Scribbler Pen
@scribblerpen.bsky.social
Writer, editor, analyst. Disability employment rights advocate.
Trade union disability rep. Arts, science and languages nerd, internationalist, hiker, nature lover. Could really do without Long Covid
Trade union disability rep. Arts, science and languages nerd, internationalist, hiker, nature lover. Could really do without Long Covid
Pinned
Scribbler Pen
@scribblerpen.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Pack 4 for #Covid aware and #LongCovid
community to help us find each other and connect with researchers on Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/SFsSVSc
Additions welcome. If you're on it and don't wish to be, please let me know. Previous packs:
1. go.bsky.app/JvVAoFt
2. go.bsky.app/MjGuFEe
3. go.bsky.app/Q9FoCjK
community to help us find each other and connect with researchers on Bluesky.
go.bsky.app/SFsSVSc
Additions welcome. If you're on it and don't wish to be, please let me know. Previous packs:
1. go.bsky.app/JvVAoFt
2. go.bsky.app/MjGuFEe
3. go.bsky.app/Q9FoCjK
NUJ backs BBC journalists and calls for governance reform
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
NUJ backs BBC journalists and calls for governance reform
The NUJ has called for worker representation and independent appointments to the BBC board ahead of culture secretary Lisa Nandy's urgent statement to parliament today.
www.nuj.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:38 PM
NUJ backs BBC journalists and calls for governance reform
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
"In an internal memo from September, CEO Sam Altman said that OpenAI’s “audacious long-term goal is to build 250 gigawatts of capacity by 2033.” If Altman achieves this goal, OpenAI will need almost exactly as much electricity as India’s 1.5 billion people"
Great @truthdig.com piece on chips ->
Great @truthdig.com piece on chips ->
The Ecological Cost of AI Is Much Higher Than You Think - Truthdig
As the demands of AI grow, each generation of microchips requires more energy, minerals and water to produce, driving a ruinous cycle.
www.truthdig.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
"In an internal memo from September, CEO Sam Altman said that OpenAI’s “audacious long-term goal is to build 250 gigawatts of capacity by 2033.” If Altman achieves this goal, OpenAI will need almost exactly as much electricity as India’s 1.5 billion people"
Great @truthdig.com piece on chips ->
Great @truthdig.com piece on chips ->
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
@davidallengreen.bsky.social says Trump’s litigation letter against the BBC is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
davidallengreen.com/2025/11/a-cl...
davidallengreen.com/2025/11/a-cl...
A close look at Trump’s $1 billion claim against the BBC
11th November 2025 The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak * The headlines are eye-catching. Other, similar front pages are here. What is going on? And what…
davidallengreen.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
@davidallengreen.bsky.social says Trump’s litigation letter against the BBC is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
davidallengreen.com/2025/11/a-cl...
davidallengreen.com/2025/11/a-cl...
It's hard not to think that parts of the BBC are captured by people trying to undermine it, making it harder and harder to defend. The minimising of Covid, maximising exposure of fringe bigots, etc., etc. And yet we have to defend it — from the campaign to eliminate the UK's public broadcaster.
Turned on the BBC and Nigel Farage was delivering another speech. Does he now have a weekly slot? He was expressing concern that a betting tax would mean that children would no longer be able to put “tuppence” into a slot machine in seaside amusement arcades. Which I’m sure is a real thing.
November 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
It's hard not to think that parts of the BBC are captured by people trying to undermine it, making it harder and harder to defend. The minimising of Covid, maximising exposure of fringe bigots, etc., etc. And yet we have to defend it — from the campaign to eliminate the UK's public broadcaster.
