Image thanks to Martin's English I was born in England and that makes me English. I can’t help it, I had no choice. Somehow, this stroke of luck has left me imbued with the characteristics of an Englishman, you know, a sense of fair play, good at organising, stiff upper lip, a natural queuer. This … Continue reading Why I hate the English
The disappearing present
Image thanks to Glen Smyth - LinkedIn It's the birthday season in the Jackman household. March is an expensive month. Looking back, perhaps we should have planned things better but it’s a bit late now. When my children were younger, buying presents was much easier. Something big and plastic would usually do the trick and … Continue reading The disappearing present
What happened to the rule of law?
Image thanks to BBC I have avoided writing about Begum for obvious reasons but feel I can’t hold my tongue (or fingers) any longer. On the face of it her actions appear reprehensible yet I am in no position to make any judgement as all I have heard or read about her has been in … Continue reading What happened to the rule of law?
Abandoned engineering
Image thanks to Yesterday TV Have you ever watched Abandoned Engineering? If not then you are missing out if that is your sort of thing. Now in its fifth series, the Yesterday TV show takes us around the world to look at engineering projects that were once at the cutting edge of their purpose but … Continue reading Abandoned engineering
Confined creativity
It’s great being six again. Having grandchildren has opened up whole new dimensions in my life. I get the chance now to play, released from the seriousness of adulthood, with people who don’t judge my actions and are only too happy to play along and enter into the game. Duplo, has been a particular favourite … Continue reading Confined creativity
Learn Welsh
Image thanks to Cardiff University I have been fascinated by languages for a long time. I was going to say since I was very young but my passion really only started after I left school. I never understood the point of speaking another tongue when at school, everyone seemed to be speaking English and the … Continue reading Learn Welsh
A cross border alliance
Scotland Cyber Week has been and gone. Held every February, this year saw over 140 events take place across the country. By any stretch of the imagination this is a successful series of events and the ScotlandIS Cyber team should be congratulated. But what has this got to do with the work going on in … Continue reading A cross border alliance
Cheap energy
Image thanks to IGS Energy Climate change was not one of those things that occupied much of my time. Yes, I was concerned and believed that something had to be done but was relatively happy with the progress that mankind was making. That is until I read ‘This Changes Everything’ by Naomi Klein. Now I … Continue reading Cheap energy
Vaccine nationalism
Image thanks to NBC For once I almost agreed with Johnson, well sort of. It would be too good to be true otherwise. So what is it that we are nearly in agreement over? He has announced that surplus stock of Britain's coronavirus vaccine will be shared with the developing world. Very big of him … Continue reading Vaccine nationalism
Keep Mars tidy
Image thanks to Bloomberg NASA’s Mars 2020 has successfully landed on the red planet, delivering its payload of the rover Perseverance and the small robotic helicopter Ingenuity. What a fantastic achievement. I can’t begin to think about the mathematics and physics involved in delivering such an inch perfect expedition. It is a testament to humanity’s … Continue reading Keep Mars tidy
