This is Northumberland Calling 30.12.23
The Betwixt and between edition
Hello America, (particularly Central Ohio), this is Northumberland calling
The Daily Mail reported (and it was picked up by other papers that 382 children under the age of 6 were referred in some fashion to GIDS with the youngest being 3. GIDS is not saying how many of these children had physical interventions but there is a move afoot to make a minimum of age 7 for referral. Sometimes news comes which shocks https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12902319/Dozens-5s-referred-controversial-NHS-transgender-service-officials-consider-introducing-minimum-age-referrals.html?ico=authors_pagination_mobile
A new paper from the Policy Exchange think tank looks at the impact women and girls suffer from males in sport. After all no one is born an elite athlete – one might have good genes, but there is a lot of training and hard work involved. Everyone starts as a amateur, doing fun sport and some progress to elite competition. If women and girls are turned off by unfair competition at the early stages, they will never make the elite. https://policyexchange.org.uk/publication/levelling-the-playing-field/
Apparently Southern Poverty Law Centre is trying to climb aboard the Trans Extremist gravy train (I suspect the carriages are quite crowded these days) Apparently the new enemy is Americans who understand that biology is real and counts. They produced a poorly researched paper and thus revealed the folly of groupthink and several of the other 7 deadly biases (possibly a failure of DEI hires as well, given some of the errors). No, the UK (or indeed any of the European) GC movement as such is not funded by right wing American Christians. One of the main initial drivers were Labour trade unionist feminists such as A Woman’s Place. Another driver was the Fair Play for Women which was comprised of women who played rugby and were genuinely concerned about physical safety for women in sports. https://quillette.com/2023/12/27/the-splcs-new-enemy/
One reason that I know 7 deadly biases is that I read Spies, Lies and Algorithms by Amy Zegart which examines the US Intelligence sector. It was a fascinating read, particularly how spytainment has influenced public perception and how few university courses are on Intelligence History – as Zegart puts it a college student is more likely to learn about the band U2 rather than the plan which inspired the band’s name. Zegart does cover some of the US intelligence failures and the reasons behind them (for example MacArthur and the Chinese Army going to support North Korea). Groupthink and assumptions can lead to terrible failures (see 7 October 2023 – actually on both side as the last thing Hamas wanted was a ground operation) This is a very detailed review of the book: https://www.clereviewofbooks.com/writing/amy-b-zegart-spies-lies-algorithms-review
Because it can be interesting to see what is being written for the UK audience about the US. This op ed from BBC journalist Justin Webb is about how the Democrats are rapidly dropping the Progressive label. He focuses on Fetterman and the fact that certain Progressive Democrats appear to be in trouble. Funnily enough Identity Politics is toxic. Who knew? The main driver for the realisation seems to be the Israeli- Hamas war, according to Webb. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/democrats-get-ready-to-ditch-the-progressives-zz5lj23ll or https://archive.is/l5eeK
The Princess of Wales is trying to highlight the importance of fathers in the crucial period of development (namely 0 to 5) She has started visiting fathers’ groups to see what support is available and what more can be done. Early childhood development is one of the Princess’s big causes. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/12/27/princess-wales-highlight-fathers-childrens-early-years/ or https://archive.is/iCtgZ
The weather outside is horrible and has resulted in Aberdeen being cut off, many trains being cancelled and general chaos. Best to stay inside and do a jigsaw if at all possible. My current one is the latest Terry Pratchett as it was a Christmas gift from my eldest – they are interesting puzzles based on the books. Some train companies are telling people to travel today as they might not be able to travel on NYE. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/28/new-years-eve-revellers-told-catch-train-friday/ or https://archive.is/6Iipq
If you are looking for an easy to watch programme about eccentric British runners – The Spine on Amazon Prime which details the mid January Montane Spine race which goes along the Pennine Way – competitors have a week to complete is worth a watch. It looks bonkers, but I am sure the people who do it have a good time.
Two articles about dementia because it can be a worry and my mother-in-law does suffer from it. The first implicates the common cause of ulcers Helicobacter pylori as a moderate but significant risk https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/common-stomach-bug-could-increase-alzheimers-risk-by-a-quarter-rfddj05wm or https://archive.is/l2rRU . And the second looks at the fact that Vitamin D appears to help prevent early onset (pre 65) dementia. The NHS recommends everyone over 4 take a Vitamin D supplement. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lack-of-vitamin-d-and-depression-raises-risk-of-dementia-s52ctc579 or https://archive.is/vvPGH
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May 2024 be filled with good things.
“382 children under the age of 6 were referred in some fashion to GIDS with the youngest being 3.”
How many years will it take before the general public looks at this as a form of Munchausen?
Hello Northumberland! Greetings! This is Central Ohio calling.
I'm ashamed that I ever gave the SPLC money. I finally stopped a couple years ago, when I saw which way the wind was blowing. They used to put out a pamphlet they used in schools called "Teaching Tolerance." Tolerance has gone by the wayside. Now all they're interested in is "social justice." <puke>
I read, with great interest, the review of "Spies, Lies, and Algorithms." Sounds like a fascinating book. Donno if/when I'll have time to read it tho. I'm such a slow reader. TY for passing that along, Michelle.
That was a very interesting article about the Dem party. It referenced the book "Where Have all the Democrats Gone" by Teixeira and Judis. I have that book on my list, but when? Interesting points made, but I wonder if the Woke Wing of the Dems can even be defeated?
And other great article on the Princess of Wales and fatherhood. Nice catch!
Very pretty puzzle. Sorry to "hear" about the weather and train difficulties tho. And *very* sorry to hear about Your mother-in-law. I've taken Vitamin D for a long time because it helps calcium absorbtion, and I used to have osteoporosis. (Now just osteopenia, fortunately.)
Likewise wishing You, Michelle, and everybody a great 2024. Despite it being an election year here, I'm hopeful.
TY, as always. I don't recall if I read any other news articles this week or not. I've cut back a lot, so doubly appreciate Your articles on all the interesting articles You've found for us. Again, have a Happy and Great New Year, Michelle.