Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) is back & we are off to Oulton Park as a compo win!!!

 

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) continues to assert itself as the greatest domestic bike series in the world, and a producer of some of the sport's hottest properties.

The Bennetts BSB bikes average more than 180bhp and are capable of reaching 200mph. If you haven't witnessed the atmosphere first hand, the explosive acceleration off the line or the riders rubbing elbows at incredible speeds - then you really should!

Bennetts BSB has a huge following of fans who follow the championship around the UK, and that is a testament to the teams and riders who push themselves and their bikes to the limit, whilst never forgetting that they're racing to entertain the massive crowds at the circuits.

As a loyal Bennetts bike insurance customer & a massive compo hound: I'm Blessed to have won two general admission weekend tickets to Oulton Park, safety car lap, & a pit lane tour! Not bad eh! So matey Mikey & I are off "up North" next weekend. More details to follow soon 😀 👍

www.britishsuperbike.com

Apparently being Prez puts you above the law LOL!

Presidents could be immune from prosecution even if they assassinate a political rival or stage a coup, a lawyer acting for Donald Trump has claimed. 😂😂😂

The former president’s legal team are arguing at the Supreme Court today that he is immune from charges for allegedly seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election because it fell within the scope of his official acts.

Asked if a president could be shielded from prosecution if they ordered the killing of a rival they believed was corrupt, D. John Sauer answered: “That could well be an official act.”

When pressed on whether a president could order a military coup to remain in power, he said this would depend on the circumstances.

Some justices seemed inclined to agree that presidents were entitled to a degree of immunity. However, Samuel Alito, a conservative justice, said the argument that a president could legally order a Seal team to assassinate a rival was “implausible”.

www.telegraph.co.uk

Thy Kingdom Come 2024: 9th - 19th May

Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.

Since it began in May 2016,  God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions- so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.

It is our hope & prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and His love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow Him.

Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.

Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, we invite you to take part & join in.

“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby.

www.thykingdomcome.global

Windows 11 - Microsoft has finally found a way of making it even more rubbish!

A recent update sees Windows 11 now displays adverts via the Start menu for all users. The recent KB5036980 optional update enabled this function and features 'recommendations' that advertise apps listed in the Microsoft store. Though this update is optional for now, one may speculate that Microsoft could eventually make this a mandatory update. 

It also seems that the company has implemented this with little time to gather feedback from its Beta users. The developers initially implemented this change in its Windows 11 preview build 22635.3495 two weeks ago, which gives very little time to gather sufficient feedback from a limited set of Beta testers. Hence, one would question the company's haste in implementing this. 

Microsoft is ready to introduce updates and features via the highly anticipated Windows 11 24H2 build. However, decisions like introducing adverts would bring sour experiences and perspectives about the operating system. For now, this new feature can be disabled by turning off the 'Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more' option.

Microsoft claims it is displaying ads from a small set of curated developers, though that list would likely expand once it is set as a mandatory update. It also doesn't explain how it determines these recommendations- either based on the user's choice of activities and apps or based on different parameters. There's also the likely possibility that the team may reverse this decision in the future.

www.tomshardware.com

Why are PC manufacturers so keen on built in Artificial Intelligence?

 

While vast swathes of the computer industry remain hellbent on inflating the AI PC hype bubble, the response from some analysts and biz consumers is milder as they sit on the side to see how the first generation tech shapes up.

Gartner told us recently that it expects AI to this year generate revenue for the infrastructure kit makers - think servers, storage and so on - as they prepare for wider adoption of model training or generative AI applications.

As for on-device AI breathing new life into PC sales, a part of the market that has only recently emerged from a two-year slump, this isn't going to be a big driver. In fact, device spending is forecast to grow just 3.6 percent year on year in 2024.

Ranjit Atwal, Gartner research director focused on the impact of Gen on AI PCs, told The Register today: "If PC vendors insist on charging a premium for AI PCs without demonstrable benefits, then business will buy no-AI PCs or those with lower specs.

"Those buying [the PCs] have got to make a choice," he added.

www.theregister.com

How can I have assurance of my salvation?

