lesson from this? What would happen if ..WW3...ever broke out? Your Views?
Ghostly
Here in Australia we are too reliant on things from Overseas. We need to go back to being self reliant! Start with food!!! Let's support our farmers who feed us!!
We are already in WW3 - different way to kill people.
Jan 26, 22

Do you think we should become cashless and only use cards to pay for everything? If we do, will banks charge us for small payments. As some shops have a minimum spend in store. What happens to children's pocket money, how do you pay them? And the tooth fairy? I still like to pay for smaller purchases with cash. What are your thoughts?
APB
Governments like cashless societies...then they can keep a complete record on all your spending..and for those who don't have mobile phones they then also know when and where you have been....they just luuuvv surveillance.....
Oct 18, 21

While we in Australia wonder if we dare make any plans, I really want to travel again as my time on this Earth is running out. I especially want to return to Bali and get my little volunteer school up and running again and maybe one last trip to England where I was born. What dreams or plans do you have?
lippy loo
I think here in Australia we have been relatively lucky in comparison to other countries even with the idiots who flout the rules which have been put in place to nullify the virus effects. However, as I also live in Queensland we also have been left relatively free of the virus and our lockdowns have been limited. I do live on the border of NSW/Qld which causes angst but until this virus is under full control and it is safe to travel to other states I will be staying put. I have done my overseas travelling and visited many countries and although I loved it my sister who I travelled with has since passed and I have no further wish to travel without her. I am happy in my little bubble at the moment trying to keep away from the unmasked, unvaccinated, un social distancing people. I have family members with young children who live in Melbourne and Country Victoria now under lockdown and in isolation so am aware of the restrictive life they are under but they unlike many do not complain and realise it is safer to do so.
Maybe this virus will be with us for years to come in some form or other and we will have to learn to live with it having yearly vaccines to protect us. Plans and dreams may have to be put on hold until there is a safe exit. Who wants to bring this virus home to their children, parents, grandparents and it seems now anyone can get it. We have a lot in hospital all under 30 and some under 5. We older people have at least realised some of our dreams and the younger ones will also be able to realise theirs maybe not this year but hopefully next year.
Hang on to your dreams for now. Like the saying goes "it might not happen today but it will happen"
Sep 08, 21

In some area's of Australia, esp the bigger city's, rental prices are now increasingly getting much worse. Our Pollies are sitting on their hands doing nothing about it. I believe rental prices should be really ...capped!. During Covid-19 last year, there was a moratorium on rental prices, for awhile, but we still have covid in Australia, so cap the rent! What do you say?
Frank N
We need policies that put dollars into the pockets of people who cannot afford to buy their own home, so they have the money to do so. That way there would be little need for rentals, or for social housing either. My suggestion is to pay everyone a basic living wage (not means tested).
Jul 28, 21

COVID vaccines necessary before travelling within Australia (US, wherever), and same to enter Australia ... Without quarantine before leaving the states or countries. What do you think?
darsol
personally i think its a waste of time,i read a coulpe of weeks ago our PM said once international borders are down when we are all vaccinated,and all travellers coming are vaccinated to expect 1000 cases per week,we have never had 1000 cases per week before,so does this vaccine work or not? apparantly it only lessons the symptoms if you do get it,allegedly
Apr 27, 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.
Dec 08, 20

If you could hop in a time machine and have a 5-minute chat with your teenage self, what is the one piece of advice you d give them? Whether it's something serious about life, or their actions, or something funny like 'don't cut your own fringe'! Let s share some wisdom (and maybe some nostalgia) below.
Helen H 533852
Listen to my mothee we r!
Unfortunately trauma in my childhood gave low self esteem and nerves about everything. I messed up lots. But lm trying really hard to live in the moment have happy times with a positive attitude which really rubs off on those around you. I have well and truly learned this lesson \ud83d\ude0a\u2764\ufe0f
Apr 25, 26

