How I eventually cured 2 years of back pain in 2 weeks

In March/April 2019, I did the first lawn-cut of the season. Nothing too strenuous, but I noticed afterwards a twinge in my back. Of course, after a bit of exertion that may not be unusual, so I just assumed it would pass over the next day or two.

It didn’t.

I hadn’t felt anything unusual whilst mowing the lawn, so I was staggered that I had some muscle pain down below my right kidney. And even more staggered that as time went by, it wasn’t cured with rest.

Over the course of the next year (2020) I tried many remedies, including some absolute quackery, out of pure desperation. Amongst them:

• Purchase of a “Rem-Fit” hybrid mattress (which was way too firm and was sent back)

• Purchase of a “Nectar” memory phone mattress, which was more comfortable and supportive, but did not improve anything.

• “The cubes” memory foam pillow ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1468455840/the-cubes-the-worlds-first-geometric-structure-pil ) - which is a brilliant pillow by the way, and helped with a lot of neck ache. (But not back-ache)

• Switching to a “sit/stand” electric desk. I’m a full time homeworker, and I thought being able to stand and improve posture at my desk, might help

• Purchasing a massage cover for my office chair (this type of thing: https://amzn.to/3QClIJz ) which allows you to heat and massage your back and neck while sitting at work (or in the car, for that matter).

• Heat Pads and heat cream

• Kailo Patch (complete scam and quackery - claims to interrupt nerve signals)

It has to be said, apart from the final item, all of these did provide some sort of relief, albeit temporary. Nothing would actually cure what was really just a bit of muscle strain, and it got to the point where i couldn’t sit on the sofa, or the dining chairs, or any seat in the house without being in agony. It was ridiculous!

Now, it just so happens that I’m a “side sleeper” and I happened to notice one night that how when I moved/lifted my head, it affected the painful back muscles near my pelvis/kidney. Likewise, how I moved my leg and feet did the same. It was suddenly obvious that there is inter-connectivity of the muscle structures and posture from head to toe. This made me realise that my posture in bed, especially when lying on my side, could be putting strain on my back and side muscles, due to improper alignment.

It was an epiphany.

That night I tried to concentrate on removing this strain, and found that lying more on my front seemed to relax my muscles the most. Now, I don’t mean flat on my stomach with face in the pillow, but something more like 135 degrees over from flat on my back. (45 degrees facing the bed). The next morning, my back was a little easier, so I kept up this posture.

Within days, I could really tell the difference, which encouraged me to keep going: after a week, my pain was reduced by about 60%. I kept going and after 2 weeks I had no pain at all! It was incredible - literally 2 weeks of sleeping on my front had cured 2 years of back pain.

And, if I had written this article at the time, the story would have ended there.

Then, about a year later (2022), my wife needed hospital treatment and recovery and couldn’t make it upstairs to bed, so she spent sometime recovering in the spare room.

During those few weeks, I started spreading out in bed a bit more and changing my posture. I also noticed that the Nectar mattress had deformed. It was depressed/compressed where we each would lie, and higher/uncompressed in the middle. (Nectar offer a lifetime guarantee, but only if the mattress sinks by 4cm, which this hasn’t). The long and short of it is, I started to lie in different postures, partly trying to figure out if the mattress needed replacing, and my back pains started to come back again in the same place.

It underlined the fact that this back pain was almost entirely caused by sleeping posture, and that the current mattress was ok in some positions, but not in others.

As my wife recovered, she wanted to get out of the spare room again, and use the main bed; in order to make that more manageable for her, we added the Panda Memory-foam topper ( https://amzn.to/3vNXDWq ) we had for our spare room sofa-bed. Wow, what a world of difference that made. Within only ONE night, I woke up with the pain in my back gone, though I felt a few twinges during the day, After the second night it was cleared again, and this time during the day, it was all clear.

What I did notice were a few neck twinges, so I need to adjust my pillow again, so my neck is straight.

