More a biro man, really... Writing news, stories, trivia, and shouting at my children. Evertonian.
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Articles by Andy McFarlane
Balancing Bandwidth, Range, and Power in Intelligent Buildings
designLines AI & Big Data Designline As Edge AI transforms smart buildings, Wi-Fi HaLow bridges the gap between bandwidth, long range, and low power. By Andy McFarlane 09.25.2026 0 Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn //php echo do_shortcode('[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Male" buttontext="Listen to Post"]') ?> Buildings are becoming more intelligent at nearly every layer.
McFarlane: Community impact begins with participation
Since becoming Executive Director of Kishwaukee United Way, I have spent a great deal of time listening. One lesson I have learned over many years in nonprofit work is that strong communities are built through relationships. We listen, build trust, understand where people and organizations are already making a difference, and then look for opportunities to turn what we learn into action. Here in DeKalb County, I have listened to nonprofit leaders talk about needs that rarely make headlines.
What’s (Finally) Changing with Video Surveillance Connectivity
For more than a decade, innovation in video surveillance has been defined by what happens at the camera. Resolution has improved from HD to 4K and beyond. Analytics have evolved from motion detection to artificial intelligence-driven object recognition and behavioral analysis. Edge computing has brought intelligence closer to the point of capture, enabling faster decisions and more efficient systems. On paper, modern surveillance systems are more capable than ever.
Why Connectivity Is The Weakest Link In Modern Security Systems—And How The Industry Is Rethinking It
For years, innovation in physical security has focused on what systems can do: higher-resolution cameras, AI-driven analytics, smarter access control, and cloud-based management. But across deployments, from residential systems to enterprise campuses, a more fundamental issue continues to undermine performance: Connectivity.
Smart Homes Enter the IoT 2.0 Era: Rethinking the Wireless Foundation
For years, smart home innovation has focused on endpoints, cameras, locks, thermostats, lighting controls, and appliances. But as these systems evolve toward distributed intelligence, the constraint is no longer the device. It’s the wireless layer. We are now in what many describe as the IoT 2.0 phase: Systems that process data locally, perform AI inference at the edge, and coordinate in real-time.
Local Editorials | Sauk Valley News
YMCA Executive Director Andy McFarlane: "The rising costs of running our programs – from staffing to supplies to utilities – are outpacing our ability to cover them." In just two short years, we are proud to have graduated six community law enforcement officers’ classes. In 2025, we will have surpassed 200 graduates. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates its 10th anniversary from Nov. 17-23.
‘We’re at a breaking point’: Dixon YMCA’s goal to raise $85,000 by June 1 to maintain programs, director says
DIXON — In Dixon, the YMCA isn’t just a place – it’s part of who we are. Maybe your grandchild learned to swim in our pool. Maybe your mom found community in our water aerobics classes. Maybe your son found his confidence in Y-tots preschool or kicked his first soccer ball on one of our fields. Maybe it was your best friend who relied on our after-school program so she could get back to work and back on her feet. Or your neighbor’s daughter who took state with the Y swim team.
Dream start for Aycliffe with opening day win - Aycliffe Today
Newton Aycliffe 2, Newcastle Benfield 1 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe got their Northern League season off a flying start with a home win at the weekend. As manager Brian Atkinson took charge of his first opening day fixture, ex-Aycliffe boss Colin Stromsoy brought his Newcastle Benfield side to the SecuriCorp Stadium at Moore Lane on Saturday. The start of the day took more organising than usual.
Win guarantees Aycliffe's best ever league finish of third in Northern League - Aycliffe Today
Newcastle Benfield 1, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe ended their Ebac Northern League Division One campaign bringing all three points back to County Durham after their first ever victory at Sam Smith’s Park. A fortnight after Benfield knocked Aycliffe out of the League Cup following a penalty shoot out, it was points on the line this time as Aycliffe looked to reach their highest ever league finish beating the sixth place of Peter Dixon’s 2015-16 side.
Late leveller for Aycliffe in away draw - Aycliffe Today
West Allotment Celtic 1, Newton Aycliffe 1 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe drew their second game on Tyneside in the space of three days as a late Jake Petitjean goal secured a point against a West Allotment side who came into the game on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run. Aycliffe went into the game with a depleted squad as a sickness bug spread through the dressing room, with the biggest change seeing Nick Green making his first start in goal as Adam Pickford was sidelined with the bug.
