Dominic Bird 🇺🇦

Professional cynic. Eternal optimist. Angry Bird. 48%

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

Hi @SteveMadeley78 and @AllisonPearson . This is probably why CCTV shouldn't be released. Worth reading the thread for information.

[Kevin Schofield @KevinASchofield]

A superb thread on why, if you really care about justice for Ann Widdecombe, you should keep your half-baked and ill informed theories to yourself

Cc @NadineDorries

[Steve Madeley @SteveMadeley78]

How about we all let police do their jobs, armed with more information than any of us have (or should have) and then judge them on the outcome they achieve?

[Refsupportuk @refsupportuk]

What a disgrace FIFA are for their decision to not ban Folarin Balogun after his red card.
This Totally undermines the integrity of this World Cup.
A Shameless organisation 😡

[Ian Dennis @Iandennisbbc]

Belgian FA investigating all potential options. Quite right to highlight the need “to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament.” What will FIFA do with next player to be sent off ??

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@LiamKeen_Star And the layoff / distribution. Classy.

[Rabble Cat @TheGraveside]

@MarinaPurkiss

[Paul Johnson @PJTheEconomist]

Brilliant from ⁦@matthewsyed⁩ A plea to get serious about what really matters. Surveying the lack of seriousness and the consequences for us all he concludes “it breaks my heart to see it”. Mine too.

https://t.co/zaOn09Kfc0

[Tom London @TomLondon6]

When I was young, the UK and Norway both started drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea

Thatcher WASTED the proceeds on privatisation and tax cuts for the rich

Norway put it into a National Wealth Fund to help generations of Norwegians

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@pix3lpro @DPJHodges The materiality of the question is different Dan, it's not comparing apples with apples.

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@BethRigby /\_/\

[T.e.a.7_ @toluarokodare]

It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences.

These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.

[Rt. Hon Ben Wallace @BenWallace70]

No Mr Farage you cant just turn up at sensitive military bases either in the UK or abroad. No MP can - no matter what Party you represent. We don’t do open days around the trident warhead or open house for the SAS either. @bbc @thetimes @Telegraph

[John Nichol ✈ @JohnNicholRAF]

Long ramble:
I have been mulling if I should comment on President Trump's inane comments about NATO involvement in Afghanistan. Although 35 years ago, during the US-led first Gulf War, I was lying, handcuffed & blindfolded - literally 'shoulder to shoulder' - with a US colleague on a concrete floor in an Iraqi interrogation bunker, I rather feel it should be the current generation who express any anger at the President's ludicrous, demonstrably false utterings. Which is why I earlier shared some posts from others.
But perhaps I will reflect like this - I watched Trump's press conference in the wake of the terrible tragedy when a US helicopter collided with a civilian airliner last January in disbelief. 64 people lost their lives but it seemed to be about him - his expertise, his knowledge, what he thought had happened. Much of what he said was incorrect.
So I realised back then that it was going to be pointless trying to analyse any upcoming word-salads. Everything is clearly about him; his expertise in every subject, his grasp of all situations. His need to say something, anything, to show he is the best, the cleverest, the smartest, the most knowledgeable kid on the block.
The pub-bore, the braggart, the know-it-all, pontificates on anything and everything in the hope of bolstering their own, clearly very low, self-esteem.
I wonder that, in the President's mind, that it doesn't matter if what he says is factually correct? I wonder if he knows, understands, even cares, what is true? He is saying some words, which in his mind, seems to suggest that he's important and people will admire him, laud him. The fact that everyone around him then applauds this character trait, thanking him for his 'leadership' at every turn, just amplifies his desire, his need to continue. He's got want he wants - in his mind - attention, praise, admiration.
So to sum up, trying to analyse Trump's ramblings is like trying to play chess with a pigeon. Somewhat interesting at first, but ultimately, truly pointless and rather frustrating.
To those he has hurt, insulted, vilified, I send you my deepest condolences for your loss, and gratitude for your service.

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@Gary_Starlorn @MichaelLCrick I said it would be higher, not that it doesn't exist. And because it exists, it doesn't mean there shouldn't be PEP rules.

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@patmurphybbc @5liveSport Will miss you hugely. Always enjoyed your commentary and analysis - challenging but fair, wonderfully phrased and worded and representing the Midlands wonderfully. All the best.

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@Wolves Our squad?

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@nedboulting Well deserved, but still a sad reflection on what has been lost. Like many things, we'll only know what we had when it's gone. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[Dominic Bird 🇺🇦 @birdman_73]

@BBCSteveR That's interesting, thank you Steve.