How can you have assurance of salvation? Consider 1 John 5:11–13: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Who is it that has the Son? It is those who have believed in Him (John 1:12). If you have Jesus, you have life. Not temporary life, but eternal.

God wants us to have assurance of our salvation. We should not live our Christian lives wondering and worrying each day whether or not we are truly saved. That is why the Bible makes the plan of salvation so clear. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Have you repented? Do you believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins and rose again from the dead (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21)? Do you trust Him alone for salvation? If your answer to these questions is “yes,” you are saved! Assurance means freedom from doubt. By taking God’s Word to heart, you can have no doubt about the reality of your eternal salvation.

Want to know more about God's plan of salvation? Request a FREE Bible: if  you would like a free Bible for yourself or someone you know, please fill out the form on this link.

www.gotquestions.org

Spring updates to your office? Look no further!

 

Refreshing the office? Craft a workspace fit for all! 
Click here for our current deals

Embarking on an office refresh is not merely a visual upgrade; it’s a rejuvenation of the work environment. The tactile experience of a well-designed workspace stimulates productivity and fosters a positive mindset.

Implementing an office refresh does not need to break the bank. We prioritise great value, curating a quality range of budget-friendly products, without compromising on durability and style.

Whether you’re looking to do a complete office fit-out, or just looking to make small changes, our strategically chosen range of products provides all you need, from storage and versatile desk solutions through to ergonomically designed seating.

www.donline.co.uk

The Chosen: “I AM the resurrection and the life.” (Season 4 Scene)

 

Martha never doubted Jesus could work a miracle - even if that meant raising the dead. But she never expected Him to BE the miracle itself. Instead of saying, “Yes, I’ll bring your brother back to life,” He said, “I AM the resurrection and the life.” We’d call that a mic drop, but it’s more like dropping an entire mic factory.

Adapted from John chapter 11, this incredible moment from Season 4, Episode 7 sets the stage for not only the raising of Lazarus, but for Jesus coming out of His own grave…and on that note, happy Easter!

He is risen!

The Chosen Team

Happy Easter! Wildflowers & resurrection

As the snow of winter melts into the promise of spring, the world is filled with hope, renewal and new life.  Two events highlight the season: the blossoming of countless acres of wildflowers and the celebration of Easter.  As poppies, lupine, and daffodils push their way through barren soil, we are vividly reminded of the greatest moment in history - the resurrection of Jesus.

Joyous Easter Blessings to you & all who you hold dear. 

Alleluia, He Is Risen! He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!

www.thejohn1010project.com

World Backup Day: if you don't already backup your data - now is the time to start!

 

WHAT IS BACKUP? 

A backup is a second copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents and emails. Instead of storing it all in one place (like your computer), you keep another copy of everything somewhere safe.

ALRIGHT, I GET IT, BUT WHY SHOULD I BACKUP?

Losing your files is way more common than you’d think. Ever lost your phone, camera or tablet? That counts. Your stuff could have been saved with a backup. One small accident or failure could destroy all the important stuff you care about.

30% of people have never backed up

113 phones lost or stolen every minute

29% of disasters are caused by accident

1 in 10 computers infected with viruses each month

SO HOW DO I BACKUP?

Most people backup their files in one of two ways: to an external drive, or somewhere on the Internet (Backblaze).

Do you need a hand with getting backup sorted for your important data? Contact Donline. Do not wait till it's too late to backup!

www.worldbackupday.com

Good Friday Meditation

The Gospel of St John. Chapter 19:

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”

Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says,

“They divided my clothes among themselves,

    and for my clothing they cast lots.”

And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

The Burial of Jesus

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

The Passion of Jesus Christ, According to St John

Shroud of Turin: is this the face of Jesus?

 

Interest in the Shroud of Turin continues to be insatiable. As the Church remembers Christ’s death and resurrection this Easter, a world leading scholar in the study of the Shroud explains why he’s so confident this really is the burial cloth of Jesus

The Shroud of Turin is the most studied object in the world – and for good reason. If authentic, this linen cloth would constitute physical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. 

