Category Archives: Soapbox

Taking people out of the loop using AI or hand calculators

When my children were young it was easy to be the big brain – “Papa knows everything”. He can drive, make food, or buy ice cream. It was a bit of a shock once the kids are no longer in … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Tagged | Comments Off on Taking people out of the loop using AI or hand calculators

A new definition of hospitality

Not all that long ago I visited Minnesota and the nature of air travel usually means a lot more time spent in airports. I guess the Minneapolis International airport is not bad as airports go. There was an obligatory electronics … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on A new definition of hospitality

Right to repair vs ability to repair or perhaps just anti-consumer

It is actually quite odd that despite my first computer being an Apple computer I refuse to purchase any of their devices. This is actually is more due to Apple’s stance on creating a walled garden that makes it difficult … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on Right to repair vs ability to repair or perhaps just anti-consumer

Buying a company like a 5 year old

Initially it sounded like it was a story from the Onion. Really rich guy wants to purchase software company for 44 billion USD, no real investigation whether the company was worth even half of that but the offer was made … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on Buying a company like a 5 year old

A cable is a cable is a cable

For a lot of users which network cable you hook up to your router is not terribly important. Of course a quality cable ensures uniunshieldednterrupted flow of data at the maximum speed allowed by your equipment. Most if not all … Continue reading

Posted in Review, Soapbox | Comments Off on A cable is a cable is a cable

War in Ukraine, Gas from Russia and shoes from China

A few years ago it was pointed out that Germany was reliant on Russian natural gas for 60-70% of their energy imports. This is not quite correct. Indeed Russia does supply a large amount of natural gas but natural gas … Continue reading

Posted in Germany, Soapbox | Comments Off on War in Ukraine, Gas from Russia and shoes from China

Alternative facts to alternative reality

Over the last few years the world has become a bit topsy turvy but it feels like acquiesce to the truth is leading us more and more into a world where people’s fantasy replace everyone else’s facts. Definition of Fact … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on Alternative facts to alternative reality

I want to support my local store

Don’t you hate it when you go to your local store to purchase their wares and they tell you nope we don’t want your money. I might be paraphrasing my recent encounter at Conrad Electronics. I wanted to purchase one … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on I want to support my local store

Consumer DRM – pecked to death by ducks

It is difficult to where exactly we are on the spectrum. A few instances of creative companies using DRM and other protective designs preventing consumers from buying compatible consumables. Previously, it seemed that companies were using Patent law to prevent … Continue reading

Posted in Soapbox | Comments Off on Consumer DRM – pecked to death by ducks

Unanticipated consequences from BREXIT to climate change

Who would have thought that BREXIT or perhaps Covid 19 could have such an effect. I try to actually shop in stores to ensure there is competition to Amazon and Alibaba. However, from time to time I will purchase something … Continue reading

Posted in Germany, Soapbox | Comments Off on Unanticipated consequences from BREXIT to climate change