Subject: Join Richardson's Rubicon for an Entertaining and Interactive Season 2! Dear Rubiconers, We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Season 2 of Richardson's Rubicon Podcast! Get ready for some exciting discussions, mind-opening topics, and engaging conversations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this season, we're putting a greater emphasis on YOUR participation. It's less about me, and more about all of you, our amazing listeners. We want to hear your thoughts, opinions, and ideas on the pressing issues of our time. How can you get involved, you ask? Let me break it down for you: 1. Chatterbox Café: On the third Saturday of every month, we'll be hosting the Chatterbox Café. Join us at 2 PM for lively discussions about current headlines or topics of your choice. You can sign up for these events on our website at richardsonsrubicon.com. Whether you're a monthly regular or an occasional participant, everyone is welcome to share their insights and meet fellow Rubiconers. 2. Fireside Chats: If the scheduled Chatterbox Café isn't convenient for you, fear not! We have additional slots available for Fireside Chats. Simply visit our website, choose a time slot that works for you, and join me for an intimate conversation. It's just you and me, exchanging thoughts and ideas. Who knows, you might even inspire a change of opinion! 3. Leave a Message: Not keen on joining live discussions? No problem! You can still have your voice heard by leaving a message. Visit our website and click on the "Leave a Message" option to record your thoughts. I'll personally review each message and consider featuring it on the show. Your unique perspective is always valued. 4. Interview Opportunities: Are you a notable figure in the online world or simply have something important to share? Request an interview with me. We can dive deep into your story, ideas, and experiences. Just arrange an appointment via our website, and we'll take it from there. 5. The Confessional: Have a secret or an experience you'd like to get off your chest? Our Confessional segment is the perfect opportunity for true confessions. This judgment-free space allows you to share anonymously, lightening the burden and giving others the chance to relate. Remember, Richardson's Rubicon is all about fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where differing opinions are respected and celebrated. We aim to create an entertaining and thought-provoking show that sparks change and encourages personal growth. So, don't miss out on your chance to be a part of Season 2! Visit richardsonsrubicon.com and sign up for any of the available slots. We can't wait to connect with you and hear your unique perspectives. Thank you for being a valued member of our Rubicon community. Season 2 is going to be an exhilarating ride! Warm regards, John Richardson Host of Richardson's Rubicon Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the recent introduction of Twitter Blue, a paid subscription service that offers users additional features such as an undo button, bookmark folders, and more. In this episode of Richardson's Rubicon Pod, I discussed various topics surrounding Twitter Blue, including its features, the recent removal of Blue Tick badges from legacy Verified accounts, and my personal experience with the subscription. I also shared my background as a gaming content creator and podcaster, as well as my decision to repurpose my Twitter account for political commentary and launch a new podcast under my real identity. Throughout the episode, I shared my thoughts on the controversy surrounding paid verification through the Blue Tick, and how Twitter could have handled it differently to avoid upsetting its users. I also discussed the importance of having diverse perspectives on the platform, and how blocking users based on their blue tick alone could lead to an echo chamber. Overall, this episode tackled a range of interesting and relevant topics that are worth discussing in the ever-changing landscape of social media. This is what you get: https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/twitter-blue Discuss here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-13-tick-off-twitter/

