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Image thanks to CheatSheet When the Queen died everyone said that this was not the time to talk about the role of the monarchy in the United Kingdom and, once again, during the preparations for the coronation a lot of people in the media said that this was not the time. The Metropolitan Police made … Continue reading When is the time?

How many times have I started a blog with the words ‘I have just finished a book’? Too many to remember yet I read one or two a week and as each one comes to an end I like to reflect on what I have learned. There is always something to pick up and I … Continue reading Quantum level

Image thanks to Small Boats Monthly Last week I was extolling the efforts of the Prime Minister with his work on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Finally it seems we can put to bed the prospect of this country deliberately setting out to break a signed treaty.  My euphoria didn't last long nor did Sunak's outbreak … Continue reading Boat spotting

Image thanks to Evening Standard This is a question that I have asked many times, indeed I have been asked it many times as well. I am from North Shields as it happens. It is often a good way of opening a conversation and I usually use the word hail rather than come. It sounds … Continue reading Where are you from?

What an amazing event! Last week saw us back at Newcastle United for an introduction to cyber security for 300 year 8 girls from ten schools across the region. This was part of Empower week, developed by the Sage Foundation and CyNam, the cyber security cluster around Cheltenham. CyberNorth was asked to get involved with … Continue reading Empower

I love to read. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you have read this blog before then you will know that I am a member of the Lit and Phil in Newcastle, the biggest private library in the UK, outside of London, of course. The writing process fascinates me and I like to … Continue reading Lonely Road

I’m in the middle of the book ‘I didn’t do the thing today’ by Madeleine Dore. It’s a kind of anti self-help book ‘on letting go of productivity guilt’, something that I clearly suffer from. My life is governed by my super-spreadsheet which is filled with tasks that define my days and weeks ahead. The … Continue reading Productivity guilt

I was supposed to be in London today at InfoSec but the rail strike has put a stop to that. In a way I am upset as I would like to have gone to the conference and feel that CyberNorth ought to have been there. On the other hand I am quite glad that I … Continue reading That strike

There is something odd going on in the UK. The Conservatives continue to tell us that the best way to create jobs is to have a low tax economy. They call it Singapore on Thames.  Yet wait on, UK unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 50 years, standing at 3.5%. Great I … Continue reading What’s up with the economy?

‘Tis the holiday season. One of the few real holy days of the year if you believe in such things. It is also a strange time of year. Not only do you get the need to enjoy yourself and a sense of faux camaraderie shoved in your face but you are bombarded with things you … Continue reading Seasonal distortion