Hello everyone
As you all know I’m not going out as much as I ordinarily would do, and that’s not due to the cataract op, but down to the sciatica, which is very much around. I mean I do go out, of course, but I haven’t got any cultural visits planned. I’m thinking that I’ll be like a cannon ball shot out of a cannon once this sciatica eases! To distract myself, I keep in touch with friends through email, texts and the occasional phone call, plus books and, of course, we both look for and watch good quality television – in the evening, I hasten to add.
And talking about quality television have you seen Adolescence, which is currently streaming on Netflix?
This 4-part mini-series is causing a bit of a sensation, along with the wringing of many hands and cries of ‘what can we do? and ‘what should we do?’ for our boys growing up in the toxic world of social media. If you haven’t watched it, do if you can. It’s a hard, hard watch and anyone living outside the UK would need sub-titles as even I, a Brit, at times found the protagonist’ accents a bit difficult to understand.
Adolescence tells the tale of a young boy committing a terrible deed and the effect it has on his family. Yes, there is little about the victim and some have said this is a major flaw, but on the contrary, I think the emphasis on the boy, his thoughts and mindset, and the context of why he did this deed is the whole point of the series.
How many of you know much about ‘incels’ and the 80/20 theory? The latter, interestingly, is a well-respected economic theory that 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes. But some young men use this to explain their lack of success with women and say that it is a fact that 80% of women date 20% of men who are obviously the most attractive of men. Moreover, this ‘fact’ fuels anger towards women for withholding sex from the majority of men.
So far, so ridiculous? Unfortunately, this type of theory permeates the internet and is easily found by anyone, and very easily by young boys unsure of themselves and their place in society. Anyway, back to the mini-series. This was an extraordinary insight into the whys and wherefores of what can happen when anger spills over in young men and in this case, a young adolescent. Readers from the States, the deed features a knife. Here in the UK, we don’t have the same access to guns that you do, but knives yes. And knife crime is very much what happens instead of shootings.
The mini-series was incredibly good and worthy of many prizes for two reasons. First of all, it was a brilliant technical achievement as each episode was done in one take. I’ve seen how that was achieved with the camera continuously being passed from one cameraman to another. For each episode they had a read through and two technical rehearsals, and then the one take was done. Think about that – that was continuous acting without a pause or ‘cut’ for an entire hour-long episode.
Second, the young boy who was at the centre of this series had never acted before, this was his first time before cameras. He had been found in a local acting workshop and got the part. He was absolutely brilliant, and he has a great future in front of him.
In addition, much of this series impact and success is down not just to the acting but to the script. There were two writers: one was the actor, Stephen Graham, who stars as the dad and is, as he usually is, above and beyond excellent, the other is the renowned scriptwriter Jack Thorne who is best known for the three mini-series: This is England 86, 88 and 90. He also wrote the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and this year has not only written Adolescence but Toxic Town (see below).
I have spent a long time describing Adolescence (which don’t forget can be found on Netflix) as it is one of those cultural moments when art and, in this case, brilliant writing and production changes minds and hearts. I believe this series might be discussed in Parliament and lead to a change in laws and regulations around the toxic social media which surround so many young people today. Apparently, Australia has banned phones in schools – perhaps we should do that too.
What do you think about social media and the young? I mean I can take it and leave it, but I think we have to understand that for a huge number of adolescents social media and the various platforms therein – that is their world, and a very damaging world it is too. It’s very sad, and yet we can’t undo this world. However, we could put boundaries around social media for young impressionable minds. What do you think?
In complete contrast and one that really lightens the mood is the laugh-out-loud depiction of a murder in the White House! Not of a politician I hasten to add, but the murder of the Chief Usher. This is The Residence (Netflix) and very good quality television it is too. It’s gorgeously witty with great acting from Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) and absolutely everyone else in this series too. If you want escapism and a good laugh – this is it.
