Ann
@agvbergin.net
Both newts and housing, please. Scientific technical editor. Personal account, views my own.
Pinned
Ann
@agvbergin.net
· Mar 5
"What children need to learn most is empathy for others, the capacity for nurturance, cooperation, and the maintenance of social ties, which cannot be done without the strength, respect, self-discipline, and self-reliance that comes through being cared for and caring."
George Lakoff, Moral Politics
George Lakoff, Moral Politics
Reposted by Ann
Kemi Badenoch is on Desert Island Discs next week?!?!?!
a drag queen with red hair is making a funny face with her mouth open
ALT: a drag queen with red hair is making a funny face with her mouth open
media.tenor.com
January 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Kemi Badenoch is on Desert Island Discs next week?!?!?!
I don't think there's a way out of where we are now for local government, given that we had austerity, without tax rises to fund it properly.
I especially think that a centre left government should not be looking towards philanthropic funding to patch the holes.
I especially think that a centre left government should not be looking towards philanthropic funding to patch the holes.
January 18, 2026 at 12:59 PM
I don't think there's a way out of where we are now for local government, given that we had austerity, without tax rises to fund it properly.
I especially think that a centre left government should not be looking towards philanthropic funding to patch the holes.
I especially think that a centre left government should not be looking towards philanthropic funding to patch the holes.
Not sure if this is part of current literature on work intensification, but had a thought the other day while in the bank that it's only those of us with use cases made into edges by digital processes who now go there in person.
January 18, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Not sure if this is part of current literature on work intensification, but had a thought the other day while in the bank that it's only those of us with use cases made into edges by digital processes who now go there in person.
Reposted by Ann
Our Deputy Director of Research @sarahscobie.bsky.social has shared her thoughts on the latest NHS performance stats, issued today.
Nuffield Trust response to the latest NHS performance stats
Sarah Scobie responds to the latest NHS performance data.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Our Deputy Director of Research @sarahscobie.bsky.social has shared her thoughts on the latest NHS performance stats, issued today.
Reposted by Ann
Hello please enjoy this nice fluffy empress moth drawing, & some WIPs for folks who like that kinda thing.
No particular reason, other than moths are the best.
Thank u, that is all.
No particular reason, other than moths are the best.
Thank u, that is all.
January 17, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Hello please enjoy this nice fluffy empress moth drawing, & some WIPs for folks who like that kinda thing.
No particular reason, other than moths are the best.
Thank u, that is all.
No particular reason, other than moths are the best.
Thank u, that is all.
Reposted by Ann
Trump’s tariffs and threats mean it’s make your mind up time. If we can’t rely on America and we don’t want to cozy up to China, the answer is to get serious about our strategic future with Europe. NATO needs this too - the reset must be real, and it must happen quickly for all our sakes.
January 17, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Trump’s tariffs and threats mean it’s make your mind up time. If we can’t rely on America and we don’t want to cozy up to China, the answer is to get serious about our strategic future with Europe. NATO needs this too - the reset must be real, and it must happen quickly for all our sakes.
Reposted by Ann
I can choose my bank, I can choose my online supermarket, I can pick where I buy books and clothes and watch TV. I cannot choose whether or not to interact with the state, it is not the same as going shopping.
"[The state] needs to feel more like your banking or shopping app. It’s in your hand. It’s easy to do.”
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Labour’s digital ID ‘will cut red tape and make modern life easier’
Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, says the voluntary app is a crucial step towards making the state fit for the 21st century
www.thetimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 3:51 PM
I can choose my bank, I can choose my online supermarket, I can pick where I buy books and clothes and watch TV. I cannot choose whether or not to interact with the state, it is not the same as going shopping.
Reposted by Ann
European Water Vole numbers have risen sharply across the East of England following a long-term programme to control American Mink, according to conservation organisations involved in the project:
Water vole population 'explosion' follows large-scale mink eradication
European Water Vole populations are increasing across large parts of the East of England following sustained control of non-native American Mink, making the region the only part of Britain currently showing a clear recovery for the endangered mammal.
bit.ly
January 17, 2026 at 7:16 AM
European Water Vole numbers have risen sharply across the East of England following a long-term programme to control American Mink, according to conservation organisations involved in the project:
Reposted by Ann
Get your iron level checked. Google iron deficiency and The Vajenda and an article with the recommended tests will come up. Low iron is common in perimenopause and it is a cause of RLS. And don’t accept a ferritin level of 25 as normal!