Aycliffe lose at home as Northallerton take home Frank Swinburn Trophy - Aycliffe Today
Newton Aycliffe 0, Northallerton Town 1 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe lost at home to Northallerton Town at the weekend. The North Yorkshire side came to County Durham on Friday night and left with a vital three points, which may just see them finish the season out of the bottom two places to retain their first division status, and with the victory they also took The Frank Swinburne Memorial Trophy back down the A167 with them.
Aycliffe back to winning ways at Ashington - Aycliffe Today
Ashington 1, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe got back to winning ways in glorious Northumberland weather. Following a run of three games without a victory, and while on a ground on which they hadn’t tasted defeat at since March 2015, the manner of the 4-2 reverse at The Beaumont Landscapes Stadium last October, where the visitors took a four goal lead by the opening minutes of the second half, won’t have been forgotten.
Nine-man Aycliffe frustrated with Penrith home stalemate - Aycliffe Today
Newton Aycliffe 2, Penrith 2 By Andy McFarlane As much as a scoreline showing four goals makes it look an eventful game, this one only tells half the story. Aycliffe kicked off at 3pm and Penrith kicked off before 3.01pm as the home side got off to the best possible start. Liam Jarvie got straight in behind the Penrith defence to latch on to a clever pass from Joe Ferguson before firing past the visiting keeper to give Aycliffe the lead after just 36 seconds.
Aycliffe’s unbeaten run ends at home - Aycliffe Today
October 18th, 2021 Martin Walker NAFC 65 Newton Aycliffe 0, Sunderland RCA 3 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday against Sunderland RCA as attention now turns to cup action with two games this week. Saturday saw a bad day at the office where a win, given results elsewhere, would have put Aycliffe level at the top of the league with a game in hand.
Aycliffe win at North Shields - Aycliffe Today
North Shields 2, Newton Aycliffe 3 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe headed home from North Tyneside with all three points from a game where both sides had opportunities to have changed the outcome of the game.
Coronavirus: 'Super Saturday' tales as bars reopen
Image copyright Kathryn Lennon "It was so much fun. Everyone was going quite hard because people were just so stoked to be there." With England's bars and restaurants open again for the first time in months, London's West End sprang back to life on what many dubbed "Super Saturday". And for Kathryn Lennon, it wasn't just her first night out in months, it was her first proper night out in the UK.
Coronavirus briefing: Questions over testing pledge and grim global statistics
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright PA Media Testing times Health Secretary Matt Hancock's pledge to ensure 100,000 people a day are tested for coronavirus by the end of the month might have sounded significant but it has raised questions about how the government will meet the target. Labour says details are scant.
Coronavirus briefing: Questions over testing pledge and grim global statistics
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright PA Media Testing times Health Secretary Matt Hancock's pledge to ensure 100,000 people a day are tested for coronavirus by the end of the month might have sounded significant but it has raised questions about how the government will meet the target. Labour says details are scant.
Coronavirus briefing: NHS staff testing 'scandal' and harrowing survival tales
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright WILL OLIVER Testing questions Throughout the succession of government announcements since the coronavirus outbreak arrived in the UK, ministers have heard persistent calls for NHS workers to be tested. Yet the latest figures for England reveal just 2,000 out of about half a million frontline staff have been tested so far.
Coronavirus briefing: NHS staff testing 'scandal' and harrowing survival tales
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright WILL OLIVER Testing questions Throughout the succession of government announcements since the coronavirus outbreak arrived in the UK, ministers have heard persistent calls for NHS workers to be tested. Yet the latest figures for England reveal just 2,000 out of about half a million frontline staff have been tested so far.
Coronavirus briefing: NHS staff saluted and US virus cases overtake China
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters NHS staff saluted It was an emotional moment for those who took part - not least the NHS staff and care workers being saluted by the nation. The Royal Family and prime minister joined well-wishers who flocked to front doorsteps, balconies and windows on Thursday evening night to applaud those dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus briefing: NHS staff saluted and US virus cases overtake China
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters NHS staff saluted It was an emotional moment for those who took part - not least the NHS staff and care workers being saluted by the nation. The Royal Family and prime minister joined well-wishers who flocked to front doorsteps, balconies and windows on Thursday evening night to applaud those dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus briefing: Help for self-employed and surge in US cases
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP Help for self-employed It seems self-employed people are about to get some of the help they have been demanding since the government agreed to pay 80% of the salary of staff kept on by employers during the coronavirus outbreak. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to reveal what's in the package at a press conference later.
Coronavirus briefing: Help for self-employed and surge in US cases
By Andy McFarlane BBC News If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Help for self-employed It seems self-employed people are about to get some of the help they have been demanding since the government agreed to pay 80% of the salary of staff kept on by employers during the coronavirus outbreak. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to reveal what's in the package at a press conference later.
