Easy Microwave Vegetable Soup

 

To make mixed chopped veggies mushy in the microwave (similar to a soup consistency), follow these steps:

Instructions:

1. Chop the Veggies Small – The smaller the pieces, the faster they soften.
2. Add Water or Broth – Use about ½ to 1 cup of liquid per 2 cups of chopped veggies.
3. Cover Loosely – Use a microwave-safe bowl with a lid or a plate to prevent splattering while allowing steam to escape.
4. Microwave on HIGH:
   • 8–10 minutes for soft but still structured veggies.
   • 12–15 minutes for very soft, mushy, soup-like texture.
5. Stir Every 5 Minutes – This ensures even cooking.
6. Mash or Blend (Optional) – Use a fork, potato masher, or blender if you want a smoother consistency.

If you're making a full soup, you can microwave the veggies for 12–15 minutes with broth, then blend everything for a creamy texture.

The Illusion of Religious Virtue in British Society

 The Illusion of Religious Virtue

in British Society

If we are to take seriously the ideals of gratitude, equality, peace, and life satisfaction, we must acknowledge that religion is not merely unnecessary but, in many cases, an active impediment to these goals.

The building of 'places of worship' by other cultures here is anti-progress at best and doesn't support British culture or integration at all! And at what cost could it be to our cultural identity and heritage?

 The ultimate price could be the loss of our very identity that leaves us open to less developed (and sometimes dangerous) ideology and the eradication of our Britishness. 

  (Though freedom of thought and right to privacy is naturally a cornerstone of Britishness, but that too, according to some legal orgs, isn't being upheld very strongly at present)


A lot of political discourse remains tangled in the archaic assumptions of faith.


Gratitude, for instance, need not be framed in terms of divine generosity.

We really ought cultivate appreciation for our lives and all that's in it, including the people and systems that actually sustain our lives here—science, democracy, law and social cooperation.


(Gratitude practice needs begin at home. I recommend using a (free) app called 'Presently' to remind you of all you are grateful for on a daily basis. Among my repeating entries is 'tech' and 'good people'.

 This helps promote contentment and positivity)

To tether gratitude to a deity is to obscure the real, tangible work of human progress.


Equality, likewise, is hindered by religious dogma.


In 2025, Britain still grapples with faith-based schools, unelected bishops in the Lords, and policies that privilege religious identity over secular reason! It's absurd!


These relics sustain division rather than dissolve it though having said that, I respect Christianity over other religions as it's helped advance developing countries (though not much appreciation for that either!)


As for personal peace, gratitude aside, a note: Noise law needs updating, ask Brian May who also suffered from this councils lack of care. (Noise almost killed me from construction next door and from a deaf judo- lover upstairs (gone now thank f***)) There is no good protection from construction noise, bad show Britain! 


  And life satisfaction? Evidence ( Europe especially) overwhelmingly supports personal agency and gratitude in *secular* societies—where reason and humanism, not divine fiat, guide ethics—as more content and equitable.


If Britain is to evolve, we must shed these vestigial myths and embrace a morality unpolluted by superstition. A better future demands nothing less.


Elizabeth Lucy Robillard 2025 (ai assisted)

In Defence of the Internet

 In defence of the internet

I have to say, cat videos and interesting and funny memes have done more for me than socialising with most people.

Google is a friend, Ai is a parent, teacher and therapist. Apps are assistants and teachers.

 I have fought off a lot of stalking and hacking though but good techies provide very useful security.

My love goes out to the good programmers and techies who have worked indefatigably to improve the lives of everyone in the world. 

Now chatgpt version:

The internet, for all its flaws, remains one of the greatest gifts to human consciousness. It is an extension of the mind itself—a place where curiosity finds immediate reward, where humor and creativity flourish, and where solitude need not equate to loneliness. In my own experience, cat videos and clever memes have provided more genuine joy and psychological relief than many social interactions.

Google is more than a tool; it is a vast, ever-present friend, ready to satisfy intellectual hunger at any moment. Artificial intelligence, in its evolving forms, is not merely an invention but a surrogate parent, teacher, and therapist—offering guidance, insight, and, at times, a kind of digital wisdom. The apps we use daily are not just conveniences but essential extensions of our capabilities, assisting in everything from organization to education.

