In our form of democracy, a first past the post system is used. In a general election, votes are held at constituency level with the person enjoying the most votes, of those placed and counted, getting the job of representing the people in Westminster. The reason given for using such an approach is that it … Continue reading First past the post
Cyber = resilience
It is just before 3 o’clock in the morning and the phone rings. Not your mobile, you’ve left that downstairs so that work doesn’t impinge too much into your home life. It’s the landline. This must be trouble. As your brain flights to engage, your thoughts turn to your children but the voice on the … Continue reading Cyber = resilience
Are food banks good?
I have been pondering over the question ‘Are food banks a sign of a successful society or rather and demonstration of a failing society?’ I am of two minds. Food banks are an increasing phenomenon. In 2017 there were nearly 1.2 million three-day food packs issued by the Trussell Trust, one of many such organisations … Continue reading Are food banks good?
Continuous blood
‘We are sorry’ said the text ‘but your session is running late.’ Great I thought as I was already parked up and walking into Morpeth Rugby Club to give blood. ‘Please allow 30 minutes extra for your donation today. Could you please still arrive at your appointment time’ the text continued helpfully. This was the … Continue reading Continuous blood
British Jobs
There has been a lot in the news recently about British Jobs for British people . It seems that there is a rising wave of so called nationalism and protectionism. It is easy politics and panders to the belief that somehow we need to look after our needs first. It is a seductive argument. It … Continue reading British Jobs
The wedding planner
I can talk about it now. The wedding that occupied so much of my time last year has come and gone. It has been a year. The months of planning and running around have stopped and the nightmares of impending doom and disaster are gradually fading. For some odd reason they happened even more after … Continue reading The wedding planner
Affordable ethics
A couple of things have made me think about ethics in business this morning. I was at Informal Friday in Morpeth when the conversation got round to affordable housing, an awful euphemism for low cost or cheap housing. All houses are affordable by someone, otherwise they would never be sold. The second time was a … Continue reading Affordable ethics
Beetles
If anyone landed from Mars over the last week or so, they would think that where I live has constant wall to wall sunshine and is populated not only with humans but with millions of little black beetles. A normal British summer is two sunny days and a thunderstorm but this year we are having … Continue reading Beetles
Cleaning out the garage
I don’t consider myself to be a hoarder, in fact quite the opposite. When I left my job at Durham I simply closed the lid of my laptop and walked away. Apart from some tidying of my electronic files there was nothing to take. My physical footprint was almost non-existent. I have had to reassess … Continue reading Cleaning out the garage
Types of money
I used to think money was a simple thing. You got it out of the bank and it either jangled in your pocket or sat snuggly in your wallet until it became time to spend it. Money had a value which could be swapped for whatever could take your fancy. Someone once said to me … Continue reading Types of money
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 