Hell in a Handbasket: The Email Odyssey

Three months ago, I optimistically set out to improve my email situation by signing up for Proton Mail, enticed by its allure of enhanced security and the option for a personalized dot.COM domain. This excitement was short-lived; despite following Proton Mail’s setup instructions, both my email and associated web page failed shortly after.

My attempts to resolve this involved a frustrating and fruitless back-and-forth with Proton Mail, my web host Telhosting (likely GoDaddy), and my domain registrar NameSilo. Amidst a barrage of unhelpful automated responses and customer service dead ends, my email address — intended to be a professional gateway — turned into a digital phantom.

Proton Mail’s advice to seek solutions elsewhere felt dismissive, especially considering the investment as a paying customer. Their last message to me, disabling my email without a clear resolution, was the final straw.

As I’m forced to start from scratch without my webpage, my recommendation for using Proton Mail with a personal domain is, regrettably, a resounding no.

The real question we face is this: If we’re struggling with a big company's customer service today, what can we expect tomorrow?

Currently, reaching out to a service provider is a challenge, whether it’s a bank or an internet company. Contact information like email and phone numbers is often obscured, funnelling us toward interactions with chatbots — a strategy aimed at cutting costs and boosting shareholder profits. Because today, some big companies, ignore the 20% who might have a problem with their service.

Once you do manage to connect with human support, the first line often includes offshore representatives (commonly stereotyped as being from India or Bangladesh), who may offer basic troubleshooting like system reboots for minor issues. If you’re persistent, you might reach second-tier support, which is typically more knowledgeable and helpful.

The real test arises when you must navigate this process across multiple companies to resolve interconnected issues it’s quite the ordeal.

Looking to the future, one might hope for improvements.

Perhaps we’ll start chatting with bots to advance to engaging with AI humanoids, possibly located in China. And who knows? If you’re fortunate, you might be escalated to They expert, with its mixed-reality headset, operating a virtual computer, in Greenland where the data servers are based for cooling purposes and also probably a tax haven in the future.

P.S. — I rewrote this post after my email started working again, but regarding my related website, I had to resign and forget its existence. Proton is functioning now, but what a tremendous hassle it has been with personal URLs.

Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece

"The Shining," released in 1980, has earned accolades like "brilliant," "fantastic," and "fascinating." It stands as one of the greatest horror films of all time.

For 43 years since its debut, "The Shining" has remained at the center of heated discussions, debates, and intense scrutiny within the world of cinema. Stanley Kubrick's expert adaptation of Stephen King's novel seamlessly blends psychological and supernatural horror, resulting in a surrealistic thriller that invites multiple interpretations.

Delving deeper into the film, "The Shining" is said to be laden with hidden messages and meanings, making it an endless journey down the rabbit hole for those who seek to explore Ulivieri's new discovery. Perhaps Jack's occasional glances at the camera serve as subtle cues to the audience, indicating that Kubrick is about to unveil revelations about topics as profound as Native American genocide.

Geofencing with Multiple eSIMs

An Innovative Solution Leveraging Location-Based Technology

Geofencing is a location-based technology that employs GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular data to create a virtual boundary around a specific area. When a device crosses this boundary, it triggers a predefined action such as sending a notification, recording a location update, or launching an app.

The integration of eSIM and geofencing (eSIM-Geofencing) can function in various ways, depending on multiple eSIMs and their respective network connections.

Embedded SIM (eSIM) Cards: eSIMs, which can be integrated into smartphones in multiples (with iPhones supporting up to 9 eSIMs, but only 2 active at a time), have the capability to switch between different mobile networks as needed. This is where geofencing proves beneficial, prompting these switches when a device enters or exits a pre-set virtual boundary. For instance, if a device moves from a French GSM zone to a Swiss GSM coverage area, one eSIM will seamlessly switch to another eSIM to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.

Multi-SIM Devices: In border regions, multi-SIM devices can also be beneficial. A device, equipped with numerous SIM cards, each with its own network subscription, can implement geofencing rules to switch between different SIM cards or eSIMs based on the device’s location. For example, as the device crosses the border, it can automatically switch to the SIM card or eSIM offering the best local network coverage in the new country.

For instance, my travel routine frequently takes me between Italy, Sweden, and other parts of Europe. People in Italy and Sweden often express frustration about the need to make international calls to contact me. To resolve this, I procured a Luxembourg eSIM that remains active constantly for international rooming. In addition, I switch between two SIM cards, one Italian and one Swedish, but soon I hope to be able to do this automatically between three eSIMs.

This concept should be integrated into iOS and Android to be able to use multiple eSIM subscriptions easily.

In conclusion, eSIM-Geofencing can ensure that mobile devices maintain connectivity and have access to the most efficient and cost-effective network in border regions. This proves particularly advantageous for frequent travelers and individuals who regularly cross borders.

Who controls the central scrutinizer’s juice?

