Tag Archives: Britains

Understanding Britain’s Debt Through Biscuits: How Labour MPs Embrace Viral Trends

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A recurring question for progressives is how to create a straightforward and impactful message regarding the economy. A Labor MP discovered the solution through a few bags of M&S biscuits.

Gordon McKee, who represents Glasgow South, shared: Over 3.3 million views on X. In a brief 101-second video, he employs a stack of custard creams and chocolate bourbons to represent Britain’s debt-to-GDP ratio.

While this may not appear to be a monumental achievement, it’s worth noting that some of the world’s most prominent politicians (such as Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, and Zoran Mamdani) have effectively utilized well-crafted short videos to disseminate their campaign messages.

Yet, within the Parliamentary Labor Party, Mr. McKee stands out as a pioneer— the only backbencher known to have enlisted digital content creators.

This choice proved fruitful, as a series of professionally produced videos utilizing the popular Grubby analogy were crafted to achieve viral status. In recent weeks, several of his colleagues, including Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, have begun to follow his lead.


“I feel like I owe an apology for starting this!” McKee remarked humorously, asserting that digital communication and campaign strategies are now essential for politicians.

He aims to release several such videos each week, focusing on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube shorts. Unlike X, these platforms can engage audiences beyond the politically active.

“Last week I spoke at a local high school and asked how many read a daily newspaper; only one hand went up. When I asked how many used Instagram, every hand shot up,” he noted.

“While there’s been a significant shift in how people consume information in the last decade, the communication methods of politicians and MPs with their constituents have not kept pace.”

Signs indicate that the Labor machinery is gearing up. On November 21, Keir Starmer emailed Labor MPs to announce the party’s “significant investment” in a “new comprehensive training program” for digital campaigning.

Internally, the party unveiled what it dubbed a “second phase strategy” to modernize its campaigning using social media and an app called Labor One, acknowledging that “the way we campaigned in 2024 isn’t enough to secure victory in 2029.”

Diet members have started taking initiative as well. Burgon employed 200 packs of Sainsbury’s Fusilli to show how £1 billion compares to the UK average salary of £33,000. His video garnered around 650,000 views on X.

“This past weekend, while touring church fairs in my district, I was surprised by how many people had seen this video,” Burgon stated. “I’ve been advocating for a wealth tax for some time and thought this would be a creative way to spread the message.”

The 106kg pasta mountain purchased by Mr. Burgon’s parliamentary team was donated to a London food bank after it became impractical to transport it to Leeds.

Loughborough MP and economist Jieven Sander noted: We produced a James Bond-themed video during Budget Week to discuss the various factors influencing government bond interest rates. “I’d love it if people read my 2,000-word essays, but they don’t. I need to find a way to make them engaging,” he expressed.

He relies on his existing parliamentary staff equipped with smartphones and a ring light mounted on a tripod in his office to create online content. Social media planning features in their regular weekly status meetings.

When asked whether the government should take more steps to motivate MPs to modernize their communications, Mr. Sander expressed concerns about potential restrictions.

“When communication is more organic and people comprehend the government’s message in diverse ways, it tends to work better,” he pointed out. “If there’s a unified vision, everyone should be able to understand the script.”

Several incoming ministers are also branching out on social media, including Treasury Secretary Dan Tomlinson, who recorded a casual pre-Budget video while heading to Greg’s for donuts. Westminster Underground Station. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan filmed a video with my iPhone discussing the advancement of technology in the UK.

Some ministers are also engaging in this trend. Housing Secretary Steve Reid held an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit concerning plans to reopen local pubs in September. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a long-time enthusiast of vertical videos, stated: Used ASMR to promote a government announcement about small modular reactors (SMR).

“During the general election, we had a significant team to support individuals in these efforts, but now they must undertake it within their own offices,” a Labor source remarked. “It’s more challenging when you’re not on the offensive and need to defend or create a positive narrative. This is why creativity is essential. It’s a tough skill to master, but it’s absolutely crucial.”

Mr. Mackie argued that this challenge is particularly pronounced for the left because right-wing figures like Mr. Farage and shadow attorney general Robert Jenrick excel at telling very clear and straightforward stories across various platforms.