Restless Leg Syndrome. It showed up when I hit perimenopause. You have my sympathies. Sleepless nights are so frustrating.
January 16, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Get your iron level checked. Google iron deficiency and The Vajenda and an article with the recommended tests will come up. Low iron is common in perimenopause and it is a cause of RLS. And don’t accept a ferritin level of 25 as normal!
Reposted by Ann
I would like to once again emphasise that the ET entirely exonerated (and indeed went out of its way to say it was doing so) the trans woman who has been so publicly monstered in this case.
Still not seen the full judgment, but notably the ET dismissed the harassment claim against Rose Henderson, the trans woman in the Darlington Nurses case.
Yet another trans woman who has been publicly demonised after doing nothing wrong.
Yet another trans woman who has been publicly demonised after doing nothing wrong.
January 16, 2026 at 1:44 PM
I would like to once again emphasise that the ET entirely exonerated (and indeed went out of its way to say it was doing so) the trans woman who has been so publicly monstered in this case.
Reposted by Ann
The effective conclusion of the ET is that trans people have to use third spaces. I think based on very poor legal analysis and uncritical adoption of "gender critical" talking points. But as I say, not binding, and all the relevant issues hopefully to be decided shortly by the High Court.
January 16, 2026 at 1:38 PM
The effective conclusion of the ET is that trans people have to use third spaces. I think based on very poor legal analysis and uncritical adoption of "gender critical" talking points. But as I say, not binding, and all the relevant issues hopefully to be decided shortly by the High Court.
Reposted by Ann
I think all research should be 'question led' not 'data led'. And I get very frustrated with 'we have this dataset, what questions can we ask'.
I guess the problem comes from the funders, who provide funding for datasets, and employ people on those datasets, forcing them to be 'data led'.
I guess the problem comes from the funders, who provide funding for datasets, and employ people on those datasets, forcing them to be 'data led'.
January 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM
I think all research should be 'question led' not 'data led'. And I get very frustrated with 'we have this dataset, what questions can we ask'.
I guess the problem comes from the funders, who provide funding for datasets, and employ people on those datasets, forcing them to be 'data led'.
I guess the problem comes from the funders, who provide funding for datasets, and employ people on those datasets, forcing them to be 'data led'.
Reposted by Ann
New head of NICE delivering some unpalatable messages for ministers. If they want to use drug prices to support their industrial strategy they need to increase funding for the NHS and that requires tax rises or other expenditure cuts. The US trade deal isn't the triumph ministers suggest.
January 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM
New head of NICE delivering some unpalatable messages for ministers. If they want to use drug prices to support their industrial strategy they need to increase funding for the NHS and that requires tax rises or other expenditure cuts. The US trade deal isn't the triumph ministers suggest.
Reposted by Ann
Thought I’d do a mega hread on NPR, partly because I’ve seen some London based commentary that doesn’t really get the bigger picture quite right imho
January 15, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Thought I’d do a mega hread on NPR, partly because I’ve seen some London based commentary that doesn’t really get the bigger picture quite right imho
Very happy to send a pair of my Mum's trousers to the Rohan repair service this afternoon to get a zip replaced.
www.rohan.co.uk/repair-servi...
www.rohan.co.uk/repair-servi...
Rohan Garment Repair Service - Rohan
Rohan garments are designed to be durable, functional and suitable for any activity whether you are hiking, trekking or walking in the hills or countr...
www.rohan.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Very happy to send a pair of my Mum's trousers to the Rohan repair service this afternoon to get a zip replaced.
www.rohan.co.uk/repair-servi...
www.rohan.co.uk/repair-servi...