Not so fast comes the gut reaction from many Christians, concerned that such a theory skirts dangerously close to venerating a spurious relic. Besides, hasn’t the science concluded this is simply a medieval forgery?

But the truth is, there is little consensus on the Shroud’s authenticity. After thousands of hours of research, study and tests, opinion is still divided among both scholars and enthusiasts. 

And so the intriguing possibility remains open that as God raised Jesus from the dead, some form of energy – whether atomic, radioactive or other – was released from his body, leaving a miraculous imprint on this, his burial cloth. READ MORE...

www.premierchristianity.com

Scareware scam: Restoro and Reimage fined $26 million by FTC

Two firms have been fined $26 million by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for scaring consumers into believing their computers were infected by malware.

The FTC claimed that Restoro Cyprus Limited and Reimage Cyprus Limited, both based in Cyprus, operated a tech support scam since at least 2018 that "bilked tens of millions of dollars from consumers... using false and unsubstantiated claims about the performance and security of consumers' computers."

The companies, which have a common ownership, are thought to have been particularly successful at scamming older consumers with fake Microsoft Windows pop-ups. The pop-ups claimed computers were infected with viruses and urged users to "scan" their PCs "to avoid more damage."

www.bitdefender.com

Need to dispose of old computer kit securely?

Do you have an old PC, laptop or data storage media and want to get rid of it?
What to do? Take it to the dump?
Not a great idea: data thieves are out there!
You need to destroy the Hard Disk Drive.

If want the the security of hard drive destruction, but don't want the hassle: Donline offers a secure destruction service for all types of computer media c/w recycling of materials (where possible).

www.nbcnews.com

Chris & Denise Arthey are speaking at my club: IAM RSS

 

IAM RSS Club Night Special Event

Highway 35 - Meeting Disaster Head-on with Hope

Guest Speakers: Chris and Denise Arthey

Tuesday 9 April 2024 19:15 - 21:00 hr

Members and their guests are invited to join us for our regular club night at

Otterbourne Village Hall

Entry to the event is £2 on the door. Tea and coffee will be available for a small charge (cash only).

A Story of Triumph over Adversity

An inspirational story of courage, perseverance and hope.

We are pleased  to welcome Chris and Denise to tell their remarkable story.

In 2008 Chris and Denise were exploring Texas on a motorcycle when a crash instantly changed their lives. It resulted in them both losing their left leg above the knee, and they found themselves embarking on a long and painful road to recovery and a return to the vocations they love, endurance sports, marathons and biking. Chris rides a Can-Am Spyder 1000cc roadster and is currently doing his IAM RoadSmart Advanced Training.

Chris and Denise will be signing copies of their book Highway 35 which will be available to purchase on the night

www.iamroadsmartsolent.org.uk

A very short reading for today: a Blessing for you

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Read all of Romans 15 at Bible Gateway

Fr Calvin Robinson: The Church and the West are in decline, are we in need of another Reformation?

Fr Calvin Robinson writes: In previous articles, I have argued that the Reformation was a failure. I have heard others argue that it never really ended, in that the Church of England never truly settled on a doctrine and has been wayward ever since for that very reason.

On the one hand, Roman Catholics would generally argue that the Reformation was a mistake, whilst on the other hand, Protestants would argue that it had a net positive result.

Wherever you fall on the outcome of the 16th century Reformation - failure/success, detrimental/positive - it is probably safe to say the Church is always in need of reform. The Church Militant is made up of broken parts - you and I - and, therefore, is always in need of adjustment to ensure we remain on track. That is not to say the truth should be changed, but the Church should be reformed in order to guard and preserve the Truths of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture.

