tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30543249870019769622024-03-18T09:24:45.501+00:00Donline's BlogAn eclectic collection of faith, technology, motorcycles & puppies!Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.comBlogger2526125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-77330281660785644132024-03-18T09:24:00.000+00:002024-03-18T09:24:01.781+00:00A very short reading for today: a Blessing for you<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015:13&version=niv" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="1665" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_60teHx1GXYYQWLDFYj_GESZvx8ShMTvGKUgnv4v0ooJv8qFOzK8jtdLgEexPTo88qyRWIBkFsmuDpGDH9j3fTxo9xJQwqQLpfpc7ON4jzrEnCMLw3jWk4YSVsopnKPOd30V4rnMoG2pU9vqy1pF2wikaX2Q4pwAHdqVpmiaTRGONY8QDIHWrpe8Nlxj/w270-h320/Christ_Pantocrator_Icon.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>May the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/may-the-God-of-hope-fill-you.html" target="_blank">God of hope</a> fill you with all <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/joy-Christian.html" target="_blank">joy</a> and <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/peace-that-passes-all-understanding.html" target="_blank">peace</a> as you <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/trust-in-Jesus.html" target="_blank">trust in him</a>, so that you may overflow with <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/2022/08/good-news-for-everyone-hope-magazine.html" target="_blank">hope</a> by the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/power-Holy-Spirit.html" target="_blank">power</a> of the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Holy-Spirit.html" target="_blank">Holy Spirit</a>.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read all of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015&version=niv" target="_blank">Romans 15</a> at <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/" target="_blank">Bible Gateway</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-32279342746008080692024-03-13T13:20:00.002+00:002024-03-13T13:20:57.346+00:00Fr Calvin Robinson: The Church and the West are in decline, are we in need of another Reformation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/calvinrobinson" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://scontent-lhr8-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/431070035_18428173138040097_1698468726791234371_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=C28dWC67qDQAX8pRbGS&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-2.xx&oh=00_AfDBb9zZcxY2Ki6TZDmuhD2t1jPEODjAdaBhHlpoP5DHAA&oe=65F5E5D5" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://calvinrobinson.substack.com/p/the-church-and-the-west-are-in-decline" target="_blank">Fr Calvin Robinson writes:</a> In previous articles, I have argued that the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation" target="_blank">Reformation</a> was a failure. I have heard others argue that it never really ended, in that the <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/" target="_blank">Church of England</a> never truly settled on a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctrine" target="_blank">doctrine</a> and has been wayward ever since for that very reason.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the one hand, <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html" target="_blank">Roman Catholics</a> would generally argue that the Reformation was a mistake, whilst on the other hand, Protestants would argue that it had a net positive result.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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 <b><i>guard and preserve the Truths of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture</i></b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/robert-tombs" target="_blank">Professor Robert Tombs</a> 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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christendom" target="_blank">Christendom</a> - 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christendom" target="_blank">Christendom</a> became ‘the West,’ it became secularised. The West has lost faith in Christ. If we, as Christians, believe Christianity to be true and <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-Jesus.html" target="_blank">Jesus Christ</a> to be the only way to <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html" target="_blank">Salvation</a>, surely, we have a duty to return Christ to Christendom. <a href="https://calvinrobinson.substack.com/p/the-church-and-the-west-are-in-decline" target="_blank">Read more...</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://calvinrobinson.substack.com/p/the-church-and-the-west-are-in-decline" target="_blank">www.calvinrobinson.substack.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-76106389801914836442024-03-13T12:17:00.007+00:002024-03-13T12:17:50.587+00:00Riding season is approaching! Top tips for getting back to riding<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://youtu.be/aFDnFR95BEw?si=wpBN8C3qbL7DBAgJ" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLuY4k2tvjlRsSQpd96MHdDRYp-8DwHz0WXvMuywxdeaSixxO4LkwYSl1BhKqcYdlrZXKOeI_o0mtgVsUgGDJ7y6u4UbuISr3Ovmc0NIlNeFl448Ab2ZtZHadXFohG-8qoo_pQUwNFNuGZFeRQALDw2cOl4eSOL2rrSdFWKXCqzlclhYdt6XrRyYghCzd/w400-h225/Back2Biking.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>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…</i></b></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pre-ride motorbike checklist: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 – <b><i>P.O.W.D.E.R.S.</i></b> – ideally every time you go out…</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Petrol </i></b>- It’s a bonus if there’s some in the tank.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Oil </i></b>- It should be at the correct level. For everything you need to know about oil, click below.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Water </i></b>- Check the level, hoses and fasteners. Find out more about coolant below.