The Haunted Balloon Lady
@colonelescargot.bsky.social
author and editor of educational stuff
deflated doomscroller
fuck brexit
fuck the fascists
#CovidIsAirborne #MaskUp #Climate #Environment #Politics #Books
deflated doomscroller
fuck brexit
fuck the fascists
#CovidIsAirborne #MaskUp #Climate #Environment #Politics #Books
Pinned
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
We must learn hard lessons @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
Today in public hearings for Module 9: Economic Response, we will hear evidence from witnesses including Permanent Secretary, Department for Business and Trade, Gareth Davies and Naomi Clayton from the Institute of Employment Studies.
December 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM
We must learn hard lessons @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
We must learn hard lessons @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
While aerosol and respiratory droplet transmission can be classified differently based on particle size & behaviour, they are closely related & often coexist. Understanding both is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for airborne respiratory diseases.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...
wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...
December 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
We must learn hard lessons @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
To protect people now and in the next pandemic, the UK should focus on core safeguards: correct use of high‑filtration face coverings in healthcare, crowded public settings, and during surges, clean indoor air, and access to trusted vaccine.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
CoVID is airborne, not because it's different from other viruses but because it is the same as other viruses that are exhaled by people with and without symptoms.
If CoVID can linger in the air for hours, and travel longer ranges than six feet, others can and will do so too.
If CoVID can linger in the air for hours, and travel longer ranges than six feet, others can and will do so too.
December 16, 2025 at 1:32 PM
CoVID is airborne, not because it's different from other viruses but because it is the same as other viruses that are exhaled by people with and without symptoms.
If CoVID can linger in the air for hours, and travel longer ranges than six feet, others can and will do so too.
If CoVID can linger in the air for hours, and travel longer ranges than six feet, others can and will do so too.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Horrific scenes from Sadiq Khan's Sharia law infested London 🎄
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Horrific scenes from Sadiq Khan's Sharia law infested London 🎄
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
This is what Presidential Leadership looks like at the time of an unfathomable American tragedy.
#BarackObama
#BarackObama
December 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
This is what Presidential Leadership looks like at the time of an unfathomable American tragedy.
#BarackObama
#BarackObama
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Just seen this, love it, and from where else but Bromley, the spiritual home of English Punk! Well played people, well played.
December 15, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Just seen this, love it, and from where else but Bromley, the spiritual home of English Punk! Well played people, well played.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Calling a dead man deranged while also referring to yourself in third person.
December 15, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Calling a dead man deranged while also referring to yourself in third person.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
"Trump Dances on Rob Reiner's Grave"
BREAKING: Trump Dances on Rob Reiner’s Grave
Even for President Donald Trump, this is sickening.
zeteo.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:03 PM
"Trump Dances on Rob Reiner's Grave"
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
While this is to be lauded, it always frustrates me that masking is *initiated* when levels are high. The best time to mask in hospitals is always; the second best time is when it is patently obvious that prevalence of flu / RSV / Covid is low but *increasing*.
www.derryjournal.com/health/face-...
www.derryjournal.com/health/face-...
Face masks return at hospitals and health hubs in Derry and the west amid flu and other viruses surge
The Western Trust has announced that all visitors, staff and patients are required to wear face masks at some hospital areas and other health care facilities for the first time since the pandemic, due...
www.derryjournal.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:19 PM
While this is to be lauded, it always frustrates me that masking is *initiated* when levels are high. The best time to mask in hospitals is always; the second best time is when it is patently obvious that prevalence of flu / RSV / Covid is low but *increasing*.
www.derryjournal.com/health/face-...
www.derryjournal.com/health/face-...
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
This is what a statesman and President writes
December 15, 2025 at 4:34 PM
This is what a statesman and President writes
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
I want every single solitary Republican in every elected office in every corner of this country to be asked about Donald Trump’s post about Rob Reiner.
They like to cloak themselves in religion…
Then read it to them.
Don’t let them say they “didn’t see it.”
Let them “defend” it.
They like to cloak themselves in religion…
Then read it to them.
Don’t let them say they “didn’t see it.”
Let them “defend” it.
December 15, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I want every single solitary Republican in every elected office in every corner of this country to be asked about Donald Trump’s post about Rob Reiner.
They like to cloak themselves in religion…
Then read it to them.
Don’t let them say they “didn’t see it.”
Let them “defend” it.
They like to cloak themselves in religion…
Then read it to them.
Don’t let them say they “didn’t see it.”
Let them “defend” it.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Rob Reiner had one of the most wide-ranging audiences of any American filmmaker. People rewatch his films with nostalgia and joy. They quote them with parents and pass them down to children.
Ignore the other one's commentary. It's like a black hole commenting on the sun.
Ignore the other one's commentary. It's like a black hole commenting on the sun.
December 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Rob Reiner had one of the most wide-ranging audiences of any American filmmaker. People rewatch his films with nostalgia and joy. They quote them with parents and pass them down to children.
Ignore the other one's commentary. It's like a black hole commenting on the sun.
Ignore the other one's commentary. It's like a black hole commenting on the sun.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Donald Trump is the worst human being to ever draw a miserable breath.
BREAKING: Donald Trump just issued a DESPICABLE statement following the death of Rob Reiner:
“Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away…due to the anger he caused others through his massive…TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME…”
“Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away…due to the anger he caused others through his massive…TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME…”
December 15, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Donald Trump is the worst human being to ever draw a miserable breath.