Hey everyone, it's time for a quick recap of this week's podcast! We started off by discussing how politicians who hold meetings behind closed doors are not working in the best interest of ordinary people. The only way to remove these politicians from power is through voting. Next, we talked about Conservative MPs who removed their party affiliation and changed their color scheme to green, and if they're ashamed of their party, they should switch to a different party. We also discussed the pros and cons of lobbying, and how it can give disproportionate power to the billionaire class. It's important to keep tabs on your local MP's voting record and use resources like Theyworkforyou.com and Tacticalvote.co.uk to make informed decisions. Lastly, we touched on the lack of transparency in government funding and the links between the Tories and Russia. Remember, it's crucial to stay informed and vote wisely! On this episode of Richardson's Rubicon, the host and guest discuss the impact of closed-door meetings in politics, the importance of local representation and strategy in voting, and the issues surrounding lobbying in government. They dive into the topic of billionaire lobbying and its potential abuses of power and influence. The podcast also explores the current transparency and accountability of democracy while uncovering the hidden donations and connections to Russia associated with the Conservative Party. The discussion touches on the staggering amount of fraud and error in government spending and the consequences of fiscal incompetence. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking episode. The host is open to listener participation, including voicemail messages and co-hosting, and even shares a personal update about their dog's arthritis and vet visit. [00:00:11] "Troubling revelations on Tory party finances." [00:06:06] "UK Government Spends 58.8B Amid Doctor Strike" [00:06:29] "Debating Billionaire Class and Government Lobbying Effects" [00:08:00] "Billionaire Lobbying Impacts Society: Pros and Cons" [00:08:56] "The Impact of Lobbying on Unequal Politics" [00:11:54] "Conservative MPs switch to 'Green' branding - why?" [00:14:40] "Unpacking The Truth: Demystifying Complex Issues" [00:14:47] "Get Tactical: Voting Strategies to Remove Tories" Register to VOTE here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Get your Voter Authority Certificate here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate Use: https://tactical.vote/ or https://tacticalvote.co.uk/ to ensure your vote counts. Visit TheyWorkForYou to check on your local MP. Further discussion: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-12-behind-closed-doors-the-dark-side-of-billionaire-lobbying-and-government-corruption/ https://goodlawproject.org/revealed-the-tories-are-still-receiving-funds-from-russia-linked-donors https://www.nao.org.uk/press-releases/tackling-fraud-and-corruption-against-government/ https://twitter.com/thatginamiller/status/1646457627126165506 https://tactical.vote/ or https://tacticalvote.co.uk/

With our exit from the EU and the stop gap of the UK GDPR implementation, your data, while at risk as always, has been relatively safe. However there are moves afoot to change that.  The UK is preparing to replace UK GDPR which is largely EU legislation, on the bonfire of Tory party vanity under the guise of unleashing Britain, freeing it from the so called shackles of good governance. There’s a new bill on the horizon and it’s not good. UK Data Protection and Digital Information Bill introduced in July 2022 and is awaiting second hearing in the Commons. The UK Data Protection and Digital Information Bill would weaken legal standards, hinder the exercise of rights, water down accountability requirements, and introduce loopholes in the law. At the same time, Ministerial powers would be unduly expanded, enabling the Government to co-opt the Information Commissioner and bend primary legislation to their will. I mean, after all, who in their right mind trusts the current UK Government? According to a recent YOUGOV poll, you know, the one connected to Nadhim Zahawi, that one. Even their poll says only 15% of people trust the UK Government, compared to 37% who trust Trade Union Leaders and 80 + who trust family doctors and scientists. 15%. They ought to stand down and hold a general election before one is held for them. I interviewed MARIANO DELLI SANTI, the legal and policy officer for the Open Rights Group, hear what’s at risk in his own words I’d like to thank Mariano for taking part and if you want to take part in opposing this bill, please visit: https://www.openrightsgroup.org/ More details can be found here. https://www.openrightsgroup.org/campaign/stop-data-discrimination/ https://www.openrightsgroup.org/publications/analysis-the-uk-data-protection-and-digital-information-bill/ https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/9d1dpksww9/YG%20trackers%20-%20Trust.pdf Discussion here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-11-data-deregulation-promotes-growth-says-the-trustworthy-uk-government/

In this episode I talk about the Twitter takeover that resulted in security and governance staff leaving en masse, and the impact this has had on GDPR compliance and the creaking infrastructure. Unfortunate timing meant I missed mentioning the Twitter breach of 200 million users details... Going well, isn't it? I think it proves that basing success on personalities is a very bad idea. I then talk about some of the implications of the LastPass breach and what I've done about it. Maybe it will inspire you. Shownotes https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/episode-10-breaches-are-all-the-rage/