Other television watched includes Primary Target (Apple) a rather far-fetched and somewhat annoying depiction of a young maths genius and prime numbers which, apparently, are the answer to everything. I had great expectations, but it was all so preposterous I lost my enthusiasm but watched it to the bitter end just to see what happened, which was a waste of my time.
Another really excellent television series and also on Netflix was Toxic Town. This one would definitely need sub-titles for those outside the UK as this is set in the town of Corby in Northamptonshire where the derelict steel works is torn down for redevelopment, a project that the local council believes will salvage the fortunes of this small post-industrial town. Ah yes, but the dust, the muck that is created as the steel works and the land is cleared had awful consequences. Within that cloud of red dust that covered houses, the washing hanging out to dry, the playing fields and the roads were highly toxic substances including Cadmium which caused birth defects. And this told the story of the long fight to get compensation for the children affected by, let’s be clear, bad and sloppy practice, and a total lack of due care for the local population.
Sounds bleak, actually it all comes good, and they get their compensation, and it is quite life-affirming to watch. But it’s quite a fight and all of it brilliantly portrayed by the cast that includes Jodie Whittaker (who was Dr Who) and Amie Lee Wood. I do highly recommend this.
And talking about Amie Lee Wood she also stars in the third series of The White Lotus (Nowtv). OMG, sorry people, I totally love this kind of television as it is such a great escape from all the goings on in the real world. What escapism it is to watch the very rich going through a lot of angst and silliness in a luxury hotel in a gorgeous landscape. Is it quality television, yes? Why? Because it absolutely skewers the rich! Is it, daft and sumptuous and total escapism. Yes. It. Is!
Oh, and there is some controversy as well. The darling Amie Lee Wood (who is in Toxic Town) turns up in this season with her Manchester accent as a girlfriend of a much older man. Is it the accent people are bothered about? No, it’s her teeth!!! Apparently, people on social media are obsessed and amazed by her teeth, which are lovely and real and very definitely irregular with two almost buck teeth front and foremost.
Oh, honestly, what a hoot, people. It seems Americans are really bothered by people who don’t have the gleamingly white, and uniform (where are the incisors I always wonder) teeth, which to my British eyes always look like a false plate of teeth that are going to pop out if they chew so much as a toffee! Yes, I know the Brits have a reputation for bad teeth, but you see to my British eyes, American teeth are – false – because they are so perfectly perfect. Interesting, don’t you think, the difference in my perception and I suppose the majority of American thought that you must have perfect incredibly white teeth.
Do tell me your thoughts about your teeth and teeth generally. I know I should have a veneer or two on my front teeth, but it’s eyes first, then the sciatica, and can I walk about better. Then there’s the Zoe programme, I’d like to do, and all of that is before I get my head around looking at doing my teeth.
Oh, and don’t forget, I’d also love to know whether you saw Adolesence and your thinking about social media and the young.
That’s all for now
PennyX
PS. Eye is fine. The op was exactly two weeks ago and all is well 🙂
Wow I watched the first episode of Adolescence last night. I was very impressed and will watch episode two tonight. The acting is just brilliant and the story line heartbreaking.
This series is excellent, beyond excellent actually. But interestingly I have gone on to a couple of social media platforms and there is a small but significant minority who say the whole thing was boring and that the ending was unfinished. But with no spoilers, I think, the whole series was true to life and in no way unfinished. I think what these people wanted was a fast paced procedural type of programme but life isn’t always tidy. Episode 3 is amazing btw.
Thanks Elizabeth 😊
Hi Penny,
I am glad to read your cataract surgery went well.
I live in Canada, and there are some British comedies I enjoy watching:
Friday Night Dinner
Two Doors Down
Waiting for God
Are You Being Served
Keeping Up Appearances
There is also a game show called Impossible with Rick Edwards – best game show (British, American or Canadian). I like how Rick engages with the contestants.
I don’t subscribe to any streaming services at the moment. Something to look forward to in the future.
Oh Friday Night Dinner is lovely, really enjoyed that. And as for Keeping Up Appearances – very British and very funny. I must watch Waiting for God, don’t know why I haven’t. As for Are you Being Served – what a classic it is!