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Survivors of abuse connected to Mohamed Al Fayed’s Harrods empire are discovering what “no one is above the law” really means | "Isabella"
When power is untouchable: the legal abyss facing Harrods survivors
Survivors of abuse connected to Mohamed Al Fayed’s Harrods empire are discovering what “no one is above the law” really means
sussexbylines.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Survivors of abuse connected to Mohamed Al Fayed’s Harrods empire are discovering what “no one is above the law” really means | "Isabella"
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
BYLINES NETWORK SPECIAL
For 30 years, survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed have been silenced, threatened and blocked from justice. Their voices must be heard.
Isabella reveals the barriers they face and the vital changes that need to happen.
Read it at sussexbylines.co.uk & bit.ly/LegalAbyss
For 30 years, survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed have been silenced, threatened and blocked from justice. Their voices must be heard.
Isabella reveals the barriers they face and the vital changes that need to happen.
Read it at sussexbylines.co.uk & bit.ly/LegalAbyss
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM
BYLINES NETWORK SPECIAL
For 30 years, survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed have been silenced, threatened and blocked from justice. Their voices must be heard.
Isabella reveals the barriers they face and the vital changes that need to happen.
Read it at sussexbylines.co.uk & bit.ly/LegalAbyss
For 30 years, survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed have been silenced, threatened and blocked from justice. Their voices must be heard.
Isabella reveals the barriers they face and the vital changes that need to happen.
Read it at sussexbylines.co.uk & bit.ly/LegalAbyss
A decent thing to do that needed to be done at this time.
This is what it looks like 👇
This is what it looks like 👇
I’ve written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage urging them to condemn Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
November 10, 2025 at 11:37 AM
A decent thing to do that needed to be done at this time.
This is what it looks like 👇
This is what it looks like 👇
Agree or disagree with the BBC, — and even with Ed Davey about Tim Davie, — this is what needs to be said 👇
And the person showing a backbone and defending our public broadcaster from ugly politicised attacks at this time should be the PM. Why isn't he?
And the person showing a backbone and defending our public broadcaster from ugly politicised attacks at this time should be the PM. Why isn't he?
I had my disagreements with the BBC under Tim Davie but he was a decent man doing a difficult job.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
November 10, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Agree or disagree with the BBC, — and even with Ed Davey about Tim Davie, — this is what needs to be said 👇
And the person showing a backbone and defending our public broadcaster from ugly politicised attacks at this time should be the PM. Why isn't he?
And the person showing a backbone and defending our public broadcaster from ugly politicised attacks at this time should be the PM. Why isn't he?
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
This is profound, if you read one thing today, make it this poem. The power of zero | Polina Sparks
Silence
The power of zero
northwestbylines.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This is profound, if you read one thing today, make it this poem. The power of zero | Polina Sparks
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Since the May elections Reform UK Ltd has lost (resigned, fired, left the party) 36 councillors at least.
At an average cost of £25,000 per by-election that means they have cost the country £900,000
What a waste of money, how many schoolmeals would that buy for hungry children?
At an average cost of £25,000 per by-election that means they have cost the country £900,000
What a waste of money, how many schoolmeals would that buy for hungry children?
November 8, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Since the May elections Reform UK Ltd has lost (resigned, fired, left the party) 36 councillors at least.
At an average cost of £25,000 per by-election that means they have cost the country £900,000
What a waste of money, how many schoolmeals would that buy for hungry children?
At an average cost of £25,000 per by-election that means they have cost the country £900,000
What a waste of money, how many schoolmeals would that buy for hungry children?
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Learn more about Anita's challenge here:
www.justgiving.com/page/chronic...
#JustGiving #Charity #Children #Walk #Disability #Awareness #LongCovid
www.justgiving.com/page/chronic...
#JustGiving #Charity #Children #Walk #Disability #Awareness #LongCovid
Chronicallyanita for Long Covid Kids
Help Anita Widdowson raise money to support Long Covid Kids
www.justgiving.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Learn more about Anita's challenge here:
www.justgiving.com/page/chronic...
#JustGiving #Charity #Children #Walk #Disability #Awareness #LongCovid
www.justgiving.com/page/chronic...