“The task for progressives is to convey complex arguments that are realistic, aspirational, practical, and attainable, while doing so in a captivating and engaging manner,” he commented.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Experts Caution That AI-Driven Agility May Paralysis Britain’s Planning System

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The government’s initiative to leverage artificial intelligence for accelerating home planning could face an unforeseen hurdle: the agility of AI.

A new platform named Opponent is providing “policy-backed appeals in minutes” for those dissatisfied with nearby development plans.

Utilizing generative AI, the service examines planning applications, evaluates grounds for objections, and categorizes the potential impact as ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low’. It also automatically generates challenge letters, AI-enhanced speeches for planning commissions, and even AI-produced videos aimed at persuading legislators.

Kent residents Hannah and Paul George developed this tool after their lengthy opposition to a proposed mosque near their residence, estimating they invested hundreds of hours in the planning process.

They’re making this service available for £45, specifically targeting people without the financial means to hire specialized lawyers to navigate the complexities of planning law. They believe this initiative will “empower everyone, level the playing field, and enhance fairness in the process.”

Though we are a small company, we aim to make a significant impact. A similar offering, Planningobjection.com, markets a £99 AI-generated objection letter with the slogan ‘Stop complaining and take action’.

Additionally, community activists have encouraged their audience to utilize ChatGPT for drafting appeal letters. One activist described it as like having a lawyer “ready to plan.”

A prominent planning lawyer cautioned that such AI could potentially “boost agility,” yet widespread adoption might overwhelm the planning systems and inundate planners with requests.

Sebastian Charles from Aardvark Planning Law noted that in their practice, no AI-generated objections contained references to prior litigation or appeal decisions, which were verified by human lawyers.

“The risk lies in decisions being based on flawed information,” he remarked. “Elected officials could mistakenly trust AI-generated planning speeches, even when rife with inaccuracies about case law and regulations.”

Hannah George, co-founder of Objector, refuted claims that the platform promotes nimbyism.

“It’s simply about making the planning system more equitable,” she explained. “Currently, our experience suggests that it’s far from fair. With the government’s ‘build, produce, build’ approach, we only see things heading in one direction.”

Objector acknowledged the potential for AI-generated inaccuracies, stating that using multiple AI models and comparing their outputs mitigates the risk of “hallucinations” (where AI generates falsehoods).

The current Objector platform is oriented towards small-scale planning applications, like repurposing an office building extension or modifications to a neighbor’s home. George mentioned that they are developing features to address larger projects, such as residential developments on greenbelt land.

The Labor government is advocating for AI as part of the solution to the current planning gridlock. Recently, they introduced a tool named extract, which aims to expedite the planning process and assist the government in fulfilling its goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes.

However, an impending AI “arms race” may be on the horizon, warned John Myers, director of the Inbee Alliance, a campaign advocating for more housing with community backing.

“This will intensify opposition to planning applications and lead to people unearthing vague objections they hadn’t previously discovered,” he stated.

Myers suggested a new dynamic could emerge where “one faction employs AI to expedite the process, while the opposing faction utilizes AI to impede it.” “As long as we lack a method to progress with desirable development, this stalemate will persist.”

Governments might already possess AI systems capable of managing the rising number of dissenting voices spawned by AI. Recently, they unveiled a tool named consult, which examines public consultation responses.

This initiative hopes to ensure “large-scale language models will see widespread implementation,” akin to those utilized by Objector, although it may merely increase the volume of consultation responses.

Paul Smith, managing director of Strategic Land Group, reported this month a rise in AI use among those opposing planning applications.

“AI-based opposition undermines the very rationale of public consultation,” he expressed in Building magazine. “It’s claimed that local communities are best suited to understand their areas…hence, we seek their input.”

“However, if residents opt to reject the system and discover reasons prior to submitting their applications, what’s the purpose of soliciting their opinions in the first place?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google: Britain’s Dispersed Spider Hackers Are “Encouraging” Cyberattacks

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As reported by Google, members of the UK-based spider-hacking community are actively “promoting” cyberattacks amid the increasing disruption faced by UK retailers in the US market.

A hacker collective known as the “scattered spiders” has been connected to attacks on British retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. Google Cybersecurity experts have now warned that unidentified retailers in the Atlantic region are also under threat.

Charles Carmakal, the chief technology officer for Google’s Mandiant Cybersecurity division, noted that the threat has shifted to the US, following a pattern commonly observed with scattered spider attackers.