Today, it seems everyone considers themselves an expert in AI. Here, you have another candidate. However, AI is merely a tool to assist us. It's somewhat akin to a calculator: a calculator can aid in building a bridge, facilitating communication between people living on opposite sides of a valley. Yet the same calculator could also be used to create an atomic bomb. The critical consideration is not the tool itself but how it's used.

It is valuable to reflect on historical examples. Several millennia ago, we believed the earth was flat. Over several hundred years of gradual discovery, we realized it might actually be round. Notably, when the Greeks determined that the earth was round, society did not fiercely resist this idea.

In contrast, the notion of the earth revolving around the sun was met with strong opposition in the 17th century. Pioneers like Galileo and Copernicus faced significant battles, with many being condemned to death by the church for presenting such revolutionary ideas. This conflict primarily stemmed from misunderstandings between scientific thinkers and the Church.

Today, the machines we create are designed to automate certain aspects of our work, particularly mundane tasks. What's crucial about these machines is that they should be used to help the workforce, not dismiss it. Simultaneously, we must remain open to innovative thinking.

Consider Henry Ford, who established the assembly line for car production. Initially, this innovation upset many who feared it would take away jobs. However, if we look at the plethora of job opportunities the automotive industry has since created, both positive and negative, we can see that adaptation and progress are inevitable parts of our society's evolution.

Utilize AI to enhance your capabilities, not merely as a cost-cutting measure. Remember, humans are unique, and if AI is employed inappropriately, it's not the AI that's at fault. Rather, it's the misjudgment of the human user who initiated it.

Don't forget that AI essentially repackages large data, usually presenting it to you in a more comprehensible and customized way. But the crucial questions we should ask ourselves are: who owns the data? Who created the data, and where does it come from? And what is the legal framework or set of rules governing this data? These are not trivial questions and demand careful consideration.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I believe we should be cautious with our data and how it is shared among companies and governments. Our privacy is a fundamental right that must be protected. If we have the right and valid data, we can harness the power of AI for beneficial purposes. However, to achieve this, we need improved and updated legislation that safeguards our privacy and establishes clear rules and accountability for data handling.

We live in a world where information is a valuable currency, and data has become a precious resource. Companies like Alphabet Inc. (Google), Facebook Inc., Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple Inc. are among the prominent players in the collection and utilization of vast amounts of user data. As we examine their practices and influence, it becomes evident that regulations and oversight are necessary to ensure that data is used ethically and responsibly.

Just as we regulate the use of nuclear weapons, we must evaluate and update legislation to effectively monitor and regulate these influential data corporations. We need a legal framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. It is a complex task, but a crucial one for the well-being of our society.

Additionally, we should not overlook the role of banks and credit cards in the data landscape. While they emerged in the late 1950s, it was during the 1970s and 1980s, with the rise of e-commerce, that they experienced significant growth. These financial institutions hold vast amounts of data about our purchases, our financial transactions, and even our incomes. Therefore, they pose one of the greatest challenges to our privacy, which still does not exist.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of data and AI, it is important to strike a balance between innovation and responsible use. AI can enhance our capabilities, streamline processes, and provide valuable insights. However, we must ensure that it is used ethically and in ways that empower humans rather than replace them.

In conclusion, let us be mindful of the power and potential of AI while recognizing that it is a tool that should serve us and align with our values. We need updated legislation that safeguards privacy, promotes responsible data practices, and establishes clear guidelines for the utilization of AI. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of AI while protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in our society.

A crucial question that remains is how we can harness the power of AI for beneficial purposes while maintaining the integrity of the capitalist model. It is undeniable that AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, drive economic growth, and improve people's lives. However, we must navigate this transformation with careful consideration for the implications on our economic systems and societal well-being.

The capitalist model is built on principles of competition, innovation, and market-driven dynamics. AI, as a disruptive force, has the capacity to reshape markets, create efficiencies, and even displace certain job roles. While this can lead to economic benefits and productivity gains, we must ensure that the benefits are shared equitably, and no one is left behind in this transformative process.

It is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and regulation. While AI should be encouraged to drive progress and economic growth, appropriate safeguards and regulations are necessary to protect individuals' rights, privacy, and security.

By fostering a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem, we can harness its transformative power while preserving the core tenets of the capitalist model, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Best country for XXVI Olympic Winter Games.

Currently, there is no designated host city for the 2030 Olympic Games. However, Ukraine is a country that could greatly benefit from hosting the Games, as many of its sports facilities and infrastructure have been damaged due to bombings.

It would be wonderful if the international community, including the Olympic committees and private organizations, could come together to support Ukraine in hosting the Olympic Games.

Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, envisioned the Games as a way to promote peace, excellence, respect, and friendship. In addition to celebrating athletic achievement, the Olympics have the power to unite nations and promote fairness and equality.

Achieving this vision requires the cooperation of all Olympic nations and organizations. Let us work together to build a world where peace and equality are not just ideals, but a reality for all.

The financing of Ukraine’s Olympic Games would be entirely covered by the international community and the 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). All infrastructure and Olympic buildings would be for the 100% benefit of the people of Ukraine after the Games are over.

