davelevy . info / wiki
type: channel
description: things dave has discovered, brought to you by wordpress & 1and1
date: 2026-08-17T16:13:13Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Some [more] notes on UK Defence
items: NPF 26 & Immigration
items: What will Lewisham Greens do?
items: Term Limits
items: Burnham’s reorg, IT, regulation & AI
items: Lisbon
items: Mexico’s constitution
items: Unitary Presidents vs Colleges
items: Federalism and IT Governance
items: Labour’s rules and electoral fraud
items: Ghost or something else
items: Selling the Stamp Collection

Some [more] notes on UK Defence
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-17T16:13:06Z
subject: Politics
subject: defence
subject: DIP 2026
subject: politics
subject: Royal Air Force
subject: Royal Navy
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="HMS Daring in Pompey" decoding="async" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Surprisingly, one of the critical issues leading to Starmer’s resignation was a disagreement within the cabinet about the defence budget and strategy. I have persistently argued that Labour’s defence party strategy was aimed at defending labour’s right against his left rather than the country against any threats. The government has now published what they call...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="HMS Daring in Pompey" decoding="async" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HMS_Daring-1-via-wikipedia-cc-brianburnell-by-sa-2010-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Surprisingly, one of the critical issues leading to Starmer’s resignation was a disagreement within the cabinet about the defence budget and strategy. I have persistently argued that Labour’s defence party strategy was aimed at defending labour’s right against his left rather than the country against any threats. The government has now published what they call the defence investment plan and so debates around that continue to occur. In addition the labour party’s national policy forum produce a section on defence. Personally I’m not happy with the nature of debate and here are some notes I made while considering some issues raised by the politics of the DIP. It seems I am not alone. See Luke Cooper’s substack article Andy Burnham should scrap the Defence Investment Plan and start again . He focuses on supply chains and rentierism, although he also looks at innovation speed, the lessons from Ukraine and he need for ‘exquisite’ weapons. I agree with the views expressed in his article with P. Mary Kaldor https://rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/2025/06/16/organised-irresponsibility/, By failing to raise taxes to address these needs, defence spending is now directly competing with investment in welfare, public services and infrastructure. These are all areas desperate for funding if we are serious about countering the rightwards trend in this country -we need to address the frustration of those who have faced…

NPF 26 & Immigration
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-17T09:45:25Z
subject: Politics
subject: #lab26
subject: immigration
subject: labour
subject: NPF
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose from above" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />I am trying to draft an NPF reference back on Immigration. Links I found this, What I seek to get to Conference Commission: Safer Streets, Subsection: Conclusions: Asylum decision-making and system efficiency p37 & Contribution p38 Reasons for reference back The report fails to make substantive recommendations for policy on welcoming immigrant workers and refugees...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose from above" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/redrose-edwardhowell-unsplash-rotated-w1080-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> I am trying to draft an NPF reference back on Immigration. Links https://nationalpolicyforum.labour.org.uk/ see pages 37 & 38, the section dealing with this issue is Safer Streets. I asked Google about the immigration tribunal numbers, what is the appeal rate success for immigration tribunal cases? , what proportion of immigrants are rejected on first hearing? and how many cases did the first tribunal hear in 2025? The success rate is between 36% & 67%. The variation is caused by counting those cases where the HO failed to present their case, the second question is poorly formed, and the answer is a repeat of the first, ~52,500 cases were closed, this is considered high as they were clearing the Tory backlog. I found this, Access to Citizenship and the Economic Assimilation of Immigrants, quick access aids integration What I seek to get to Conference Commission: Safer Streets, Subsection: Conclusions: Asylum decision-making and system efficiency p37 & Contribution p38 Reasons for reference back The report fails to make substantive recommendations for policy on welcoming immigrant workers and refugees and allowing them to create new lives. Conference calls on the NPF to look at and revive the 2024 promises to repeal the hostile environment, to take evidence and make proposals to ensure that workers are not tied to…

What will Lewisham Greens do?
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-08T18:44:11Z
subject: Politics
subject: green party
subject: lewisham
subject: manifesto
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="from Lewisham Green's manifesto, their incumbent councillors and supporters" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-100x100.png 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />A number of Green led councils are having problems fulfilling their promises, on housing, and disinvestment. Lewisham Greens manifesto is published here, and I have made a mirror. It is also available on the wayback machine, as is the its landing page. The final line on the manifesto web page is, Lewisham already has everything...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="from Lewisham Green's manifesto, their incumbent councillors and supporters" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lewisham-Greens-100x100.png 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> A number of Green led councils are having problems fulfilling their promises, on housing, and disinvestment. Lewisham Greens manifesto is published here, and I have made a mirror. It is also available on the wayback machine, as is the its landing page. The final line on the manifesto web page is, Lewisham already has everything it needs to thrive: strong communities, creativity, resilience and pride. What’s been missing is the political leadership to bring it all together. Let’s see if that is so. I had a look at the housing manifesto promises; they promise to build 1,000 houses for social rent, over the term of office. Google gemini suggests this may not be as easy as they think. It is one of the few SMART promises they make.