Coronavirus briefing: Retired medics and wage protection
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright PA Media Call to retired medics It was mooted some time ago and now there's confirmation: retired doctors and nurses will be asked to return to the NHS to help the service cope with the coronavirus outbreak. "Lend us your expertise... you can help to save lives," is the pitch from Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England.
Coronavirus briefing: Retired medics and wage protection
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright PA Media Call to retired medics It was mooted some time ago and now there's confirmation: retired doctors and nurses will be asked to return to the NHS to help the service cope with the coronavirus outbreak. "Lend us your expertise... you can help to save lives," is the pitch from Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England.
News Daily: Questions over school closures and Asia braces for fresh virus wave
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright PA Media School closures prompt questions If every day brings fresh announcement measures to tackle coronavirus, it seems every announcement raises fresh questions about their practicalities. With GSCEs and A-Levels being cancelled following the order to schools close from tomorrow, universities are demanding clarity from ministers. They say pupils should not miss out on university this year.
News Daily: Concern over UK virus approach and global stocks tumble
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP Coronavirus approach 'concerning' To ban, or not to ban? While minsters say they must not move too early to prohibit large gatherings in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt says the decision to hold back is "surprising and concerning".
News Daily: Concern over UK virus approach and global stocks tumble
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP Coronavirus approach 'concerning' To ban, or not to ban? While minsters say they must not move too early to prohibit large gatherings in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt says the decision to hold back is "surprising and concerning".
News Daily: US restricts entry from Europe and British soldier killed in Iraq
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images US restricts entry from Europe Travel between 26 European countries and the US is being suspended for 30 days in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus. The UK is not included in the ban, although anyone who has been in the EU's Schengen border-free area within 14 days of their arrival in the US will be denied entry. Restrictions won't apply to US citizens.
News Daily: US restricts entry from Europe and British soldier killed in Iraq
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images US restricts entry from Europe Travel between 26 European countries and the US is being suspended for 30 days in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus. The UK is not included in the ban, although anyone who has been in the EU's Schengen border-free area within 14 days of their arrival in the US will be denied entry. Restrictions won't apply to US citizens.
News Daily: 'No need' for panic buying and children 'left at risk of abuse'
By Andy McFarlane BBC News If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here 'No need' for panic-buying Supermarkets are working with ministers to ensure people self-isolating because of coronavirus receive food, the health secretary says. Speaking on the BBC's Question Time, Matt Hancock said there was no need for panic-buying. "The government has supplies of the key things that are needed.
News Daily: 'No need' for panic buying and children 'left at risk of abuse'
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP 'No need' for panic buying Supermarkets are working with ministers to ensure people self-isolating because of coronavirus receive food, the health secretary says. Speaking on the BBC's Question Time, Matt Hancock said there was no need for panic buying. "The government has supplies of the key things that are needed. And within the food supply, we are absolutely confident that there won't be a problem," he told the audience.
Expat family (mis)fortunes in Freetown, Sierra Leone
It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we left Sierra Leone. We’ve been back in Liverpool longer than we were in Freetown. So if this year seems to have gone by in a blur, our time in West Africa might almost not have happened. Christmas with the in-laws in Ireland was a very different affair from last year’s beach jaunt, although there was still time for a dip.
News Daily: Virus hits stocks and doubts over road-building plans
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters Virus effects The many and varied effects of the coronavirus outbreak continue to be felt across the globe. Stock markets are taking a hit - Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 3% in early trading and Australia's ASX 200 by more than 3.5%, in the wake of the US Dow Jones index's biggest points fall in history.
News Daily: Virus hits stocks and doubts over road-building plans
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters Virus effects The many and varied effects of the coronavirus outbreak continue to be felt across the globe. Stock markets are taking a hit - Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 3% in early trading and Australia's ASX 200 by more than 3.5%, in the wake of the US Dow Jones index's biggest points fall in history.
News Daily: Millane killer jailed and coronavirus evacuees attacked
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images Grace Millane's mum confronts killer "You have ripped a hole in my heart, one that will never be repaired." The words of Gillian Millane, delivered via video-link to an Auckland courtroom where her daughter's killer was jailed for life, capture the grief of a family whose lives "will never be the same".
News Daily: Millane killer jailed and coronavirus evacuees attacked
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images Grace Millane's mum confronts killer "You have ripped a hole in my heart, one that will never be repaired." The words of Gillian Millane, delivered via video-link to an Auckland courtroom where her daughter's killer was jailed for life, capture the grief of a family whose lives "will never be the same".