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Drivetrain</i></b> - 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Electrics </i></b>- 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Rubber </i></b>- 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Stopping </i></b>- 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. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/biking-tips/get-back-to-riding-top-tips" target="_blank">www.bennetts.co.uk</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-40077906143200382622024-03-05T16:53:00.000+00:002024-03-05T16:53:28.969+00:00Amazon lobbyists banned from European Parliament<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572174/Amazon-lobbyists-banned-from-European-Parliament" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnogQ3F-zLF1Uu3oQ3gobcb006pJ6uVHk5PuhBmMIe8Ftez0BhqzBcoyqusiaSy83YuRBWFvu0aDxLuFsAVsR8VP6GNucwQKMIQGaKrJ_ii_bZ45SMvDs27apjmf6q0dnUs8TvdHAf-5Bz1IO9lL85O6sjb8D50M4yv_4wEyWC7DB4-tH-28eVqrRGlO0/w400-h225/amazon-warehouse-6820962_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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 <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252520759/Amazon-shareholders-vote-down-audit-of-warehouse-work-conditions" target="_blank">concerns about labour rights and working conditions</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572174/Amazon-lobbyists-banned-from-European-Parliament" target="_blank">www.computerweekly.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-30550061736114454002024-03-04T19:05:00.005+00:002024-03-05T10:00:30.402+00:00It's the law! Actually it isn't: just AI hallucinating!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lawyer-chatgpt-fake-precedent-1.7126393" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hv8UIQwot6pOgoKwOR-ZwlCf60Rl9cTE5tS-7O08jn9y8Swk_4n9JEfHgUYa93xItTPix64FIFWLQTwtjHRySSF-xwVisEVq6SlMC8YIxopnMmVNg91PWTRWJIb15H0O0gUsZUsk9zsP2co58gISnBrMkCgLMZS1I-EAaVNcU52mrFxUHchDAeY7NcF-/w400-h225/gavel-3577258_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The cases would have provided compelling precedent for a divorced dad to take his children to China — had they been real. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination_(artificial_intelligence)" target="_blank">conjured up</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT" target="_blank">ChatGPT</a>.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In a <a href="https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/24/02/2024BCSC0285cor1.htm" target="_blank">decision released Monday</a>, a B.C. Supreme Court judge reprimanded lawyer Chong Ke for including two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination_(artificial_intelligence)" target="_blank">AI "hallucinations"</a> in an application filed last December.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The cases never made it into Ke's arguments; they were withdrawn once she learned they were <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination_(artificial_intelligence)" target="_blank">non-existent</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Justice David Masuhara said he didn't think the lawyer intended to deceive the court - but he was troubled all the same.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"Competence in the selection and use of any technology tools, including those powered by AI, is critical."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lawyer-chatgpt-fake-precedent-1.7126393" target="_blank">www.cbc.ca</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-49498799709179715172024-03-04T18:53:00.001+00:002024-03-04T18:53:34.199+00:00Worshippers to tell Easter story on streets of Havant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/news/2024/02/29/worshippers-tell-easter-story-streets-havant/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHN-XZAIkLE-WT6JS1YGpDkdUzY88Tm3dXYU9KanQJqLvfVs0RmN5gM_fIhJ20xq708IhiH58SEq6fIHl6ko574_-1wh1EUF9kGJtKVZweYjq6OkKfB3Fn3S76TjsP71diyJQNttWx-BKiBju4VA-9o6k2GqqMAUuIrtKXe-ruNHNaxPy-C2YCT3sz675/w400-h225/HPP2017.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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. It’s designed to help them understand more about why Jesus died and rose again and what difference it can make to their lives.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s the fourth such play that the <a href="https://www.havantpassionplay.org.uk/" target="_blank">Havant Passion Play</a> group has staged, after <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=passion+havant" target="_blank">previous performances in Havant Park in 2015, 2017 and 2019</a>. It’s also the fourth play directed by James Burke-Dunsmore, who portrayed Jesus for years in <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=passion+wintershall" target="_blank">The Life of Christ in Wintershall</a>, 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/news/2024/02/29/worshippers-tell-easter-story-streets-havant/" target="_blank">www.portsmouth.anglican.org</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-34362388115325955612024-02-28T13:19:00.002+00:002024-02-28T13:30:50.553+00:00Motorcyclists: no more chrome plating for you! Or anyone else for that matter!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.visordown.com/news/general/euro-chrome-ban-what-does-it-mean-bike-makers" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoO2Gb7QdZibqWd0kmRvjt5n8GNdopLump_4Oy8sdSGZIJX_vvFofHawnGp-YFFTaFf8HtfnY2MVP5a9I-8LwhgobqS-52TqdxYLzyZesqHxKBM2_2jGRuf4EEm1q36xQqmgT0nLgZXvhUqWm8Z9oYEbB-5CbEeW_ImAAmZG3y8AKQTymQ52g3HKUtuVr/w400-h225/Honda%20CB1100RS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Starting in 2024 the EU is pushing through a bill that will effectively ban the process of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_plating#Hexavalent_chromium" target="_blank">hexavalent chrome plating</a> on any new vehicles.