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.
Apr 27, 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.
May 03, 24

Do you think that part of getting a driving license should be learning to change a tyre and knowing how to check the oil and water on a car? I have my license but I am not strong enough to lift a tyre and have always had someone else to check the oil and water but my children know how to do all that. What about oil changes? Do you do them yourself or leave it to your mechanic?
Fergo
My dad said to me if you want to drive you have to know how to change the tyre and change the oil and that was 45 years ago
May 14, 26

I just found a $250 gift card for a high-end kitchenware store tucked into the back of my junk drawer. The problem? It expires at midnight tomorrow, and the only physical store that accepts it is a 40-minute drive away (without traffic). I don't technically need anything from there right now, but it's basically free money. If I don't go, I'm essentially throwing away $250.
Christine M 323842
Spend the card on things that you can resell or give as gifts. Don\u2019t let the store get the money for nothing.
Apr 05, 26

I have been in HR for a long time and am a bit jaded from the corporate world. I went into HR to make companies a better by improving culture and therefore retention. But the corporate world seems to have no interest in that kind of long term thinking. I have started studying education support part-time looking at going into the education sector instead. Has anyone else experienced a career change? Was it worth it? Are you happier? Are you thinking about changing careers?
BLM
Did I experience a career change? My career change came with my first job - I got a (federal) civil service job based on civil service exam score instead of having to take a job in the private sector! Was it worth it? YES! Am I happy with my choice? YES (my civil service retirement comes with a COLA every four years). Furthermore, I retired on 100% disability - aka my civil service retirement check is 100% tax free. Am I thinking about a changing career? NO (been retired over 20 years and counting) :-)!
Mar 18, 26

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!!
Feb 07, 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?
lys
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.
Jan 18, 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
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.
Dec 17, 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.
Dec 19, 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.
Nov 17, 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.
Oct 17, 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 1
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
Oct 07, 25

My daughter recently won a competition - prize 10 day holiday to the Maldives. She thought it was a scam, but a little voice inside her head told her to make a few phone calls and check. My husband and I would have both just deleted it, thinking it was a scam. Do you think most people would just delete an email telling you that you have won a substantial prize?
Norman M
Thanks to email, I\u2019ve discovered that I have a big family in Nigeria, who are sadly all dying, but fortunately leaving me their money!\ud83e\udd23
Sep 18, 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...
keimanzero
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!
Sep 15, 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.
Aug 03, 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?
Purple Cat 154
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.
Aug 16, 25

Many happy, long-term couples sleep separately and still maintain strong, loving relationships. The key isn't whether you share a bed it's whether you're prioritizing each other in other meaningful ways. What would you say? Do couples who sleep apart grow apart?
BLM
Do couples who sleep apart grow apart? NO! Love 'might be' blind, but it turns out sleep isn't (deaf)! Hence, couples are opening their 'eyes/ears' to the benefits of separate bedrooms! While the idea of sleeping a part may seem counterintuitive to some(couples). Still, couples are finding that sleeping in separate bedrooms can lead to more restful night's sleep and a happier marriage (or relationship).
Jul 24, 25

The ultimate/age-old battle of the S"ex"s (Apologies to anyone who may be offended by the term, baby mama/daddy) As the wife/husband, do you/should you set boundaries in regard to your partner's baby mama/baby daddy and the In-laws? If so, what and how do you enforce them without drama? And what if your husbands/wives/spouses Ex or even any of the In-laws won't respect you or accept your guys relationship, causing unnecessary grief in the hope it will destroy...
EnBird24
Your story is so confusing you need to set it out more clearly to understand in what are you trying to say
Jul 20, 25