Re: streaming services, I’d say about 80% of the content is total dross. But then you get the gems. Actually how times have changed as in the past both Toxic Town and Adolescence would have been made by either Itv or BBC. I expect it’s the money that is available from the likes of those streaming platforms – but interesting that Netflix has funded two, what are almost niche, very British television series.
Thanks Cindy 😊
Hi Cindy,
YES, I totally agree with you: Two Doors Down is great.
So funny, great acting, we’re re-watching.
Best wishes, Mary
Penny, I know from experience what sciatic pain is like. It hurts!!! I so hope you will get some relief.
I had it when I was seven pregnant with my first son. Excruciating to the point I could not take my nightgown off and get dressed. My mother-in-law, who was usually a sympathetic person, pleaded with me, “You can’t leave the house without clothes on.” I assured her I was well covered. The nightgown was pretty and opaque, besides. My nerves were shot and I was in tears from the pain that wore me out.
She took me to a chiropractor. I sat in the waiting room aware of the kind stares of patients. They could see how miserable I was. The doctor had me lie on the table and he rolled me as far as he could to one side and held me in that position like a long stretch. I walked out of there feeling great relief and within a day or so the pain was gone. I never forgot that experience.
As for teeth: how true that the procedures to maintain white choppers are the rage. True here in Ecuador, the same as the U.S. They really gleam in pictures. By contrast, mine do not meet that standard. Your piece made me smile, and to be grateful I still have a functioning set, whatever color they are. I will continue to smile. I won’t give up drinking coffee from a mug and I won’t use a straw.
Take care. Hugs.
I have an appointment with a physio this morning where I will have a formal examination of my pain/sciatica. After that I am going to make an appointment with a trusted osteopath I have known for decades. Thinking of acupuncture. Also going have a bone scan and bloods taken.
Yes, stretching is a must and I felt marginally better yesterday after my 1-2-1 with my PT who is very medically aware. But I’m not reacting well to painkillers. Never mind onwards and upwards, as I keep telling myself, because people do get over this.
And I think our British eyes sees these perfect white American teeth as incredibly false, Americans see our teeth and go yurk and nooooo!
Thanks so much Elaine – your comment is so appreciated 😊
I’ll give Adolescence a go, Mr Mutton is not keen. I’m very concerned about incel culture (remember the murders in my home town of Plymouth, by a boy fuelled with rage?) . I believe kids should be banned from having smartphones. A brick phone yes, but not smartphones. In one stroke that would and the toxic bullying on social media and all the damage done by “influencers”.
I couldn’t get on with The Residence. I find an old fashioned whodunnit infuriating because I’d rather the pathologist was there and DNA being taken from suspects.
Prime Target was a huge waste of time, agree there!
Have started This City is Ours, BBC, with Sean Bean, but it’s not hugely edifying.
The teeth comments made me smile. I recently had some crowns and veneers replaced, so am smiling a lot. But yes, US dentistry is over the top! It’s fooling no- one.
Oh yes, do watch Adolescence. Despite it being a hard watch you won’t regret it, as it is a cultural moment equal to that Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
And I totally agree that young people should not have smart phone just brick phones. The culture within the ‘net is a dangerous one for unformed minds.
Still loving The Residence – 2 more episodes to watch. We’ve started The Bay on ITV and that’s solid police procedural. Haven’t watched This City Is Ours as it rather reminds me of Gangs of London and that’s not particularly edifying.
I just look at American teeth and think – noooo! And I expect the Americans look at our teeth and go nooooo too! What is interesting is that Americans do seem to smile showing all their teeth – which we don’t.
