Month: May 2018

Whistleblowers should expect and deserve privacy

No one wants to be a whistleblower, nor does anyone wish to be the target of a whistleblower either.

However, the function is a necessary and worthwhile safeguard to ensure compliance, especially where any business is and has to be secretive in what it is doing.

As the article says, the Barclays boss is very lucky to still be employed and also not sufficiently reprimanded to be blackballed from future banking roles, though one might think he is as close as he could be to that status.

Privacy for this function of whistleblowing is key and is enshrined in law in some countries. Long may that continue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44081942

Deadpool is just magnificent

This BBC post highlights just how well the Deadpool marketing machine works – and clearly that Ryan Reynolds not only has a lot of time on his hands, but uses that time to star in some “interesting” movies.
That said, I liked Green Lantern, RIPD and Blade: Trinity – so not so sure he has anything to apologise for…
Really looking forward to Deadpool 2 later this month, so well done BBC for more free Deadpool publicity.???

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-44079292

An intriguing side effect of Brexit – less accurate travel

Bet those who voted for Brexit never counted on the fact that our sat navs might prove less reliable.
GPS is the name for the US system, Galileo is the European one and GLONASS is the Russian one.
So, whilst we often mention GPS, that’s specifically the US system and may not always be the most accurate.
Galileo, at least for Europe, aims to improve that situation, but of course as its European, access to some of the advanced functions will no longer be available to the UK post-Brexit.
May’s “threat” to create her own satellite system, still needs a satellite delivery mechanism – which are owned primarily by – yes you guess it – the US, Europe and Russia.
Given the issues with Salisbury, Russia seems unlikely. Europe will of course want their pound of flesh for us exiting Europe, so that’s also unlikely.
That leaves the US, so that might work whilst 45 is in position, so May had better strike soon if at all.
Such fun.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44002900

iOS 11.4 looks like limiting law enforcement USB access

Based on the report below, it seems likely Apple are reinforcing user’s rights to privacy.
It’s a double edged sword of course, but I must admit I’d feel a lot safer with this limitation in place, not because of law enforcement, but because nefarious types won’t be able to use it either.
Any technology the good guys get to break security, eventually makes it into the wild, so better to engineer against that from the start.
Have a read.

iOS 11.4 security tool is Apple’s newest way to foil the Feds

Sorted some wedding photos today

So, I have just spent a few hours, well, it should have been less, but I messed up on something simple, getting a page of photos completed for a couple I know.
The link is here: http://www.rmpaterson.com/wedding.htm
Feel free to peruse but I’ve not linked it back to all the pages – yet.
Enjoy.

A lovely weekend in Salisbury

This weeekend is a joint birthday for my two best friends, Averil and Kerstin.

Unfortunately I was unable to see Kerstin due to family illness affecting her and her daughter, the Munchkin, but had a great time meeting Av, Row and friends including Helen who’s birthday was Star Wars day 🙂

Check out some photos I took with the phone below.

  1. A very pretty twisted willow
    The tarpaulin indicates the site of “the bench” where the Skripal’s were found slumped.

    Pigeon on roof at Salisbury

Privacy should apply to all

For any president or high official to do this sort of “dirty tricks” style investigation is not just bad but sad that they think it necessary

I do wonder with some topics just how much we are misled into believing their truth than what is really occurring

Where this president is concerned  nothing surprises me but equally it does distress me that they think this is acceptable.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/05/trump-team-hired-spy-firm-dirty-ops-iran-nuclear-deal

Gotta love Deadpool

Deadpool is just such a cool anti-hero.

Rude, risque and rebellious – he must have studied hard to get those three r’s.

Love the video’s end, the music is OK-ish, but his irreverence is what makes it work best.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44004297

Bike safety is key – check out this new helmet

As technology goes, some areas really need extra work, but I am so pleased to see this new bike helmet with some clever technology integration.

Lumos Smart Bike Helmet With Smart Gesture Turn Signal Support Now Available From Apple Retail Stores

The downside for some is that it will require you to have an Apple Watch, which in turn, currently, relies on you also having an iPhone.

However, if you have the requisites, this is a really neat gadget and will add to your safety.

Note that it is available in Europe, not just the US, so have fun.