</i></b></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And it’s not just the EU, because the <a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/chrome-plating-atcm/about" target="_blank">California Air Resources Board (CARB)</a> is also looking to prevent the process from 2027 onwards. The move, in both cases, is being driven by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_plating#Health_and_environmental_concerns" target="_blank">health and environmental concerns</a>, with hexavalent plating thought to produce around 500 times more toxic pollutants than those from diesel engines.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Specifically, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_plating#Hexavalent_chromium" target="_blank">hexavalent chrome plating</a> 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. <a href="https://www.visordown.com/news/general/euro-chrome-ban-what-does-it-mean-bike-makers" target="_blank">Read more...</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.visordown.com/news/general/euro-chrome-ban-what-does-it-mean-bike-makers" target="_blank">www.visordown.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-39999258942479419712024-02-27T09:57:00.002+00:002024-02-27T09:58:26.166+00:00Underwater cables in Red Sea damaged months after Houthis threatened to do just that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/27/red_sea_cables_houthi/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfjdvavYnu8pVyqGoB0eI559_U3cEqBTvJfee2D1CXHYlk-9AB_fwcMBUABcugHsut1EZLVrzkjrLpWJcIX_ZPuYs6VJl0J5nnG5kv3-R2wZ8LpLS9wwpQRDYKxy3vBMEw_1_Nz-OcgCfT7axOFfwc6c-j_4IVoWi5h5mfVGNM1IYR5NOA0SLeBKCPs9i/w400-h225/fiber-optic-2749588_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Undersea data cables in the Red Sea have reportedly been damaged, months after Yemeni Houthi rebels threatened to do so.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"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."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/02/26/britain-harness-power-sahara-solar-farms-cable-laying-ship/" target="_blank">Meanwhile in other news</a>: <a href="https://xlinks.co/morocco-uk-power-project/" target="_blank">The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project</a> 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. <b><i>What could possibly go wrong?...</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/27/red_sea_cables_houthi/" target="_blank">www.theregister.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-16212574626290958442024-02-27T09:19:00.001+00:002024-02-27T09:19:41.213+00:00Thought for the day: following the Way of Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-washing-feet.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYHJro9m2UyWFt5m_nYdZQkyUe-2hKOPzlYUdm2oGMSKHuOZJVhBsxNtvgxiyV_nfEpo0M_BILtzBPXPDNOW6rnK_94yvGLy_T2sMwJMCgURx5croyyrzyV1HuRZTdWK66XGLxY_04CsY4oCCie822sbGLR7JgC_UfSyEv0ARPB_cKb05KX7zstT8z-FI/w400-h225/maundy-thursday-7870823_640.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/God-Almighty.html" target="_blank">Almighty God</a>,</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>by the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Lent.html" target="_blank">prayer and discipline</a> of <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=lent" target="_blank">Lent</a></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>may <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-church.html" target="_blank">we</a> enter into the mystery of <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-suffering.html" target="_blank">Christ’s sufferings</a>,</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>and by following in <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/way-truth-life.html" target="_blank">His Way</a></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>come to share in <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/glory-of-God.html" target="_blank">His Glory</a>;</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>through <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-is-Lord.html" target="_blank">Jesus Christ our Lord</a>.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/amen.html" target="_blank">Amen</a></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-26820713417775710072024-02-23T13:53:00.000+00:002024-02-23T13:53:16.340+00:00Avast shells out $17M to shoo away claims it peddled people's personal data<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/23/avast_ftc_settlement/" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglN1U0d_7trz1O9YC0w5YyjEWge84Eg6X23NndJ1kTSDfkfKlmjgYKHhLnzecUCG02DM9BMQve_Xd4EtclO2nJSNQuO0GOIIBHhM5dXNhRQcGx4OSWC0Q3iVJuQ_hYjgwOoM47VRvi6Z3BA9iWE0TmNObQdJnGpLe0fg-zmdqRFV0vkLi7Ewm0twrpD5SU/w400-h225/data-4828441_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avast#Collection_and_sale_of_user_data" target="_blank">Avast</a> has agreed to cough up $16.5 million after the US <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Complaint-Avast.pdf" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission accused the antivirus vendor of selling customer information to third parties</a>.</span></i></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">US regulator</a> <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Complaint-Avast.pdf" target="_blank">filed [PDF]</a> 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"<b><i>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</i></b>," FTC chair Lina Khan declared in a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-chair-lina-m-khan-joined-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-commissioner-alvaro-m-bedoya-6" target="_blank">statement [PDF]</a> earlier today.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Avast apparently sold the data through a subsidiary, <a href="https://press.avast.com/avast-to-commence-wind-down-of-subsidiary-jumpshot" target="_blank">Jumpshot</a>, 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.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/23/avast_ftc_settlement/" target="_blank">www.theregister.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-2015313618137695072024-02-23T10:01:00.001+00:002024-02-23T10:01:42.926+00:00Gig: Think Floyd. Mayflower Mast Southampton, 22 Feb 23. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/guqoM1SiWtYxxEPj7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFNhufJD8yluCGehr5XVwsy9vlm1__ZskJJT7IUdW6UbffQGzbhHrTfUhFthwPZI1QoxNhpevE1IndwqhcjrNfDl5qtBXlNpeI1yEoe_9swJ7T88-NGjFymBOBtMEfP9kotiZYroOtUkircLTq50ZDCuye3jXCYEU5wbJ8qQCvNKoTQvAA7j7Q6OZL4VI/w400-h225/TF220224.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kim & I went to see <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=pink+floyd" target="_blank">Pink Floyd</a> tribute band: <a href="https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/whats-on/think-floyd-2024/" target="_blank">Think Floyd yesterday (22nd Feb 23) at the Mayflower Mast theatre, Southampton</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/" target="_blank">venue</a> is excellent: lovely friendly helpful staff, a well laid out theatre with great seating, visibility & acoustics.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.thinkfloyd.net/" target="_blank">Think Floyd</a> are truly brilliant! We are big <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=pink+floyd" target="_blank">Pink Floyd</a> 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 (<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/guqoM1SiWtYxxEPj7" target="_blank">pix here</a>). If you get a <a href="https://www.thinkfloyd.net/gigs" target="_blank">chance to see this band</a>: please do book tickets - you won't be disappointed!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thinkfloyd.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">www.thinkfloyd.net</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-63133455937227831662024-02-21T18:22:00.001+00:002024-02-21T18:28:13.851+00:00Electric car charger pulled over fears hackers could use it to attack National Grid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/21/car-charger-withdrawn-hackers-could-attack-national-grid/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2024/02/21/TELEMMGLPICT000367425835_17085286885130_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq2_Dk1RSTEQnj2PHghgMjhFTmGTZwRSZcqbDiPNar8DA.jpeg?imwidth=1280" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>An electric vehicle charger has been pulled from sale amid warnings that foreign hackers could use it as a “weapon” to cause <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/08/29/national-grid-honeypots-catch-hackers-cyber-attacks-infra/" target="_blank">electricity blackouts</a>.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-product-safety-and-standards" target="_blank">Office for Product Safety and Standards</a>, the consumer safety regulator, has told charger company <a href="https://wallbox.com/en_uk/wallbox-copper" target="_blank">Wallbox that its Copper SB electric car charger</a> does not comply with cyber security laws. That means <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64b69f3361adff000d01b2b0/evscp-undertaking-wallbox-04.pdf" target="_blank">it cannot be sold because it cannot be properly secured against hackers</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Critics say continued sales of the <a href="https://wallbox.com/en_uk/wallbox-copper" target="_blank">Copper SB charger</a>, which sells for around £500, risks letting hostile nations disrupt the UK’s critical national infrastructure.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://wallbox.com/" target="_blank">Wallbox</a> 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/21/car-charger-withdrawn-hackers-could-attack-national-grid/" target="_blank">www.telegraph.co.uk</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-58318106895043660922024-02-20T13:29:00.000+00:002024-02-20T13:29:59.072+00:00Navalny: The disciple who 'laid down his life' to fight Putin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/navalny-the-disciple-who-laid-down-his-life-to-fight-putin" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1080" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZR6CmSwncc9MLtFXXOPxnDO9PxtgWJY4ErrMiFTkZO9K8iYZOh9bzR1pqaWAnnktdunn9Ng2-guA6-7FkwaMY34vnotlTl6PW5Y1ylAlE96cHASbabEOKpyjx3o3e2bfZh43db7hmmtlliwiRe1EX5zRjA-zUCXd2UD0LaxxtJbSpFCfitrV9b68ht4/w400-h238/alexei-navalny-8578358_1280.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A Christian historian and analyst of Russia told <a href="https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/navalny-the-disciple-who-laid-down-his-life-to-fight-putin" target="_blank">Premier</a> that the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68344582" target="_blank">death</a> and courageous example of Putin-opponent <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Navalny" target="_blank">Alexei Navalny</a> are impacting even those "who are sympathetic to the Putin narrative" in Russia.</i></b></div></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Navalny, who was 47 and a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Navalny#Family_and_personal_life" target="_blank">professing Christian convert from staunch atheism</a>, was announced dead on Friday, having died in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68344582" target="_blank">His mother and lawyer have been stopped from seeing his body</a>, while his widow Yulia claims he was poisoned with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novichok" target="_blank">Novichok</a> by the Kremlin.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Five months after falling victim, he decided to return to Russia and was arrested on arrival.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaking on Premier's Inspirational Breakfast, historian <a href="https://www.premierchristianity.com/martyn-whittock/1472.bio" target="_blank">Martyn Whittock</a> 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/navalny-the-disciple-who-laid-down-his-life-to-fight-putin" target="_blank">www.premierchristian.news</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-19439167863230542792024-02-16T08:53:00.003+00:002024-02-16T08:55:41.341+00:00Google extends a helping hand to Windows 10 users with its auto-updating ChromeOS Flex solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/11-ways-you-win-with-chromeos-flex" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1_yJOmVHF7TT-jPj_NQBPF7YbntTEwe4cHNXcHQWFDisEc7_RvqWSdcPQl4_O1CpnmLXDh4EbaJb-LC-hVW1r9DJSYXMbqerzRQYAa3PX16_6-dtMn5DUAqwh12OKK2UlDvtoBTyRT39iWDLLpha-PFMSMGml74LuAbrsRMEUYB0XfMA6Ex3RD-sELGY/w400-h225/ChromeOSflex.