Thanks Gail 😊
Glad the eye surgery went well, and hope the sciatica improves rapidly. I live in fear of it, as it seems to strike randomly and with no cure…
Ah, our American obsession with perfect teeth. I wasn’t aware of it growing up aside from the constant admonitions to brush twice a day and regular visits to the dentist, even including fillings in my “baby teeth”. The adults in the family would speak derisively of movie stars with “capped teeth”, which was evidently a step too far…but braces on teens was a status symbol of sorts. I was shocked when I moved to the UK in the 90’s and saw brown, crooked teeth in the mouths of managing directors in my office, then learned that cosmetic dentistry was considered by some as a shameful form of vanity. I’ve since learned of the shortage of dentists for decades and people pulling out their own teeth. I hope this situation can be rectified for y’all, not just to make people prettier, but for all the other health problems poor dental health causes.
Hi MaryK – yes dentistry in the UK and the US shows how very different we are – despite our common language. RE: shortages, the shortage is around NHS dentistry and people who are hard-up and don’t have a lot of money really do have the extremely short straw. Dentists say that they cannot make any money by offering NHS Dentistry (which isn’t free btw) so basically, now a lot of people cannot get on to the few NHS dentists’ list for any treatment whatsoever.
However, there are plenty of private dentists around and insurance for said private dentists. I have gone to a private dentist for years now, but without insurance as it isn’t all that much money to pay out when you need treatment.
Veneers are getting more popular but no-one I repeat no-one I know or seen around town, or even on screen (who’s a Brit) has the blindingly white teeth that we see Americans wearing. I think that’s because we see teeth at best as being ivory or cream coloured but never white. Oh no wait a minute there’s a few celebrities like someone called Rylan who’s a great broadcaster now but came in via reality tv – he’s got blindingly white teeth and we all kind of chuckle at the teeth, but nicely.
I think the centuries of tea drinking may even have changed the DNA of teeth here in the UK 🤣 Btw I think it is the lack of irregularity that looks to our eyes as so false – where are the incisors???? So Amie Lee Woods’ teeth to our eyes are just great!
Going to a physio today and hopefully will get more info on this sciatica – which is very yikes at the moment.
Thanks so much Mary 😊
I can’t comment on the TV programmes you’ve watched as I’ve not seen any of them but I can comment on teeth . I think it is sad that attractive teeth are now thought to be almost luminous , non individual & denture style . I think the expression I saw was chicklet teeth ? It fits in with the homogeneous , plastic beauty standard all around us these days . Two of my friends have quite unusual teeth which adds a real individual beauty to their appearance. One wondered about ‘ fixing ‘ them but her husband said it was what he had always loved about her & I can see why . I’m not talking badly discolored , deformed teeth , just ‘ different’ . Sometimes I see people who have had lots of work done & they look like they are wearing someone else’s teeth ! I know lots of Americans consider it of major importance to show a mouthful of perfect teeth but I suspect there are also many , many Americans who can’t afford a dentist .
Yes, it’s the blinding whiteness that looks so false, along with the uniformity that screams ‘you’ve had your teeth done’. Now is it that we think isn’t quite the thing? Or just about vanity? I don’t think so. I think we don’t like those teeth because they are so obviously unreal and false. I totally get that Americans must think we have awful teeth, but you are right there must be many Americans without insurance who cannot get any treatment, let alone the whitening.
Very interesting isn’t it – the cultural differences. Another one is hanging washing out on a line – don’t think people in the States do that.
Thanks Wendy 😊
We haven’t got Netflix Penny.
Big white teeth I find also that they look like false teeth!! So unnatural looking
I also get sciatica and just have to do stretches until it goes away. Hope yours gets better soon
Penny xx
It is interesting I think that series like Adolescence and Toxic Town have both been funded by and streaming on Netflix. Not so long ago they would definitely be made and found on BBC or ITV. Adolescence is on a par with Mr Bates v The Post Office – let’s hope some good comes out of it.
And the white teeth – they’re so false! But obviously it’s what some people aspire to.
I’ve just seen a physio and she assures me this is referred pain from the hip. I have lots of exercises to do – every day!