If the 206 National Olympic Committees participate with a fair percentage of each country’s GDP to finance the construction of the 2030 Olympic Games in Ukraine, we will for the first time have an Olympic Game produced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and financed by all NOCs for Peace, as Pierre de Coubertin wanted.

One possible approach would be to allocate a percentage of each country’s GDP to the NOCs based on the size and economic conditions of the country. Wealthier countries could be asked to contribute a larger percentage of their GDP, while less developed countries could contribute a smaller percentage.

The cost of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, was estimated at around $12 billion, but the final cost was reportedly closer to $50 billion. The targeted price-tag for the 2030 project should be around $50 billion, with the potential long-term economic and social impacts in a host city in Ukraine being very beneficial.

Ultimately, the key to collecting $50 billion fairly from the 206 countries would be to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds. The IOC and the NOCs would need to work closely with governments and other partners to identify and prioritize areas of need and ensure that the funds are distributed fairly and effectively. Any approach to raising $50 billion from the NOCs would require a coordinated effort and a clear understanding of the needs and priorities and could potentially be organized by the World Bank Group and its 189 member countries.

De Coubertin’s vision was to build a peaceful and better world through the Olympic games. He believed that the Olympic spirit would spread beyond the games and would inspire people to work together for peace and understanding. Are you inspired?

Richard Ahlström

PS - Based on the available data from the IMF as of 2021, the 0.01% GDP of the top 50 countries is approximately $7.15 billion, and of the top 100 countries is approximately $16.6 billion. Extrapolating this trend, we can estimate that the NOCs 206 countries would be significantly higher, perhaps around $30 billion or more.

As a photographer in the AI-era

As a photographer in the AI-era, we are presented with a plethora of new opportunities as well as potential pitfalls. The AI models that scour the internet for images to add to their libraries DO NOT respect the creators' intellectual property rights. It is the subsequent use of these images that worries me.

Enthusiastic users generate a myriad of fascinating artificial images using various AI tools. As the owner of my photographs, the intellectual property rights belong to me or those who have purchased my images.

In order to mitigate the damage caused by unauthorized use and to protect my rights as a photographer, I have made the decision to remove all my images from the internet. By taking these precautions, I can create a safe digital environment to protect my rights as a photographer.

But today, December 1, 2023, I decided to publish some of my photos again.

the 9 to 5 Workday is over

Employees will demand greater flexibility and organizations will require it

The era of the 9-to-5 is over. For most office-workers at least, a new, flexible approach to work is taking over, catalyzed by the events of the past 18 months. Real estate analysts are puzzling over which cities will be newly hot now that so many people are free to move wherever they want. You will probably also spend less socializing at work, but more with your loved ones and friends as well as in your local community.

So do you need to reprint those business card that got lost in one of your drovers at office or you may need to change your work wardrobe? Na, you just need get one of those green photo screens, projecting the perfect background for your next zoom call. Well you may even rethink the design of your home.

The very good thing is that we hopefully start a more sustainable life, and the next pandemic won't be nearly as bad. Things won't go totally back to "normal". Employees will demand greater flexibility and organizations will require it.

Magnus

The little boy saying goodbye to his grandfather.

On that sorrowful day when we bid farewell to our dear friend Magnus, it was a poignant yet profoundly beautiful moment. It was a day that transformed us all, for on that day, we each became like a little boy, standing before the vast unknown.

Kaspar, in his tender innocence, had brought his most exquisite glass beads and crystal stones to adorn his grandfather's resting place on this memorable date, July 15th.

How To Use Cunningham’s Law

Cunningham's Law states "the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer", by Ward Cunningham.

Use Cunningham’s Law by asking questions that contained errors to solicit more of a response. Initially, I expected a bad response. Yet, strangely, that didn’t happen. Here’s what I did:

When I showed a quiet kid a picture of an elephant and asked “what is this?” they got bored, moved on, cried, anything but answer my question. But if I said, “this is a giraffe” they would all stand up and scream “no, that’s an elephant!” and suddenly they’re all engaged.

By being ignorant about a topic they are knowledgeable in, it gives them some authority in the conversation and that builds up their confidence.

It works surprisingly well on adults too.

If I ask a stubborn adult, “tell me about your Engineering job” they will typically respond with, “I design systems”. And then I have to ask an endless stream of follow-up questions with one-sentence answers — which no one likes doing.

Now, if I say something inaccurately along the lines of, “so, you’re an engineer. That means you build engines, right?” They can’t wait to correct my ignorance fast enough. They’ll go into detail explaining what an engineer is, what it isn’t, and what kind they are. All I have to do is chime in with “are you sure?” every few minutes and they’re talking up a storm for the rest of the conversation.

It’s a classic and we all did it,no?

First Space Hotel to Open in 2027

Probably one of my next destinations. The first ever commercial space hotel, Voyager Station, aims to open by 2027. Accommodating 280 guests and 112 crew members, the project is being planned by Orbital Assembly Corporation. The station will be OAC's first major project, and the first commercial space station with artificial gravity.

Time to book now, at orbitalassembly.com