Professor Robert Tombs published an interesting article yesterday that suggested Western Society itself is in need of reform. Tombs is a fantastic historian - Professor Emeritus of French History at the University of Cambridge - and I tend to agree with his assessment. However, he has not outlined the reason why the West is on the brink of collapse and in need of reformation, and that is because the West - formerly called Christendom - abandoned its core values. A house without a foundation cannot stand, and Christ is/was the cornerstone of civilisation. Without him, we are lost, and society itself ceases to function in an orderly fashion. We grasp at abstract values and ideas to replace what has always been known to be true. The objective becomes subjective, and everything begins to fall apart as the structure of our way of life crumbles around fallen individuals instead of being held up by a divine person. This is not a political problem but a spiritual one.

When Christendom became ‘the West,’ it became secularised. The West has lost faith in Christ. If we, as Christians, believe Christianity to be true and Jesus Christ to be the only way to Salvation, surely, we have a duty to return Christ to Christendom. Read more...

www.calvinrobinson.substack.com

Riding season is approaching! Top tips for getting back to riding

 

Winter may have come and gone, the sun is shining and the roads are dry so it's about time for the less-hardy 'all-weather' riders to bring their motorcycles out of hibernation. Plenty have been washed but not ridden. Some have been bought or sold while others haven't had their insurance renewed, but before the keys are grabbed please do cast your eye over the below to ensure you and your machine are prepped for the road…

Pre-ride motorbike checklist: The best way to check your bike over is to thoroughly clean it as you’ll get up-close and be more likely to spot any problems. It’s also worth using a variation of the police pre-ride check-list – P.O.W.D.E.R.S. – ideally every time you go out…

Petrol - It’s a bonus if there’s some in the tank.

Oil - It should be at the correct level. For everything you need to know about oil, click below.

Water - Check the level, hoses and fasteners. Find out more about coolant below.

Drivetrain - If your bike has a chain, check its tension and also that it’s well lubricated. You don’t want to spray it then ride straight off, so do this the night before. Find out more about adjusting your chain below.

Electrics - Make sure all the lights and horn work, and that the instrument cluster operates correctly with all warning lights going off when the engine’s running.

Rubber - Make sure the tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread; the minimum is 1mm but you’ll want more than that really. Check the pressures too. For everything you need to know about tyres, click below.

Stopping - Check your brakes; that doesn’t just mean a quick squeeze of the lever – examine the discs and pads to make sure there’s plenty of wear left in them and also make certain there are no leaks in the brake pipes. Check the fork seals too, which could be dribbling oil onto the discs. If the bike was damp when it was laid up, it’s possible the pads could have bound onto the discs a little – they should free straight off but make sure the pistons in the calipers are returning and be extra-careful for the first few miles as the corrosion is scrubbed off the discs; the brakes could be a bit grabby for a while. For more about servicing brakes, click below. 

www.bennetts.co.uk

Amazon lobbyists banned from European Parliament

The European Parliament has revoked the access badges of Amazon lobbyists, preventing easy access to its buildings, after the firm failed to attend multiple meetings about the labour conditions of warehouse workers.

The Parliament’s secretary general withdrew Amazon’s 14 entry badges following a formal request by members of the employment and social affairs (EPML) committee, who say the company has repeatedly refused to engage with them to address concerns about labour rights and working conditions.

As a result, no Amazon lobbyists will be issued with any new access badges until further notice. Amazon has confirmed that while its lobbyists will still be able to access European Parliament buildings, they will now have to be signed in like any other visitor.

www.computerweekly.com

It's the law! Actually it isn't: just AI hallucinating!

The cases would have provided compelling precedent for a divorced dad to take his children to China — had they been real. But instead of savouring courtroom victory, the Vancouver lawyer for a millionaire embroiled in an acrimonious split has been told to personally compensate her client's ex-wife's lawyers for the time it took them to learn the cases she hoped to cite were conjured up by ChatGPT.

In a decision released Monday, a B.C. Supreme Court judge reprimanded lawyer Chong Ke for including two AI "hallucinations" in an application filed last December.

The cases never made it into Ke's arguments; they were withdrawn once she learned they were non-existent.

Justice David Masuhara said he didn't think the lawyer intended to deceive the court - but he was troubled all the same.

"As this case has unfortunately made clear, generative AI is still no substitute for the professional expertise that the justice system requires of lawyers," Masuhara wrote in a "final comment" appended to his ruling.

