North East Public Health SkunkWorks

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Long ramble: I have been mulling if I should comment on President Trump's inane comments about NATO involvement in Afghanistan. Although 35 years ago, during the US-led first Gulf War, I was lying, handcuffed & blindfolded - literally 'shoulder to shoulder' - with a US colleague on a concrete floor in an Iraqi interrogation bunker, I rather feel it should be the current generation who express any anger at the President's ludicrous, demonstrably false utterings. Which is why I earlier shared some posts from others. But perhaps I will reflect like this - I watched Trump's press conference in the wake of the terrible tragedy when a US helicopter collided with a civilian airliner last January in disbelief. 64 people lost their lives but it seemed to be about him - his expertise, his knowledge, what he thought had happened. Much of what he said was incorrect. So I realised back then that it was going to be pointless trying to analyse any upcoming word-salads. Everything is clearly about him; his expertise in every subject, his grasp of all situations. His need to say something, anything, to show he is the best, the cleverest, the smartest, the most knowledgeable kid on the block. The pub-bore, the braggart, the know-it-all, pontificates on anything and everything in the hope of bolstering their own, clearly very low, self-esteem. I wonder that, in the President's mind, that it doesn't matter if what he says is factually correct? I wonder if he knows, understands, even cares, what is true? He is saying some words, which in his mind, seems to suggest that he's important and people will admire him, laud him. The fact that everyone around him then applauds this character trait, thanking him for his 'leadership' at every turn, just amplifies his desire, his need to continue. He's got want he wants - in his mind - attention, praise, admiration. So to sum up, trying to analyse Trump's ramblings is like trying to play chess with a pigeon. Somewhat interesting at first, but ultimately, truly pointless and rather frustrating. To those he has hurt, insulted, vilified, I send you my deepest condolences for your loss, and gratitude for your service.

@BladeoftheS Nope.

Has anyone ever actually had a problem with a Trans person? Remember to reply if you haven't.

@forduk When can we expect a fix for the Kuga plug in hybrid problem? It's getting expensive running on petrol, and not having the plug in option anymore.

Covid-19 Day of Reflection brings communities together to commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic. bit.ly/4ks6F3o

In an era when @realDonaldTrump jokes about shooting journalists and @elonmusk denigrates “legacy media” I thought it worth pointing out that well-resourced, investigative, public-service journalism can still effect change. Thank you to the victims of Church abuse who trusted me to tell their stories.

Two businessmen and their companies have been fined over £1,000 for selling alcohol to children from the Nixon's Go Local shop in Chopwell and Lifestyle Express in Winlaton Mill. gateshead.gov.uk/article/31228/…

Air pollution and brain damage: what the science says nature.com/articles/d4158…

Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. We must remember that it did not start from gas chambers. This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder. Auschwitz took time.

Spot on. I have often wondered about the lost hours and productivity caused by millions of us stuck on the renting merry-go-round. The stress and admin involved in moving because the landlord wants to raise the rent or sell up. Insecurity for millions, profits for the few.

"Management is neither a science nor a profession. It's a practice. And the practice fundamentally doesn't change. What changes is the content of what you're dealing with. #video: youtu.be/K7My9mZUUVs #management #leadership

@seanlongstaff97 @NUFC Brilliant display by the team and loved your battling performance when you came on Sean. Just superb.

Great shift from the team! Ready for the second-half back at SJP 🏁

Did you see our latest #UKHSAVirusWatch? 📊 #Flu positivity has now reached high levels, while #RSV is decreasing and #COVID19 remains at baseline levels. Read the full report here: gov.uk/government/new…

The "forecasting paradox" - for a forecast to be useful, it's neither necessary nor sufficient that the forecast be correct: ft.com/content/ad6ba0…

Thank you for your incredible support this year and excited for what’s to come in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

Wait, that’s not it. It’s supposed to be: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” This is sheer nonsense. If you believe it, get out of management before you do more harm. Or else read on. #rebalancing #management #leadership mintzberg.org/blog/measure-i…

Every single tobacco control measure (point of sale display, smokefree public spaces, vending machine ban, increasing age of sale to 18, standard packaging, ban on menthol cigarettes) the tobacco industry shils trot out the line it would lead to an increase in illicit trade.

‘Public health should run through everything a council does’ lgcplus.com/services/healt…

@ADPHUK A video about regulatory capture. youtu.be/6rlun8XmMV4?si…

Consumer choice is influenced by industry lobbying, marketing & other tactics. To build a healthier society, we need to ⬇️levels of harmful consumption. To do this, we need to rethink how businesses are engaged in policy making where there are clear conflicts of interest.

Last month, @anthonygordon met @NUFC fan Ivy, who was diagnosed with hyper IGE syndrome. When Anthony scored his first #ThreeLions goal on Sunday, he stayed true to a promise he made to her ❤️🤸‍♂️

The Confidence Interval - taking away the takeaways for healthy neighbourhoods. In this episode, Dr @thomasburgoine shares how a toolkit he helped create creating healthy neighbourhoods can help people make healthy choices. Listen - buff.ly/3UGmhoE