This is Northumberland calling 18.8.23
The Goodbye to Parky, hello to Denmark’s quiet revolution in youth gender care edition
Hello America! This is Northumberland Calling
First, one of Britian’s chat show hosts, Sir Michael Parkinson aka Parky has died aged 88. Tremendously popular, particularly during the 1970s, Parky interviewed just about everyone, but said that he would most likely be remembered for being attacked by a puppet emu. A life long cricket fan and very much a Yorkshire man, Parkinson will be missed. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/michael-parkinson-dies-dead-tv-broadcaster-host-mph6r2ww5 or https://archive.is/HpNcY
Denmark has had a quiet revolution in its treatment of children who suffer from gender dysphoria. They now greatly restrict puberty blockers. Interestingly they have been unable to replicate the famous Dutch study findings and note that no one else has either. https://segm.org/Denmark-sharply-restricts-youth-gender-transitions
The Edinburgh Festival has taken a distinctly 1984 vibe and really channelled its inner McCarthy. This week, outspoken critic of gender ideology, Graham Linehan had two venues cancel his sold out show (one at the beginning of the week and the back up couldn’t get the staff) and ended up performing outside the Scottish parliament. A theatre director had to publicly apologise for liking two innocuous tweets. This is the Times (Scottish edition) op-ed on the situation: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-times-view-on-cancel-culture-at-edinburgh-beyond-the-fringe-s2tfjlmsz or https://archive.is/Ys5TL
Has Scottish Labour begun to realise that women can vote and are not happy about the Scottish Gender Bill? The Labour Leader Anwar S has belatedly walked back his support of the bill. Slowly, slowly, slowly, Labour seems to be moving. Could be real. Could be smoke and mirrors. Politics is mostly smoke and mirrors. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scottish-labour-backs-off-snps-deeply-flawed-self-id-trans-law-ktjchvdg7 or https://archive.is/nPTtb
This gives some of the behind the scenes work with Starmer -- https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/13/keir-starmer-gender-politics-labour
The Cooked House pub incident appears to be channelling the Netflix series – Ozark. One of the digger company directors has done time for serious drug offences including smuggling. And the new owners unfortunately keep having unexplained fires. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/crooked-house-pub-destruction-linked-to-drug-smuggler-k8bh37239 or https://archive.is/Rj4tz
A major Russian spy ring was smashed earlier this year (just reported this week). Three Bulgarians who used a Great Yarmouth guest house as the safe house. Slightly downmarket. But there is a question on if there will a Bridge of Spies type exchange for the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/15/three-suspected-russia-spies-bulgaria-nationals-arrested-uk/ or https://archive.is/v93jQ
Dan Brown’s Da Vinic Code revisited. Why were the five Templar Knights buried in an obscure church and then forgotten about? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/15/enville-medieval-tombs-st-marys-church-knights-templar/ or https://archive.is/C2xd7
Jewels have vanished from the British Museum. They were kept in stores and a curator has been sacked. Did he do it? Or was it simply chaotic cataloguing? https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-museum-missing-jewels-artefacts-vnx6sps9g or https://archive.is/3QnTz
Some of the ‘priceless’ items were sold on ebay for as little as £40. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/17/stolen-british-museum-items-worth-50000-offered-ebay-40/ or https://archive.is/9GQ5c
England’s Lionesses will be playing in the World Cup final against Spain. The Queen of Spain and her daughter are going to support. But it is doubtful if Prince William will go. Pubs are being allowed to serve pints as the match is before noon. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/let-pubs-open-at-10am-for-the-world-cup-final-industry-urges-qx8q0tnf8 or https://archive.is/nckjw
Finally, my latest A Viking Heir to Bind Them is officially published this week. It is apparently out in North America retail, so if anyone spots it, I’d be grateful for a photo. For complicated and never fully explained reasons, the Powers that Be decided to offer it as an ebook only in the UK so I won’t get to take a shelfie as it were.
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The dog training continues. He is a very situation specific dog and not good at generalizing. It is going to take some time…but it will be worth it in the end.
Congratulations on your book release! I will look in the bookstores and send you a photo!
Hello Northumberland! This is America calling. More specifically, Ohio calling Michelle and friends. Such as it is. Me? I'm moving a little slow this morning.
But have noted that this is another great roundup of what's going on across the pond. You've posted a nice, wide variety of items this week. Never a dull moment. That destruction, by arson, of the pub is a real mystery. Sure, it could be coincidence that the digger used to destroy it was rented a couple days before the arson. And speaking of mysteries, I dunno what to think of the items missing from the British museum. Peter Higgs' son claims he's innocent. That he shouldn't have been fired. I donno. But things worth tens of thousands going for £40 on ebay? That's just disgusting.
I never heard-a Sir "Parky" before. TY for introducing him and the fine eulogy.
Denmark and Scottish Labour are two steps forward. But then canceling of Graham Linehan is a step backwards. But better than this side-a the pond, where it's all steps backwards, especially away from the science of child transitioning that article on Denmark presented. I just skimmed it, and hope to study it some more later.
I saw the headline about England playing in the World Cup! How fortunate for You all. I wish You great luck. (Tho, honestly, I hafta admit I don't follow soccer/football much.)
Last, but actually first: CONGRATULATIONS on Your new book coming out. You are a hero in my eyes.
All that to say... Friday's are always a pleasure with You around, Ma'am. TYTY.