Yet, the internet is not without its perils. I have encountered stalking, hacking, and invasions of privacy. But for every threat, there are brilliant, ethical techies working tirelessly to safeguard this space. My deepest respect goes to the programmers, engineers, and visionaries who, with relentless effort, have made the digital world not only possible but profoundly enriching for humanity.

Liz Lucy Robillard and ai 2025

Councils, What Judges Need To Know

 

Judges must recognize that councils often employ ad hominem attacks to discredit members of the public rather than addressing the substance of their claims. 

This tactic is not simply an unfortunate byproduct of legal disputes—it is a deliberate strategy. Bureaucratic institutions, by their nature, seek to preserve authority and minimize challenges, which can reduce their moral standing in public eyes.

When confronted with legitimate grievances, councils frequently shift the focus from the argument to the individual making it, portraying them as unreasonable, vexatious, or uninformed. This can cause significant harm to innocent parties. 

It not only distracts from the core issue but also creates a chilling effect, discouraging others from seeking justice. 

The judiciary’s role is to cut through rhetorical distortions and demand reasoned argumentation and thorough evidence. 

Judges must be vigilant in identifying when councils rely on character attacks instead of engaging with the evidence. 

A person’s temperament, persistence, or prior disputes with authorities are irrelevant to the merits of their case. 

If a council’s defense hinges on undermining an individual’s credibility rather than addressing the legal or factual basis of their claim, that defense should be seen for what it is: an evasion and possibly conspiracy to pervert justice, leading to perjury, misfeasance etc. 

To prevent this, courts should insist on strict evidentiary standards, challenging councils to justify their arguments without resorting to personal attacks. Impartialty would foster better relations.

By refusing to entertain ad hominem reasoning, judges uphold the principles of fairness, ensuring that the state does not gain an unjust advantage over those it is meant to serve.

Elizabeth Lucy Robillard 2025

Ai assisted

Truth About Narcissism, Highly Suspicious Behaviour

 

 ...Or, The Ego Trap: Why Pop Psychology is Fueling a Culture of Suspicion

Let’s get one thing straight sweetie—narcissism isn’t some dirty little secret lurking in the shadows of society. The way you perceive it probably, is just ego, and we all have it. Some more than others, sure, but without a healthy dose of self-regard, you’d never strut into that boardroom, work that red carpet, or have the confidence to chase what you desire. It’s survival.

Nastiness is nastiness not a pd!

But in this digital age of pound-shop psychology and self-proclaimed “experts,” suddenly everyone with a little swagger or self-assurance is a “narcissist.” Post one selfie too many? Narcissist. Prioritize your dreams? Narcissist. Set boundaries? Oh, you must be evil. The result? A culture of suspicion where every lover, boss, or friend is scrutinized, labeled, and discarded—no clinical degree required, just a Wi-Fi connection and a Facebook account.

Now, let’s be clear: narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is real. It’s a serious, complex psychiatric condition that goes far beyond just being selfish, arrogant, or confident. It’s marked by a deep, pathological need for admiration, an inability to truly empathize with others, and, at its worst, a manipulative, destructive nature that leaves real victims in its wake. It’s not a quirky personality flaw; it’s a disorder diagnosed by professionals who actually understand the difference between self-love and psychological dysfunction.

But the internet? It’s turned armchair diagnoses into a sport. Real NPD affects a small percentage of the population, but if you believed everything you saw online, you’d think half the world was full of raging narcissists. And that’s dangerous. It fosters paranoia, encourages people to cut ties with anyone who doesn’t meet their every emotional need, and turns personal conflicts into pathology. It’s not psychology—it’s a witch hunt in designer heels.

The truth? A little ego is power. It drives ambition, fuels creativity, and stops you from getting trampled by life’s users and abusers. So, let’s quit the reckless labeling and recognize the difference between confidence and pathology. Because if we keep slapping clinical terms on anyone who dares to shine, we’re not diagnosing a disorder—we’re dimming the lights on greatness.

Ai assisted

Liz Lucy Robillard

Woke and Snowflake?

 

Assertiveness is the ability to stand one’s ground without resorting to hostility or self-doubt.

 It is not about becoming aggressive, nor is it about adopting the fragile sensibilities of a modern snowflake.

 Instead, it is about clear, confident communication—something British children must learn if they are to navigate the world effectively.