Thanks Vivien 😊
Hi Penny. sorry about the sciatica. so far I have not experienced it but right now my vision seems to have become blurry. and quite suddenly after having a stye. I can manage and drive but it is worrisome. I am able to find you but still am not getting notifications. So far I have not subscribed to any of the streaming services but I think this has to change. I am watching far to much news. I do believe in being informed but not obsessed. maybe hoping for something good. What I am watching is all on good old network and cable TV. I was happy to see the return of the next part of Wolf Hall, the Mirror and The Light. about Henry the Eighth and Thomas Cromwell. I loved the first series a few years ago and was so pleased to see it’s return. The acting is excellent. Saturday nights will usually find me watching a rerun of Midsomer Murders, probably as much for the scenery as the plots. There is a certain comfort in the familiar. Mostly everything I watch is Public Broadcasting. Hopefully it will continue to broadcast as the orange one, hateful, spiteful being that he is wants to cut funding as he is doing with so much else.
I used to take pride in my teeth, I had braces as a child and never had as cavity. As with many of us, they have darkened with age and I have lost a few and had implants. a front tooth chipped a few years ago and my dentist has ben able to fill the space, but it is rather fragile so I can no longer bite an apple or eat corn on the cob, which I loved. I hope you get this post and find a way to notify me when a new one drops, In any case , I will find you! Love, Darby
Hi Darby, I’ve watched and rewatched The Mirror and the Light Wolf Hall Series. Now that is quality TV! I take something new moving and beautiful from each episode. Have you read the books? I’ve read all of Hilary Mantel’s – so diverse in subject matter. Enjoy!
Oh Darby I am so sorry you are not getting the emails. And I did say I’d make sure you would get the next one too. Now I know that the blog is not getting to you I shall send it to your email.
Now re: the eye, it could be gunge from the stye??? I have almost chronic blepharitis which manifests like a stye and you have to get the stuff out…. honestly the things that come to try us as we age!!! If it doesn’t get better you must get that checked out.
The sciatica is apparently referred nerve pain from the R hip. Just been seen by a physio and I have many exercises to do – every day! Which I will do, as I really, really want to have less pain. Hopefully this will pass, but the physio has said it’s early days. And if nothing changes after 3 months well that will be a new hip. So I shall work hard on the exercises.
Yes I agree I think teeth darken with age and I really could do with a couple of veneers on my two front teeth, but that will have to wait as I have so many other things to be resolved! All minor of course and one really must count one’s blessings.
And finally we absolutely have to protect ourselves from the state of the world. As you know I believe we shouldn’t turn away from the awfulness – we owe it to humanity to be aware of other people’s sufferings. BUT, we have to stay sane! And that is why I am such an avid viewer of good television. The Mirror and the Light was very well done, and up there with the very best of television. And with Midsummer Murders, you know what to expect and it’s very benign and good to watch. I have to admit I do like to be challenge and Adolescence is definitely a challenge to watch. And interesting that it was funded by and streaming on Netflix as not so long ago it would definitely have been made by the BBC. The challenging programmes are why I also like exceedingly silly television like The White Lotus and The Residence, both of which are not on free to view public services.If you take up any of them be aware that 80-90% of the content is dross but then again there are gems there that you can find and wouldn’t want to miss. It’s a dilemma.
Take care Darby. Love from Lewes and the little island over the pond 😊
Evening Penny
Good to hear your eye operation went well. But sorry you’re still suffering from sciatica.
Yes, Adolescence is outstanding – on all fronts: script, acting, filmmaking/production. And timing:
It’s a scary world we’re living in with the likes of Andrew Tate etc. Of course, there’s always been sexism and violence against women and child abuse, but social media has certainly encouraged it, likewise bullying, poor self-esteem, eating disorders, and depression.
BTW – Alas, I did not receive notification of this posting, I found it by ‘just checking’.
(I also sent you an e-card, don’t think you’ve seen it.)
All the best, Mary x
We’ve just been on our Admin site and seen that you indeed haven’t been sent an email. That’s really frustrating and we shall contact Jetpack to ask why????? Bill is looking at this now.