During the last two weeks or so, Elon Musk has finally taken over Twitter and during that time I’ve been exploring Mastodon. In this episode I interview Kirk aka Tek who is the server owner of Free Radical Zone, just one of the many “instances” available as part of the Mastodon Federated Network. It’s so good I think you should join too. Listen to this episode and learn about the difference between moderation on Twitter and Mastodon, the sense of community, and the main differences between the local and federated timelines.  https://richardsonsrubicon.com/musk-and-the-rise-of-mastodon/ Join at this link and auto-follow me: https://freeradical.zone/invite/TFHibxKd Join at this link if you don’t want to auto-follow me: https://freeradical.zone/ Find out more about Mastodon here: https://joinmastodon.org/

WHEN IS A SECURITY BREACH NOT A SECURITY BREACH? WHEN IT'S A BRAVERMAN BREACH. With regard to the recent political discussion around Suella Braverman's appointment to the Sunak government, I take a look with my old Information Security hat on and analyse what actions should be taken to bring the matter to a conclusion. The security culture within the Government is a huge risk. You can discuss this and see episode notes on our forum here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/episode-topics/the-braverman-breach-episode-8/ On this episode of Richardson's Rubicon, we dive into the world of government security classifications and discuss the risks of using personal devices for official business. We explore the recent security breach committed by Suella Braverman, where she breached rules by sending a highly sensitive official document through her personal email to an unintended recipient. We also examine the importance of security vetting and discuss how organisations can prevent data leakage from happening. Along the way, we address the confusion surrounding the Braverman security breach and discuss the implications of using personal devices for sensitive information. Join us as we explore the world of government security and the challenges of protecting sensitive information in the modern age. Topic: Levels of Security Classifications for Government Information - Official, Secret, and Top Secret classifications - Differences between classifications and the potential damage caused by compromise Topic: Use of Personal Emails for Government Business - Risk of accidental forwarding of sensitive information - Suella Braverman's security breach by sending an official document from a personal email - The government's argument that using private devices is not unlawful, but private devices can still pose risks - Examples of secure organisation practices for employees using personal devices - Importance of security vetting for individuals with access to secret/top secret assets and information Topic: Recent Security Breaches by Government Officials - Concerns about lack of processes for dealing with breaches by ministers - Security breach by the Home Secretary and the unclear amount of national security at risk - Potential pattern of behaviour by the Home Secretary and the need for prioritising internal security - Difficulty in confirming the severity of security breaches without specific information and labelling of sensitive information - Downplaying of security incidents by government officials Topic: Government Security Protocols and Breach Management - Responsibility of individuals to protect government information - Duty of confidentiality and appropriate training for staff, contractors, and service providers - Potential damage and criminal offenses caused by compromise, loss, or misuse of government information - Necessity of breach management systems in organizations - Uncertainty and confusion surrounding recent security breaches

