Readers have weighed in on several topics in MetroTalk, including the necessity of hydration breaks in the World Cup, a humorous NHS text message about a TV appointment, and Andy Burnham's proposal for a 'No.10 North' in Manchester.
Hydration breaks or TV ad breaks?
Fred from Hampshire questioned the terminology used during the World Cup, suggesting that what broadcasters call 'hydration breaks' are actually TV ad breaks for US television. 'Why in this World Cup, do they keep referring to the what is obviously a TV ad break for US television as a 'hydration break'?' he asked.
NHS text message humor
Michael from Chingrid shared a sarcastic text message he received from the NHS, which read: 'Dear patient, just a reminder that you have a television appointment with Dr Congo on BBC1 at 5pm on Wednesday, July 1. Please make sure that you have plenty of liquid refreshment available and be prepared for a long visit as extra time and penalties may be required to reach a verdict. Any follow-up appointments will depend upon England being any good at soccer.' He signed off as 'World Cup Willie, NHS.'
Criticism of Andy Burnham's No.10 North plan
Alex Surtees from Leeds expressed frustration with Andy Burnham's plans to establish a 'No.10 North' in Manchester as part of regionalising decision-making. 'What a waste of time and money. We don't need more deck chair rearrangement, we need a lifeboat – and a General Election,' he said. Den from Dartford predicted that Burnham 'won't get many votes in the next election past the Midlands' at his current rate.
Iris from Stockport noted that there is already a Downing Street in Manchester, near Piccadilly Railway station, suggesting it could host Burnham's local parliament. Devji Vekaria from London proposed '10 Central' as a catchier name than 'No.10 North.'
Starmer labeled an 'ideologically empty vessel'
Chris Shepherd from London responded to a previous reader's comment about Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that Starmer is 'neither left nor right wing, he is an ideologically empty vessel pushed around by a largely left-wing grass roots and parliamentary party.' He disagreed with the idea that the Parliamentary Labour Party is mostly Blairites, saying 'if only!'
Financial advice and military service
John W, via text, responded to financial adviser Laura Churchill's tips for millennials, advising them to 'join the military and learn a trade if nothing else works.' He shared his own experience of joining the RAF in 1965, learning a good trade, and working until 2025.
Zebra crossing courtesy
Lizzie from Liverpool countered a previous reader's view that pedestrians shouldn't feel obliged to thank drivers for stopping at zebra crossings. 'That may be so but many of them don't so I always acknowledge those who do out of courtesy,' she said.
