ContactPoint children's database suffers security breaches

ContactPoint database suffers 'serious' security breaches during trial phase The controversial database containing personal details of all 11 million children in England has suffered at least three security breaches even before its nationwide launch. (link via Telegraph) I've written about the ContactPoint database before. I've always been against the idea but of course that doesn't matter. Parents don't have a say - unless you are a celebrity or a politician because they are concerned about the security of their children's details, and they can opt out!! And surprise, surprise! The big fear was that it wouldn't be secure (no database is 100% secure) and sure enough there have been at least three security breaches already - before its nationwide launch! I wonder how the parents in England that supported the idea of the database, feel about it now. Can there be anyone who still believes ContactPoint is a good idea?

A History of the World in 100 Objects - new series on BBC Radio 4

This sounds like an intriguing new project on BBC Radio 4 About A History of the World: On Monday 18th January, Radio 4 officially launches this project with the first programme in a a major new series 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', written and presented by the Director of the British Museum, Neil Macgregor. The British Museum has chosen 100 objects from its collection and now we want you to add yours. Help us build a digital museum by adding your object to this website. Just take a photo of something you own that you think tells us about a time, a place or a community. What part does your object play in a history of the world? BBC - A History of the World Radio 4 Blog - At last! A History of the World

The Hoxton Hotel: next £1 sale on 21st Jan

It's time again for the £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel The Hoxton Hotel - the famous £1 sale is coming soon 21st January at midday! 500 rooms for £1 and 500 room for £29 for dates between the 1st Feb – 30th April 2010 Hoxton Hotel 81 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3HU Good Luck - this sale is extremely popular! Please note: I have no connection with The Hoxton Hotel - I just like to pass along information about a great deal when I can!

How Emma Bridgewater tableware is made - videos

A detailed look at how Emma Bridgewater tableware is hand made and decorated in Stoke on Trent and Emma's inspirations. Short films that shows the complete process from clay slip preparation to the finishing of the end products: Visit www.emmabridgewater.co.uk for beautiful tableware. Edited to add: I have no connection with the Emma Bridgewater business - I just think it's very interesting to see how the tableware is made and thought I'd share these videos on my blog.

Police sledging, Oxford - watch the video

What do you think about their moment of fun using riot shields to sledge down a snowy hill while on duty?

Are you angry about their behavior since they were on duty? or do you think they should be allowed to have a bit of fun - as long as they didn't stay long and went right back to work?

The 2010 Quality of Life Index: The 10 best countries to live

The 10 best countries to live (and the 10 worst) International Living magazine's 30th annual survey of the best countries to live: 1. France 2. Australia 3. Switzerland 4. Germany 5. New Zealand 6. Luxembourg 7. United States 8. Belgium 9. Canada 10. Italy And Britain? 25th place for best country to live The worst 1. Somalia 2. Yemen 3. Sudan 4.Chad 5. Afghanistan 6. Sierra Leone 7. Djibouti 8. Eritrea 9. Guinea 10. Angola (link via Times Online) What do you think about the survey results? If you live in France, do you agree that it's the best country for living in?

Changes to the law on citizenship: Children of British mothers

The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 came into force today (13 January 2010) which means I finally "have a right to register as a British citizen" but I will have to pay £540 to claim my British citizenship by descent!

This new law does not allow UK mothers to pass on citizenship to their children regardless of where or when they were born. It requires all those born abroad to a UK mother prior to 1983 to register with the UKBA and pay an exorbitant fee (presently £540) before they can apply for a UK passport. Anyone born in the same circumstances after 1983 or at anytime to a UK father can simply complete a passport application without the need to register and without a fee.

All British women are not equal. My British mother couldn't pass her citizenship to me until today - and it doesn't mean I am automatically British. I have to 'register' and pay £540 and attend a British citizenship ceremony before I can gain my British citizenship.

And it's worth noting that registration can be rejected. The right to register as a British citizen does not guarantee that an application will be approved.