Children are staying home longer in their adult years, to leave for a bit then come back. We have charged rent as soon as they get jobs as well as make then help out around the house. BUT a lot of our friends seem to do none of this and think we are mean, doing it to our children. How does everyone else feel about this?
Lindy Lou
Absolutely agree with rent being paid when children get a job. No value of money is learnt when parents keep paying expenses for their children. Also chores should be undertaken to help around the house - parents are not slaves.
Jul 07, 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?
Sandyboo
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
Jul 02, 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?!?!?!
PeacefulKaz
None, not trustworthy. Do my own research and directly book. Haven't got the coin to travel these days so go local
May 31, 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
May 17, 25

Some sources suggest that we are the most productive within the first few hours after waking up, while other studies have found that peak productivity happens around lunchtime. This shows that some people can be productive right at the start of the day, but others need some time to dive into deep work. At what hour does productivity peak for you?
Andrew C 287196
Everybody is different ... some are early birds, some are night owls, and most a just normal daytime people. That's is simple common knowledge, and doesn't require any pointless, and expensive, studies that continually contradict each other.
There are also "studies" that "prove" growing kids' / teenagers' learning ability isn't as good early in the morning, so there is a theory that schools should start and finish later in the day, rather than 9:00am to 3:00pm / 3:30pm. BUT, some of those "studies" are more about trying to improve morning traffic congestion than actually anything to do with kids' learning ability.
May 16, 25

We've all heard about the school lunch saga happening around the country, with some questioning the quality of the meals. Since kids can be picky eaters, it raises the question - what makes a great school lunch? Let's not debate why times are tough and these kids need school lunches, let's brainstorm! Share your favourite lunches from your school days or the go-to meals your kids love! Perhaps we can come up with a menu of crowd-pleasing school lunches...
writerrochelle
I graduated in 1965! In my senior year dad gave me a $5 a week allowance. Lunches were 50 cents, so I spent $2.50 a week on food. My favorite lunches were the roast beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, or the oriental vegetables over rice! The other $2.50 went for shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap (toiletries) because, since I had my own motel room (adjoining the manager's home/office), I had to buy my own things with my allowance. I even saved up and bought 3 paisley sack dresses (blue, green, brown) for $2 each! Did I ever get off the main subject! ;-D
May 02, 25

From what I've read recently, the general consensus seems to be that people can usually not recall memories before around 3 years old. With the earliest memories generally between the ages of 3 to 6 years. Obviously there would be a lot of factors that could influence whether memories are formed retained & recalled.eg trauma etc. My earliest memory is not super clear, but I recall being prevented from entering the loungeroom & being really frustrated that I couldn't...
Chosen
Yes I clearly remember sliding out of my mother's womb and then carefully being wrapped up in a lovely white sheet. Oh nothing like the old times.
Apr 09, 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
Apr 06, 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?
Granny2026
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.
Mar 15, 25

The remote work era is not ending, but rather evolving. Companies are experimenting with hybrid models to balance productivity, innovation, and flexibility. What would you say? Is the work from home era ending?
Pearlz
I hope it's ending because I'm tired of phoning companies and hanging on and on and when they finally answer the dog is barking in the background or something else is going on and you have the definite idea that you were hanging on while they had a cuppa or took the dog for a walk.
Feb 20, 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
Feb 18, 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".
Feb 16, 25

As a elderly citizen I have seen a lot of change over the years, some good & some bad. I may be looking through rose colour glasses but I think the past was much better than the present & I am concerned what kind of world my grandchildren will grow up in.
lippy loo
I agree. We had better manners, we cared about our fellow citizens, we were more inclined to help others. These days it seems the people just want to rip everyone down. Social media, facebook etc. show how ugly society has become. Selfish, self indulgent people who care little about anybody but themselves and their opinions. I also think TV has not helped with these vapid shows like Batchelor/ette, Love Island, MAFS, Big Brother etc. which only want ratings so they are designed to show the worst of people even probably scripted that way. The younger generation then seem to think it is OK to behave in this way, dress in these bits of materials and call it fashion etc. No class, no manners, no social conscience but so quick to judge every body else. Sad world and during this hard time I think it is coming out more and more. Yes there are some wonderful people out there who are selfless but I find them hard to find these days more and more.
I am not looking through rose coloured glasses to the past. It did have a lot more going for it.
Oct 22, 21