Re: the pain. I saw an MSK physio yesterday and she said it was referred pain from my R hip. I have many exercises to do but the situation is actually – over to you. They won’t do anything for another 3 months or so, as you have to do the exercises every day and see whether the pain reduces and goes away. Meantime I am not suiting the painkillers all that well. And now one of these painkillers needs a drug to counteract side effects but this particular drug has side effects of its own – which is crazy. Life revolves around this – not great!
Which is why I immerse myself in books, tv and films plus lots of contacting friends. Adolescence is one of those cultural moments where art meets life and even changes minds and hearts. I’ve read quite a few comments below the line on Adolescence and for some parents it is quite a wake-up call. Life is always a challenge for teenagers but now social media has added a huge burden.
Emailing you shortly.
All the best to you too 😊
I’m sorry about the sciatica. I’ve had bouts of that, and I can remember literally not being able to move. I hope it clears up soon. I’m glad, though, to hear your eye operation went so well! As to teeth, I had terribly crooked teeth with some of them almost sideways. My dentist was concerned about how to work on them should I ever get cavities. So, at the ripe old age of 34, I got braces. I’m not saying they were a mistake, but they were a mistake. I have lovely straight teeth, but I also have lots of root damage. My x-rays show that the roots of my front teeth are basically sheared right off due to moving them through my bone. Now, because of the heavy brushing I was told I needed to do so as not to stain my teeth around my braces, I also have very badly receded gums. So, I have lovely straight teeth (not whitened as I’m not into that), but teeth that are rather fragile in their moorings.
On to the tv and cell phones and social media…I think the damage to young boys started even before cell phones and such. I truly believe video games, with all the shooting and dying, then getting back up again, leads young minds to regard death as not a permanent thing. One of my favorite students died by his own hand, and I think video games aided in his decision. I can see both sides of kids having cell phones at school. Last school year, the local high school had a bomb threat, and the kids were evacuated. I was able to text my granddaughter and try to allay her fears. Phones are one way the schools communicate “silently” with students in the case of armed shooters…which is a horrible reason to have phones, I know. My grands don’t really do social media much. My two oldest aren’t allowed, and I think the youngest just texts her friends all the time. I can, however, imagine how damaging those perfect images are to these kids whose brains aren’t even fully formed. When they first became a thing, the school system in which I taught was able to block access to some applications. I don’t know if that can still be done. I’m sure kids could find their way around it.
I haven’t watched this season (nor last season) of White Lotus, but if Amie Lee Wood is in it, I’m going to have to watch it. I loved her on Sex Education. Her storyline was a bit tragic, but her smile was beautiful. I don’t remember thinking anything but that about it. Well, I’ve written a book as always! Thanks for the reviews and the updates! Be well, my friend!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
RE: teeth and our two countries, it is quite a cultural difference, our expectations of what we and our teeth should look like. And actually I think if the ‘done’ teeth weren’t so very white we (in the UK) might not notice the newness as much as we do. Good teeth can be coloured like cream and/or ivory but the blinding whiteness is what is seen as so false. Also the lack of irregularity with practically no incisors – that looks very odd. And oooh and almost ouch re: your teeth and the moving of them later in life.
Amie Lee Wood’s btw, is so sweet (and slightly daft) in The White Lotus which btw is probably not quite as good as Seasons 1 and 2. However, it is still good and there is a bit of tidying up of loose ends from Season 1 and Season 2 that is quite intriguing. I’m interested in where this will go.
OMG (apologies) but it is so worrying to think of how the young navigate this new world of gaming and social media. The nastiness and bullying always happened, I remember getting some of that in my all-girls school, but all of that was without the ghastliness of the online world. Here’s to more awareness by parents and more conversations with the young.
I was told yesterday that the pain is down to referred pain from my R hip, which means it’s gone from 0-100 in no time at all as before it was just stiff but nothing more. I have many exercises to do. Let’s see what they do!!!