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=windows+11" target="_blank">Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system</a> has been available for almost three years now. However, its adoption has been rather slow for varied reasons, including the <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/2021/10/can-your-pc-run-microsofts-new.html" target="_blank">stringent system requirements</a> for the OS. </i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/os-version-market-share/windows/desktop/worldwide" target="_blank">Windows 10 continues to dominate the market share with a 66.45% stake</a>, 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.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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 <a href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/chrome-enterprise/11-ways-you-win-with-chromeos-flex" target="_blank">ChromeOS Flex</a> on Windows devices that are not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, while simultaneously ascertaining security and sustainability.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Consequently, if Microsoft moves forward with its plan to cut support for the OS, it could potentially lead to "<a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/2022/10/more-than-4-in-10-pcs-still-cant.html" target="_blank">the single biggest jump in junked computers ever</a>." This will push the company further away from its sustainability and environmental goals.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/google-extends-a-helping-hand-to-windows-10-users-with-its-auto-updating-chromeos-flex-solution" target="_blank">www.windowscentral.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-33228856942883217172024-02-16T08:38:00.000+00:002024-02-16T08:38:26.229+00:00Microsoft will end Publisher support and remove it from Microsoft 365 in October 2026<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-will-end-publisher-support-and-remove-it-from-microsoft-365-in-october-2026/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTqREmKwlSvW414a0kPaAVmdOuzU9m6TD-z-oPEhMQZ-Q29XsWpoZTz4dvveCdjCq5nrRNwOgUhOnZEwcI59WLKkQQdoeAfKVsHOb2OYpZu0bG9XC4UCWR3pas5hBjLT5k1A7BYWycrrDsqw92Jj997R8TyZuPQQy896Bj6P-brp9mnxNzhsGwAmgfcSu/w400-h225/Publisher.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Microsoft has published some big news for its Office users. <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/publisher" target="_blank">Microsoft Publisher</a>, a program for designing brochures, flyers, newsletters, posters, and other print materials, will soon reach its end of life. The company plans to <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/microsoft-publisher-will-no-longer-be-supported-after-october-2026-ee6302a2-4bc7-4841-babf-8e9be3acbfd7" target="_blank">end Publisher support in October 2026 and remove it from the Microsoft 365 subscription afterward</a>.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The announcement was quietly published on the <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/microsoft-publisher-will-no-longer-be-supported-after-october-2026-ee6302a2-4bc7-4841-babf-8e9be3acbfd7" target="_blank">official Microsoft Support website</a>. 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." <b><i>However, no tools for you if you are a Microsoft Publisher user. The company will kill the software in less than two years</i></b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Existing Publisher users can continue working with the app until October 2026. In that month, Microsoft will end Office 2021 LTSC support, including Publisher. <b><i>As for Microsoft 365 users, the company will remove Publisher from their systems once it reaches the end of life</i></b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-will-end-publisher-support-and-remove-it-from-microsoft-365-in-october-2026/" target="_blank">www.neowin.net</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-66641119434102314912024-02-15T11:47:00.001+00:002024-02-15T11:47:52.462+00:00Southern Water customer data was stolen in ransomware attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.southernwater.co.uk/customer-update" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvUbCLcNSI6Nqb0Y3tjopOTSHrlQJfFLTNd9R4V24fzGoXZu8UY_JGufsUs34sa5aoqYbgpY6CrhURStBl5546iGJ7yXdWpm6cE7xVdLrOTOqmBadTVKFtrm52ojR-pR8YtsnaNfm3hKIcl4KESvru7dIyFgOakgbxsa8QZ_yzzjV-IKxqzpS7IT4MCmb/w400-h225/tap-791172_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.southernwater.co.uk/customer-update" target="_blank">Southern Water</a>: 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.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We are very sorry that this has happened.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have engaged leading independent cybersecurity experts to monitor the “dark web”. They continue to report to us that, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567455/Southern-Water-confirms-cyber-attack-after-Black-Basta-claims" target="_blank">since we were named on the cyber criminals’ site</a> 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.southernwater.co.uk/customer-update" target="_blank">www.southernwater.co.uk</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-62886612560058506972024-02-08T09:27:00.001+00:002024-02-08T09:27:31.483+00:00Deepfake scammer walks off with $25 million in first-of-its-kind AI heist<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/deepfake-scammer-walks-off-with-25-million-in-first-of-its-kind-ai-heist/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ORbpWbeLZy0eGLXoLg5wm-iZbBi_VGJO1jGeT-Day9qS9C0JYUYcwEfdvzdb39sKmyxydbU-gdUYwBB0VdqRV3m3SH85ciBehj9JCfarfLzS_nYUS0k5bPMQlL9fBJ8Jit3aqK0i770icthjnmTkD_SMg45DCKXMY5K1Mgj2Ii2o2lT3G0UP7VOYHj5o/w400-h225/people-1979261_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepfake" target="_blank">deepfake technology</a>. 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.