In this episode I outline how your money has been transferred to the wealthy, how your pensions are at risk, how your environment is at risk and ask whether Investment Zones are corporate fiefdoms. High Five to Michael Russell for some wording. 1. Britain Ramping Up Low-Tax Zones to Help Save It From Stagnation - Bl…. archive.ph. Published September 25, 2022. https://archive.ph/kmtVd  2. Lawson C. Charter Cities: The Real Reason for Brexit and the Bigger Picture. Medium. Published August 14, 2022. https://medium.com/@cormack.lawson/charter-cities-the-real-reason-for-brexit-and-the-bigger-picture-4de80dbb69fb  3. Mazza J. Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter. North East Bylines. Published August 11, 2022. https://northeastbylines.co.uk/dead-crustaceans-on-north-east-coast-the-next-chapter/  4. Crerar P, editor PCP. Early Liz Truss comments on scrapping benefits stoke fears of further cuts. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/30/early-liz-truss-comments-on-scrapping-benefits-stoke-fears-of-further-cuts. Published September 30, 2022.  5. Andrew Lilico [@andrew_lilico]. I don’t agree with not uprating benefits in line with inflation. Benefits should rise, & they should be raised early, with inflation so high. If the govt needs spending cuts (which it does) it should cut NHS spending, not benefits. Twitter. Published September 30, 2022. https://twitter.com/andrew_lilico/status/1575651475531137024  6. NeilMackay [@NeilMackay]. I think there’s a genuine - and very difficult - conversation to be had about what action a population can, or should, take to defend itself against a government which is wilfully working against the interests of the people. This is not meant to be rabble-rousing Just a question. Twitter. Published September 30, 2022. https://twitter.com/NeilMackay/status/1575978523130736643  7. Liz Truss admits “disruption” to UK economy but stands by forecast-free mini-budget. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/liz-truss-admits-disruption-to-uk-economy-but-stands-by-forecast-free-mini-budget-12708599  8. Elgot J, Mason R, Allegretti A. Liz Truss to push ahead with unlimited ‘investment zones’ despite costs row. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/30/liz-truss-to-push-ahead-with-unlimited-investment-zones-despite-costs-row. Published September 30, 2022.  9. Editor SS Political Editor | Oliver Wright, Policy. Simon Clarke interview: ‘Truss is enjoying her chance to pull Britain out of its fool’s paradise.’https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/simon-clarke-interview-truss-is-enjoying-her-chance-to-pull-britain-out-of-its-fools-paradise-rndrm9kn6.  10. The Growth Plan 2022: Investment Zones factsheet. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-factsheet-on-investment-zones/the-growth-plan-2022-investment-zones-factsheet

I summarise today's events in Tory Land because frankly, so much stuff happened I needed to take notes myself. What a mess. 1. Ed Conway [@EdConwaySky]. 🚨NEW🚨 On the @bankofengland intervention: Am told the BoE were responding to a “run dynamic” on pension funds - a wholesale equivalent of the run which destroyed Northern Rock. Had they not intervened, there would have been mass insolvencies of pension funds by THIS AFTERNOON. Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/EdConwaySky/status/1575128310740389889 2. Hannan D. Daniel Hannan: No, the pound isn’t crashing over a trifling batch of tax cuts. It’s because the markets are terrified of Starmer. Conservative Home. Published September 28, 2022. https://conservativehome.com/2022/09/28/daniel-hannan-no-the-pound-isnt-crashing-because-of-a-trifling-batch-of-tax-cuts/ 3. Володимир Зеленський [@ZelenskyyUa]. Had a phone conversation with 🇬🇧 PM @trussliz. The UK has always been among the leaders in supporting Ukraine. We expect London’s leadership in reaction to Russian sham referenda as well. Defense and financial aid to Ukraine must be enhanced in response. Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1575140579251556352 4. Teodorczuk T. Hedge fund boss Crispin Odey reveals political ambitions. https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/hedge-fund-boss-crispin-odey-reveals-political-ambitions-20180917 5. Kwasi Kwarteng to hold meeting with bankers as fallout from mini-budget continues | Politics News | Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/kwasi-kwarteng-to-hold-meeting-with-city-bankers-as-fall-out-from-mini-budget-continues-12706734 6. Beth Rigby [@BethRigby]. Quick update from Treasury sources on chancellor and the economic plan. Told CX not resigning and there will be “no reversal of policy.” Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/BethRigby/status/1575135370181754881 7. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL [@campbellclaret]. Tory Party spin doctor just told me that they don’t know where Truss is, and they can’t find any MPs apart from Redwood and Bridgen to defend the government so they are trying to get the line running that the run on the £ is all Labour’s fault. “Bollocks but we’re desperate.” Twitter. Published September 28, 2022. https://twitter.com/campbellclaret/status/1575062726266671106

I confidently predict what the effects of the Tory Fiscal Event will bring and exactly how this will affect the economy and you. If you earn under £150 K pa, you will be affected. Energy support will likely end in six months, find out why. Inflation will spiral, find out why. The housing market will crash, find out why. Social support, such as universal credit, will be harder to obtain and scapegoating will occur.  PROTEST! WRITE TO YOUR MP AND EXPLAIN WHAT 12 YEARS OF TORY MISRULE MEANS TO YOU. https://www.writetothem.com/