Term Limits
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-06T16:33:30Z
subject: Politics
subject: democracy
subject: politics
subject: termlimits
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="doors to a British polling station" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />One of the issues I rarely consider when looking at democratic reform is term limits, although I am in favour of them for Mayors. I found this paper, Term limits in parliamentary mandates – Democratic renewal or disruption? published by the European Parliament. I note that they are more common in Presidential republics, as in...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="doors to a British polling station" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pollingstation-elliottstallion-unsplash-w1080-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> One of the issues I rarely consider when looking at democratic reform is term limits, although I am in favour of them for Mayors. I found this paper, Term limits in parliamentary mandates – Democratic renewal or disruption? published by the European Parliament. I note that they are more common in Presidential republics, as in Parliaments, people often consider serving on the back benches as an apprenticeship for government. It presents the arguments for and against and catalogues those that exist, both national officials, mayors, and even intra-party restrictions. They are not common; funny that.

Burnham’s reorg, IT, regulation & AI
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-03T18:24:30Z
subject: Politics
subject: Technology
subject: government
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Bunrham's Cabinet in No 10 North" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The key responsibilities in Government for IT delivery, and AI have moved, swapped even; regulation remains at DDCMS. Links He is abolishing DIST, i.e. innovation scient & technology, AI gets a cabinet seat. A lot of this depends on whether you think GDS was a success or not. Benjamin Welby seems to think it was....
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Bunrham's Cabinet in No 10 North" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/55415893744_984e289673_c-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> The key responsibilities in Government for IT delivery, and AI have moved, swapped even; regulation remains at DDCMS. Links He is abolishing DIST, i.e. innovation scient & technology, AI gets a cabinet seat. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/machinery-of-government-changes-fact-sheet, this is quite short and therfore easy to understand A blog by https://bm.wel.by/2026/07/22/five-things-i-think-about-gds-data-and-ai-being-split-up-again/ A lot of this depends on whether you think GDS was a success or not. Benjamin Welby seems to think it was. I need to read his evidence more carefully. HMG is much more dependent on the US Cloud providers than it was. ICL & ARM have been sold to Japan. I believe that the delivery systems are still based on COTS i.e. the GDS architectural strategy work is focused on web front ends. When I heard the criticisms of the reorg by fans of GDS , I was of the view that there are three problems, delivery, regulation and innovation. Also that UK regulation is overly focused on child (and now women’s) safety and privacy and not on political disinformation. The re-org also over-emphasises the importance of AI as a source of innovation in the UK economy. (I’d look at whether the UK can recover its position in battery and windmill manufacture). I reflected on this on Federalism and IT governance on this wiki.

Lisbon
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-08-01T18:20:27Z
subject: Travel
subject: lisbon
subject: portugal
subject: travel
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Lisbon skyline at dusk" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />This needs to be checked off my list, my Portugal stay was business only. What to do! Hotels The main difference between 4-star and 5-star hotels in Lisbon comes down to depth of amenities, room size, and staff-to-guest ratios, with 5-star properties offering full luxury infrastructure like extensive spas and fine dining.
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Lisbon skyline at dusk" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lisbon-andreasbrucker-X87yB-jvYHw-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> This needs to be checked off my list, my Portugal stay was business only. What to do! 10 best things to do in Lisbon, and nearby by tripadvisor, what they say about Museums, they also talk of boat trips, & food tours. A blog, listing trips in Portugal, not so much about Lisbon, by Daniela. Another, by Blonde Atlas. The maritime-museum The Belem district of Lisbon: a tourism guide for 2026 Hotels The main difference between 4-star and 5-star hotels in Lisbon comes down to depth of amenities, room size, and staff-to-guest ratios, with 5-star properties offering full luxury infrastructure like extensive spas and fine dining.

