Ladymuck

DaveR Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The introduction of the national minimum wage has > had approximately zero effect on overall income > inequality over the last 10 years, because the > rich have gotten richer, quicker. That's my > point, really - either NMW is a good thing per se > (I think it is) or it's an "equality measure", in > which case it's a failure. There's no denying that the NMW has had little effect on overall income inequality: the latest reports undertaken by both the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the The National Equality Panel confirm this. It is equally clear that the introduction of the NMW per se has gone some way to reducing extreme cases of exploitation of employees by unscrupulous employers. I do not agree, however, that the NMW (as an ?equality measure?) has failed. On the contrary. Yes, the fact that it's impact on overall income equality has been negligible is a matter for regret. However, we should not forget that prior to the NMW many many individuals were on a pittance. Migrant workers in particular were especially vulnerable to receiving laughably meagre wages. The NMW helped to improve the living standards of these people. Nor should we let slip the fact that prior to the NMW women earned less than their male colleagues for the same job - even where more experienced or better qualified. Ditto employees from ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled workers. What the NMW has done in these instances is to close the pay gap between e.g. men/women etc. at the lowest end of the income scale whilst also effectively reducing discrimination on the grounds of gender/race/disability. Now, if raising the living standards of the lowest paid, and closing the pay gap in this way isn't tantamount to an ?equality measure?, then ? frankly ? I don't know what is! Incidentally, why should the NMW being ?a good thing? and ?an equality measure? be mutually exclusive?

My apologies in advance if this post appears incoherent and rambling. A few hours ago I returned from visiting an elderly lady. She is 90 years old, originally from Serbia, has been widowed for the last 20 or so years, has no relatives (or friends) in this country, and lives on her own in rented accommodation. Although in full possession of her faculties upstairs she is, unfortunately, physically disabled in that she can walk only with the aid of two sticks and for a very short distance, has arthritis in both hands, is profoundly deaf, and sometimes loses her balance due to degenerative cerebral vascular disease. Personality wise she is as stubborn as a mule, cantankerous, knows what she wants (and doesn't want), highly intelligent, witty, full of spunk, and has the sort of fiery temperament which would make Gordon Ramsey look like a new-born lamb. She makes me laugh though. However, it is fair to say that she has managed to alienate most people over the years as she can come across as brutally rude. She does have (and is in touch with) family in Serbia (a cousin, his wife and their two children, as well as some nieces and nephews etc.), and they have suggested to her that she return to Serbia and live with them. However, being fiercely independent (and harbouring an intense dislike for her cousin's wife!), she does not believe this to be a viable option. About four years ago she attempted to commit suicide by taking some 150+ sleeping tablets. She didn't succeed, was subsequently committed unto psychiatric care for a couple of months after which time (barring initial visits from Social Services, psychiatrists and the like) she was basically left to her own devices. Because of this, her rather lonely situation and her various disabilities, I (and a friend of mine) have since taken it in turn to visit her several times a week to ensure she is alright, has sufficient food in the house, and to attend to minor jobs etc. - you know...the sort of stuff you would do for an elderly person who has no-one. We have been doing this for about four years now. My friend has been especially kind - regularly supplying the lady in question with home-cooked fare. Following the attempted suicide, she read an article about Dignitas (the assisted suicide clinic in Zurich) and applied to be considered. My friend and I have (rightly or wrongly) over the years attempted to get her to change her mind about ending her life like this and - I would like to think - helped to make her lonely existence a little less so and worth living a little more. As time has gone on, whilst there have been numerous spells when she has become low and has contemplated the futility of life and suicide, there have (equally) been many a time when she has been able to laugh, enjoy something on TV, have a good conversation with one (or both) of us, get tiddly over a glass of wine etc. etc. And, whilst during that time she has never actually withdrawn her application from Dignitas, there have been many an occasion when she has said things like "oh, I don't know what to do about Zurich...if only my husband were alive...this week I am OK...should I go to Switzerland?...I am not sure what to do..." etc. etc. In short, there has always been serious doubt in her mind about whether or not to go. My stance has always been the same, i.e: DON'T DO IT. My friend, on the other hand, is less emotional (and therefore more rational/sensible) than I am and is able to be a little more neutral (i.e. offering continued help and support for as long as required whilst at the same time believing it is this lady's choice to do as she wishes with her life). I should also add that although she does get a bit "down" now and again (I mean, we all do - don't we?) she is definitely not depressed and is of completely sound mind. Moreover, her GPs are aware of her situation and - specifically - of her plans for the future. Frankly, it concerns me that they've even given her the "green light" to go ahead. Now to the really difficult bit. As alluded to above, I have not long returned from one of my visits to this lady's, whereupon she quite matter of factly informed me that it "was all settled". I.e. she has booked her flight, hotel etc. and is soon to depart for Dignitas to have her life put at an end. Well, as stated at the outset, I am stunned and feel quite, quite dazed...not to mention inexpressibly sad. In fact the news unnerved me so much that I couldn't stay with her as long as usual - nor could I look her in the eye for fear of bursting into tears. I had to leave her in a hurry, ironically probably at a time when she could (in all honesty) have done with an extra long chat. But I just couldn't face it. Instead I have been burdening hubby and friends with this issue as I am quite beside myself as to what to think, feel, do, say etc. In no time at all she will be on that plane to Zurich and 3 days later she will be...gosh it's hard to even utter the word...but, yes, she will have been put down...like a sick budgie at the vets...she will be...dead. Do I visit her again before her flight? I know I must appear cowardly, but (at present anyway) I lack the necessary strength and courage to do so. On the other hand, my conscience tells me that I should, and I am fairly certain that I would feel pretty shitty with myself if I didn't. My friend, although admitting its an unusual situation to find herself in, thinks she will. I have suggested to her that we should perhaps go together, but she feels this might put the old lady in question ill at ease at an already extremely very difficult time. I was not going to post this on the Forum given that, for me, the EDF is a chill-out zone...a place where I have fun and relish fooling around. Though I did toy with the idea of of posting under a different name, or even on a different forum...but, if I am to be candid, I wouldn't have been happy with either of those courses of action. Having spoken to hubby and a couple of friends, they have suggested that I brave the EDF. So this is a first for me and I apologise most sincerely if it causes unease amongst some of you. I don't know what else to do.

