via Instagram http://bit.ly/2BP9d6j Intellectual evening for me with stunning views
Wednesday 6 December 2017
Sunday 3 December 2017
Saturday 18 November 2017
Wednesday 15 November 2017
Tuesday 7 November 2017
Instagram Update November 07, 2017 at 11:07PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2AiwgVB Someone had turned my horror experience at the Edinburgh Dungeon into a meme #horrormeme
Thursday 2 November 2017
Sunday 29 October 2017
Thursday 26 October 2017
Instagram Update October 26, 2017 at 08:13AM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2i6YcnR Timely delivery. World gin of the year - Herno Old Tom. Roll on gin o'clock
Monday 16 October 2017
Instagram Update October 16, 2017 at 05:45AM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2gHeunE He had to ask twice to be sure that my name was actually Jupiter #starbucksnames
Wednesday 4 October 2017
Twitter Update - October 04, 2017 at 11:14AM
if (uptime > warranty period + 1 day) { hddFail = true; } #sigh Thank goodness for RAID!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) October 4, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
October 04, 2017 at 11:14AM
via IFTTT
Wednesday 27 September 2017
Thursday 21 September 2017
Twitter Update - September 21, 2017 at 01:05AM
Winners again! #cloudexcellence http://pic.twitter.com/dfPXMO1QsR
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) September 21, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
September 21, 2017 at 01:05AM
via IFTTT
Monday 18 September 2017
Instagram Update September 18, 2017 at 08:56PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2ykfnd3 First pint of the black stuff in a while. Well... Actually... Third pint
Friday 1 September 2017
Twitter Update - September 01, 2017 at 07:23AM
"TDI for Newbies" http://bit.ly/2wWvBLZ #ibmtivoli #feedly
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) September 1, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
September 01, 2017 at 07:23AM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 29 August 2017
Twitter Update - August 29, 2017 at 10:10PM
I've worked with IBM tools for many years, but the one that just seems to do the job without any fuss or hassle is still TDI. #pmrfreezone
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) August 29, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 29, 2017 at 10:10PM
via IFTTT
Twitter Update - August 29, 2017 at 06:53PM
I'm in and feeling confident... Misplaced probably! http://bit.ly/2wlJLmL
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) August 29, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 29, 2017 at 06:53PM
via IFTTT
Sunday 27 August 2017
Instagram Update August 27, 2017 at 07:18PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2wgkGK5 Just your average day on the north coast of Ireland. Portrush ahead. Donegal beyond.
Saturday 26 August 2017
Instagram Update August 26, 2017 at 03:24PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2xBBAly Dinner is marinading... Turmeric, ginger and garlic so far. Chillies, cumin, coriander and cardamom to come. I'm salivating!
Thursday 24 August 2017
Instagram Update August 24, 2017 at 05:22PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2vjtld7 Think I'm in love with this girl... I wanna keep her but alas, her heart belongs elsewhere
Tuesday 22 August 2017
Instagram Update August 22, 2017 at 11:05PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2w0XEX7 Beauty exists above street level. River Island, Donegall Place, Belfast. Why don't we embed this kind of art into new builds?
Twitter Update - August 22, 2017 at 09:04AM
We're proud to be shortlisted in the #UKITAwards for Cloud Innovation Provider of the year @Computing_News http://bit.ly/2wjdJKo http://pic.twitter.com/wsa069osqj
— Pirean (@Pirean) August 22, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 22, 2017 at 09:04AM
via IFTTT
Monday 21 August 2017
Twitter Update - August 21, 2017 at 08:28AM
All set for #GartnerSEC, Sydney. Visit us at booth S16 to find out more about Access: One, our IAM platform for everything Identity.
— Pirean (@Pirean) August 20, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 21, 2017 at 08:28AM
via IFTTT
Twitter Update - August 21, 2017 at 08:28AM
Join us at booth S16 for our wine and cheese matching session #GartnerSEC http://pic.twitter.com/3kvsUcTo8k
— Pirean (@Pirean) August 21, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 21, 2017 at 08:28AM
via IFTTT
Sunday 13 August 2017
Twitter Update - August 13, 2017 at 09:18AM
http://bit.ly/2vyDhjZ IBM's view
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) August 13, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
August 13, 2017 at 09:18AM
via IFTTT
Thursday 10 August 2017
My Plan B
Nobody reads this blog or this section of my website so I can write and say whatever I want here without fear.
