You gotta accen-tchu-ate the positive…

I’m in trouble for my negativity. In a world which only wants radiators, apparently, I’m a drain. Eeyore. Bit of a rainy day. 
Which, I maintain, is a bit harsh (and let’s just put aside for the moment the exquisite irony of your upbeat nearest and dearest telling you just how negative you are.) In mitigation, a career spent commentating on the unremittingly parlous state of our health and social care system isn’t conducive to the maintenance of a sunny disposition. Still, however much the truth may hurt, let it not be said that I don’t listen.

Accordingly, welcome to 2020 and our all new Salix “Pollyanna” Insight – the news that takes an unfailingly positive attitude. Amid the plethora of natural disasters, political upheaval and a right royal carry-on so far this year, in the words of Johnny Mercer, we’ll endeavour to accen-tchu-ate the positive, eliminate the negative…

Best story of the year so far?
What good could possibly come out of the devastating fires that have swept across a parched Australia? Arguably, the best story of the year so far. ITN journo, Debi Edward,  was reporting on the toll the fires were taking on animals, in particular, Koalas. She was given one to hold – but told it was a “drop bear” – a particularly vicious sort of Koala. Accordingly, she filmed her report, holding the “dangerous marsupial” (which was nothing of the sort), in full protective gear. To the huge amusement of the Aussie crew of pranksters – and the world’s media. 

Healthy start to 2020?
Health-wise, 2020 opened with the worst NHS A&E performance figures on record. Nothing positive about that, surely? But, will it actually force the government to take a long hard look at the prevention agenda – and deliver on their promise to get to grips with social care? The good news is that there appear to be positive mutterings on this emanating from Downing Street.

Don’t believe the Daily Express’ downbeat assessment of Dry January – which claimed that 29% of people had “slipped” before the end of the first week – and 16 %had given up completely. The Pollyanna version says 71% stuck to their goal and 84% didn’t give up.
As for reports of 20,000 GP appointments missed each day. Some GPs, accentuating the positive, are secretly suggesting that it gives them a bit of time to catch up on paperwork.

What about Meghan and Harry? Britain’s loss, Canada’s gain. Simple.

So, what else can we look forward to with positivity in our hearts? Well, Love Island is back. And, The Masked Singer series will end soon – with every possibility of revealing a celebrity we’ve all heard of.
And, let’s not be downhearted about a new report saying young people’s career aspirations are not being met in reality. Disconnected: Career aspirations and jobs in the UK, suggests five times as many 17 and 18-year-olds in the UK want to work in art, culture, entertainment and sport as there are jobs available. Pollyanna suggests that, actually, we are now a society brimming with creativity who can think up even more creative TV entertainment. What we all need now is more reality and celeb-led shows for a start.

There. Don’t you feel better?

If this week’s Insight has lifted your spirits, please feel free to share your positive stories with us. If not, you’ll be the sort of person who’ll be pleased to learn that the Doomsay clock has just been moved 20 seconds closer to “total annihilation”. 

I’m in trouble for my negativity. In a world which only wants radiators, apparently, I’m a drain. Eeyore. Bit of a rainy day. 
Which, I maintain, is a bit harsh (and let’s just put aside for the moment the exquisite irony of your upbeat nearest and dearest telling you just how negative you are.) In mitigation, a career spent commentating on the unremittingly parlous state of our health and social care system isn’t conducive to the maintenance of a sunny disposition. Still, however much the truth may hurt, let it not be said that I don’t listen.

Accordingly, welcome to 2020 and our all new Salix “Pollyanna” Insight – the news that takes an unfailingly positive attitude. Amid the plethora of natural disasters, political upheaval and a right royal carry-on so far this year, in the words of Johnny Mercer, we’ll endeavour to accen-tchu-ate the positive, eliminate the negative…

Best story of the year so far?
What good could possibly come out of the devastating fires that have swept across a parched Australia? Arguably, the best story of the year so far. ITN journo, Debi Edward,  was reporting on the toll the fires were taking on animals, in particular, Koalas. She was given one to hold – but told it was a “drop bear” – a particularly vicious sort of Koala. Accordingly, she filmed her report, holding the “dangerous marsupial” (which was nothing of the sort), in full protective gear. To the huge amusement of the Aussie crew of pranksters – and the world’s media. 

Healthy start to 2020?
Health-wise, 2020 opened with the worst NHS A&E performance figures on record. Nothing positive about that, surely? But, will it actually force the government to take a long hard look at the prevention agenda – and deliver on their promise to get to grips with social care? The good news is that there appear to be positive mutterings on this emanating from Downing Street.

Don’t believe the Daily Express’ downbeat assessment of Dry January – which claimed that 29% of people had “slipped” before the end of the first week – and 16 %had given up completely. The Pollyanna version says 71% stuck to their goal and 84% didn’t give up.
As for reports of 20,000 GP appointments missed each day. Some GPs, accentuating the positive, are secretly suggesting that it gives them a bit of time to catch up on paperwork.

What about Meghan and Harry? Britain’s loss, Canada’s gain. Simple.

So, what else can we look forward to with positivity in our hearts? Well, Love Island is back. And, The Masked Singer series will end soon – with every possibility of revealing a celebrity we’ve all heard of.
And, let’s not be downhearted about a new report saying young people’s career aspirations are not being met in reality. Disconnected: Career aspirations and jobs in the UK, suggests five times as many 17 and 18-year-olds in the UK want to work in art, culture, entertainment and sport as there are jobs available. Pollyanna suggests that, actually, we are now a society brimming with creativity who can think up even more creative TV entertainment. What we all need now is more reality and celeb-led shows for a start.

There. Don’t you feel better?

If this week’s Insight has lifted your spirits, please feel free to share your positive stories with us. If not, you’ll be the sort of person who’ll be pleased to learn that the Doomsay clock has just been moved 20 seconds closer to “total annihilation”.