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...
BLM
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!
Dec 14, 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.
Dec 11, 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
Oct 03, 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...
Little Thing
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.
Sep 26, 24

My question is: if your partner cheated on you and you decided to give the relationship another try, would you still live with them? How would you feel? Would you completely forgive and forget? Would you be able to trust your partner like you used to?
writerrochelle
According to the Bible, adultery is grounds for divorce but, if you choose not to divorce (if you're married), it will take time living together to regain trust, and must be earned by your mate. You will have a multitude of feeling to deal with. You should be forgiving their error, but you will never forget. If you're not married, why put up with this behavior? You shouldn't be living together anyway because you are both committing fornication! ;-(
Aug 02, 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?
lippy loo
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.
Jul 17, 24

Silence isn't a bad thing, though, and some people even enjoy it. It offers a chance to reflect and sort through thoughts. Actively and respectfully participating in a conversation takes energy even if you're only listening. Your partner, or anyone else, may not have the same conversational energy as you do. What do you reckon? Is it rude to not talk much?
BLM
It will depend on your 'personal traits' are you EXTROVERT or INTROVERT....also your culture will determine HOW you respond in the scenario you described.... furthermore, other factors could come into PLAY!
May 30, 24

What is wrong with discussing politics? So many colleagues and friends make it a point of being off-topic. Don t you think it s better to communicate with each other? We are stuck with these governing bodies to protect us and add growth . Only 1 rule if you make a claim against another, then you must be able to fact verify first hand and not a social from a social media platform. Thoughts, comments or ways to get communication going for the best?
lin r
letss cvc trum lost thee eleciiton by saying and puttinng in print
GET ME IONN IN 2020 AND I WILL FIND A WWAY TO TAY IN POWER INN 24 28 ET... in caes u need it spelled out that would of been his 2nd term so it was not legal for him to stay in power . then on his site he said get rid of the constitution and put me back in power... there i so much wrong with that i don't know where to start... now he is saying i will b a dicktator day one... anyone that vote for a dicktator shouldd mov to russia. ASAP
Apr 15, 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
BLM
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!
May 10, 24

It's possible to choose your baby's gender and eye colour now and in theory it's also possible to genetically edit genes to enhance an unborn baby's health or appearance... but the big question is, when and if it becomes available, should we do it? What might the downfalls or benefits be, and would you choose to enhance your unborn children features if you could?
Pearlz
I can't think of anything worse. A baby is a gift from god, not something made to order. This is almost as bad as the people who have an abortion when they find out the baby's sex isn't what they want. I can understand a parents hesitation if they have an inherited disease which they don't want to pass on, but designing hair and eye colour, pretty disgusting. Perhaps people who care more about what the baby looks like instead of being grateful for one in good health don't deserve a baby.
Mar 20, 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.
Apr 17, 24

I was just wondering how many other people out there have no parents left, and your siblings do their own thing with their own families on holidays, and it leaves you with your own family and no interaction with others, really. No closeness like when you were a child, or the feeling of being needed. I myself feel so lonely and so depressed during every holiday. I don't know how to get past it. But it seems my family split when my parents died.
blunder boy
death, unfortunately, does separate some families we lost 5 people over the COVID-19 years, it does make it tough and I feel for you, people I think avoid you because they have no idea what to say or how to act, distance creeps in and routines change leaving people behind, can i suggest writing letters, making phone calls and let your family know where you are, how you are, hopefully, things work out and new beggings can start I wish you well, i have been through it , I see my brother weekly now instead of every Christmas, because of phone calls sending letters and we have a new beginning he was going through similar troubles when his wife died but is reinvigorated. I hope you have an ok easter and again if you can't call write a letter, even if you don't send it it will serve you well
Mar 29, 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.
Jul 03, 22