Reposted by Ann
Reposted by Ann
Possibily a weird question: when MPs change political party, do they keep their staff, election agent etc? Do they get turfed out of their Westminster office?
January 15, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Possibily a weird question: when MPs change political party, do they keep their staff, election agent etc? Do they get turfed out of their Westminster office?
Reposted by Ann
Fantastic to see this published at last
An objective assessment of the efficacy of home pulse oximeters on different skin tones
Ping @iwashyna.bsky.social
Open to comments from all #foamed #medsky
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
An objective assessment of the efficacy of home pulse oximeters on different skin tones
Ping @iwashyna.bsky.social
Open to comments from all #foamed #medsky
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
The impact of skin tone on performance of pulse oximeters used by NHS England COVID Oximetry {at}home scheme: measurement and diagnostic accuracy study
Objectives To assess the impact of skin tone on the measurement and diagnostic accuracy of five fingertip pulse oximeters used by patients in the NHS (National Health Service) England COVID Oximetry {...
www.bmj.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Fantastic to see this published at last
An objective assessment of the efficacy of home pulse oximeters on different skin tones
Ping @iwashyna.bsky.social
Open to comments from all #foamed #medsky
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
An objective assessment of the efficacy of home pulse oximeters on different skin tones
Ping @iwashyna.bsky.social
Open to comments from all #foamed #medsky
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Horrifying item on Look North right now where an app is being used instead of speech therapists. Honestly feels like an ad for the app ☹️
January 14, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Horrifying item on Look North right now where an app is being used instead of speech therapists. Honestly feels like an ad for the app ☹️
Really glad I wrote to my MP to object to the concept of earned settlement in addition to filling in the consultation. Would strongly recommend that if you share my view that you do this too, especially if you also have a Labour MP.
January 14, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Really glad I wrote to my MP to object to the concept of earned settlement in addition to filling in the consultation. Would strongly recommend that if you share my view that you do this too, especially if you also have a Labour MP.
Reposted by Ann
The government is consulting on their planned changes to settlement in the UK, known as “earned settlement”. We’re very concerned about the impact on our communities.
📚We’ve shared a guide to explain the questions, impacts, and how to respond.
The consultation closes 12 Feb 2026, share your voice!
📚We’ve shared a guide to explain the questions, impacts, and how to respond.
The consultation closes 12 Feb 2026, share your voice!
GMIAU guide to the earned settlement consultation - GMIAU
Our guide to the government's consultation on "Earned Settlement". The consultation closes on the 12th February 2026.
gmiau.org
January 14, 2026 at 2:36 PM
The government is consulting on their planned changes to settlement in the UK, known as “earned settlement”. We’re very concerned about the impact on our communities.
📚We’ve shared a guide to explain the questions, impacts, and how to respond.
The consultation closes 12 Feb 2026, share your voice!
📚We’ve shared a guide to explain the questions, impacts, and how to respond.
The consultation closes 12 Feb 2026, share your voice!
Reposted by Ann
The Northern Sawwhet Owl is cutest “Itty Bitty Murderer” ever! #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🦉
January 14, 2026 at 5:36 PM
The Northern Sawwhet Owl is cutest “Itty Bitty Murderer” ever! #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🦉
Reposted by Ann
In parallel to this the government should also invest in community spaces for under 16s, unless you want kids on Roblox all day instead.
Many Labour MPs back an Australian led ban on social media for under 16s.
The UK Government should give it full consideration.
The UK Government should give it full consideration.
Sensible safeguarding
January 14, 2026 at 10:08 AM
In parallel to this the government should also invest in community spaces for under 16s, unless you want kids on Roblox all day instead.
January 14, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by Ann
What time is it? Just past noon, wot. I'd normally be sittin' down to me post-luncheon snack now. Maple an' buttercup wafers, scones with honeymaple preserves an' meadowcream, with a nice pot o' motherwort tea.
January 14, 2026 at 2:45 PM
What time is it? Just past noon, wot. I'd normally be sittin' down to me post-luncheon snack now. Maple an' buttercup wafers, scones with honeymaple preserves an' meadowcream, with a nice pot o' motherwort tea.