Have you ever read the novel Alone in Berlin (Jeder stirbt für sich allein) by Hans Fallada? You should. It is based on the true story of working-class husband and wife Otto and Elise Hampel who, perhaps unwittingly, became part of the German Resistance. According to Wikopedia, Fallada's book was one of the first anti-Nazi … Continue reading Alone in the North East
Riding Big
Image thanks to CyclingUK.org Cycling and cyclists have been very much in the news last week following some changes in the highway code. Even though these changes have been in place since January of this year they have had little publicity and most people are unaware of them. With 30% of car drivers stating that … Continue reading Riding Big
A quiet week in politics
It’s been a relatively quiet week in Westminster politics, at least by recent standards. From my perspective the new Prime Minister is holding the Tory soap opera together much better than his predecessor though there is definitely dissension among the ranks. Only three things have struck me so far since last week. First is the … Continue reading A quiet week in politics
Peak Halloween
Yesterday I experienced something I have never experienced before. Peak Halloween. When I was a lad, All Hallows' Eve or All Saints' Eve was ‘celebrated’ after a fashion but nothing like it seems to be these days. I would beg my mam to buy a turnip to make a lantern which would lead to an … Continue reading Peak Halloween
A handmade tale
Even in the world of Postcrossing there are different spheres of interest. I have blogged at least once before about this fascinating project that encourages people to send postcards to others around the world. Since I started I send one a week, with the application selecting someone at random to be the lucky recipient. I … Continue reading A handmade tale
A long week
I know it’s a well worn cliche but here we are with our third Prime Minister in a handful of months in what has been the most extraordinarily turbulent time in British Politics. What was once seen globally as a steady and safe nation has been turned into a laughing stock. We have become the … Continue reading A long week
UKC3 2.0
This week sees the end of an era, if that is not too dramatic. Having been trading for just 18 months, UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) has been through the process of replacing some of its directors. The six of us have been together since long before that, working with the support of the Department … Continue reading UKC3 2.0
Circle of clusters
Image thanks to showandtellonline Is there a collective noun for clusters? I ask only because I was in Sheffield this week for the second face to face meeting of all the clusters who are part of UKC3, UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration. OK, ten of the thirteen were there but it was still a great meeting. … Continue reading Circle of clusters
Just stop!
This week we have seen another spate of protests mostly by Just Stop Oil, a coalition of groups working together to ensure that the government commits to ending all new licences and consents for the exploration, development and production of fossil fuels in the UK. It’s demands are clear: FOSSIL FUELS ARE KILLING US TOGETHER, … Continue reading Just stop!
As nature never intended
Image thanks to InteriorDesignMagazine It’s been a while since our garden had had a proper haircut. Last year we were still in the throes of COVID and finding someone to come and tidy up the garden was nigh on impossible. People would say yes to doing the work but would never turn up and in … Continue reading As nature never intended
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 