December 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
this is one of the most psychotic things Trump has ever posted
December 15, 2025 at 2:52 PM
this is one of the most psychotic things Trump has ever posted
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
No idea what telly Lord Sewell is watching, because I can't think of a single show with this plotline let alone it being something that is inescapable for young white men who subsequently now face a crisis of masculinity drawing them to the far right?? 🙃
December 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
No idea what telly Lord Sewell is watching, because I can't think of a single show with this plotline let alone it being something that is inescapable for young white men who subsequently now face a crisis of masculinity drawing them to the far right?? 🙃
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
This is vile and so so wrong. GB News is the TV version of X.
Extreme racism like this should not be platformed as ‘news.’
It is absolutely disgusting and another attempt to drag ‘debate’ to the right and destabilise our democracy.
Extreme racism like this should not be platformed as ‘news.’
It is absolutely disgusting and another attempt to drag ‘debate’ to the right and destabilise our democracy.
GB News now broadcasting calls to remove the ethnic minority MPs from parliament
December 3, 2025 at 7:53 PM
This is vile and so so wrong. GB News is the TV version of X.
Extreme racism like this should not be platformed as ‘news.’
It is absolutely disgusting and another attempt to drag ‘debate’ to the right and destabilise our democracy.
Extreme racism like this should not be platformed as ‘news.’
It is absolutely disgusting and another attempt to drag ‘debate’ to the right and destabilise our democracy.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
—I’ve been asked to baptise the King of Spain’s daughter
—Infanta?
—No, holy water as usual. Weird thing to ask honestly
—Infanta?
—No, holy water as usual. Weird thing to ask honestly
December 15, 2025 at 1:08 PM
—I’ve been asked to baptise the King of Spain’s daughter
—Infanta?
—No, holy water as usual. Weird thing to ask honestly
—Infanta?
—No, holy water as usual. Weird thing to ask honestly
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
And let's not forget that 17 is quite old enough to be one of what, in other contexts, Farage et al constantly refer to as "young men of fighting age"
Kruger says Reform intend to say no more about the testimonies about Nigel Farage's racist conduct as a teenager. I am not sure if Farage or Reform have said whether he denies the account of the 17 year old sixth former abusing a 10 year old by telling him to go back to Africa.
December 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
And let's not forget that 17 is quite old enough to be one of what, in other contexts, Farage et al constantly refer to as "young men of fighting age"
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
This is fucking grim. Somebody invented a white guy, an "IT professional" named Edward Crabtree, who stopped the Bondi shooting and spread it all over the internet, which was picked up by AI agents and slop aggregation sites.
The real hero is a fruit stand owner named Ahmed el Ahmed.
The real hero is a fruit stand owner named Ahmed el Ahmed.
December 14, 2025 at 8:02 PM
This is fucking grim. Somebody invented a white guy, an "IT professional" named Edward Crabtree, who stopped the Bondi shooting and spread it all over the internet, which was picked up by AI agents and slop aggregation sites.
The real hero is a fruit stand owner named Ahmed el Ahmed.
The real hero is a fruit stand owner named Ahmed el Ahmed.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
What's striking about Trump's lies, and those of his apologists, is that they're not even plausible. They don't try to be plausible. As others have noted, that's kind of the point. True authoritarian control and power is telling a blatant and obvious lie, and showing you can get away with it.
Q: Can you explain what's going on with the bandages on Trump's hand?
LEAVITT: We've given you an explanation. The president is literally constantly shaking hands.
LEAVITT: We've given you an explanation. The president is literally constantly shaking hands.
December 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
What's striking about Trump's lies, and those of his apologists, is that they're not even plausible. They don't try to be plausible. As others have noted, that's kind of the point. True authoritarian control and power is telling a blatant and obvious lie, and showing you can get away with it.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
UK members are second only to US & Brazil on here, and over 85% claim a v healthy interest in politics… Last week, the fact they, as a Govt, actively stated they were increasing presence on SM platforms, then ignored Blue Sky. It’s a bit weird.
December 14, 2025 at 5:19 PM
UK members are second only to US & Brazil on here, and over 85% claim a v healthy interest in politics… Last week, the fact they, as a Govt, actively stated they were increasing presence on SM platforms, then ignored Blue Sky. It’s a bit weird.
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Hospitals in England ‘face dangerous winter overcrowding due to discharge delays’
Hospitals in England ‘face dangerous winter overcrowding due to discharge delays’
Exclusive: Analysis of NHS data shows rise in patients ‘stranded’ in beds as flu crisis hits and resident doctors’ strikes loom
Hospitals in England face dangerous overcrowding this winter because even more patients than last year are “stranded” in a bed, according to an analysis of NHS figures.
The findings come as the health service struggles to cope with the early onset of its usual winter crisis driven by a crippling “flu-nami” and the NHS in England is bracing itself for a five-day strike by resident doctors starting on Wednesday.
The percentage of bed days used by patients whose discharge was delayed rose from 10.1% in 2024 to 11% this year, an increase of 9% or 19,000 bed days.
That rise was driven by an 8% year-on-year rise in the number of discharges, equivalent to about 3,800 patients a month.
The number of the NHS’s overall stock of about 100,000 general and acute beds occupied last winter by delayed discharge patients hit a peak of 14%, but it is likely to be even higher this winter. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Hospitals in England ‘face dangerous winter overcrowding due to discharge delays’
Reposted by The Haunted Balloon Lady
Sen. Jack Reed: "This is really outrageous. Mark Kelly is a veteran, he's fought in combat, he's an astronaut. And even was simply repeated what the law is. If a US senator can't do that, then this country is in profound difficulty."
December 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Sen. Jack Reed: "This is really outrageous. Mark Kelly is a veteran, he's fought in combat, he's an astronaut. And even was simply repeated what the law is. If a US senator can't do that, then this country is in profound difficulty."