#JustGiving #Charity #Children #Walk #Disability #Awareness #LongCovid
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
"I want to get busy," she says. "I want to get out there.
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
November 3, 2025 at 10:41 AM
"I want to get busy," she says. "I want to get out there.
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
‘This large retrospective study shows moderate protective effect of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 vaccination against long COVID. The effect is stronger in adolescents, who have higher risk of long COVID, and wanes over time.’
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
November 3, 2025 at 9:09 PM
‘This large retrospective study shows moderate protective effect of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 vaccination against long COVID. The effect is stronger in adolescents, who have higher risk of long COVID, and wanes over time.’
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
More in the #LongCovid drug trial in the #US
Can a weight loss and diabetes drug treat long COVID? trib.al/AXcbBxG
Can a weight loss and diabetes drug treat long COVID?
New Scripps Research trial will explore the effects of Lilly’s GLP-1 drug on reducing the symptoms of the debilitating disease.
trib.al
October 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM
More in the #LongCovid drug trial in the #US
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
On our #LongCovid clinical trial launched today!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/30/w... @julialmv.bsky.social @scripps.edu
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/30/w... @julialmv.bsky.social @scripps.edu
We need more at-home clinical trials for Long COVID. Here’s how we designed the largest one yet. - The Sick Times
We are now recruiting for the Long COVID Treatment Trial-Tirzepatide (LoCITT-T), which participants can complete entirely from bed.
thesicktimes.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:05 PM
On our #LongCovid clinical trial launched today!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/30/w... @julialmv.bsky.social @scripps.edu
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/30/w... @julialmv.bsky.social @scripps.edu
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
The Long COVID Treatment Trial – Tirzepatide (LoCITT-T) is officially open for enrollment for people with Long COVID in:
Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah
longcovid.scripps.edu/locitt-t/?ut...
1/16
Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah
longcovid.scripps.edu/locitt-t/?ut...
1/16
LoCITT-T - Long COVID Treatment Trial
longcovid.scripps.edu
October 30, 2025 at 6:24 PM
The Long COVID Treatment Trial – Tirzepatide (LoCITT-T) is officially open for enrollment for people with Long COVID in:
Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah
longcovid.scripps.edu/locitt-t/?ut...
1/16
Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah
longcovid.scripps.edu/locitt-t/?ut...
1/16
Reminder 🎃 TODAY is the deadline to sign an open letter to the #WHO by clinicians, researchers and others calling for #N95/FFP3 masks to be mandated in #healthcare
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
@sunny-rae1.bsky.social @drclairetaylor.bsky.social
@gmhazardscentre.bsky.social
@cvcev.bsky.social
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
@sunny-rae1.bsky.social @drclairetaylor.bsky.social
@gmhazardscentre.bsky.social
@cvcev.bsky.social
A Call for the Universal Use of Respirators in Healthcare - Add Your Name
In an effort to advance global public health through turbulent times, a group of experts from around the globe in medicine, public health, law, industrial hygiene, and other disciplines, met at the Un...
docs.google.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Reminder 🎃 TODAY is the deadline to sign an open letter to the #WHO by clinicians, researchers and others calling for #N95/FFP3 masks to be mandated in #healthcare
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
@sunny-rae1.bsky.social @drclairetaylor.bsky.social
@gmhazardscentre.bsky.social
@cvcev.bsky.social
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
@sunny-rae1.bsky.social @drclairetaylor.bsky.social
@gmhazardscentre.bsky.social
@cvcev.bsky.social
Progress to see that early lived experience advice has now been adopted by the #NHS
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
October 31, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Latest @theguardian.com cartoon
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#Halloween #Budget #Budget2025 #RachelReeves
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#Halloween #Budget #Budget2025 #RachelReeves
October 30, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Was chatting to a friend in Australia about this. They have free vaccines, and very very low transmissions. It’s almost like it’s connected 🤔
October 31, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Was chatting to a friend in Australia about this. They have free vaccines, and very very low transmissions. It’s almost like it’s connected 🤔
We might as well try. Please sign ✍🏻 and share 🙏🏻
Make #Covid #vaccines universally accessible and free in the #UK.
www.change.org/p/make-covid...
