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Margaret Nelson 🌦

@flashmaggie.bsky.social

440 followers 240 following 2.3K posts

Don't get out much these days. 9th decad, 2nd wave. Conducted 100s of funerals. Owe a lot to the NHS. Part-time cloud-spotter. Dendrophile. Suffolk 🇬🇧. Excuse typos. "The cure for boredom is curiousity. There is no cure for curiousity." - Dorothy Parker.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 2h

Israel was founded because of British colonial interests, or it may never have happened.
A big mistake.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

It sounds good, but I want to hear more about jobs in conservation, not just generation. Insulation, for example.

Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦

New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 5h

We hear a lot about the gender pay gap, but what about the gender wealth gap?

UK wealth analysis by @womensbudgetgrp.bsky.social shows that, on average, men hold around £78k more wealth than women - that's a gap of 21%!

Here @ignaciapinto.bsky.social explains more👇
neweconomics.org/2025/09/taxi...

Taxing wealth is a feminist issue

We hear a lot about the gender pay gap - but what about the gender wealth gap?

neweconomics.org

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

I'm afraid I can't help you. It's a long time since I sold any of my work, mostly at craft markets.

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

This has reminded me that when I was a Labour Party member we had monthly meetings and before elections we discussed motions to the national Conference and how we wanted our representatives to vote. Does this still happen? I get the impression it's all top down these days.

Electoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 3h

Citizens’ Assemblies let people from all walks of life learn, deliberate and decide together. They build trust and lead to more thoughtful decisions. It’s time they became a regular part of how we do democracy.

What are the benefits of Citizens’ Assemblies, and should they be used more?

At the ERS, we’ve long campaigned for more involvement of citizens in the decisions that affect them. For politics to work for people like us, it needs to include people like us.Too o

buff.ly

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

OK.

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

Half an hour ago it sent a reminder to press my pendant button for a test call, which I have to do every month. The pendant is waterproof, so I can wear it in the shower. This is very reassuring as I had a fall in my old bathroom a few years ago. On that occasion I'd hung my alarm button from a tap.

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 3h

Sorry I didn't send it sooner.

Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦

Full Fact @fullfact.org · 4d

Google has ended its support for Full Fact.

Our fact checks are free to read but not to produce. Support independent, impartial fact checking today: donate.fullfact.org/july-rg-ask?...

Google has ended its support for Full Fact. These are critical times for anyone committed to the fight against misinformation.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

I don't know much about selling via Etsy, but have you considered it?

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

Kate, this is my alarm supplier now. My local authority put me in touch. It works using mobile signals and although it's plugged into thd mains it has a battery.
I still have a ptoblem with my phone though.
www.medequip-connect.com/product-cate...

Home Care Alarm Devices Archives - Medequip Connect

Our base unit care alarms that connect to our 24 hour Emergency Response Centre so that you can maintain independence and confidence knowing that help is always available at the touch of a button.

www.medequip-connect.com

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

This has reminded me that my MP, @jamescartlidge.bsky.social, has asked me to let him know if there's anything he might do to help. We'll James, yes there is, but not just for me.
I'll be in touch.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

I understand the problem that they've had with the old copper wiring, which is expensive and difficult to maintain, and why they are changing to fibre. I've had problems with my line in bad weather. But it appears that they're solving one problem only to create another.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

Just listened to this on BBC Radio 4, and I'm aghast.
A whole programme about British Jews' dilemma over events in Israel, without once mentioning the genocide or expressing any remorse for the thousands of Arab deaths, only angst over the conflict's effect on them.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Currently - The Split - BBC Sounds

A Jewish journalist explores his community’s relationship with Israel.

www.bbc.co.uk

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 4h

It's very difficult to find a real person to speak to at BT or Openreach. I don't think they've worked out how to avoid cutting off 1,000s of alarm users, yet it could result in deaths.
It's just one example of the tech enthusiasts' false expectations, like having cashless society.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 6h

I doubt he could manage that himself. One of his slaves did it for him.

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 7h

And you've got a whole year to use up your apple bounty before doing it all again!

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Reposted by Margaret Nelson 🌦

Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 8h

🇺🇸 🔥 That. Was. Impressive.

We are watching America reassert itself and its values from the grassroots up. The world saw you and we have huge hope invested in you.

140 830 2.4K

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 7h

4/ In the 17th century affluent men wore frills and furbelows, high heels and curly wigs. I don't think we need to go that far, but some colour would brighten all our lives, wouldn't it?
(Ends)

A van Dyck portrait of Lord John Stuart and his brother Lord Bernard.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 7h

3/ Then I read about the Great Male Renunciation, which explains how the poor dears' options were limited. Men are slaves to fashion, just as women are.
So, cast aside your suits, my dears, and let's see you in something wilder! But please, only minimum exposure!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_M...

Great Male Renunciation - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 7h

2/ It set me wondering; if men are freed from the uniform suit, might fewer of them want to change their sex? It's hard to express your personality if your only option is a flamyant tie.
Male attire has grown steadily boring since the late 18th century, though some were colourful in the 1960s.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 7h

🧵 An item on the news recently reported a relaxation of work dress codes since Covid led to many people working from home. Now you may go to the office wearing more casual clothing than before.
I thought this would especially benefit men, freeing them from wearing boring suits, shirts and ties.

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Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 19h

I meant saved.

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 19h

How did you come to imagine I think that? Are you simply being perverse?
Bye bye!

Margaret Nelson 🌦 @flashmaggie.bsky.social · 20h

True, but it's mental exercise.