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...
K.D
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!
Feb 02, 24

Why does this world need to use two types of calendars? In 1582 the Pope introduced the Gregorian Calendar, as the old calendar was incorrect by not having an allowance of a leap year & by 11 minutes in a year short fall. This was called the Julian Calendar. If the old calendar is short by a day & minutes, why does it still allow to be operated? To me, in my opinion, it is so confusing when you have 2 of everything. Like 2 Xmases, 2 New Years, 2...
Neo
The answer to your question is religion.
Apart from the Greeks, all other Orthodox religion follows the old calendar for Christmas (the Greeks go with the Catholics on this one) but for Easter and New Year, all Orthodox religions follow the old calendar.
Imagine a world with no religion...easy if you try...no calendar to confuse us...no distorted facts to make you cry...
Jan 07, 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...
Neo
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.
Dec 23, 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?
BLM
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!
Nov 18, 23

When you have very strict parents/carers, are you making your children more rebellious? I believe yes, because the children eventually get really tired of the way you are with them. You need to be calm & explain the reason you chose for your child, in doing something in the way you want. Perhaps the child would understand more & if they state another way, why don't you compromise to solve the issue in a better way. I find being too hard on them, it leaves them with wrong...
NZSCORPION
As a severely beaten and abused child I call BS on this. I didn't rebel I chose not to be like my parents and to this day i choose to help people when and if i can. Childhoods only influence the weak willed. Life is a choice every step of the way.
Nov 19, 23

My mum was a shorthand typist at Dunedin hospital She also worked on the telephone exchange then she became a bank teller which will probably become a thing of the past soon too My grandfather worked on the railways in the King country and enjoyed reminiscing his young days What job titles do you know of that don't exist in 2021
Elizabeth J 447888
What about the dunny man, before the days of sewerage. Yes, I am that old. I have a faint memory only of those days. The man who used to bring ice for ice chests in the days before refrigerators.
Oct 13, 21

NZ had recently General elections. Turns out, similar as previous years, not everyone go to vote. Yet there are lots of people who complain afterwards. I always say election is the time when people actually do have a 'voice' and might be able to make a difference in their country, but about 20 to 25% will choose not to vote. I bet those are the people who complain the most. Do you think elections really should be compulsory or leave the citizens the option to choose?
Granny2026
No voting should not be made compulsory. People should be allowed to chose.Wether to vote or not. If they don't vote they shouldn't complain
Oct 22, 23

So Halloween is coming up, and my teenagers want to go trick or treat. I've never done anything like this, so I'm seeing what are other people's thoughts on this, is it safe... should I worry, or should I just offer them a Halloween party at home?
Bill C
Another American waste of money imported to NZ and Oz by retailers who are just money grabbers. It means nothing to Kiwis or Ockers and is unsafe in many areas where children as young as 5 are allowed to go and knock on complete strangers doors, and have not got a clue what to do when someone says "Trick" to earn sweets. They just expect a handout. It is rubbish when many people are struggling to put food on the table, and also contributes to tooth decay in our youngsters,, many of whom already have tooth problems.
Oct 09, 23

Research tells us that many people are marrying later in life, but why are some bucking the trend and getting hitched in their early 20s? Do you happen to know anyone of those that make up 11 percent of Australians marrying young for better or for worse?
GB
I got married at 23 to my child bride 22. At the end of this month will be married for 57 years. Still going strong.
Sep 18, 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.
Aug 19, 23