Apparently.
With that in mind...
I often have discussions with friends, family and colleagues about careers and I always say that a Plan B is not necessarily a bad idea. But I'm very aware that I don't actually have a Plan B at all.
My Plan B is often verbalised as "dry-stone walling in the highlands of Scotland" which sounds rather energetic though the abandoning of technology is appealing at times.
Thinking about a Plan B a little more seriously results in silly ideas like:
The male escort idea is easily the more doable and more likely to generate revenue of the above ideas, but even that doesn't sound like a long term solution to any kind of notion of having a career change!
They say that "necessity is the mother of invention". I guess the reason my Plan B ideas are terrible is because necessity hasn't forced me to think seriously about it. But with nearly 30 years behind me doing this IT thing, I can't help thinking that maybe, just maybe, the time is coming to do something COMPLETELY different.
Ideas welcome - though nobody reads this so that is a note to self!
Apparently.
With that in mind...
I often have discussions with friends, family and colleagues about careers and I always say that a Plan B is not necessarily a bad idea. But I'm very aware that I don't actually have a Plan B at all.
My Plan B is often verbalised as "dry-stone walling in the highlands of Scotland" which sounds rather energetic though the abandoning of technology is appealing at times.
Thinking about a Plan B a little more seriously results in silly ideas like:
- becoming a "proper" author (maybe by writing up my memoirs in exaggerated form)
- becoming a male escort (of the legitimate kind, of course)
- winning the lottery or putting everything on the 2:15 at Kempton Park
The male escort idea is easily the more doable and more likely to generate revenue of the above ideas, but even that doesn't sound like a long term solution to any kind of notion of having a career change!
They say that "necessity is the mother of invention". I guess the reason my Plan B ideas are terrible is because necessity hasn't forced me to think seriously about it. But with nearly 30 years behind me doing this IT thing, I can't help thinking that maybe, just maybe, the time is coming to do something COMPLETELY different.
Ideas welcome - though nobody reads this so that is a note to self!
Saturday 5 August 2017
Friday 4 August 2017
Thursday 3 August 2017
Instagram Update August 03, 2017 at 05:34PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2fbMVEU My hotel room... Complete with logo of the company I'm working for just now. How did they know.
Wednesday 2 August 2017
Thursday 27 July 2017
Twitter Update - July 27, 2017 at 06:22PM
Looking for Stronger #Authentication? Check out the latest updates to Access: One Authenticator http://bit.ly/2v2YEvx #IAM
— Pirean (@Pirean) July 27, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
July 27, 2017 at 06:22PM
via IFTTT
Sunday 16 July 2017
Saturday 15 July 2017
Friday 14 July 2017
Tuesday 11 July 2017
Monday 10 July 2017
Saturday 8 July 2017
Thursday 6 July 2017
Twitter Update - July 06, 2017 at 09:27AM
Really good: Current Trends in Identity and Access Management http://bit.ly/2ssWuBn via @ibmsecurity
— Jon Harry (@jon_harry) July 6, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
July 06, 2017 at 09:27AM
via IFTTT
Wednesday 5 July 2017
Wednesday 21 June 2017
Twitter Update - June 21, 2017 at 08:41AM
Only 1 week to go #PSS2017. Find us at stand 506 and learn how to build easy to consume, quick to deploy and GDS compliant #IAM services. http://pic.twitter.com/D95SO4dFVk
— Pirean (@Pirean) June 20, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
June 21, 2017 at 08:41AM
via IFTTT
Twitter Update - June 21, 2017 at 08:41AM
Pirean team ready for #wmidm. Stop by our stand to find out more about our unified #IAM solution, Access: One http://pic.twitter.com/rZkSUanhuR
— Pirean (@Pirean) June 21, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
June 21, 2017 at 08:41AM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 20 June 2017
Twitter Update - June 20, 2017 at 11:48AM
Join us for our Seminar session "Citizen & Consumer IAM: how to better engage through digital channels", tomorrow @ #wmidm @WhitehallMedia http://pic.twitter.com/i2w2QBftmc
— Pirean (@Pirean) June 20, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
June 20, 2017 at 11:48AM
via IFTTT
Sunday 18 June 2017
Saturday 17 June 2017
Tuesday 13 June 2017
Twitter Update - June 13, 2017 at 09:09PM
Meet us at IDM, 21 June, London and don't miss our Seminar Session on Citizen and Consumer IAM @WhitehallMedia #wmidm http://pic.twitter.com/visDkdsfJk
— Pirean (@Pirean) June 13, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
June 13, 2017 at 09:09PM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 6 June 2017
How To Vote In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland politics differs from the politics of the rest of the United Kingdom. The General Election this Thursday gives Northern Ireland votes the potential to demonstrate how passionately they believe in the things that really matter here. But it's not quite that simple and many of us who will wander to the polls may be confused as to how our vote should be cast. Here's a "how to guide" to the process:
1) If you like the idea of perpetuating the stagnation that we have enjoyed over the last few years, then of course vote for the exact same people as last time. What's the worst that can happen?
