My Mom once told me that jealousy is a wasted emotion. It’s true, and it helped to open my eyes. That and show me another trait I’ve inherited from my Dad. In a similar vein I’ve always thought that having regrets is pointless. Instead, learning from our mistakes is better. To that end I’ve always mantained that I don’t have regrets. Now watch this video (via Chris Brogan): It made me think about all those things that we know we need to do, or should do, but just don’t. And how we eventually end up having regrets just because we didn’t... 

The Free Our Bills campaign from mySociety is today encouraging supporters to ask their MPs to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 2141. The campaign aims to get Parliament to publish bills in a much better way which will allow software developers to come up with new and innovative ways to present bills to the public and build tools around them. It’s another project from mySociety, a non-profit organisation, organised by volunteers who aim to “build websites that give people simple, tangible benefits in the civic and community aspects of their lives” and to “teach... 

Again, via InformationWeek I learn that T-Mobile is going to try and get new customers by enticing them in with the Motozine ZN5. The phone boasts a 5-Megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 350MB of internal memory, a built-in organiser, voice recording capabilities, MP3 player, FM radio, TV-out capabilities, standard headphone jack and a 2.4-inch display with capable of 240 x 320 resolution. It’s ONLY $99 with a two-year contract. Last year, Nokia brought out the Nokia N95 (which I own and enjoy). It has everything the ZN5 has, but it’s much better. For a start, it... 

Apple are going to lose out to Google and others in the battle for the mobile market unless they book their ideas up and give users what they want. Case in point: Opera. Via InformationWeek I’ve learnt that iPhone users will have to go without the Opera Mini and Opera Mobile browsers because Apple won’t allow them into the App Store. This is a great shame. I’ve heard good things about the Opera browsers and although I do love the iPhone browser I believe in giving users choice. Google, on the other hand, with the Android Marketplace, are allowing any applications... 

I’m British and as such have no say in the US presidential election. However, it’s an election that affects the entire world. To that end I decided to do something I did for our last general election: use a computer to decide my vote. Well, maybe not decide, but give an idea of who I’m most suited to. And here are the results: Who should you vote for? Barack Obama     60 John McCain -87     You expected: Barack Obama Your recommendation: Barack Obama  Read More →

It’s funny how you get that ‘feels like home’ feeling. Come Wednesday I’ll have lived (apart from a short stint from March to October of this year) in Lichfield for 3 years. Today, I’m back at my parents house where I lived for 20 years. The house I was very nearly born in. I feel incredibly comfortable here and I’ve only just really noticed it. I’m instantly more relaxed than I am back at my flat. Maybe I should work here every day. What is that? Is that some deep psychological instinct going on? I dunno, but I like it.  Read More →

Barely a day goes by where we don’t hear about climate change. But what nobody is really talking about is the economic impact. That’s why, for the second time, I’ve joined forces with Francis Irving to get people, business and Government motivated on climate change for the economy. It’s called Serious Change and I invite you to join us.  Read More →

One thing that really bugs me is tax avoidance. I used to think it was a great idea until one day, whilst having an inner groan at the constant lack of cash in public services I realised that avoiding tax is, in fact, incredibly unethical and irresponsible. Taxes, whether you like them or not, are there to pay for all those things society needs. They pay for our health service, the roads, street lights and so on. Just like as individuals we pay income tax, companies pay corporation tax - a tax on profits. Many corporations, including big household names, employ tax avoidance... 

Yesterday I sent off my application to be a Special Constable for Staffordshire Police. I’m really excited about it but have been worried about how much pressure there is with all the paperwork that’s required so I was pleased to hear about this pilot scheme that is under way in four forces, including Staffordshire. It allows officers to ‘use their own judgement’ more so that they don’t need to make so many arrests. It should hopefully free up a lot of time for officers. Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who’s recommendations in a report published in February... 

Just over a month ago I received an e-mail from IndexTools to let me know, as a customer, that the company was to be acquired by Yahoo. I’ve been a consistent user of IndexTools for a good few years now, having discovered the tool whilst evaluating analytics vendors for my previous company, so it was exciting news to me. I immediately contacted my clients to let them know that IndexTools would soon be completely free of charge! Low a behold, on Friday, another e-mail which says, So moving forward from here and upon your acceptance of the Yahoo! Master Terms & Conditions...