"Competence in the selection and use of any technology tools, including those powered by AI, is critical."

www.cbc.ca

Worshippers to tell Easter story on streets of Havant

A 30-strong cast will dramatise the story of Jesus’s final days on Earth, including his trial, death and resurrection, on a stage set up in the town centre. They’ve been drawn from churches of all denominations from around Havant and Leigh Park.

They’ll attract shoppers and passers-by to stop and watch their 30-minute performance, which will be staged three times on March 30 and once on Easter Sunday 2024. It’s designed to help them understand more about why Jesus died and rose again and what difference it can make to their lives.

It’s the fourth such play that the Havant Passion Play group has staged, after previous performances in Havant Park in 2015, 2017 and 2019. It’s also the fourth play directed by James Burke-Dunsmore, who portrayed Jesus for years in The Life of Christ in Wintershall, near Guildford, and in Trafalgar Square each Good Friday. He has led rehearsals in which cast members are encouraged to think about the emotions felt by their characters as they react to Jesus's words and actions.

UPDATE: Here are the photos that I took of the live production on Saturday 30th March 2024. It was a lovely day, the weather was fine, and the actors delivered a wonderful performance - Kim & I were very moved. I've added some captions, sort of in the style of Stations of the Cross. 

www.portsmouth.anglican.org

Motorcyclists: no more chrome plating for you! Or anyone else for that matter!

 

Starting in 2024 the EU is pushing through a bill that will effectively ban the process of hexavalent chrome plating on any new vehicles.

And it’s not just the EU, because the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is also looking to prevent the process from 2027 onwards. The move, in both cases, is being driven by health and environmental concerns, with hexavalent plating thought to produce around 500 times more toxic pollutants than those from diesel engines.

Specifically, hexavalent chrome plating can be linked to lung and nose cancer, while also posing a risk to the liver and reproductive system of the operator performing the procedure. Of course, these risks can be mitigated by proper safety precautions, but they can’t be totally ignored. To the wider world, the byproducts of chrome plating can, if not treated and handled with care, be just as dangerous to the environment, with wastewater being hazardous to flora and fauna if not properly treated at the plating works. Read more...

www.visordown.com

Underwater cables in Red Sea damaged months after Houthis threatened to do just that

Undersea data cables in the Red Sea have reportedly been damaged, months after Yemeni Houthi rebels threatened to do so.

At least 15 submarine cables pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, a body of water just 26km wide at some points. Yemen is the Strait’s northern shore.

The first reports of damage to submarine cables off the coast of Yemen began emerged on Monday morning, with Israeli news outlet Globes claiming that four cables (EIG, AAE-1, Seacom and TGN-EA) had experienced damage. Seacom has reportedly confirmed damage to a cable it operates on a stretch between Kenya and Egypt.

"The location of the cable break is significant due to its geopolitical sensitivity and ongoing tensions, making it a challenging environment for maintenance and repair operations," Seacom said. "The team is currently working towards restoration timelines and will communicate these plans with our clients."

Meanwhile in other news: The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is planning to power Britain using solar farms thousands of miles away in the Sahara. It is moving a step closer to fruition as its backers prepare to commission the world’s biggest cable-laying ship. The 700ft vessel will lay four parallel cables linking solar and wind farms spread across the desert in Morocco with a substation in Alverdiscott, a tiny village near the coast of north Devon. What could possibly go wrong?...

www.theregister.com

Thought for the day: following the Way of Jesus

Almighty God,

by the prayer and discipline of Lent

may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,

and by following in His Way

come to share in His Glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Avast shells out $17M to shoo away claims it peddled people's personal data

 

Avast has agreed to cough up $16.5 million after the US Federal Trade Commission accused the antivirus vendor of selling customer information to third parties.

The US regulator filed [PDF] a lengthy complaint against Avast regarding its use and alleged misuse of customer data. The security shop collected people's info through its browser extensions and antivirus software, stored it indefinitely, failed to properly anonymize it, and sold it to "more than 100 third parties" – including "advertising, marketing and data analytics companies and data brokers," the FTC alleged.