2) If you firmly believe that what's important is "keepin' themuns out" then of course you need to vote for your tribe regardless of policy. Helpfully, the parties tend to put a flag on their campaign posters to help you decide which tribe they belong to! 🇬🇧️🇮🇪️. NOTE: The Green Party, despite their greenness aren't green in the tribal sense!
3) If you like the idea of voting for a candidate who won't go to Westminster and stand-up for your rights, needs, wants and desires and you prefer your MP to have no voice whatsoever in the democratic process then you should vote for Sinn Fein. (I hear the arguments that suggest that while they don't take their seats, they do a lot of work in the background lobbying - but hey, I prefer my politicians to follow process!)
4) If you like the idea of voting for a party that puts their needs before yours and attaches importance to their religious beliefs above all else; if you like the idea that treating others with disrespect on account of their gender, sexuality, faith (or lack thereof); if you like your politicians to be corrupt despite their "holier than thou" Bible-Bashing rhetoric; if Red Sky, Nama and RHI made you feel proud rather than ashamed, then you should vote for the DUP.
5) If you think the time has come for our politicians to actually knuckle down and do some work and start focusing on Education, Health, Employment, Infrastructure, Equality For All, Human Rights, A Post-Brexit Plan and actually making Northern Ireland an even better place to live, then vote for the team that has put together a set of policies that match those requirements. Their manifestos are all available here:
6) If you think that your vote doesn't really count and that there is no point? Then think again. If all non-voters actually voted, the makeup of the political landscape here could be VERY different. Vote. Get your friends and family to vote. It only takes a few moments and you only need to be able to construct an X and put it in a box.
Remember, your vote is YOUR vote. Nobody else's. Nobody need ever know where you put your X. (Not that you should ever feel ashamed for voting for what you believe in.)
1) If you like the idea of perpetuating the stagnation that we have enjoyed over the last few years, then of course vote for the exact same people as last time. What's the worst that can happen?
2) If you firmly believe that what's important is "keepin' themuns out" then of course you need to vote for your tribe regardless of policy. Helpfully, the parties tend to put a flag on their campaign posters to help you decide which tribe they belong to! 🇬🇧️🇮🇪️. NOTE: The Green Party, despite their greenness aren't green in the tribal sense!
3) If you like the idea of voting for a candidate who won't go to Westminster and stand-up for your rights, needs, wants and desires and you prefer your MP to have no voice whatsoever in the democratic process then you should vote for Sinn Fein. (I hear the arguments that suggest that while they don't take their seats, they do a lot of work in the background lobbying - but hey, I prefer my politicians to follow process!)
4) If you like the idea of voting for a party that puts their needs before yours and attaches importance to their religious beliefs above all else; if you like the idea that treating others with disrespect on account of their gender, sexuality, faith (or lack thereof); if you like your politicians to be corrupt despite their "holier than thou" Bible-Bashing rhetoric; if Red Sky, Nama and RHI made you feel proud rather than ashamed, then you should vote for the DUP.
