I’ve written before how GDP is such an ineffective measure of how well we are doing. It hides such a multitude of sins and masks huge disparities in wealth within a country. Nations can seem to be doing well by a trick of statistics or the variety of industries that they are strong in. Also, … Continue reading Measuring the health of a nation
It’s over – for now
Well, that’s #CyberFest over for another year. What a festival it's been with its high points and distractions. It’s a cliche to say that each one is bigger and better than the one before and in many ways this year has been just that. We had 14 events over the month with nearly 50 hours … Continue reading It’s over – for now
Elections Bill 2021
If you have been keeping your eyes on parliament you will know that the Elections Bill 2021 is making its way into law. It’s not all bad, with some strengthening of the electoral commission, undue influence and finance. There is however the proposal that voters will be required to show an approved form of photographic … Continue reading Elections Bill 2021
Flexible flexible working
‘How about a meeting next week?’ ‘Monday’s no good, I only work Tuesday to Thursday.’ ‘Oh, I only work Mondays to Wednesdays and we need to include Sharon who only works Wednesdays to Fridays.’ ‘Wednesday it is then, how about 9:00?’ ‘Sorry I’m on the school run!’ And so it goes. When I first started … Continue reading Flexible flexible working
Filling in
When anyone asks me what skills I have, which is not very often, I admit to being stumped. I must have some, though I think they are more amorphous than something like being able to carve wood or play a musical instrument. Throughout #CyberFest, however, I have come to realise that I am reasonably skilled … Continue reading Filling in
UK energy company seeks funds to stay afloat
Image thanks to Your Money There is something wrong with the UK energy market. Wholesale prices of gas and electricity are rising leaving those companies which have many customers on fixed tariffs selling energy at a loss. Reserves of cash, just like reserves of gas, are running low and many companies are threatening the prospect … Continue reading UK energy company seeks funds to stay afloat
Twenty is plenty
Driving at twenty miles per hour can feel like a pain, but when you are in the middle of a housing estate with parents taking their children to school, a slower speed makes sense. Cars and children don’t mix. Yet for some people it seems an impossible ask. Despite warning signs on the estate where … Continue reading Twenty is plenty
Art and Cyber
People look at me as if I am odd when I talk to them about art and cyber security. They struggle to get their heads around the concept and will say something along the lines of ‘I know nothing about art’. There are, however, a few people that got it, thankfully. I guess my fascination … Continue reading Art and Cyber
Old age tax
Image thanks to The Independant Two lessons that I have learnt about tax and politics this week: You can never trust what politicians say about future taxation (not that I did anyway)It is stupid for politiocians to make any promises about tax rates in the future as they hold themselves hostage to fortune and it … Continue reading Old age tax
E-begging
Image thanks to The Chronicle I’ve always been in two minds when giving money to people who beg in the streets. I am aware that some of those I pass by are part of organised gangs, yet seeing two people asleep in a doorway in the centre of Newcastle in the middle of the day, … Continue reading E-begging
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 