I say to anyone who is interested that I am semi-retired. I’m not sure there is such a thing however. You are either retired or not, whether you draw a pension or not. In truth I still work, supposedly part-time and perhaps I use the semi-retirement phrase to explain why I am not working full … Continue reading Enough money to retire?
It’s not about the party
Waiting for the checkout to open at Morrisons, I let a man go in front of me. He had a small basket while I had a full trolley. It was 7:30 in the morning and I was still feeling in a good mood. For some reason he started talking to the assistant about how the … Continue reading It’s not about the party
Downtime
Image thanks to Information Age Many of us will be looking forward to some time off over the festive period. Many will still be working however. Over a million of us will be at work on 25 December though I note that many shops will be closed on Boxing day this year. The downtime will … Continue reading Downtime
The run up to Xmas
The few weeks before Xmas seem to be amongst the busiest of the year. I used to think that this was because everyone was trying to get everything sorted and clear their (virtual) desks before taking some well earned rest. I used to scratch my head wondering why people bothered when it would all start … Continue reading The run up to Xmas
Old Bexley and Sidcup Byelection
What have we learned from last week’s byelection in the constituency of Old Bexley and Sidcup in the south east of London? A few things. The seat was made vacant by the death of James Brokenshire from lung cancer at the age of 53. He first won the seat in 2010 and contested it a … Continue reading Old Bexley and Sidcup Byelection
Why we need public services
By the time you read this I hope the vast majority of people who were affected by storm Arwen have their lives back on track. You may be struggling with storm Barra. They seem to be coming thick and fast this winter. Apart from a few bushes blown down and some water in the garage, … Continue reading Why we need public services
All the initiatives
Last week I mentioned that I was in town three days in a row. Twice I met up with colleagues from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). I’ve already blogged about the meeting on the Wednesday and so this time it is about what happened on the Tuesday. Before I start though, it was good … Continue reading All the initiatives
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
Image thanks to Harrogate Informer Following the resignation of the previous Commissioner, there was a By-Election on Thursday 25 November 2021 for the position of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for the North Yorkshire Police area. You may remember that the previous occupant of the position Philip Allott, resigned after losing a vote of no … Continue reading Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
Neuron
Why would a sixty-one year old want to ride through town on a bright orange scooter? For two reasons, firstly to give it a go and secondly to see if it provides a good way of getting around Newcastle. Anyone who has been in Newcastle recently will have seen the Neuron scooters lined up at … Continue reading Neuron
Cyber Security Education Ecosystem
Image thanks to Acer Last week I was in town three days in a row, once, on the Thursday for the opening of Aspire’s amazing new premises on the Gateshead side of the Swing Bridge. The other two were to meet up with colleagues from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It wouldn't take Hercule … Continue reading Cyber Security Education Ecosystem
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 