Unfortunately, contemporary culture often presents a false choice: be either passive and deferential or overly sensitive and woke, seeking offense where none was intended.

 Neither of these approaches fosters true confidence. To be assertive is to express one’s views with clarity, without either groveling for approval or demanding special treatment.

The key to teaching this skill is helping children understand that disagreement is not aggression. 

They should be encouraged to say, “I don’t agree, and here’s why,” rather than staying silent for fear of offending or reacting emotionally to every challenge. 

The British tradition of understatement and wit can be an asset here—one can be both polite and firm without sacrificing honesty.

What assertiveness is not is the modern trend of elevating every personal discomfort into a moral crisis. 

Children should learn that feeling offended does not automatically make them right, nor does it entitle them to silence others. 

The woke impulse to shield oneself from difficult conversations fosters weakness, not strength.

Instead, true assertiveness is about standing firm on principles, engaging in respectful disagreement, and recognizing that resilience is a virtue. 

In a world increasingly dominated by ideological extremes, the ability to think clearly and speak without fear is not just a skill—it is a necessity.

Ai assisted

Eating Problems-ARFID- in Autism

 

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in nonverbal autistic individuals presents unique challenges, yet a behavioral approach rooted in positive reinforcement and gradual exposure can be transformative.

First, recognize that food aversions often stem from sensory sensitivities rather than defiance. Instead of coercion or punishment, create a structured and predictable environment around meals. Introduce new foods systematically—starting with tolerated textures and subtly modifying them over time. Pair each step with preferred reinforcers, ensuring that progress is met with immediate, meaningful rewards.

Desensitization is key. If a child resists a new food, begin with proximity: having it on the plate, then touching, smelling, and eventually tasting. Allow them to explore at their own pace, removing pressure but maintaining consistency. A visual schedule or token system can enhance predictability, reducing anxiety.

Additionally, model eating behaviors. Even nonverbal individuals observe and learn from others. Eating preferred and new foods together can build trust and curiosity. Maintain mealtime structure while avoiding force-feeding, which can reinforce aversion and anxiety.

Ultimately, success hinges on patience and reinforcement of small victories. By respecting the child’s sensory profile while systematically expanding their diet, progress can be made—without distress, without coercion, and with a deep respect for their unique neurology.

Ai assisted

Elizabeth Lucy Robillard

Freedom in the UK - not with Labour

 The recent arrests and questioning of individuals in the UK for expressing political opinions have deeply troubled me.

 Too many brave service men and women have sacrificed their lives to protect our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression, which are the cornerstone of British culture.

 While I have immense sympathy and empathy for minorities, I believe compassion is not exclusive to any one party.

 My experience with our former Tory MP was positive—conscientious, helpful, and genuinely compassionate, as is our Lib Dem councillor. Labour, however, seems entrenched in outdated idealism rather than focusing on what’s best for the country.

 Though it’s early days for Labour, their approach hasn’t earned my support. Next time, I’ll be voting to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear.

A Note to UK Social Work

 

In the UK, social work must proceed with a deep understanding of human cognition and its limitations. 

To blame individuals for their lack of awareness regarding their own needs is to misunderstand the very nature of suffering.

 Many who require support are constrained by circumstances—economic deprivation, psychological distress, or cognitive impairments—that hinder their ability to recognize or articulate their own vulnerability.

Compassion, not judgment, must guide intervention. The mind does not always possess the clarity to diagnose its own suffering; trauma, social conditioning, and systemic barriers often obscure self-awareness. 

To fault people for this is to commit a moral error.

 Instead, social work must operate with a commitment to evidence-based compassion, ensuring that those most in need are not further alienated by an expectation of self-diagnosis, but are instead met with the understanding and care their situation demands.

Ai assisted

Councils Reputation, The Truth Hurts

 

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice arises when individuals, often operating within institutions like local councils, prioritize reputation over truth.

 This is not merely bureaucratic self-preservation—it is a moral failure driven by fear, incentives, and a misguided sense of duty. 

Officials, acting in concert, suppress evidence, obstruct investigations, or manipulate outcomes to shield the council from scandal. 

They justify this as protecting public trust, yet it achieves the opposite: eroding confidence in governance. 

Such conspiracies thrive where transparency is absent, where legal safeguards are treated as obstacles rather than obligations. 