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Due to an ongoing investigation, Hong Kong police did not release details of which company was scammed.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepfake" target="_blank">Deepfakes</a> 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This incident marks the first of its kind in Hong Kong involving a large sum and<b><i> the use of deepfake technology to simulate a multi-person video conference where <u>all participants (except the victim) were fabricated images of real individuals</u></i></b>. 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/deepfake-scammer-walks-off-with-25-million-in-first-of-its-kind-ai-heist/" target="_blank">www.arstechnica.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-15533999763569405832024-02-05T08:46:00.001+00:002024-02-05T08:46:52.868+00:00A sizable chunk of the US’s electricity generation is wasted on mining bitcoin<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61364" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjK4DcaFJHzU_EpeWTr8GU2mUl9zIPqOzzRLgiMXDmA9C93jidjI7Cs1q29EhOKIkILiTR-95z87RFoyDa5sAVhrpAa1ALbWrLn2QZfHrYYtnUFuU_k0uUOLKI4E1-pMwmtoC88di3qtiOjiBiKgJF6eN8rg8fbDlRi5CaH4Q014-NLBemXRxcmwsYTkU/w400-h225/1BitDGT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404219-a-single-bitcoin-transaction-uses-enough-water-to-fill-a-swimming-pool/" target="_blank">Electricity demand</a> associated with U.S. <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/tech/how-does-bitcoin-mining-work/" target="_blank">cryptocurrency mining</a> operations in the United States has grown very rapidly over the last several years. <a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61364" target="_blank">The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) preliminary estimates</a> suggest that <b><i>annual electricity use from cryptocurrency mining probably represents from 0.6% to 2.3% of U.S. electricity consumption</i></b>.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This additional electricity use has drawn the attention of policymakers and grid planners concerned about its effects on cost, reliability, and emissions. Key challenges associated with tracking cryptocurrency mining energy use include the difficulty of identifying cryptocurrency mining activity among millions of U.S. end-use customers and the dynamic nature of the crypto market, where mining assets can be moved rapidly to areas with lower electricity prices.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61364" target="_blank">www.eia.gov</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-87639187128353774682024-01-31T23:50:00.029+00:002024-01-31T23:50:00.128+00:00Donline is 18 years old today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.donline.co.uk/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo54Tq2mvjBd5a_tWR1KiHm4FsaDX5CvnGPfV7fxqniHgpiL0jyT80mZ6rNesDCK3CmqKVdzmVcPeYqzmTYPZV1L7o_MWVCEFsUB49MCOxJiMTQzFws2PHUGwztNZGJCVCYDCGOHJTFf0WbP75ktYA-QJPVLilwcDSPRv6yjTukJQYWE56gHZ1PFyaQxn/w400-h225/Donline18.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>It's quite incredible to think that I started <a href="https://www.donline.co.uk" target="_blank">Donline Computer Consultancy</a> 18 years ago - on 1st February 2006!</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's such a great <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/definition-of-grace.html" target="_blank">Blessing</a> to have so many <a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/donline.co.uk" target="_blank">wonderful clients</a>. Apart from the work (very much appreciated!), we have forged some great relationships & friendships along the way. So a huge thank you to all those who have travelled this journey with me. <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-is-Lord.html" target="_blank">Good Lord</a> willing: here's to many more years!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>So to celebrate the Anniversary: the 18th <a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/donline.co.uk" target="_blank">Trustpilot</a> feedback (<a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/donline.co.uk" target="_blank">click here to leave feedback on Donline</a>) - will be sent a very nice Donline goodie bag! </i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.donline.co.uk"><span style="font-family: arial;">www.donline.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-37638319327063478352024-01-29T17:40:00.003+00:002024-01-29T17:40:51.797+00:00Chris & Denise Arthey - upcoming Speaking engagements<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/hBCYBxLj0Wg?si=Ovr4WYZHIZ9My8RQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mKjxusjUDs1VSWJR0ayGFSbKCtG5RcG9WOWwnYC5IFc8w21j2JzhSGI1jNQ2vbIsigsev58Uu0QAg0KJTLQwAS6KRYHZtqp3G8ftKjVJo2iIN1xUFFaPlO_LkP7FQjbUgplO50SZ3uNMx7yNe3ofn09HESiZcufKt2hFoVV6LX2WdGqmlYCYw88e-V8n/w400-h225/W35.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://chrisarthey.co.uk/" style="color: #113bcc;" target="_blank">Chris and Denise Arthey</a> were involved in a <a href="https://youtu.be/hBCYBxLj0Wg?si=Ovr4WYZHIZ9My8RQ" target="_blank">life-changing road accident</a> while on a motorcycle road trip in 2008. They both lost their left legs above the knee.</span></i></b></div></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On work assignment in the USA, they were exploring South Texas when a drunk driver veered into their lane at 80mph, colliding with them almost head-on. They both suffered multiple injuries and Chris was in a coma for many days with internal injuries and severe concussion.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a long and painful recovery, they were both able to resume the vocations they love. They both enjoy physical fitness, and Chris competes in <a href="https://www.220triathlon.com/blog/blog-chris-arthey-at-the-london-triathlon/" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">endurance sports</a>. Using prosthetic legs he has run marathons, competed in the British Paratriathlon Championships, climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest Base Camp.