Other European countries are doing this, but NHS workers, carers and the clinically vulnerable now struggle to access or afford it here, that's ridiculous.
Make #Covid #vaccines universally accessible and free in the #UK.
www.change.org/p/make-covid...
Other European countries are doing this, but NHS workers, carers and the clinically vulnerable now struggle to access or afford it here, that's ridiculous.
Sign the Petition
Make COVID vaccine universally available in the UK - free of charge.
www.change.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:28 AM
We might as well try. Please sign ✍🏻 and share 🙏🏻
Make #Covid #vaccines universally accessible and free in the #UK.
www.change.org/p/make-covid...
Other European countries are doing this, but NHS workers, carers and the clinically vulnerable now struggle to access or afford it here, that's ridiculous.
Make #Covid #vaccines universally accessible and free in the #UK.
www.change.org/p/make-covid...
Other European countries are doing this, but NHS workers, carers and the clinically vulnerable now struggle to access or afford it here, that's ridiculous.
Reposted by Scribbler Pen
Vaccines make a difference!
Please read, sign, and share, this petition to urge the UK government to overturn its policy regarding access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Make it universally available, free of charge, regardless of age - subject to our own medical history.
www.change.org/Make-Covid-V...
Please read, sign, and share, this petition to urge the UK government to overturn its policy regarding access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Make it universally available, free of charge, regardless of age - subject to our own medical history.
www.change.org/Make-Covid-V...
Sign the Petition
Make COVID vaccine universally available in the UK - free of charge.
www.change.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Vaccines make a difference!
Please read, sign, and share, this petition to urge the UK government to overturn its policy regarding access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Make it universally available, free of charge, regardless of age - subject to our own medical history.
www.change.org/Make-Covid-V...
Please read, sign, and share, this petition to urge the UK government to overturn its policy regarding access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Make it universally available, free of charge, regardless of age - subject to our own medical history.
www.change.org/Make-Covid-V...
The anti-vaxxer and Covid denial activist with no medical experience now in charge of the US agency meant to deal with pandemics.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
(Though we in the UK shouldn't throw stones #GlassHouses #LiveWithCovid #EverythingIsFine)
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
(Though we in the UK shouldn't throw stones #GlassHouses #LiveWithCovid #EverythingIsFine)
Meet the anti-vaccine activist who could lead the response to the next pandemic
Former firefighter John Knox's ties to RFK Jr. have landed him atop the agency that helped bring Covid-19 under control. People in the know are worried.
www.msnbc.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:35 AM
The anti-vaxxer and Covid denial activist with no medical experience now in charge of the US agency meant to deal with pandemics.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
(Though we in the UK shouldn't throw stones #GlassHouses #LiveWithCovid #EverythingIsFine)
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
(Though we in the UK shouldn't throw stones #GlassHouses #LiveWithCovid #EverythingIsFine)
"Research suggests pandemics lead to fascism and eugenics, so we should be cautious of retreating into ourselves when there’s ongoing collective harm"
#CovidIsAirborne
Minimizing COVID-19 is maximizing social harm
www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...
#CovidIsAirborne
Minimizing COVID-19 is maximizing social harm
www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...
Minimizing COVID-19 is maximizing social harm
Governments, in the interest of maintaining the status quo, seem to be misleading people and hoping for the best.
www.thespec.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:17 PM
"Research suggests pandemics lead to fascism and eugenics, so we should be cautious of retreating into ourselves when there’s ongoing collective harm"
#CovidIsAirborne
Minimizing COVID-19 is maximizing social harm
www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...
#CovidIsAirborne
Minimizing COVID-19 is maximizing social harm
www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...