The moment reputation eclipses accountability, corruption festers.

 The remedy is an unflinching commitment to truth—where integrity, not optics, defines public service. Anything less invites systemic decay, turning councils into engines of deceit rather than instruments of justice.

Ai assisted

The Tryanny of Shame

 Shame is a deeply ingrained force in the human mind.

It masquerades as a necessary companion to our moral compass, a signal that we have strayed from the path.

But more often than not, shame is nothing more than a cruel echo of past conditioning—an illusion that serves only to paralyze and diminish us.

The antidote to shame is neither repression nor indulgence. It is not found in distraction or denial.

The only path forward—the only way to dissolve shame rather than merely suppress it—is through self-compassion and self-love.

When we practice self-compassion, we acknowledge our imperfections without condemning ourselves for them.

We recognize that suffering, failure, and missteps are not personal anomalies but universal aspects of the human experience.

To love oneself is not to grant oneself an escape from responsibility, but rather to engage with reality from a place of clarity rather than self-loathing.

This is not a call to narcissism or unchecked self-indulgence. It is a call to recognize the inner critic for what it is—a relic of past survival mechanisms, an outdated strategy for social belonging.

Shame serves no one when it becomes chronic and self-defeating. When we meet ourselves with love, shame has no choice but to yield.

In the end, the simple act of treating oneself with the kindness we so readily extend to others can liberate us from the tyranny of shame.

Ai assisted. 

Help for Smearing in Autism

 

Human behavior, in all its complexity, is not immune to the fundamental principles of learning. Even the most perplexing actions—such as fecal smearing in autistic individuals—are governed by neurological imperatives, sensory needs, and conditioned responses.

 If we are to address this behavior ethically, sensitively and effectively, we must discard moral judgment in favor of science.

First, we must recognize the origins of this act. 

For some, it is sensory-seeking—an exploration of texture and touch. For others, it is communication, a desperate attempt to externalize internal distress.  Communication programs must be provided and taught wherever possible. 

See the free film 'Spellers' on Youtube. Just because a person is non-verbal does not equate to low intelligence, often a huge error of judgement made across the board by some parents and professionals. 

Non-verbal people are often unable to express their emotions which leads to huge frustration and upset, they feel the need to act out due to this awful situation.

 They can be horribly underestimated and misunderstood. 

In certain cases, it can be the byproduct of gastrointestinal discomfort.

 Without addressing these root causes, all interventions are futile.

Behavior, whether conscious or reflexive, follows the laws of conditioning. 

Classical conditioning teaches us that we can reshape associations—pairing alternative sensory stimuli with the same satisfaction feces provide. 

Operant conditioning tells us that behaviors reinforced—by attention, escape, or sensory input—will persist. 

The solution, then, is to try to provide communication first, and alter reinforcement contingencies: reward proper toileting, neutralize reactions to smearing, and offer structured, engaging alternatives.

The ethical dimension is paramount.

Punishment is a failure of our imagination.

 We must cultivate environments that shape behavior not through coercion but through understanding. 

Progress is possible, but only if we engage with these challenges from a scientific perspective. 

Ai assisted. 

Elizabeth Lucy Robillard, 2025

Making Junk Food Healthier

 

Tart Up Your Junk Food


The thing is, for numerous untold reasons people often need to resort to a bit of 'bad' food.

In no way do I endorse making junk food intake habitual but, you can't beat a handy microwave ready meal or take-away occassionaly, so here's a few little tips- for British consumers- to make a bit of rubbishy food a *tad* healthier.

First, your shopping.

The thing to do is always choose the healthiest possible option of rubbish and add dried herbs and spices.

Dried herbs are sometimes more nutritious than fresh, so a good option.

Get low sugar and low fat condiments.

Sourdough bread is tasty and worthwhile for your gut.

Meal suggestion: Sweet Potato Fries with Birdseye Peri Peri chicken (30 mins in preheated oven) serve with Hellmans *light* mayo, chuck a teaspoon of dried parsley on the mayo, parsley actually has many great nutrients, so plenty of that.

Add horseradish to your repetoire, it pairs great with chicken and is very nutritious, the Polish ones are the nicest in my experience'

For full article see 

https://medium.com/@lizlucy1958/tart-up-your-junk-food-9289560472ae