My husband s co-worker recently had a stroke and he is only in his 30s. He is still suffering from the post-stroke effects but started coming back to work full time because he is the breadwinner for his family and his kids are still very young. He knows the stress from work is probably the trigger for his stroke, but what other options does he have? One can argue that your health is more important, but there are bills to pay. It is easier said than done to just change the job....
WonkyandProud
In 1989 when I became unable to work due to a nervous breakdown, my husband kept telling me I couldn't quit my job because we would lose our house. I realized that, and I worked and worked until one day, I was on my way to work, and I just knew I couldn't go to the office one more time. Therefore, I had a complete breakdown, and I haven't been able to work since because of anxiety and depression. These are very difficult disabilities to prove. However, with a lot of determination, I did manage to get retirement Social Security disability. It took several months, but I had enough vacation and sick days saved to keep my paycheck coming until the disability kicked in. It was so difficult, and I have not recovered from it. I had a wonderful government job that I loved, but my boss pushed and pushed until my brain completely shut down. I could not even comprehend anything my husband was telling me, and I cried constantly! I spent 3 months in the Psych Center! Finally, they let me go because I was better, but nothing more could be done for me at that time. I tried to sue the government for causing this, but I lost my case. They blamed it on the fact that my father had died during that same time period. I was not permitted to take time off to even visit Dad in the hospital where he was dying a painful death from bone cancer! I regret that to this day! We were in the process of building a new office building and no leave was allowed. I wish I had stood up to my boss, but I just couldn't! I still have not come to terms with how he treated me. He even made negative remarks about women, and he made no effort to hide that the men had more respect that the two secretaries! I wish that had been brought up at the hearing, but my attorney prohibited me from mentioning certain things. You can't beat a government attorney. They play so dirty. They even said that I married my husband, who was older than me, as a father figure. That was so not true! I knew this man for 15 years before we got married, and I never believed Dad was going to die. I could NOT accept that! Thanks for letting me vent. I hope it helps. I still want to talk to my boss and tell him how he ruined my life. My job was my pride. After that, I lost my self-esteem. I realize now that who I was shouldn't depend on the job I have. It is defined by the person I am, and I'm proud of who I am now! I hope this helps someone. Don't let people define who you are. They don't know you!!! God Bless you all!
Jul 27, 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.
Crazy Chef
I think that they actually spend too much money trying to get minority groups to take the COVID vacation.
Oct 24, 21

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
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.
Jun 27, 23

What's a TV series you watched that you found really gripping/can't wait til the next episode?
Sand
There has actually been a few: Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Happy! and Black Mirror.
May 30, 23

I've seen every age of child up to I'd say 7yrs, nursing discreetly or being handed a bottle or pacifier. Do you think there's a "reasonable" age that an infant/ toddler should be weaned off all of these ways to feed or get comfort? Or is this strictly a woman's choice, and we should respect that choice and not get involved with our own opinions?
Christine M 323842
How about we don\u2019t look for reasons to judge other mothers. It\u2019s a bloody hard job. When children are little you are doing the best that you can, while the world looks upon in judgement, and people feel they have the right to approach you and tell you what to do. WRONG!!!
We need to support mothers and the choices that they make. Different families, different children, different values, different circumstances, different cultures will all lead to different choices.
Apr 26, 23

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.
May 23, 23

Been with my husband 9 years, married for 4 years. My question is how do you keep the fun alive in your marriage. I'm finding specially with COVID, its been harder to try keep the fun/adventure alive. We don't go out as much as we used to due to COVID. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions, advice or tips to keeping things fun and new.
Joe King
I have found it best to have a wife who is a good cook, a wife who is good in bed and one who has a good job.
Most importantly it is best to make sure the three never meet.
May 25, 21

At what age do you think is appropriate for youngsters to have their own (adult) personal computer, laptop, tablet (considering Parental Control)? My daughter got her first (adult) tablet when she turned 3 and then the first PC desktop when she was 6. All with parental control. She has limited screen time during the years. I noticed creativity, skills in using different applications and researches, projects, etc developed exponential during years. Now she has a...
Smiley
No tablets in our house. I don't see a use for them as we have phones and laptops that do everything needed.
Our kids get their first laptop when they start High School (about 12yrs of age) and they get their first mobile phone when they turn 16 years old.
We have parental controls on their school laptops and monitor their phones until they turn 18.
It is far to easy to get addicted to technology and cyberbullying is so very real so limiting social media and some games can keep our kids safe.
May 13, 23