“They focus on a specific industrial sector and geographic location for a short period, before moving on to a new target,” he explained. “Currently, their attention is on retail organizations. They began in the UK and have now extended their focus to firms in the US.”

When asked about the involvement of British members in the M&S hacking, he stated, “While I can’t name specific victims, it’s clear that UK-based scattered spider members are promoting and facilitating these incursions.”

On Friday, it was disclosed that M&S alerted employees that some personal data may have been compromised during a cyber attack last month. Sources informed the Daily Telegraph that staff members were notified that their email addresses and full names were potentially exposed in the breach.

Earlier this week, M&S reported that hackers had accessed personal information of thousands of customers.

In light of these attacks on UK retailers, cybersecurity agencies have urged businesses to remain vigilant and aware of specific tactics employed by scattered spiders.

In an advisory notice, the National Cyber Security Center recommended businesses to leverage IT support to assist staff in resetting their passwords. One tactic associated with scattered spiders—named for a set of hacking tactics rather than a unified group—involves calling help desks to gain access to corporate systems while impersonating an employee or contractor.

“We have observed instances where they call the help desk, masquerade as employees, and convince the staff to reset their passwords,” Carmakal explained.

Carmakal also noted that these calls to help desks are sometimes made by younger members of the scattered spider network.

“It’s not always the threat actor themselves making the call… some tasks are outsourced to other community members, often younger individuals looking to earn some quick money through various schemes and inconsistencies,” he shared.

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Scattered spiders primarily consist of native English speakers from the UK, US, and Canada, which sets them apart from other ransomware groups. Karmakal mentioned that he has received reports of “numerous calls” made by scattered spider hackers to corporate employees.

Ransomware gangs typically infiltrate target computer systems with malware that effectively locks users out of their internal files. These groups usually originate from Russia or former Soviet states.

Carmakal’s remarks coincided with French luxury brand Dior disclosing that “fraudulent external parties” had accessed some customer data. The Paris-based brand has yet to clarify the nature or extent of the attacker’s incursions.

This week, Google’s cybersecurity team affirmed that scattered spiders have shifted their focus to US retailers.

“We are dedicated to offering a variety of services to our customers,” stated John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google Threat Intelligence Group. “The group that originally targeted retail in the UK, after a significant hiatus, has a track record of concentrating on one sector at a time, and we anticipate they will continue to prioritize this sector in the near future. US retailers should exercise caution.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ancient silver coins dating back 1,000 years discovered in Britain’s treasure trove

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An archaeologist from Oxford Cotswold Archeology (OCA) has made an exciting discovery of 321 11th-century AD silver coins (319 full pennies and 2 cut halfpence) in mint condition near the site of a future nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast. This finding sheds light on the social and political unrest of the 11th century and suggests that the change of government following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042 caused significant turmoil among the population. This collection may have belonged to a local influential figure who felt threatened by the political changes and chose to bury his wealth as a precaution.

A treasure trove of 1,000-year-old silver coins. Image credit: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology.

The newly discovered cache of coins was carefully wrapped in cloth and lead.

The coins in the hoard were issued during the reigns of Harold I “Rabbit’s Foot” (1036-1040), Harthacnut (1040-2), and Edward the Confessor (1042-1066).

Most of the coins date back to the reign of Harold I, with Harthacnut issuing significantly fewer, and only 24 issued by Edward the Confessor.

While the majority of coins were minted in London, some were also minted in Thetford, Norwich, Ipswich, Lincoln, and Stamford.

A few coins were issued by smaller mints such as Langport and Uxbridge in southwest England, making them extremely rare.

“This hoard of coins offers a valuable glimpse into the historical context of that era, indicating that Edward the Confessor’s ascension to the throne was a time of uncertainty and societal unrest. This further supports the idea that it was a period marked by apprehensions,” said Alexander, a coin expert from OCA.

“The analysis of this coin hoard was a collaborative effort involving experts in numismatics, finds, conservation, and project partners.”

“It is a privilege to contribute to bringing this story to life.”

Despite representing considerable wealth for the time, these coins likely belonged to individuals of moderate status rather than high-ranking individuals.

They were probably a savings pot of a local influencer and were roughly equivalent in value to a small herd of cattle at that time.

“The hoard was affectionately named Masu for obvious reasons, so discovering it was truly an honor,” said OCA archaeologist Andrew Pegg.