In conclusion

So what can I conclude? Basically that years of back pain was ultimately being prolonged by sleeping position. Sleeping in on my front on the existing mattress eliminated the pain (caused by uneven tension on my back muscles in bed). When that mattress started to age and no longer offer quite the same support at exactly the right height, a memory foam topper got everything back on track again. (As an aside, I use the Nuzzle pillow system now, and it’s amazing.)

I couldn’t believe it was so simple.

A list of funny quotes from Homer Simpson

Since lockdown of the 2020 Covid Pandemic, I started watching every episode of the Simpsons from the beginning. Here are some funny quotes from Homer Simpson

1. "Marge, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen."

2. "I'm not a bad guy! I work hard, and I love my kids. So why should I spend half my Sunday hearing about how I'm going to Hell?"

3. "To alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems."

4. "Hey, how come my beer don't have no alcohol in it?"

5. "I can't believe I ate the whole thing."

6. "It's not easy to juggle a pregnant wife and a troubled child, but somehow I managed to fit in eight hours of TV a day."

7. "Don't let Krusty's death get you down, boy. People die all the time. Just like that. Why, you could wake up dead tomorrow. Well, good night."

8. "Son, when you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get."

9. "Marge, don't discourage the boy! Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals! Except the weasel."

10. "Lisa, if you don't like your job you don't strike. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed. That's the American way."

11. "Marge, I'm going to miss you so much. And it's not just the sex. It's also the food preparation."

12. "I'm sorry, Marge. It's just that, well, I'm an ignorant slob. I thought I could be a farmer, but I was wrong. I'm nothing but a drunken, lazy buffoon."

13. "Oh, everything's too damned expensive these days. This Bible cost fifteen bucks! And talk about a preachy book! Everywhere I look, 'Thou shalt not.' 'Thou shalt not.' 'Thou shalt not.' It's like they're just trying to give me a guilt complex."

14. "Marge, you being a cop makes you the man! Which makes me the woman - and I have no interest in that, besides occasionally wearing the underwear, which as we discussed, is strictly a comfort thing."

15. "Oh, Marge, you're as beautiful as Princess Leia and as smart as Yoda."

16. "Hey, Marge. I'm a white male, age 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me, no matter how dumb my suggestions are."

17. "Marge, it's not easy to juggle a pregnant wife and a troubled child, but somehow I managed to fit in eight hours of TV a day."

18. "Marge, you being a cop makes you the man! Which makes me the woman - and I have no interest in that, besides occasionally wearing the underwear, which as we discussed, is strictly a comfort thing."

"The Simpsons" is a long-running American animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The show follows the life of the Simpson family, consisting of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, who live in the fictional town of Springfield.

Homer Simpson is a lazy, overweight, and often clueless father who works as a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Marge Simpson is a homemaker and the patient and understanding wife of Homer. Bart Simpson is the mischievous and rebellious oldest child of the family, while Lisa is the intelligent and politically aware middle child, and Maggie is the youngest member of the family who communicates through sucking on her dummy (pacifier).

The show is known for its clever humour, satirical commentary on contemporary American society, and memorable characters. It has received widespread critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including, at the time of writing, 32 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The show has also had a significant cultural impact and has been referenced in a wide variety of media.

What's in the drink Rusty Nail

A Rusty Nail is a cocktail made with two types of alcohol: Scotch whisky and Drambuie, which is a liqueur made with Scotch whisky, honey, and various herbs and spices. To make a Rusty Nail, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces (60 ml) of Scotch whisky

• 1 ounce (30 ml) of Drambuie

To prepare the cocktail, fill a mixing glass with ice and add the Scotch whisky and Drambuie. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and chilled, then strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. You can garnish the cocktail with a twist of lemon peel or a cherry, if desired.

The Rusty Nail is a strong and flavorful cocktail that is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. It has a sweet, smooth, and slightly spicy flavor, thanks to the honey and herbs in the Drambuie. The combination of Scotch whisky and Drambuie makes for a potent drink, so it is important to drink it responsibly.

