Image of Vaddey Ratner It’s a crazy idea I know but I get them from time to time. I read a lot, getting through two or three books a week, sometimes more. At the time I was reading ‘The Call of the Toad’ by Gunter Grass, a German author when I wondered if it would … Continue reading Read the world
More Net Zero
Image thanks to IT-Daily I’ev been thinking about the effect of cyber security software on the environment. It seems an odd thing to think about perhaps yet it is amazing where a small question can take you. Thankfully, Durham University has been there to help me get my head around this topic, thanks to the … Continue reading More Net Zero
Cannulation
I’ve been undergoing some treatment in hospital over the last few months. It’s nothing too onerous yet I am required to have a cannula inserted every three weeks. Thankfully (and hopefully) the treatment is coming to its completion. Each time it has been a different nurse and each has their own way of approaching the … Continue reading Cannulation
What’s in a name?
Image thanks to Waterstones. Jackman isn’t a very common name although it can be quite common. There aren’t that many of us in the world yet the name derives from a servile position. Jackman is a boy's name of Old English origin and comes from an occupational surname meaning ‘servant of Jack’, see what I … Continue reading What’s in a name?
Finally
Image thanks to The Football Faithful I never believed that I would see it in my lifetime, yet Newcastle United have won some silverware! I was too young to remember the Fairs Cup win of 1969 and wasn’t even born in the great days of the FA Cup wins in the fifties. It has been … Continue reading Finally
Is it wrong to love Wagner?
Image thanks to MetOpera I know that Wagner has a checkered reputation. His association with Hitler as his allegedly favourite composer has cast a shadow over his work. I am not well enough studied to know whether Wagner’s antisemitism was true or not, deep or shallow, though I am aware of his complaints over the … Continue reading Is it wrong to love Wagner?
Trying to avoid Amazon
Image thanks to Allride I know it’s a bit pathetic but I have tried very hard not to buy from Amazon. I know my efforts will not make a difference to the inexorable creep of the company’s global influence yet I am reluctant to give up. If many people did the same then there would … Continue reading Trying to avoid Amazon
Back in an office
I have alway been one for working from wherever you can, indeed I was promoting hybrid working long before it became fashionable (see my books if you are not convinced). My mantra has long been that you should work where you can add the most value. Sometimes that is in amongst your team and sometimes … Continue reading Back in an office
Getting to those you don’t know
Sitting and talking to a young man who was working at one of the leading tech companies in the region was an eye-opener. It was at a CyberSips event and we got around to the subject of students. He had recently been one at Newcastle University. What made me think was when he said that … Continue reading Getting to those you don’t know
Love writing
I love writing. Whether it’s any good or not, the process of getting thoughts out of my head and into print gives me such pleasure. It is cathartic, restorative and helps me get my thoughts straight. It also helps by giving me a large amount of reference material to go back to when I need … Continue reading Love writing
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 