“When I unearthed it, I saw the edge of a coin peeking out, and I was amazed!”

“It’s an impeccable archaeological time capsule,” he added.

“The insights we’re gaining from it are remarkable, and I am proud to contribute to the history of my corner of Suffolk.”

The mid-11th century in England was a period of uncertainty and shifting loyalties.

Edward the Confessor’s coronation in 1042 followed over 25 years of rule by Danish kings Canute, Harold, and Harthacnut. This event reinstated the House of Wessex on the English throne.

The change in leadership likely sparked uncertainty and apprehension among the populace.

Specifically, some affluent individuals connected to the previous regime were either exiled or had their assets seized after Edward’s coronation.

The hoard’s owner may have buried his wealth in fear of political changes, hoping to retrieve it later as a safety net.

“We may never fully understand why this treasure was left undiscovered,” concluded the archaeologists.

“The discovery of an 11th-century coin hoard is truly extraordinary,” said Damien Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C.

Source: www.sci.news

Britain’s greatness can only be restored if we cease selling top companies to America, says Will Hutton.

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TThere's a lot to admire about America here. Some 200 years ago, the great French social observer Alexis de Tocqueville extolled the legacy of our Puritan founders: their commitment to civic virtue, individual self-improvement, and hard work.

Those characteristics are still evident today, but darker features have also appeared alongside them. The United States, which was a 20th century hegemon and still firmly adhered to democracy, has changed. It has transformed into an imperial power indifferent to democracy but willing to demand economic tribute from its vassals.

No country has been more a vassal state of the United States than Britain. This evolution is laid out in an eye-opening book. Vassal States: What happened to America? running around uk. President Donald Trump's impending inauguration, accompanied by threats to impose tariffs and lower commitments to NATO unless client nations further comply with his wishes, has shaken Western capitals. But as author Angus Hunton carefully documents, this is nothing new. The United States has maintained an America First policy for decades. President Trump is only elevating a long-standing phenomenon. Changing this situation will require more than appointing the crooked Lord Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States. It's about recognizing what's going on and then fighting fire with fire. It's time to put Britain first.

Mr Hunton writes that 25% of the UK's GDP is made up of the sales of the 1,256 US multinational companies operating in the UK. This includes breakfast cereals, soft drinks, car manufacturing, taxis, food delivery, online shopping, travel, coffee, social media, and entertainment (Kellogg, Coca-Cola, Ford, Uber, Deliveroo, Amazon, Expedia, Starbucks, X) This includes everyday areas such as: , Netflix) – knowledge-intensive sectors ranging from data (Apple, Meta/Facebook, Google, Microsoft) to finance (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock). Every time he unpacks the statistics and scope of exploitative control, it's dizzying.

Because this is not benign. The UK is so blind to the negative aspects of loss of control, from tax avoidance to the stripping of strategic skills, that it is surprising that, as Mr Hunton writes, politicians are unable to control this process. He cheerfully praises the city for being “open for business.'' Thus, over the past two decades there has been a tsunami of takeovers of great British technology companies by US companies and private equity firms. For example, the groundbreaking artificial intelligence company DeepMind is now owned by Google. Cyberspace pioneer Darktrace was recently acquired by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo, and biotechnology company Abcam was acquired by Washington DC-based Danaher. Spend $12.7 billion on Cambridge University companies Even in 2024 alone. At Oxford University, the newly established luxury Ellison Institute, funded by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is poised to launch a U.S.-like attack on its intellectual property, spinouts and startups. There are concerns that there may be.

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Some decision-making and research will remain in the UK, but Mr Hunton has observed that post-acquisition headquarters have increasingly moved to the US. We bid farewell to our significant presence in space as Inmarsat was acquired by California's Viasat and the UK was downgraded from a potential tier 1 space power to tier 3. High-tech 3D printer Meggitt has transitioned to Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin (along with Chobham and Ultra, part of what was a defense and aerospace “crown jewel” identified by the U.S. International Trade Administration in 2019) However, it is now entirely US-owned), and Worldpay, which was spun out from NatWest, is now headquartered in Cincinnati. Not only was important intellectual property lost, Hunton reported. Immigration makes cities across the United States more prosperous, something the British can only dream of in terms of geographic equity.

