I am prepared to accept that the family unit is under pressure. They are much smaller entities and much more dispersed than they were a century ago. Many of today’s social problems can, in part be attributed to their breakdown. Care for the elderly, social loneliness and the shortage of housing are amongst those that … Continue reading Freedom of movement
Defining a problem
Understanding the tech industry in the region is a new challenge for me. For various reasons, including out of personal interest, I have been grappling with this as a problem over the last few months. You would think that information about businesses, markets and turnover would be readily available. Perhaps it is but so far … Continue reading Defining a problem
We need Euogle
‘Don’t be evil.’ That’s what Google’s Corporate Code of Conduct used to say until it was amended recently. Apparently it now says ‘Do the right thing.’ Is there a difference? Perhaps. Being evil is a more profound statement which permeates through everything that someone could do. It has an almost religious quality. The new slogan … Continue reading We need Euogle
Tinder politics
I was amazed when watching a programme on television the other night about the algorithms that support online dating agencies, not with the complexity of the calculations but rather with the number of sites there are and the number of people using them. This is a big business. I am fortunate never have had the … Continue reading Tinder politics
Entrepreneurial opportunities
I’ve given a few lectures to students now. It is nice to be asked and I am always keen to oblige yet they can be a difficult audience, especially early in the morning. My latest attempt to enthuse the next generation was at Northumbria University where I gave a talk on ‘Entrepreneurial opportunities in the … Continue reading Entrepreneurial opportunities
Be a role model
Everyone has the role to be a role model. What a great quote. I heard it at the update of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership's Economic Plan. It was so good that I had to tweet it and unfortunately forget who said it. It’s an age thing. The point though is that we all … Continue reading Be a role model
Autocracy is bad
I get that autocracy is bad. Absolute power always leads to absolute corruption and someone can only gain absolute authority through some form of coup or acts of violence. Autocracy and democracy are clearly incompatible. I am also a long way away from Venezuela yet from my vantage point it looks like President Nicolás Maduro … Continue reading Autocracy is bad
Starting from the middle
One of the beauties of being semi-retired is that on some days I get to do what I want. This can mean going out for a coffee, reading a book, visiting somewhere interesting or even picking up a hobby. Some things are good when the weather is fine, I have even been known to do … Continue reading Starting from the middle
Why passwords are important
Passwords, ain’t you sick of them! They are so inconvenient. You have so many to remember and you are forced to change them at the most inopportune moment. They are getting longer and more sophisticated, with different characters and capital letters in the wrong place. Password1 is no longer enough. We all know that we … Continue reading Why passwords are important
When good is bad
One of my most read blogs is entitled Wolves are evil but Lions are good. It shows how humans have the ability to hold two opposing ideas in their heads at the same time. My argument is that both creatures occupy the same niche in their environment yet have come to stand at opposing ends … Continue reading When good is bad
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 