FOR WHAT ITS WORTH

[Sandra]

Drinking from plastic bottles can raise blood pressure due to microplastics entering the bloodstream, study suggests

Microplastics have also been found in fluids in glass bottles, according to other research, and experts say the associated higher blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

[MissBarbara]

Police officers are told not to say 'blacklisted' or 'black sheep' over fears of racism.

The nine-page document, which was published online last year also stated that 'black mark' was no longer deemed acceptable as part of expressions that use 'black in a negative way'.

To make a long story as short as possible, a couple of years ago I started refereeing youth soccer games in nearby parks. The games I referee are mostly played by boys and girls aged 6-10.

It's a tradition in soccer/football to refer to teams by their jersey color. In taking the training, instruction and videos refer to "the blue team," the "red team," etc.

Back in the fall, I refereed a game featuring a team wearing black jerseys (though why an organizer would order black jersey for a team comprised of 7-8 year old girls is beyond me). Sure enough, at one point I said something along the lines of "That's a corner kick for the black team." At half time, one of the mom's immediately came over to me to take me to task for referring to the them as "the black team," asserting that it's racist.

I had neither the patience nor the desire to engage with her, and I said something like, "Thanks for expressing your opinion." But the next time something happened, I yelled loudly and clearly, "That's a throw-in for the team wearing black jerseys."

[Littlebit]

Just a question, when did the primary definition for “Black” default to meaning a race of people?  Isn’t a black mark just that.  A color that was applied to somthing.. perhaps the word cracker should also be frowned upon when referring to white people. Or the use of the name “Karen” isn’t this an mis service to All of the Karen’s of the world. 

[Sandra]

Water bills to surge up to £224 in April
A huge rise in water bills from April this year has prompted calls for more help for those already struggling with debts, with prices rising as much as 47% in one hit
Millions of households face water bill increases of up to 47% from April

Households face inflation-shattering water bill increases of up to £224 a year in April in the biggest wave of hikes since privatisation.

Watchdogs called for urgent help for customers already battling to cope, as it was confirmed prices will surge by as much as 47% in one hit. Mike Keil, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “These rises are the largest we’ve seen since privatisation and will heap considerable pressure on millions of customers who are already having to make difficult choices.”