Technology entrepreneur and financier Hermann Hauser is the co-founder of Arm, currently listed in New York, which started its operations in the UK and is now our third largest listed company. However, he writes that there are three litmus tests for technology acquisitions. We still control British technology. Is there access from other countries? If not, are UK sellers guaranteed unrestricted and secure access? If the answer to all three is no, then there is a risk of becoming a new client state for these tech giants. And a new kind of colonialism could be happening.'' It's happening while we're watching.

Next is the US attitude towards taxes. The tax departments of US multinational corporations are seen as profit centers, selling to the UK from low-tax Ireland, channeling profits through tax havens often controlled by the UK, or through transfer pricing. Taxes are averaged using all available means, including artificially lowering profits in the UK. It represents only 5% of profits. If the effective tax rate on profits alone, as we know it, was just 15%, Britain would be at least $10bn (£8bn) a year richer. The actual number will almost certainly be further halved. And if the UK dares to propose even modest amendments, such as the 2% digital services tax proposed in the 2018 budget, it will have to be withdrawn due to intense lobbying from the US government. You won't get any more.

What is so disappointing about this whole story is that if we had more courage and determination to put Britain first, we could be Europe's tech powerhouse, with a dynamic economy and a growing tax base. We have many of the necessary assets, from great universities to huge pools of risk capital, that have enabled us to fuel America's growth. Of course, the United States is a powerful magnet because of its size and dynamism, but not as much as we are spoiled.

Mr Hunton said that to fight back, the UK first needs to stop the decline in stocks, and the first step is to reduce both profitable US direct investment (starting business in the UK) and destructive US direct investment (very large numbers of (acquisitions of high-tech companies). intellectual property and their export to the United States). Second, the UK, like the US, must get serious about R&D and innovation and start building its own group of high-tech growth companies. Like Americans, we must invest in our college education, not ignore it. And we need to recognize that an effective counterattack means making common cause with Europe.

Amen, but the omens are not very good. Nigel Farage portrays himself as some sort of national savior, rather than being called out as a de facto US vassal aided primarily by a fifth column media seeking to strengthen our vassal state. are. The Labor government appointed Claire Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, as chair of the Industrial Strategy Council, while the BlackRock board met in Downing Street and received five-star treatment. Ta. There is little momentum for strengthening cooperation with the EU.

To be fair, the government's planned industrial strategy does show potential for a better direction. And the good thing about Trump's impending inauguration is that he embodies the essence of our vassal status. How about Make Britain Great Again instead? Progressive and wealthy donors – Dale Vince? Gary Lubner? Clive Cowdery? – Must ensure copies are sent to all MPs and peers. vassal state. Our true American friends will applaud us for trying to rebalance our relationships. After all, that's what they would do if the boots were reversed.

Will Hutton is a columnist for the Observer

Source: www.theguardian.com

Britain’s security chief warns of underestimated cyberattack threats from hostile states and gangs

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Britain is being warned by its cybersecurity chief about the seriousness of online threats from hostile states and criminal organizations. Richard Horne, director of the GCHQ National Cyber Security Center, highlighted a threefold increase in “serious” incidents due to Russia’s “aggression and recklessness” and China’s “highly sophisticated” digital operations.

In his recent speech, Mr. Horne emphasized the growing hostile activity in UK cyberspace, driven by adversaries aiming to cause disruption and destruction. He mentioned Russia’s aggressiveness and recklessness and China’s continued sophistication as cyber attackers.

Despite the increasing risks, Horne expressed concern that the severity of the threats facing the UK has been underestimated. This serves as a wake-up call for businesses and public sector organizations.

The NCSC reported a significant increase in serious cyber incidents over the past year, with 430 incidents requiring assistance compared to 371 in the previous year. Horne stressed the need to enhance protection and resilience against cyber threats across critical infrastructure, supply chains, and the economy.

The NCSC’s investigation does not differentiate between nation-state attacks and criminal incidents, but ransomware attacks remain a significant concern in the UK. Recent incidents targeting high-profile organizations like the British Library and Synnovis highlight the reliance on technology and the potential human cost of cyberattacks.

With various cyber threats emanating from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, the NCSC is urging organizations to ramp up their cybersecurity measures and stay vigilant. The warning signals the need for a collective effort to safeguard against cyber dangers.

Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert, reiterated the importance of staying alert to cyber threats. The government’s warning serves as a reminder for both public and private sectors to prioritize cybersecurity measures.

Source: www.theguardian.com

James Cleverley warns that Britain’s enemies could utilize AI deepfakes to manipulate election results

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The Home Secretary expressed concerns about criminals and “malicious actors” using AI-generated “deepfakes” to disrupt the general election.

James Cleverley, in anticipation of a meeting with social media leaders, highlighted the potential threats posed by rapid technological advancements to elections globally.

He cited examples of individuals working on behalf of countries like Russia and Iran creating numerous deepfakes (realistic fabricated images and videos) to influence democratic processes, including in the UK.

He emphasized the escalating use of deepfakes and AI-generated content to deceive and bewilder, stating that “the era of deepfakes has already begun.”

Concerned about the impact on democracy, he stressed the importance of implementing regulations, transparency, and user safeguards in the digital landscape.

The Home Secretary plans to propose collaborative efforts with tech giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and YouTube to safeguard democracy.


An estimated 2 billion people will participate in national elections worldwide in 2024, including in the UK, US, India, and other countries.

Incidents of deepfake audio imitations of politicians like Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan, as well as misleading videos like the fake BBC News report on Rishi Sunak, have raised concerns.

In response, major tech companies have agreed to adopt precautions to prevent the misuse of AI tools for electoral interference.

Executives from various tech firms gathered at a conference to establish a framework for addressing deceptive AI-generated deepfakes that impact voters. Elon Musk’s Company X is among the signatories.

Mr. Clegg, Meta’s global president, emphasized the need for collective action to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies like deepfakes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Britain’s new space minister explores the solar system, including Mars

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space politics

The UK has managed to catch up with the US in terms of backing politicians who speak out knowing the vast and almost empty depths of space.

Britain’s new Space Minister Andrew Griffiths – his official title is Minister of Science, Research and Innovation – granted interview To Tali Fraser the house magazine.

Griffiths appears to have demonstrated to her how education is done. “He pointed to a hanging sphere in the science museum that changed its appearance from planet to planet and declared, 'This is Mars!'” An employee gently informed him that it was actually the sun. All I had to do was give it to you. Still, Griffith exclaimed, “That's Saturn!” As the Earth changes. The employee interjected. “No, no, that’s Jupiter.”

Back in 1991, one of the first Ig Nobel Prizes was awarded to then-U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. Quayle was given additional duties, and he became the chairman of something called the National Space Council. He was often in the news for educating the masses. statement Something like:

“[It’s] The time has come for humanity to enter the solar system. ”

“We saw the pictures [of Mars] We believe that where there are canals, there is water. ”

“Really, very strange people can get into sensitive positions and have a huge impact on history.”

Ig Nobel Prize Quote explained He praised Quayle for being a “consumer of time and occupier of space” who “demonstrated the need for science education better than anyone else.”

As we watch Vim for Education spread from country to country, the feedback is encouraging. No matter where the sky is, the sky is the limit.

base notes

Andy Howe celebrates a somewhat musical discovery about fish that spend much of their time on the muddy ocean floor. Does Andy Howe delight in details? And how! He said: nature communications) This concerns the apparently suspicious noises of the Plainfin Midshipman, a species also known as `california singing fish'`. They are endowed with a “sonic swim bladder” that allows them to communicate through modulated, trumpet-like hums and growls. There is a double resonance here as the lead author is his A Bass. ”

“Bass” is Andrew Bass, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University in New York. When Bass isn't out at sea chasing fish, he spends his time at the office. mud hole. I can't help but notice that Bass's feedback is imbued with nominative determinism.

light entertainment

Retired internist John Innes rallies in Call for Feedback (December 9, 2023) to refute the old adage that “Medicine is primarily about entertaining the patient; nature cures disease.” or asked for first-hand testimony in the affirmative.

He sets the scene first. “In the 1890s, Faroese and Danish physician Niels Finsen showed that ultraviolet light could treat tuberculosis (TB) in the skin. This work earned Finsen the Nobel Prize in 1903. The first studies used artificial ultraviolet light, which was widely used to treat tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s.

“However, it was already known that natural ultraviolet light was present in sunlight. This was one of the factors that encouraged the development of sanatoriums for the treatment of tuberculosis. In the 1950s, antibiotics were introduced. After its introduction changed the treatment of tuberculosis, ultraviolet light therapy was lost to history.