A list of the 30 worst movies of all time

It can be difficult to compile a definitive list of the "worst" movies of all time, as opinions on what makes a movie "good" or "bad" vary widely. Here are 30 movies that have received widespread criticism and low ratings from critics and audiences:

1. The Room (2003)

2. Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)

3. Troll 2 (1990)

4. Batman and Robin (1997)

5. Catwoman (2004)

6. The Last Airbender (2010)

7. Gigli (2003)

8. The Wicker Man (2006)

9. Jack and Jill (2011)

10. Battlefield Earth (2000)

11. Gigli (2003)

12. The Hottie and the Nottie (2008)

13. Movie 43 (2013)

14. Howard the Duck (1986)

15. The Love Guru (2008)

16. Epic Movie (2007)

17. The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)

18. Mars Needs Moms (2011)

19. Santa with Muscles (1996)

20. The Master of Disguise (2002)

21. The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987)

22. The Happening (2008)

23. The Lone Ranger (2013)

24. The Nutcracker in 3D (2010)

25. The Medallion (2003)

26. Disaster Movie (2008)

27. Doogal (2006)

28. No Holds Barred (1989)

29. The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)

30. In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)

It is important to note that these movies may be considered "bad" by some people, but others may find them entertaining or enjoyable for various

How does the Kia EV6 GT compare to other cars in its class?

The Kia EV6 GT is a fully electric crossover SUV that is designed to compete with other cars in its class, such as the Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQC. Some key features of the Kia EV6 GT include:

1. Performance: The EV6 GT is powered by a dual electric motor setup that delivers a total of 577 horsepower and 740 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful EVs in its class. It also has a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.

2. Design: The EV6 GT has a sleek and sporty design, with a sloping roofline and distinctive LED headlights and taillights. It also has a spacious and luxurious interior, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features.

3. Handling: The EV6 GT has a suspension system that has been specifically tuned for electric vehicles, which helps to deliver a smooth and responsive ride. It also has a low center of gravity and a well-balanced weight distribution, which helps to improve handling and stability.

4. Safety: The EV6 GT has a range of advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. It also has a strong and rigid body structure that helps to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Overall, the Kia EV6 GT is a highly competitive car in its class, offering a combination of performance, design, handling, and safety that sets it apart from other electric crossover SUVs.

A list of the top 20 most famous and memorable movie quotes

Here is a list of 20 famous and memorable movie quotes:

1. "Here's looking at you, kid." - Casablanca (1942)

2. "I'm the king of the world!" - Titanic (1997)

3. "May the force be with you." - Star Wars (1977)

4. "Go ahead, make my day." - Sudden Impact (1983)

5. "I'll be back." - The Terminator (1984)

6. "You can't handle the truth!" - A Few Good Men (1992)

7. "You had me at hello." - Jerry Maguire (1996)

8. "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." - The Godfather (1972)

9. "I'm the ghost with the most, babe." - Beetlejuice (1988)

10. "Say hello to my little friend." - Scarface (1983)

11. "There's no place like home." - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

12. "E.T. phone home." - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

13. "Show me the money!" - Jerry Maguire (1996)

14. "Bond. James Bond." - Dr. No (1962)

15. "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." - Gone with the Wind (1939)

16. "My precious." - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

17. "Hasta la vista, baby." - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

18. "I am serious...and don't call me Shirley." - Airplane! (1980)

19. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump (1994)

20. "I'm the greatest thing that ever happened to salmon!" - The Princess Bride (1987)

Remember, of course, this is just a list of 20 that could be 2000 long, so you may think of others that are not covered here. My own child suggested “We’re gonna need a bigger boat” (Jaws) for example. :)

There are many other famous movie quotes that could be included on this list. These are just a few examples of the memorable lines that have become iconic in the world of film. 