"While the FTC's privacy lawsuits routinely take on firms that misrepresent their data practices, Avast's decision to expressly market its products as safeguarding people's browsing records and protecting data from tracking only to then sell those records is especially galling," FTC chair Lina Khan declared in a statement [PDF] earlier today.

Avast apparently sold the data through a subsidiary, Jumpshot, that it purchased in 2014 and set up as an analytics firm. According to the FTC's allegations it sold browsing information collected by its parent from 2014 until Avast grounded the biz in 2020 when allegations of customer data sales emerged.

www.theregister.com

Gig: Think Floyd. Mayflower Mast Southampton, 22 Feb 23.

Kim & I went to see Pink Floyd tribute band: Think Floyd yesterday (22nd Feb 23) at the Mayflower Mast theatre, Southampton. 

The venue is excellent: lovely friendly helpful staff, a well laid out theatre with great seating, visibility & acoustics.

Think Floyd are truly brilliant! We are big Pink Floyd fans & have seen several tribute acts: gotta say these guys are about the best. Their musicianship it first class, honestly it's like listening to the real thing. Their light show was out of this world (pix here). If you get a chance to see this band: please do book tickets - you won't be disappointed!

www.thinkfloyd.net

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Electric car charger pulled over fears hackers could use it to attack National Grid

An electric vehicle charger has been pulled from sale amid warnings that foreign hackers could use it as a “weapon” to cause electricity blackouts.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards, the consumer safety regulator, has told charger company Wallbox that its Copper SB electric car charger does not comply with cyber security laws. That means it cannot be sold because it cannot be properly secured against hackers.

Critics say continued sales of the Copper SB charger, which sells for around £500, risks letting hostile nations disrupt the UK’s critical national infrastructure.

Wallbox has sold close to 40,000 electric car chargers in Britain, although it is not known how many of these are the affected model. Copper SB chargers already installed in homes are not being recalled.

www.telegraph.co.uk

Navalny: The disciple who 'laid down his life' to fight Putin

A Christian historian and analyst of Russia told Premier that the death and courageous example of Putin-opponent Alexei Navalny are impacting even those "who are sympathetic to the Putin narrative" in Russia.

Navalny, who was 47 and a professing Christian convert from staunch atheism, was announced dead on Friday, having died in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle.

His mother and lawyer have been stopped from seeing his body, while his widow Yulia claims he was poisoned with Novichok by the Kremlin.

Navalny survived an FSB Novichok attack in 2020, becoming unwell after getting on a plane in the Siberian city of Tomsk for a flight back to Moscow.

Five months after falling victim, he decided to return to Russia and was arrested on arrival.

Speaking on Premier's Inspirational Breakfast, historian Martyn Whittock said Navalny's legacy would be one that enables other Christians to stand up to Putinism in Russia, despite the Orthodox church's official support for the leader.

www.premierchristian.news

Google extends a helping hand to Windows 10 users with its auto-updating ChromeOS Flex solution

Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system has been available for almost three years now. However, its adoption has been rather slow for varied reasons, including the stringent system requirements for the OS. 

Windows 10 continues to dominate the market share with a 66.45% stake, while Windows 11 comes in second with 27.83%. Microsoft has been urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 ahead of Windows 10's cutoff date, which is slated for October 2025. The tech giant has heightened pressure on Windows 10 users to make this upgrade, and was recently spotted using full-screen multipage popup ads to further this agenda.

As it happens, there might be an extended lifeline for users who may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Google will let businesses install an auto-updating version of ChromeOS Flex on Windows devices that are not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, while simultaneously ascertaining security and sustainability.

For those unfamiliar with ChromeOS Flex, it's simply a version of Google's ChromeOS operating system that can be installed on x86-64-bit devices. Google has listed several reasons why users should consider transitioning from macOS or Windows OS to ChromeOS Flex, including its capability of extending the lifespan of existing devices thus preventing e-waste, energy efficiency, flexibility, and familiarity.