News Daily: Nine dead in Germany and UK braced for more floods
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters Nine dead in Germany Nine people are dead and several others injured after shootings at two shisha bars in Hanau, Germany. The first attack was at a bar in the city centre, while the second was in the western city's Kesselstadt neighbourhood. Police were initially unsure how many gunmen had fled the scenes.
News Daily: Nine dead in Germany and UK braced for more floods
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Reuters Nine dead in Germany Nine people are dead and several others injured after shootings at two shisha bars in Hanau, Germany. The first attack was at a bar in the city centre, while the second was in the western city's Kesselstadt neighbourhood. Police were initially unsure how many gunmen had fled the scenes.
In a hurry? Here's what you need to know in five minutes
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images New cabinet, new chancellor Boris Johnson's new cabinet meets later for the first time. And before the prime minister reshuffled his team, few in Westminster would have expected Sajid Javid to be absent. Indeed, Mr Johnson intended to reappoint his chancellor. However, Mr Javid refused a demand to fire his aides in favour of a shared team with No 10. So, instead, Rishi Sunak will be in his seat.
In a hurry? Here's what you need to know in five minutes
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images New cabinet, new chancellor Boris Johnson's new cabinet meets later for the first time. And before the prime minister reshuffled his team, few in Westminster would have expected Sajid Javid to be absent. Indeed, Mr Johnson intended to reappoint his chancellor. However, Mr Javid refused a demand to fire his aides in favour of a shared team with No 10. So, instead, Rishi Sunak will be in his seat.
News Daily: Fly-tipping criminals and deadliest day for coronavirus
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Harrow Council Rubbish criminals Fly-tipping might not sound like the stuff of master criminals but one Environment Agency manager is calling the problem "the new narcotics". Gangs posing as legitimate waste disposal businesses are using lock-cutters to break into private land and even hiring buildings to dump clients' waste, an investigation reveals.
News Daily: Fly-tipping criminals and deadliest day for coronavirus
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Harrow Council Rubbish criminals Fly-tipping might not sound like the stuff of master criminals but one Environment Agency manager is calling the problem "the new narcotics". Gangs posing as legitimate waste disposal businesses are using lock-cutters to break into private land and even hiring buildings to dump clients' waste, an investigation reveals.
News Daily: Tate balcony attack claims and contraception shortage
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Jonty Bravery Tate balcony attacker told carers of plan to kill The autistic teenager who threw a six-year-old boy from the tenth floor of the Tate Modern in London had spoken about plans to push someone off a high building months earlier, it has emerged.
News Daily: Tate balcony attack claims and contraception shortage
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Jonty Bravery Tate balcony attacker told carers of plan to kill The autistic teenager who threw a six-year-old boy from the tenth floor of the Tate Modern in London had spoken about plans to push someone off a high building months earlier, it has emerged.
News Daily: Trump acquitted and Kirk Douglas dies at 103
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP Image caption Mr Trump's acquittal led to protests but his poll ratings have surged Trump acquitted by Senate in impeachment trial US senators have cleared Donald Trump of abusing his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to smear a potential White House rival in return for aid funding. He was also found not guilty of obstructing congress. A conviction on either charge would have seen him forced from office.
News Daily: Trump acquitted and Kirk Douglas dies at 103
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright AFP Image caption Mr Trump's acquittal led to protests but his poll ratings have surged Trump acquitted by Senate in impeachment trial US senators have cleared Donald Trump of abusing his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to smear a potential White House rival in return for aid funding. He was also found not guilty of obstructing congress. A conviction on either charge would have seen him forced from office.
In a hurry? Here's what you need to know in five minutes
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images PM to hail 'dawn of new era' as Brexit day arrives At 23:00 GMT, the UK will withdraw from the European Union. And in a speech to be shown an hour earlier, Boris Johnson will declare "a moment of real national renewal and change". Brexiteers will gather in Parliament Square for a celebration, buildings along Whitehall will be lit up and Union Jacks will be flown in Parliament Square.
In a hurry? Here's what you need to know in five minutes
If you want to get this briefing by email, sign up here Image copyright Getty Images PM to hail 'dawn of new era' as Brexit day arrives At 23:00 GMT, the UK will withdraw from the European Union. And in a speech to be shown an hour earlier, Boris Johnson will declare "a moment of real national renewal and change". Brexiteers will gather in Parliament Square for a celebration, buildings along Whitehall will be lit up and Union Jacks will be flown in Parliament Square.
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