Reasons why Brexit was a good or bad idea

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU). The decision to leave the EU was a controversial one, and there are arguments both for and against it. Here are some possible reasons why Brexit might be seen as a good or bad idea: 

Reasons why Brexit might be seen as a good idea: 

• Sovereignty: Some people argue that leaving the EU allows the UK to have greater control over its own affairs and to make its own decisions without being subject to the rules and regulations of the EU. 

• Immigration: Some people believe that leaving the EU will allow the UK to have more control over its borders and to reduce the number of people coming into the country. 

• Trade: Some people believe that leaving the EU will allow the UK to negotiate its own trade deals with other countries and to have more flexibility in its trade policy. 

Reasons why Brexit might be seen as a bad idea: 

• Economic impact: Some people believe that leaving the EU will have negative economic consequences for the UK, such as lower trade with EU countries, less investment, and slower economic growth. 

• Loss of cooperation: Some people believe that leaving the EU will reduce the UK's ability to cooperate with other countries on issues such as security, climate change, and economic policy. 

• Divisions: The Brexit process has been divisive in the UK, and some people believe that it has contributed to increased tensions and divisions within the country. 

10 things you didn't know about click-bait and the people who click on it...

1 - Got you….

The best way to clean a non-stick pan without damaging it

I’ve ruined a few non-stick pans in my youth. Putting them in the dishwasher is the worst possible.

Eventually I got to soaking them for a while so that most of any burnt-on food comes off and then cleaning softly. But even then, I found they never really lasted as well as I expected. Let’s assume too that we’re not doing the obvious bad things like using metal utensils.

But eventually I found the best way to preserve the life of a teflon or ceramic non-stick pan, and it’s as follows:

• clean it with a silicone ‘brush’ (something like this https://amzn.to/39WqoVU )

• as soon as you have finished cooking,let it cool and bit and clean it as soon after as you can - do NOT shock it with cold water to cool it

• do NOT add any soap or fill it with water and leave to stand

• instead, use the oils that are the pan, along with your silicone brush, to wipe round and and round and remove any food debris, while running under the tap

• any oil in the pan will help to smooth the rubbing action and also leave a small amount of protection on the surface

• keep going under the running tap until you are clear of oil and food - and particularly stubborn caramelised food remnants can be scraped off with your finger nail or a magic eraser (gently) [ e.g. https://amzn.to/4dhRd6p ]

• if after this there is still a film of oil in the pan, then NOW is the time to use a small amount of washing up liquid to remove it

• HOWEVER, used a VERY small amount, literally a drop, swish it round the pan with your brush away from the tap, then continue to brush while you run the pan under the tap. In a few seconds you should be clear of any oil/soap lather

• leave to dry, job done!

• The surface of your pan will be immaculate and suffered minimal abrasion - maintaining its life to the maximum extent possible

What a load of junk (aka what goes in what bin for Dumfries & Galloway recycling collection)

It’s 2021, and finally Dumfries and Galloway council are fully launching recycling collections, after lagging behind the rest of the country by 10-15 years (nearly a decade ago, I was having my recycling collected in Cambridgeshire.)

As far back as 2000, Friends-of-the-Earth started campaigning for a recycling bill that eventually came to fruition in 2003.

Yet, a survey conducted by Which in 2019 showed that almost a third of people were/are still confused about getting the right recycling in the right bin.

Frankly, that comes as no surprise when, for example, you discover that different items of glass have to be disposed of in up to 3 different ways.

Dumfries and Galloway have not helped themselves in this respect, providing a list of around 180 waste items on their A-Z which is not readily sortable or printable.

In response to this, I’ve reorganised those items into a spreadsheet that you can more easily make sense of and re-purpose as you see fit. (List correct at May 2021)

Here’s the link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/142T3UmXyKuGRDYX1C8HUnUPHhSLBqjYRJRZ551aWcDw/edit?usp=sharing

You could, for example, print this out, cut out each column, laminate it and stick it on your bin(s) :)