Mexico’s constitution
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-29T10:25:57Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Mexican national palace" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />This is the first draft of this note, which will focus on the Mexican upper house, known as the Senate of the Republic. Politics The President There is now a term limit of one six year term. They have no Vice President. The president can be recalled by referendum. The Senate GG says, that, On...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Mexican national palace" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexicannationalpalace-1280px-Wikimania_2015_cc-by-sa-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> This is the first draft of this note, which will focus on the Mexican upper house, known as the Senate of the Republic. Politics Elections_in_Mexico from wikipedia, or Electoral system in Mexico (2024) from Wikipedia’s 2024 Mexican Election page The_Mexican_Electoral_System from the Institute Nacional Electoral (INE) The President There is now a term limit of one six year term. They have no Vice President. The president can be recalled by referendum. Mexico does not have a vice president. [1] Abolition: The position of vice president was officially abolished under the Constitution of Mexico in 1917. [1] Historical context: The role existed intermittently under earlier constitutions starting in 1824, but it was permanently removed to prevent potential rivalries and coups against the sitting president. [1, 2] Succession: If the president is unable to serve or vacates the office, the Mexican Congress designates a temporary or substitute president according to constitutional guidelines rather than relying on a vice president The Senate GG says, that, Mexico’s upper house, the Senate of the Republic (Senado de la República), has 128 members elected to serve six-year terms alongside the president. [1, 2] Senators are elected using a mixed electoral system combining direct plurality, first minority, and proportional representation: [1, 2, 3] Direct/Relative Majority (64 seats): Two senators are elected…

Unitary Presidents vs Colleges
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-28T18:53:07Z
subject: Politics
subject: politics
subject: Presidents
subject: tyrannyofthemajority
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a group of people at a table, with papers on the table, a meeting" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />I am trying to write something on the undesirability of unitary presidents, or over-powerful first amongst equals within collective executives. My wiki snip, On presidentialism has aged well, looking at how the mighty US Presidency came to be once the founding fathers decided to have a single president. The fact that its copies become deformed...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a group of people at a table, with papers on the table, a meeting" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/committee-dylangillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> I am trying to write something on the undesirability of unitary presidents, or over-powerful first amongst equals within collective executives. My wiki snip, On presidentialism has aged well, looking at how the mighty US Presidency came to be once the founding fathers decided to have a single president. The fact that its copies become deformed in the same way suggests to me there are fatal flaws in the constitutional settlement. I also wrote about it in my wiki article, On (2) founding-fathers. So I had a look for some white papers, both for and against the unitary executive. Gemini says, https://share.gemini.google/T66ACDIhBKQh and https://share.gemini.google/UYYJM7ouoeYt It summarises Hamilton in Federalist Papers No 70, “While generally classified as a historical essay rather than a modern policy white paper, this is the foundational text for the single executive in American constitutional theory. Hamilton argues that a unitary executive is essential for “energy in the executive,” which allows for “decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch.” He asserts that a plural executive—such as a ruling council—would inevitably lead to internal friction, conceal faults, and destroy democratic accountability by making it impossible for the public to know who to blame for administrative failures.” It also quotes, “The Fatally Flawed Theory of the Unbundled Executive” by Steve…

Federalism and IT Governance
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-24T15:51:19Z
subject: I.T.
subject: Technology
subject: Uncategorized
subject: civilservice
subject: GDS
subject: governance
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="two people sitting in silhouette at the boundary of cyber space, in black and green" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />While considering the recent disposition of HMG’s re-organisation as it impacts the IT industry, I did some querying. I took the view that HMG has three domains of concern, regulation, macro-investment and implementation. Within implementation programmes, there is a massive problem of scale and probably divergent requirements. I made three queries at Google gemini. Q1...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="two people sitting in silhouette at the boundary of cyber space, in black and green" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/federalgovernance-deepai_org-CCPD-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> While considering the recent disposition of HMG’s re-organisation as it impacts the IT industry, I did some querying. I took the view that HMG has three domains of concern, regulation, macro-investment and implementation. Within implementation programmes, there is a massive problem of scale and probably divergent requirements. I made three queries at Google gemini. Q1 List three well cited papers on the conflict between entity wide Information Technology governance & requirements and the needs and policies of sub-entities. Here are three well-cited academic papers that explore the tensions, conflicts, and strategic alignments between enterprise-wide or headquarters-driven Information Technology governance and the autonomous needs, requirements, or local contexts of sub-entities and subsidiaries: Sambamurthy, V., & Zmud, R. W. (1999). Arrangements for information technology governance: A theory of multiple contingencies. MIS Quarterly, 23(2), 261–290.(Note: This is a foundational, highly-cited work discussing how enterprises choose among centralized, decentralized, and federal governance structures to manage the inherent tension between organization-wide standardization and sub-unit flexibility). Peterson, R. R. (2004). Information technology governance by design: Investigating hybrid configurations and integration mechanisms. Information Resources Management Journal, 17(4), 7–38.(Note: This s…