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They are both ambassadors for <a href="https://www.blatchfordmobility.com/en-gb/true-stories/microprocessor-knees/chris-denise-s-orion3-story/" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blatchford</a> who make their prostheses, helping with training, trade shows and conferences, product development and testing. Chris now has a master’s degree in Biomechanical Engineering.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://chrisarthey.co.uk/about" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Chris & Denise</a> are good friends of ours. </span></b></i><i style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">They are lovely people & truly inspirational! </span></b></i><i style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">We originally met at a <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=Motolegends+breakfast" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Motolegends breakfast meeting</a>. Last year they spoke powerfully & movingly at our <a href="https://allsaintsdenmead.org.uk/136/Mens-Group" target="_blank">Church Men's Group</a>. With the extent of their injuries, many people would have given up - but they have both risen above their disabilities to greater heights and achievements. Their faith shines through <a href="https://chrisarthey.co.uk/book" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">their book</a>, and is truly an inspiration to us all. I love <a href="https://chrisarthey.co.uk/book" style="color: #114499; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">their book</a> & can highly recommend it - enjoy!</span></b></i></p><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b><i>Chris & Denise will be speaking at <a href="https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beaulieu</a> on 24 Feb 2024:<br /></i></b></span></span><b style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/transport-torques-highway-35/">www.beaulieu.co.uk</a></span></i></b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px;"><i>Also at <a href="https://www.iamroadsmartsolent.org.uk/" target="_blank">IAM RoadSmart Solent</a> club night, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/51%C2%B000'16.2%22N+1%C2%B021'00.8%22W/@51.0045,-1.3502222,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d51.0045!4d-1.3502222?entry=ttu" target="_blank">Otterbourne</a>, Tue 9 Apr 2024: <br /></i></b><b style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.iamroadsmartsolent.org.uk">www.iamroadsmartsolent.org.uk</a></span></i></b></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://chrisarthey.co.uk/about" style="color: #113bcc; font-size: 14.85px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">www.chrisarthey.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-77220558116286377662024-01-19T10:46:00.003+00:002024-01-19T10:46:46.722+00:00And so it begins: BMW will deploy Figure’s humanoid robot at South Carolina plant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/18/bmw-will-deploy-figures-humanoid-robot-at-south-carolina-plant/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs753ulTFeg4vEa4npZNdETGCnUJ-weBp-13WiFHL_7u1c6Z7GH38tMJJGhkyKxCe7n5dHrepFaOWg4E2gOIMjpto3PzeCauErxMzneJkZmqPYtsAA7kZgw4Re4WkeAdQokkB6JYIRBgD8QY_cdFgFntasl5-7e3SCQ9uO_DYb7m-LVxfZTQvCZd0hGd0/w400-h225/artificial-intelligence-2167835_1280.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.figure.ai/" target="_blank">Figure</a> today announced a “commercial agreement” that will bring its first <a href="https://youtu.be/-4erYt2t7Bs?si=42nCDRl-tsWPZnk2" target="_blank">humanoid robot</a> to a BMW manufacturing facility in South Carolina. The Spartanburg plant is BMW’s only in the United States. As of 2019, the 8 million-square-foot campus boasted the highest yield among the German manufacturer’s factories anywhere in the world.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BMW has not disclosed how many <a href="https://youtu.be/-4erYt2t7Bs?si=42nCDRl-tsWPZnk2" target="_blank">Figure 01 models</a> it will deploy initially. Nor do we know precisely what jobs the robot will be tasked with when it starts work. Figure did, however, confirm with <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/18/bmw-will-deploy-figures-humanoid-robot-at-south-carolina-plant/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a> that it is beginning with an initial five tasks, which will be rolled out one at a time.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/18/bmw-will-deploy-figures-humanoid-robot-at-south-carolina-plant/" target="_blank">www.techcrunch.com</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-3213064225691477212024-01-19T10:04:00.001+00:002024-01-19T10:08:01.871+00:00Apple's 1984 advert. You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ErwS24cBZPc?si=yfWrpHtFPo1Q8Czo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxLH6lUOei1vAB-u5u6Tvnpcod_CILz8o0fNJGK0ESvH8193u5UQWxoCib_U9RrYd3_c2y8gMbdgLBQ2pSd8M0rrHML8zTgUsOv60Kb5O9LkMueX0SUoSfcWmLUcaw0kVMoAVHiaxuppKNQGZZbiqYxr9G4iAV4Wj7OUQs4gzDWMygxrDjhElf0e_ah-Y/w400-h225/Apple1984.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In <a href="https://youtu.be/ErwS24cBZPc?si=yfWrpHtFPo1Q8Czo" target="_blank">Apple's 1984 advert</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(Nineteen_Eighty-Four)" target="_blank">Big Brother</a> said: "Today, we celebrate the first glorious anniversary of the Information Purification Directives. We have created, for the first time in all history, a garden of pure ideology – where each worker may bloom, secure from the pests purveying contradictory truths. Our Unification of Thoughts is more powerful a weapon than any fleet or army on earth. We are one people, with one will, one resolve, one cause. Our enemies shall talk themselves to death, and we will bury them with their own confusion. We shall prevail!"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Apple finished the ad with: "On January 24, Apple Computer will introduce the Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteen_Eighty-Four" target="_blank">[Orwell’s] Nineteen Eighty-Four</a>."