Oooops...cross-posted...you've since changed your post! Oh Mr. Pally-Wotsit-oooous! I look a right wally now!

Mr. Pally-Wotsit-oous, Your link doesn't work! So I've taken the liberty of reproducing it here: 2 wedding rings? For Admin to hand over to the Cat and the Onion? Or do you have other ideas? Ooooh, you've got Mucky going now...do divulge...

Narnia Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Number 11 looks like a cheese shoe. ha ha ha (see how I resisted an *action thingy comment* there?...twas not easy...)

Which begs the question....which one do you reckon is the biological father?

Mick Mac Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I thought tintin was blonde. Alors non, that was his mum...et voila toute la famille...seulement la mere est blonde... http://www.comicbookdaily.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/TintinCast.gif

Or the emmental? http://www.bedri.es/Comer_y_beber/Queso/Quesos_del_mundo/Suiza/Quesos_de_Suiza_imagenes/Emmental_002.jpg I suspect that neither the croc nor the cheese come anywhere close...

Which do you think has the most holes...the croc or the politician's manifesto? http://image.rakuten.co.jp/sp5/cabinet/crocs/crocs-color3.jpg

Some outbuildings...solely for separating excitable types from one another and thus preventing mayhem in The Lounge... http://www.armybase.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/camp-delta-detention-compound-guantanamo-bay.jpg

Narnia Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > That's the smelly one isn't it? Yes...definitely has a nasty whiff about it...

Keef Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/te/tena > -lady-mini-20-.jpg > > To hand out to users who seem to p!ss themselves > rather often when laughing. ha ha ha *helps herself*

...could be interesting...

Presumably the land of Narnia is interchangeable with the land of politics then...wouldn't surprise me at all... Anyway, what sort of cheese?

woofmarkthedog Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Really.. > > look into my EYES.. > > http://www.doganswers.com/images/creepy.jpg HOLY MACKEREL!...that is positively unnerving...talk about giving me the shivers... *instantly looks away and helps herself to some of PGC's/Admin's stash of whisky*

kpc Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > It was a very well placed own goal though. Yes, the irony of it...poor souls.

woofmarkthedog Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Only... > > ..when every avenue has been explored, the > Walther-WA2000 Like for when bigbadwolf resurfaces? Pah...it will never work!

Mick Mac Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Have you just got back from the game? Cool.... I wish!:( MOTD, I'm afraid...but I hope to attend soon (birthday prezzie from Lordmuck hopefully)

Bolton 0 - Man. U 4 Well I enjoyed that! Best team won - again. Felt a bit sorry for Bolton though, especially about that own goal...oh well...

humble (Bonsoir Poubelle x)

KalamityKel Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > for when times get hard... Oh, that is SO funny... *falls off chair laughing*

Great film PGC! Did you mean a copy of the film PGC? Or a supply of this stuff?http://www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk/whiskyshop/images/uploads/ileach-single-malt-whisky-70cl.jpg Either way, both would be appreciated I think.

Agreed Sean. Bye the way, has anyone else seen these Striking Numbers?: 9,500 - number of new debt problems dealt with by CAB each day ?58,040 - average household debt ?187m - personal interest paid in UK daily every 11.4 - minutes a property is repossessed 1,841 people - made redundant every day every 3.69 minutes - someone will be declared insolvent or bankrupt ?384,900,000 - daily increase in Government national debt Anyone for the pub? My credit card should cover it...

Just to show that we don't (always) take this forum for granted, I thought it might be nice to offer the Admin. Team the odd practical gift to aid them in their daily travails. I'll start with: a muzzle http://amstaff-breed.com/store/images/large/spiked-dog-muzzle-leather-amstaff2_LRG.jpg for those occasions when the forum's pet dog(s) get above themselves

Actually...on reflection, I think Admin. deserve one of these for putting up with the likes of us...poor dears http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_256/1207603179eJZz8P.jpg Any hair left to tear out?