It’s so good to read your comments Marsha – I always think communication between friends in different countries is so important especially now. 😊
Hi Penny, good to read your blog. I do hope your sciatica resolves soon. I’ve had sciatica a few times in my life and it’s quite the most miserable experience. There seems to be no real effective treatment, you just have to grin and bear it and it will eventually go away. As it is actually nerve pain the usual musculoskeletal pain killers are not effective. I understand Amitryptyline is the drug of choice. I know you know Penny, that this is an old antidepressant drug., but apparently, now used for nerve pain. Obviously Amitryptyline comes with it’s own problems and I’ve had recent experience of this.
I recently had a hip replacement and moved in an awkward way a few days following surgery, which resulted in sciatica. I eventually managed to see a GP, which is an achievement in itself, and was prescribed Amitryptyline. I was getting desperate, Getting in and out of bed in the night was a real challenge as a result of the sciatica. Then one night I got out of bed to go to the bathroom and fell, dislodging my recent new hip! Thankfully it has been manipulated back into place. A pharmacist explained that even a small amount of Amitryptyline can cause faintness or dizziness., if you’re not used to taking it.
Anyway enough about Sciatica. I have seen “Adolescence ” on Netflix. I agree with what Penny has said. I have though for quite sometime about the corrosive effect of social media and especially it’s impact on young people. In this instance on young men. In fact I think the increase in mental and emotional problems in boys and girls can in large part be due to the use of smart phones and then obviously social media. Obviously there are other causes, such as family breakdown, the lack of community, “no such thing as society” as Margaret Thatcher famously said. Some. of my contemporaries and I’m 77 years old, make the comparison with us the baby boomers and today’s young people. We had our own challenged, but these today are quite different. It’s important for my generation to understand them. Rather than “waxing lyrical” about the 50s, 60s and 70s, we need to understand we live in a different age and for those of us who benefitted from the post war settlement in the UK, which has sadly been eroded, we need to understand the different world we live in and it’s impact on young people.
Just found your comment Rowena, and have answered most of this via an email to you. I’m thinking I might give up the horribly corrosive drugs like Ibroprufen (?sp) and the other stronger one as really they are not getting at the pain at all.
But the amitriptyline is working and giving me a night’s sleep – no dizziness thank goodness.
What a hard life it is for young people now. And totally agree we shouldn’t look back and think everything was OK in the 50s and 60s. We certainly benefitted though from the post-war ideology as I remember getting a grant to go to Uni – that was in the early 80s and I just wouldn’t have gone to uni without that financial help.
Thanks so much for commenting and I’m glad I found it too! 😊
Hello, friend, so glad for your reviews and suggestions of programs to check out. With all there is out there to watch, we have trouble finding anything much worth our time. Will check out your suggestions – especially Adolescence and Toxic Town (with subtitles).
My daughters, or at least one of the two, are watching White Lotus. Seems like we started the first episode and then nixed it. But a bit of escapism might be welcome about now. Will try it again.
We are watching Dexter. It has many seasons but they are beginning to all look alike. I am not a fan of all the violence but do enjoy the relationships among the characters.
Apologies Penny , not sure how I missed your post as I did get the notification. So pleased the cataract surgery went well but sorry the sciatica is proving so problematic.
Interesting to read about what you have been watching . We don’t bother with paid subscriptions so unlikely will ever see them. I agree that social media can be harmful to young people . I am pretty sure that not all schools ban mobile phones , it is up to each school . Our government passed laws last year restricting some access online to under 18s and of course have now had pushback for the Trump administration.
All the best Penny.
The sciatica is ghastly, the eye is great and looking forward to having the 2nd one done.
We do admit to be avid watchers of what we think is good quality television. The mini-series Adolescence was one of those cultural moments which just takes people up a notch, in this instance, to be more aware of the toxic online world experienced by very young minds. Quite frightening, and reading some of the comments below the line, it’s been quite a wake-up call for some parents.
Ah yes, the freedom-of-speech debate…. and freedom generally, that’s an interesting one. Free to watch toxic material? Nope, but how to regulate it, that’s the thing.
All the best to you too Jill 😊