John then describes his experiences as a physician specializing in infectious diseases in Birmingham, England in the 1980s: At that time, all new entrants to nurse training were to be offered the tuberculosis vaccine if they had not already done so. In her case, an ulcer appeared at the injection site and gradually enlarged over two months to about 8 centimeters in width. I recommended antibiotics. However, she did not have time to pick up her prescription because she was scheduled to go on vacation the next morning. So I told her to postpone her treatment and come back in 4 weeks.

“She came back after spending two weeks sunbathing on the beach near Tangier. The ulcer had healed and she didn't need anything more. So she left it alone while nature healed her illness. was enjoying it.”

loop soup

What is loop soup? It's hard to say. It's difficult to say succinctly.

Wojtek Furmanski and Adam Kolawa of the California Institute of Technology appear to have injected the phrase into the world of physics in 1987 in the middle of a 35-page paper called `Yang-Mills vacuum: an attempt at lattice loop calculus`Published in the magazine Nuclear Physics B.

Loop soup is only mentioned once. This is their word. “This medium is still far from an asymptotic ‘loop soup’ and is beyond our reach.”

This text may be incomprehensible to those without a deep education in nuclear physics. Still, the phrase stuck. Just 33 years later, Valentino Voigt and Matthew Kleban of New York University `New recipe for Brownian Loop Soup`This may definitely whet your appetite.

Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com.

Have a story for feedback?

You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please enter your home address. This week's and past feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Future of Communication: What Changes with Britain’s New Snooper Charter Law | John Norton

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WBack in 2000, the Investigatory Powers Regulation Bill was introduced by the Blair government, which enshrined formidable surveillance powers into law. Long before Edward Snowden revealed his secrets, it was clear to those paying attention that the British deep state was gearing up for the digital age. The powers implicit in this bill were so broad that some expected it to pass the House with a bang.

However, the majority of MPs surveyed didn’t seem interested in the bill. Only a handful of his 659 elected members seemed concerned at all about what was being proposed. Most of the work to improve bills as they pass through Parliament is done by a small number of members of the House of Lords, some of them hereditary members, rather than elected members. It was eventually revised and became law (nicknamed Ripa) in July 2000.

In 2014, the government commissioned David Anderson QC (now KC) to investigate its operation and recommended that new legislation be enacted to clarify the questions Ripa raises. Home Secretary Theresa May introduced a new investigatory powers bill in the House of Commons in 2015, which was scrutinized by a joint committee of the Lords and the House of Commons. This bill became the Investigatory Powers Act (or “Peep Charter”) in November 2016. The following month, the European Court of Justice ruled that the general retention of information legalized by the law was unlawful.

In 2022, the Home Office conducted a review of how the act worked. It concluded that the law had “largely achieved its objectives” but that further significant reforms were needed “to take into account advances in technology and the evolving demands of protecting national security and tackling serious crime.” Spies needed legislative support and more formally sanctioned wiggle room.

The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill is currently before the Lords of Westminster. “The world has changed,” the blurb says. “Technology is advancing rapidly and the types of threats the UK faces continue to evolve.” It aims to enable security and intelligence agencies to respond to a range of evolving threats. And of course, this is global Britain, so “world-leading safeguards within the IPA will be maintained and strengthened”.

Upon closer inspection, the bill should give security services more latitude in building and leveraging so-called “mass datasets of personal information” and collecting and using CCTV footage and facial images. The bill also allows for the “collection and processing of Internet connection records” for generalized mass surveillance.

The bill will force technology companies, including overseas bases, to inform the UK Government of any plans that may require improving security or privacy measures on their platform before these changes take effect. For instance, Apple views this as an “unprecedented overreach by the government” that could see the UK “covertly veto new user protections globally and prevent us from delivering them to our customers”.

A hat-trick, at least for global Britain.

what i am reading

intestinal level
Cory Doctorow’s Marshall McLuhan Lecture on enshift, or the way digital platforms tend to deteriorate. A record of an event you’ll never forget.

X factor
a great blog post written by Charles Arthur, former technology editor guardian. Summary: Think before you tweet. Or maybe you should just quit.

Apocalypse again
a solemn politiko column Jac Schaefer on the recent wave of layoffs in American news organizations.

Source: www.theguardian.com