This is Northumberland calling 25.8.23
The BDSM gear has no place in a children’s book and other things I thought were common sense edition
Hello America! This is Northumberland Calling
BDSM gear has no place in a picture book aimed at 2 -7 years used to be a commonly held view. The controversy over the children’s book Grandad’s Pride reached MSM in the UK when a couple from Hull pulled their four year from a nursery school over the book published by Andersen Press in the UK which shows ‘Grandad’ in BDSM gear, among other things. The nursery school staff said that children would consider it to be ‘dress up’ and it was only adults who would get the erotic nature. The couple who have served as marshals at Pride events where they do have ‘family friendly’ areas were dissatisfied and pulled their children. NB The US version has Grandad chastely kissing his partner and sporting tattoos and this was used to illustrate the story rather than the UK version where the couple are simply standing and watching the parade. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/21/pride-book-men-bondage-wear-shown-children-pre-school-hull/ or https://archive.is/IU0y8
The fallout from Lucy Letby, the Angel of Death who preyed on babies in a neonatal ward in Chester continues. Her murderous campaign appears to have been aided and abetted by senior NHS managers who were more interested in the subjective feelings and well being of the nurse as well as the reputation of the hospital rather than uncovering the truth. It was not until there was a change of CEO that the police were called in. In the meantime, the four consultant whistleblowers were forced to write a note of apology to the now convicted murderer for bullying her. There will be an inquiry and there are calls for NHS managers to be regulated like the doctors and nurses are. Often times failing managers transfer to other hospitals or are allowed to keep huge pension pots. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/08/22/lucy-letby-nhs-managers-grotesque-stupidity-and-cowardice/ or https://archive.is/0XH2F
Now the CEO who called in the police is suing for constructive dismissal, saying that she was undermined for doing the right thing. The Trust is defending the claim. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/24/susan-gilby-ceo-countess-chester-sues-over-lucy-letby-case/ or https://archive.is/UF5sH
Basically the papers have been dominated by the case and the sentencing was livestreamed. The victim impact statements are horrific. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lucy-letby-motive-victim-statement-court-gf7v8lwnj or https://archive.is/oxrL3
The police are now investigating the other 4k babies who passed through the neonatal unit when Letby was working there to see if any abuse can be detected. Letby kept copious coded notes which the police uncovered at her house. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/22/lucy-letby-made-notes-crimes-coded-system/ or https://archive.is/euBSd
Nigel Farage has pointed out that Allison Rose is in line for a huge payout after she resigned due to breaking client confidentiality. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/08/24/the-establishment-is-closing-ranks-to-protect-natwest/ or https://archive.is/hfzEp
The Graham Linehan cancellation row has continued with former leadership candidate for the SNP Katie Forbes backing Linehan. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-no-joke-being-a-comedian-in-cancel-culture-says-kate-forbes-b0tcjc8kn or https://archive.is/ykws9
The UK broad sheets decided that Vikek Ramaswamy won the GOP debate with Nikki Haley second. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/first-republican-presidential-debate-2023-primary-gop-donald-trump-5qmw9g5f9 or https://archive.is/IHwOh
It is Mary Queen of Stops 1 – Nike 0 . Nike has backtracked and will now offer replica goalkeeper shirts for the various countries including England after 150,000 fans of the England goalkeeper signed a petition asking them to reverse course. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tracey-crouch-mp-tables-motion-mary-earps-shirt-parliament-9vdxrchtv or https://archive.is/AlofV
An original EH Shepard Winnie the Pooh drawing will be auctioned after being discovered in a cellar. It is the one of Pooh and Piglet walking off into the sunset. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/original-sketch-by-winnie-the-pooh-illustrator-found-in-cellar-after-60-years-qqbh0g80g or https://archive.is/Mzj9q
Freddie Mercury’s memorabilia is on display before its auction, allowing fans a chance to view. The catalogue has become a bestseller. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/freddie-mercury-s-exquisite-clutter-to-go-on-sale-3v6lg0r95 or https://archive.is/VfzaS
My book A Viking Heir to Bind Them is out (ebook only in the UK – complicated and never fully explained reasons) but a friend sent a shelfie from Barnes and Noble for me.
Finally, in dog training news – my Springer now loves fetch. He is obsessed by his new ‘dummy’ . He also came back to the whistle at pup gun dog class. The difference is amazing. I nearly burst into tears when he rushed back, ears flapping in the wind, ignoring distractions and dogs. Moral of the story – persist with training as it does work
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Hey there Northumberland! This is Ohio calling.
TY Ma'am! Always like it.
BDSM gear? All I can add is it only figures.
And I had heard a little about the Lucy Letby case. But not near as much as from Your intrepid reporting. I still can't get over it. That the doctor's who pointed to the problem were chastised for hurting her feelings? <puke> Again, I can't get over it. I hope Susan Gilby wins her case and bankrupts the NHS.
Also, it's been a long time since I expressed my gratitude for You finding the archive copies of these articles You post. Can't tell You how much I appreciate that.
I also appreciate the phrase "kicked into the long grass." I have no doubt M. Farage is right when he says "he was the victim of an 'establishment stitch-up'." And, per usual, the guilty are rewarded with a lotta money. I agree that "Dame Alison and NatWest chairman Sir Howard Davies should lose their honours."
I was glad to see Kate Forbes, from the SNP no less, back Graham Linehan and his freedom to pursue his livelihood. But that is a quaint concept. That comedians should be allowed to perform, despite their sound views. Scotland is the pits, in general. M. Forbes is a breath of fresh air.
And I don't recall if I congratulated You on the dog training. If not, I'll do double now: Congrats! That's a milestone to remember.
Oh! I almost forgot. I've been following Vivek Ramaswamy, and don't know what to make of him just yet. Donno how he'll be able to best Trump, unless something happens. He's said he won't take a VP or Cabinet role, so he may turn out to be "one and done."
TY again, Michelle. Out for a short walk now.
The article states, “ Trustees of the nursery later confirmed to parents that the book had been removed from the nursery while it carried out a safety audit, but said it was widely available at bookstores and libraries, according to Hull Live.”
Being available at bookstores and public (I assume)libraries is very different than being read in preschool. My great nieces are in preschool in UK-I would be horrified if that was part of their curriculum.