Data, data, data

Yet two more data losses today

50, 000 RAF files missing, stolen from a 'secure' military base.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1063332/Helpline-opened-50-000-RAF-files-stolen.html

11, 000 teachers files lost by a courier
http://www.itproportal.com/articles/2008/09/26/more-data-mayhem-details-11000-teachers-get-lost-courier/

Becoming a bit of habit, wouldn't you say? And this on the same day (virtually) that the gov rolls out its id cards
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/09/28/do2804.xml

It seems that id cards are voluntary (like they are going to stay like that), except for foreign nationals. Like any self respecting terrorist is going to rush out to but an id card. And it seems the data cantained on the id card is innaccurate in a propartion of the cards, and iy'll only be a matter of time before the cards are hacked.

This is yet another example of a complete and utter waste of money. I cannot find one article in favour of id cards, not gov related, anywhere. For crying out loud, LISTEN TO US.

Time for a change

Ah, the vultures are circling.

In one of the most patronising set of interview responses I've seen in a long time, Siobhain McDonagh gave a series of non responses to questions about Gordon Brown, new leadership contests and contestants, with as sitting on the fence so as not to damage her future career replies aimed at ousting Gordo, and nothing more.

The rest of the vultures are circling. Gordo's lack lustre premiership is coming to an end - lets see how long he can cling on for.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7613701.stm

Have to stay till you're 17

Yesterday was the first time pupils starting at secondary school would be legally obliged to stay until they were 17 years old.

As far as I'm concerned the jury's still out on this one, but I can't help thinking that the ones who don't want to stay probably won't, but at least it'll keep the govs unemployment figures down.

More data gone astray

Another data stick's gone missing, from a private consultancy company, employed by the gov, but already the signs of squirming's started. Another nail?

Trounced in Glasgow

Today, Labour were wiped of the map in a Glasgow by election, by not just an earthquake, but off the Richter scale (still trying to work that one out), by the SNP. They lost their 25th safest seat in the country, with 11, 000 odd votes.

There is a message to labour in there. Labour says that the country is saying they must listen harder. Wonder what the country is really saying?

2p fuel tax hike delayed

The Gov's delayed the tax hike in November (ish), until next year - they can't afford not to put tax up somewhere.

Perhaps they should start by looking at redusing there £25000 pa allowances for furniture and stuff, just tlike the rest of us.

What the government might do for us.

Ok, not a rant on what the government's done for us, but a comment on what the conservatives say they're going to do for us.

Fair fuel stabiliser (tax down when price up, tax up when price down)
Stamp duty first time buyers
Savers - deposit protection scheme if the bank goes bust.

Lets see what happens - he does sound very reasonable - now.