Why isn't a legitimate claim to British citizenship by descent, automatic? Why are we considered less equal to the same right that others can claim? Does this inequality mean that we are second-class British citizens?

It is disgraceful that I (and others in the same situation) will have to register and pay for our right to British citizenship by descent. The British government made us wait all these years for the unfair law to be amended and then decided we are still not equal to children of British fathers.

Many British women who gave birth abroad were war brides (my mum was one). Shouldn't their children have the same right to British citizenship by descent as the children of British fathers do?

The Members of Parliament have passed a Bill that blatantly discriminates against British mothers and their children. And shockingly, the Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill - with its blatant gender and age discrimination - has now become law.

If you are BRITISH (British expats can sign too!) or a British resident you can help stop the gender and age discrimination! Add your name to this petition:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/UKmothers/

Related posts:
People born before 1983 to British mothers

British Citizenship - discrimination
Guardian's Liberty Clinic - query about British citizenship

70 years ago today rationing was intoduced in Britain

70 years ago today rationing was intoduced in Britain Read more about it from this post, "Rationing Begins" on The Ministry of Food blog. Watch the (fascinating!) film which the Ministry of Information made in 1944 to explain the rationing system and its effect on the people of England to American audiences:

Competition from BBC Radio 4: So You Want To Be A Scientist?

This is a cool competition for budding scientists! Material World, Radio 4's weekly science show, is searching for the BBC's Amateur Scientist of the Year. If your idea is selected, you'll be doing the experiment in your spare time, from the kitchen table or the garden shed. Plus you'll have help from the country's top researchers. Application form - tell about an idea you want to put to the scientific test. This is open to anyone who isn't a professional scientist. So You Want To Be A Scientist? - Terms & Conditions Closing date: The online entry form will be available from 20 December 2009 to 28 February 2010 and entries must be received by 11.59pm on 28 February 2010. The BBC may extend the closing date if it wishes. Late entries will not be accepted.

Removing snow outside your house

I've been hearing and reading about this a lot lately with our snowy weather and wonder what people think. In the UK, it seems to be taken for granted that if you clear the pavements outside your house you are liable to be sued if anyone slips and falls. I think that's absolutely crazy! The people at the BBC have obviously noticed this discussion on forums and twitter too because they've got an article about it in BBC News Magazine: Is it your civic duty to clear snow? Local authorities in the UK are responsible for gritting and salting public roads and pavements, but what about your own path and the pavement in front of your home? Is it your civic duty to keep them clear for others? In fact, you are taking a theoretical legal risk if you clear the pavement in front of your home. It's worth noting a glimmer of sense in the article: But, Paul Kitson, a partner with leading personal injury solicitors Russell Jones & Walker, explains that a claimant would have to show you had acted either maliciously or carelessly, and that such a case would often be tricky in practice. So there you have it. It seems like a crazy country if people have to be afraid to clear their pavements (sidewalks) in front of their property in case they are sued. I just don't understand this mentality at all. As the BBC article points out, it's your legal duty to clear your sidewalks in Minneapolis (Minnesota). So if you live in the UK, what do you do? Do you go ahead and clear the pavement in front of your house, even though there is a theoretical legal risk? Or do you leave the snow and ice there? What about where you live? What are the laws regarding snow removal outside your property? Update: Edited to add a link to an article in The Telegraph on Saturday 9 Jan, 2010 Healthy and safety experts warn: don't clear icy pavements, you could get sued Pavements are being left covered in ice because of “ludicrous” laws that put home owners and businesses at risk of being sued if they try to clear them.

Amazing satellite view of the UK today (7 Jan)

Wow! This a fantastic satellite view of the UK today! What the UK looks like covered in snow - a stunning photo from NASA:

Yes, we are having a very cold and snowy winter in the UK - most unusual and thus it's big news! If you are planning to visit the UK in the next week or so, be sure you bring lots and lots of warm clothes. This is not your usual mild British winter - you have been warned!