Labour’s rules and electoral fraud
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-16T17:13:43Z
subject: Politics
subject: fraud
subject: labour
subject: labour rules
subject: politics
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose held in a hand" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />I have looked for this a couple of times, but found it last night. From Labour’s Rules, “The Labour Party does not tolerate electoral fraud” C5.I.B.ii – The Labour Party does not tolerate electoral fraud and no member who has been found guilty of an illegal or corrupt election practice as defined by the Representation...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a red rose held in a hand" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-150x150.png 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rose-unsplash-meghanschiereck-w1024-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> I have looked for this a couple of times, but found it last night. From Labour’s Rules, “The Labour Party does not tolerate electoral fraud” C5.I.B.ii – The Labour Party does not tolerate electoral fraud and no member who has been found guilty of an illegal or corrupt election practice as defined by the Representation of the People Act 1983 and subsequent legalisation may be considered for selection for public office at any level without the prior approval of the NEC. With of course the mandatory caveat, unless the NEC grants an exception.

Ghost or something else
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-06T14:17:16Z
subject: Technology
subject: flat-fileCMS
subject: ghost
subject: NFR
subject: requirements
subject: webdesign
subject: webhosting
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a laptop and screen on a desktop" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Another friend asks for advice I’m building a website. Ghost has been suggested, which led me to have a little look. This note looks at what I consider to be the critical selection criteria and make some notes about ghost and flat file CMS. On Ghost Flat-file CMSs “Content Management Systems (CMS) that use only...
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="a laptop and screen on a desktop" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/desktop-domenicoloia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Another friend asks for advice I’m building a website. Ghost has been suggested, which led me to have a little look. This note looks at what I consider to be the critical selection criteria and make some notes about ghost and flat file CMS. On Ghost It’s not very popular. This means skills will be hard to find. It mandates the use of MySQL; at times I have sought to disintermediate my wordpress databases, which led me to look at flat-file CMSs. It’s hosting offering is in USD and presumably located in FISA land. GDPR & Online Safety Act compliance might be hard. WP has a Ghost exporter, otherwise see this on google. Flat-file CMSs “Content Management Systems (CMS) that use only the filesystem are called flat-file CMS. Instead of relying on a database like MySQL, they store your blog posts as plain text (e.g., Markdown or text files) in folders, making them incredibly fast, secure, and easy to back up. [1, 2, 3] The most popular options include: Grav: A highly flexible and modern flat-file CMS built for developers and content creators. It features an excellent dashboard and handles Markdown natively. [1, 2, 3] Kirby: A top choice for highly customized websites and blogs. It is incredibly lightweight, file-based, and gives developers complete control over the frontend. [1, 2] HTMLy: Designed specifically for lightweight blogging. It requires minimal server specifications and natively supports tags, categories, and schedu…

Selling the Stamp Collection
type: item
creator: Dave
date: 2026-07-03T14:13:30Z
subject: Life & Death
subject: stamps
description: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="postage stamps on a table" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />I have picked this up as a project, certainly it takes up enough room and I haven’t looked at it for a while. I am quite looking forward to reviewing the UK and iron-curtain eastern European stamps. It was put together by my mum and her family and so it covers an extensive time period....
encoded: <img width="150" height="150" src="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="postage stamps on a table" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-150x150.jpg 150w, https://davelevy.info/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/stamps-tolgadenizaran-3_r6jZiPf6s-unsplash-w1080-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> I have picked this up as a project, certainly it takes up enough room and I haven’t looked at it for a while. I am quite looking forward to reviewing the UK and iron-curtain eastern European stamps. It was put together by my mum and her family and so it covers an extensive time period. It may contain some stamps from Pa-Jim’s collection too. … I got a copy of Stamp Collector, and ordered it again. I found the following sites, https://www.stamp-valuations.co.uk/, I have contacted them. Warwick and Warwick : how-to-sell-your-stamp-collection, point at https://www.thepts.net/, W&W offer valuations. And UPA stamp auctions which is what interested me last time I looked. They have a web form requesting a collection valuation. They require an accurate overview statement of the inventory supported by pictures, but not too many, this maybe ideal. Stanley Gibbons still buy them, although maybe only as an auction service.