Google's decision will allow users to continue using their old PCs, even after Microsoft cuts support for Windows 10. Last year, a public interest research group filed a petition asking Microsoft to reconsider its decision to cut support for Windows 10. The group pointed out that over 40% of users still run Windows 10.

Consequently, if Microsoft moves forward with its plan to cut support for the OS, it could potentially lead to "the single biggest jump in junked computers ever." This will push the company further away from its sustainability and environmental goals.

When Microsoft cuts support for its Windows 10, it'll no longer ship updates, new features, or bug fixes to the OS. This will leave users who continue using the OS susceptible to malicious attacks from hackers. However, Google's ChromeOS Flex OS will continue receiving regular security updates and features, thus allowing users to keep using their existing PCs.

www.windowscentral.com

Microsoft will end Publisher support and remove it from Microsoft 365 in October 2026

Microsoft has published some big news for its Office users. Microsoft Publisher, a program for designing brochures, flyers, newsletters, posters, and other print materials, will soon reach its end of life. The company plans to end Publisher support in October 2026 and remove it from the Microsoft 365 subscription afterward.

The announcement was quietly published on the official Microsoft Support website. The company says that the reason behind the decision was to "focus on new benefits" and "provide customers with the tools they need to achieve what matters." However, no tools for you if you are a Microsoft Publisher user. The company will kill the software in less than two years.

According to the support document, most of the Publisher features for creating professionally branded templates, envelops, and label printing are already available in other Microsoft 365 applications. Therefore, you can use Word or PowerPoint as a replacement for the outgoing app. Microsoft also promises to share more as it is "exploring modern ways to achieve common Publisher scenarios" in Word, PowerPoint, and Designer.

Existing Publisher users can continue working with the app until October 2026. In that month, Microsoft will end Office 2021 LTSC support, including Publisher. As for Microsoft 365 users, the company will remove Publisher from their systems once it reaches the end of life.

www.neowin.net

Southern Water customer data was stolen in ransomware attack

Southern Water: On Monday 12 February 2024 we announced that data from a limited part of Southern Water’s server estate had been stolen and was at risk following an illegal intrusion into our IT systems. This arose from our ongoing investigation into suspicious activity, as detailed in our statement on 23 January 2024.

We are very sorry that this has happened.

We continue to work with our expert technical advisers to confirm whose data is at risk. Our initial assessment is that this is the case for some of our customers and current and former employees.

We have engaged leading independent cybersecurity experts to monitor the “dark web”. They continue to report to us that, since we were named on the cyber criminals’ site on 22 January 2024, they have found no new evidence of the data potentially involved in this cyber incident being published online. They will continue to carry out their checks for as long as is necessary.

We take data protection and information security very seriously and, in accordance with our regulatory obligations, we are making contact with anyone whose personal data may be at risk.

Based on our forensic investigations so far, which are ongoing, we are notifying in the order of 5 to 10 percent of our customer base to let them know that their personal data has been impacted. We are also notifying all of our current employees and some former employees.

www.southernwater.co.uk

Deepfake scammer walks off with $25 million in first-of-its-kind AI heist

On Sunday, a report from the South China Morning Post revealed a significant financial loss suffered by a multinational company's Hong Kong office, amounting to HK$200 million (US$25.6 million), due to a sophisticated scam involving deepfake technology. The scam featured a digitally recreated version of the company's chief financial officer, along with other employees, who appeared in a video conference call instructing an employee to transfer funds.

Due to an ongoing investigation, Hong Kong police did not release details of which company was scammed.

Deepfakes utilize AI tools to create highly convincing fake videos or audio recordings, posing significant challenges for individuals and organizations to discern real from fabricated content.

This incident marks the first of its kind in Hong Kong involving a large sum and the use of deepfake technology to simulate a multi-person video conference where all participants (except the victim) were fabricated images of real individuals. The scammers were able to convincingly replicate the appearances and voices of targeted individuals using publicly available video and audio footage. The Hong Kong police are currently investigating the case, with no arrests reported yet.

www.arstechnica.com