5) If you think the time has come for our politicians to actually knuckle down and do some work and start focusing on Education, Health, Employment, Infrastructure, Equality For All, Human Rights, A Post-Brexit Plan and actually making Northern Ireland an even better place to live, then vote for the team that has put together a set of policies that match those requirements. Their manifestos are all available here:
- https://www.allianceparty.org/
- http://www.mydup.com/
- http://www.greenpartyni.org/
- http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/
- http://www.sdlp.ie/
- https://www.sinnfein.ie/
- https://www.uup.org/
6) If you think that your vote doesn't really count and that there is no point? Then think again. If all non-voters actually voted, the makeup of the political landscape here could be VERY different. Vote. Get your friends and family to vote. It only takes a few moments and you only need to be able to construct an X and put it in a box.
Remember, your vote is YOUR vote. Nobody else's. Nobody need ever know where you put your X. (Not that you should ever feel ashamed for voting for what you believe in.)
Saturday 3 June 2017
Instagram Update June 03, 2017 at 06:23PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2rQGQDb The heavens seem to be displaying a certain amount of displeasure on Northern Ireland's biggest fossil fuel power station. There were blue skies behind me btw
Wednesday 31 May 2017
Twitter Update - May 31, 2017 at 10:30PM
Missed the leadership debate - but any leader who can't be bothered turning up doesn't deserve to lead. I hope the nation has taken note!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) May 31, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
May 31, 2017 at 10:30PM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 30 May 2017
Monday 29 May 2017
Twitter Update - May 29, 2017 at 05:21PM
Finally had a parliamentary candidate knock on my door and ask for my vote. @VoteGirvanX may not get it, but he asked & others haven't yet!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) May 29, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
May 29, 2017 at 05:21PM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 23 May 2017
Thursday 11 May 2017
Wednesday 10 May 2017
Sunday 7 May 2017
Instagram Update May 07, 2017 at 04:38PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2pUPxII Had to get the hat on... Burnt all over after having worn the mankini all day!
Instagram Update May 07, 2017 at 09:35AM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2pmLDat Been walking past this for years. Surely it is going to topple real soon
Monday 1 May 2017
Instagram Update May 01, 2017 at 03:38PM
via Instagram http://bit.ly/2oPNLLE Dirtiest job of the spring has been completed... In dire need of a shower!
Sunday 30 April 2017
Sunday 23 April 2017
Twitter Update - April 23, 2017 at 12:16PM
Watching the #Londonmarathon and feeling tired just watching these athletes. I can feel pain in my knees and I'm sitting down!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) April 23, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
April 23, 2017 at 12:16PM
via IFTTT
Saturday 22 April 2017
Tuesday 18 April 2017
Twitter Update - April 18, 2017 at 09:25PM
.@swindongreens are ready to provide real, principled, opposition. I'll be standing in Swindon North. http://bit.ly/2pyQiXc
— Andy Bentley (@andybentley1965) April 18, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
April 18, 2017 at 09:25PM
via IFTTT
Twitter Update - April 18, 2017 at 09:35AM
That http://bit.ly/2pMCI1N link you clicked on? Yeah, it's actually Russian http://bit.ly/2nY4PPr
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) April 18, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
April 18, 2017 at 09:35AM
via IFTTT
Sunday 16 April 2017
Wednesday 5 April 2017
Twitter Update - April 05, 2017 at 08:06AM
First one in to the office means I have control of the Sonos, right? No ballads, warbling or thump-thump stuff today - just proper music!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) April 5, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
April 05, 2017 at 08:06AM
via IFTTT
Tuesday 4 April 2017
It's almost 30 years since I left school and I'm still sitting exams! IBM Security Identity Governance certification has been nailed though!
It's almost 30 years since I left school and I'm still sitting exams! IBM Security Identity Governance certification has been nailed though!
— Stephen Swann (@stephenjswann) April 4, 2017
from Twitter https://twitter.com/stephenjswann
April 04, 2017 at 12:48PM
via IFTTT
Sunday 2 April 2017
Sunday 26 March 2017
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