[The Deadly]

It is common knowledge the Backstreet Boys are the only acceptable boy band. A1 butchered a classic song of the 80's and they should be hung.

[Bruvva]

It is common knowledge the Backstreet Boys are the only acceptable boy band. A1 butchered a classic song of the 80's and they should be hung.

Good god, admiring them is worse than being a Thatcher apologist quite frankly

[chrysostom]

"Is it OK if we drop in on my sister for a cup of tea on the way to my friend's house?"

"Yep"

"Alright, we'll have to leave around 2 hours earlier then".

FFS.

[Yudster]

"Is it OK if we drop in on my sister for a cup of tea on the way to my friend's house?"

"Yep"

"Alright, we'll have to leave around 2 hours earlier then".

FFS.

[chrysostom]

I dispute that notion with all the strength of an argument against vaccinations.

[MK Chris]

The Independent was annoyingly dangerous yesterday... there's a backstory though, which some of you will know (the MMR so-called controversy) - those who don't know the story should read this, it's very informative and links to its sources (it also explains what I'm moaning about).

Basically, a doctor published a paper claiming the MMR jab can cause autism. It can't, he's since been struck off and his claims have been disproven - but the number of people getting their kids vaccinated has dropped and it's very likely he and the media who have perpetuated the myth are the cause of the outbreak of measles in Wales at the moment. So what have the Independent done at the very time when it's more dangerous than ever to give the guy a mouthpiece? Published a story with 12 paragraphs of his protestations in claiming he was right.

* sake.

[Yudster]

As someone who grew up in the era before the MMR, I find it all a bit strange that its such a problem. We all got measles, most of us got mumps and German Measles and all the girls were given a German Measles (Rubella) vaccination at 13 anyway, to protect against rubella in pregnancy. No one worried about getting measles. No one thought it was a problem, any more than we currently think chicken pox is a problem. The figures that I am reading that pre-vaccination children used to die from measles just don't chime with what I remember at all, it simply wasn't a big deal. We had vaccinations against things like polio and diptheria, things which definitely WOULD kill you or at least leave you disabled. People were a little more concerned about mumps, especially for boys, but it was understood that the chance of complications even there was remote.

That said, I can't see any benefit in rehashing the old "MMR causes autism" debate, like Topher said, the ideas were investigated and it was shown that there was no evidence to support them. Personally I wonder if vaccinating against common infections, combined with environmental pollution, the current perceived necessity to sterilise everything and an almost criminal over-diagnosis of allergies and the associated steroid-based drugs prescribed long term for them isn't going to make people generally more susceptible to illness in future.

Make an informed choice about whether or not you allow your children to be given the MMR vaccine, but don't make autism one of the considerations.

[Nicola_Red]

I also grew up pre-MMR and I have no recollection of it causing any problems either. There were similar concerns about the whooping cough jab in the late 70s so my mother decided not to have me have it, and hey presto I got whooping cough when I was four. All I really remember about it is a series of different and interesting-tasting medicines, so it can't have been especially traumatic for me.

[chrysostom]

I think that in the developed world where children can be quarantined (separated from others, not in a giant bubble), treated and nursed back to help it's not such an issue. However, in order to eliminate a disease (like was done with Polio) - it needs to stop spreading for a significant period of time, so that it doesn't affect vulnerable communities.

Not to mention the fear of complications when contracting diseases that need not be contracted. I guess I believe in trusting a doctor's medical advice as opposed to media/wikipedia gained 'knowledge', often perpetuated by either scaremongers looking to make a profit, or those who believe that the body is strong enough to heal itself from most things.

Read the reviews section for this odious little book for a really good insight http://www.amazon.co.uk/Melanies-Marvel ... 1466938897

[Yudster]

I would certainly never suggest that anyone shouldn't have their children vaccinated. I am concerned about general issues around the way childhood health issues are approached, and the growing preception that life has to be sterilised because I think it causes far more problems than it solves, so I think there is a reason to think twice about vaccination - but that doesnt mean think twice and don't do it, more think twice and make an informed decision.

[The Deadly]

Sigh... Another suspected terrorist attack in America. It says something when it no longer comes as a shock.

[MK Chris]

It IS shocking though - it's always a shock. It's a terrible thing, those poor people.

[The Deadly]

The act itself and the damage it has done to people is shocking. I'm no longer shocked by things like this happening. Far too frequent.

[Yudster]

Three days of mild weather and I am popping antihistamines already. Considering that until a couple of years ago I never had any form of hayfever whatsoever, I find this incredibly annoying.

[dimtimjim]

Ooh, nasty Yuddles. Sorry to hear that.

And yes, only just heard about the Boston bombs, fecking shite.

[The Deadly]

The American senate have rejected plans to tighten background checks when it comes to gun ownership.

I have no words...

[The Deadly]

I'm not saying anything the Senate did would have completely eradicated gun crime or shooting incidents but those families who were affected by the Sandy Hook incident just wanted something to happen, some kind of gesture, so that their children didn't die for nothing. The US senate has spat in their faces and should be ashamed of themselves.

[bmstinton93]

What happened in the 22 minutes between you having no words and writing that post?

[The Deadly]

I read some more information about it.

I'd suggest you'd do the same but you are probably busy doing nothing important.

[bmstinton93]

Watching Corrie actually...

[The Deadly]

Sorry I take it back.

[The Deadly]

Well if it takes him or anyone else to have to read up about how the gun laws need reforming in America I'd seriously worry about their mindset.

Thatcher was in power 30 years ago, even a Thatcher expert like me had to read up on it due to the gap in time. The Sandy Hook shooting was earlier this year. I'd hope that everyone can still remember it quite clearly.

[MK Chris]

I'm not saying anything the Senate did would have completely eradicated gun crime or shooting incidents but those families who were affected by the Sandy Hook incident just wanted something to happen, some kind of gesture, so that their children didn't die for nothing. The US senate has spat in their faces and should be ashamed of themselves.

I sort of agree... I don't think it would be a gesture, it would have been strong action and it could have cut gun crime significantly. Where we agree is that gun laws in America are * ridiculous and clearly in need of change, but will never be changed because of vested interests of powerful individuals and groups like the NRA. How very sad.

The Onion has a brilliant take on it.

What happened in the 22 minutes between you having no words and writing that post?

Haha, Ben said something funny!

[Boboff]

I have a cold sore in my nose which is crusting. It hurts.

[Misfit]

been a while since I've been on here.

got called out of a derelict church where I was doing photography by the police... the following conversation happened.

Police man: what are you doing in there?
me: Taking pictures mate, just a hobby
Police man: How do I know you're telling the truth?

I was stood holding a big DSLR with a big camera bag and tripod...what else would I be doing?