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/subs/99cb781bf0048943" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a> has published an <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2024/01/18/the-apple-ad-that-brainwashed-america/" target="_blank">excellent article</a> on the background to the <a href="https://youtu.be/ErwS24cBZPc?si=yfWrpHtFPo1Q8Czo" target="_blank">Apple 1984 advert</a>, it's making and where we are now - <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2024/01/18/the-apple-ad-that-brainwashed-america/" target="_blank">recommended reading</a>! Funny how Apple were pointing the finger at IBM, but now w</i></b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>e are ruled not by Big Brother but tech bros such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and <u>current Apple CEO Tim Cook</u>. </i></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2024/01/18/the-apple-ad-that-brainwashed-america/" target="_blank">www.telegraph.co.uk</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-14139544165464829252024-01-17T11:34:00.001+00:002024-01-17T11:34:41.634+00:00Open Doors: World Watch List 2024. Where do Christians count the highest cost for following Jesus?<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMAee3KijMNnpEeuq46orpOQrQ9asqIownNQYZWgsMTO8KTiTP6dv8Dkw2qVmB7c-QTq6SJJuP4jl7dZ9YqBVTMJwaLO5FnL83LVrckl4PZarTDIzlEsjiPUMgOgSCZjOYgc62gJcix8Dw3kq16mss5aESdyvbVVAJblMVmV3EvEL6OgioUW1ru-XbwIg/w400-h225/WWL24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Around the world, <a href="https://opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/" target="_blank">365 million Christians count the cost of following Jesus</a>. For some, it means always being treated unfairly and fighting for justice. For others, the price is paid in bruises and beatings; in prison sentences and pain. Some have to give up their home, their family, their security, even their lives.</i></b></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, the new <a href="https://opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/" target="_blank">World Watch List 2024</a> is launched. <a href="https://opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/" target="_blank">Read it to see</a> where our courageous church family are paying the highest price for their faith – so you can stand alongside them in prayer, support and speaking out. Their inspiring testimonies and crucial prayer requests can help us unite as one <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/global-church.html" target="_blank">global church</a>, boldly living for <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-Jesus.html" target="_blank">Christ</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/" target="_blank">www.opendoorsuk.org</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-6228665047502852272024-01-16T17:03:00.001+00:002024-01-16T17:03:33.827+00:00Post Office latest: Fujitsu boss apologises for Horizon scandal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67993493" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4q896lQ3gEJpFI-KOVERm6DklA3oBMoT8HnCPc4q1RCqtqrouTuTs0-7mUEA4FldsMttvJKC-KdiLi_RGT3CU087RLUf4hsdoU6IpXvmB6Ox77UdPtC56n7Y352ZcQY6VDP-PVVRmIbeLKJqeblMUOf4w9nEBVG5iIEWlspyqySaMhC11JcA1YBNdSCz/w400-h225/Fujitsu2.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://www.fujitsu.com/uk/" target="_blank">Fujitsu</a> Europe's boss has admitted the firm has a "moral obligation" to contribute to compensation for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal#Horizon_computer_system" target="_blank">sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted as a result of its faulty IT software</a>.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paul Patterson said Fujitsu gave evidence to the Post Office that was used to prosecute innocent managers. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">He added that the Post Office knew about "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal#Problems_with_the_software" target="_blank">bugs and errors</a>" in its <a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/search?q=horizon" target="_blank">Horizon accountancy software</a> early on.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The global chief executive of Fujitsu, Takahito Tokita, also apologised. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Making his first public comments on the scandal to the BBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Tokita said: "This is a big issue, which Fujitsu takes very seriously."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When asked if he would apologise, he added: "Yes, of course. Fujitsu has apologised for the impact on the postmasters' lives and their families."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67993493" target="_blank">www.bbc.co.uk</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3054324987001976962.post-69787886913924952402024-01-12T09:47:00.000+00:002024-01-12T09:47:46.371+00:00Reading for today: on hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://donlineuk.blogspot.com/2022/08/good-news-for-everyone-hope-magazine.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlspzVS531wRYkV86t7oGiwG8PLGW-LZngvNGwL2OjRVutRFQJa0nX1jjWNSQKfTHrKeA7WF6-tZyZbNAZZg5XyhPIcyB_L5GKBjbd-ORR-HjJ4kdkUBk6OqutniX716bBCdUCExBye1g-eLzuPDgyt19wXFVppqnZhV9VSHu3rPTA3PWRnWuYfUyBIdo/w400-h225/DSC_0240.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When hard pressed, I cried to the <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-is-Lord.html" target="_blank">Lord</a>; he brought me into a spacious place. </div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Lord is with me; I will not be <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-be-afraid.html" target="_blank">afraid</a>. What can mere mortals do to me?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Read all of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20118&version=niv" target="_blank">Psalm 118</a> at <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/" target="_blank">Bible Gateway</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don Tocherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959514072285496947noreply@blogger.com0