Fats are coming back in favour...and people are using a bit less salt and that is fine... While sugar has been identified as really bad...for some reason fruit was really good for you...as was fruit juice....but now Fructose the sugar that exists in it...in fairly massive quantities..is REALLY bad for you...so don't eat fruit anymore...what do you think?
ShawneeBaby
Like I've said before, it's all genetics. Small children get cancer, old smoking drunks live past 100.
Just eat what you enjoy and forget the rest.
Apr 18, 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.
Apr 16, 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.
Mar 27, 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.
Mar 29, 23

From inputting your data and signing up for a phone plan to handing over your number to a real estate agent, our personal details are collected, stored and shared on a daily basis. What happens when that data is breached, and our identity is stolen. Is privacy even possible anymore?
WonkyandProud
From what I have heard on several podcasts, nothing is private anymore! It is a scary fact, and what is even more disturbing is the fact that people keep putting themselves in danger. Cell phones are a must when they don't need to be! Why don't people care? We lived without them just fine for centuries!!! Yes, they are convenient, but at what price? We accept any technology that is thrown at us, and we have no idea what the ramifications could be because we have no idea how they work! Those that do are speaking out, but no one is listening. Even when your devices are turned off, you are at threat! Where is this heading? There isn't much that the average person has to hide, so why track us? I think some of it is for merchandising and to monitor where we go and what places we frequent, but what about the government? I seem to have nothing they would be interested in so what do they want from us? That fact is scary! I hate cell phones because they have ruined our society. We can't even visit people without texting others while you are with them. To me, that is rude. If you want to talk and/or text to other people don't do it while you are spending time with me when I don't see you that often! Often times, people don't even hear what I say because they are on social media while they're here! Let's think about how unimportant that makes other people feel! Are those texts that important? I use a cell phone only because I travel alone and no one knows where I am. If I had an emergency, it could save my life. It isn't even turned on unless I need it! With all the crap that's going on, we need to get our heads in the places they need to be. Take care of your community. I love the Amish because they are there for their community and help each other out! They work hard, and we have become too lazy to even get up and turn the TV channel! Pathetic, aren't we? How are we going to handle what might be coming in this country? I wish I could say this on a public forum where it would be heard and make a difference. I know people are going to do what they are doing until they have no other choice and aren't prepared.
Mar 31, 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).
Mar 18, 23

When I was younger I thought when I get older that is a good time and I'll get freedom to do whatever I want. But now I got freedom but I want my family to guide and motivate me to be on track. Now I know family members importance. Is anyone feels the same? I think when we have somebody by our side we don't know their importance and as soon as we lose them we desperately want them.
Lorraine F
I have learnt many of life’s lessons with guidance from those close to me but also through stepping out on my own to learn the hard way
Jan 05, 22

Every time I check the balance of my retirement savings and kiwi-saver, they are heading south. I am over retirement age but still working, so find the current situation very distressing. Don't own a home and honestly wonder if I will ever be able to afford to retire. Considering closing my kiwi-saver and other retirement schemes and putting the money into a bank deposit account where it at least eRn something What are other people's thoughts?
Glenystas
After reading some of the comments below, makes me realise How lucky I am. We own our home, I have a Dept of Vet Affairs pension, Hubby is currently on jobseeker kind of payment but is experiencing ill health (nothing major). We don't drink or smoke, we enjoy a few hobbies: I love crafts like knitting (make some presents or sell items) we both like reading (library) He is into golf (Budget allows a regular game) He likes jigsaws... had so many and they didn't sell on marketplace so we have started up a jigsaw exchange at a local hall. I guess that retirement comes down to if you are self funded or if you can manage on pension, have a good budget and stick to it.
Oct 29, 22

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?
JP
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.
Oct 18, 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 :)
Aug 21, 22
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