Thinking Out Loud
Thinking Out Loud is a blog post series where I share random ideas and thoughts that have come to mind. Some of these could could lead to a full article in themselves but that’s not really the aim. Instead I see these thoughts as just starting points for broader discussions. Some of the ideas espoused can be quite serious, while others are light-hearted and trivial. Such is the nature of random thought. As ever there is no rhyme or reason to the various ideas that I’ve chosen or any significant point or concept linking them all. They are as they claim to be, random thoughts, born from thinking out loud. I do edit myself to ensure what I post here is suitable. It can get a but dark and grim inside my head, so I try to apply some degree of quality control to Thinking Out Loud but not too much. As ever, feel free to comment below if you have anything to add. The idea with this post is to start a conversation of at least provide something to think about.
Thinking Out Loud is a blog post series where I share random ideas and thoughts that have come to mind. Some of these could could lead to a full article in themselves but that’s not really the aim. Instead I see these thoughts as just starting points for broader discussions. Some of the ideas espoused can be quite serious, while others are light-hearted and trivial. Such is the nature of random thought. As ever there is no rhyme or reason to the various ideas that I’ve chosen or any significant point or concept linking them all. They are as they claim to be, random thoughts, born from thinking out loud. I do edit myself to ensure what I post here is suitable. It can get a but dark and grim inside my head, so I try to apply some degree of quality control to Thinking Out Loud but not too much. As ever, feel free to comment below if you have anything to add. The idea with this post is to start a conversation of at least provide something to think about.
IT Nostalgia
I’ve watched quite of lot of technology themed historical documentaries recently on YouTube. They’ve covered such subjects as the rise and fall of Netscape Navigator, 3dfx graphics cards and how the launch of Windows 95 changed the wider public’s perception of software from niche tool to a mainstream consumer product. Much of the content I’m watching is recent history from the late eighties and nineties. I suppose the reason I find these subjects so fascinating is because I lived and worked through them. These are companies that I saw grow first hand. I used these products and am therefore very familiar with them. It’s odd how hearing the Windows 95 startup sound evokes such a tangible nostalgic reaction from me. I have a somewhat different relationship with technology nowadays, as I no longer work in IT and do not move in the appropriate marketing circles for new products. I am no longer an insider, so to speak. Just a domestic consumer. It is a very different perspective.
Eavesdropping
I often listen to other peoples conversations when out and about, especially when I’m on my own. I think this is driven by two specific reasons. The first is a case of being aware of what is going on around you for your own safety. If I get on a train, I discretely checkout who is sitting in the immediate vicinity. I’ll listen too to ensure that everything is okay, by which I mean not likely to kick-off at any moment. The second reason is that I am fascinated by other people and enjoy the act of people watching. Humans can be an endless source of entertainment, though often for the wrong reasons. Hence, listening in on someone else’s conversation can make a very dull journey go a lot quicker. I’ve heard some very enigmatic snatches of conversations over the years. One standout was “fuck you and your Jigglypuff”. Then there was “these shoes are okay for wearing” which begged the question what else were you planning on doing with them?
Changing Public DNS Servers
I recently changed the DNS entries on my router. When I set up my Netgear RS100 via the Netgear app in May, my ISP’s DNS records where added by default. Although I am not manic about privacy, I don’t see the need to hand over my data casually. So I did some research and decided to use Quad9 for my DNS requirements. They focus heavily on real-time cybersecurity threat blocking, strict privacy protection rather than just fast domain name resolution. They also fall under Swiss jurisdiction as opposed to US. Hence I added the new records for Quad9 and ensured that all local devices such as laptops and phones had no local settings that differed from the router. There has been a nominal performance increase with regard to resolving web addresses. But the main improvement is the increased online privacy. Something that is slowly being eroded and compounded by the fact that so many members of the public don’t know or don’t care.
My Phone
I have had three personal phone calls to my mobile phone in the last two months. I’ve had several “suspected spam” calls that I rejected. No messages were left. I have made no phone calls myself, whatsoever. The few social arrangements I’ve made have all been dealt with via WhatsApp. I cannot remember when I last sent a text message. I do receive text reminders regarding appointments. I find this service useful. Instead my phone is mainly used for banking, searching train and bus time tables, using Google Maps, as well as booking tickets and tables in restaurants. Spotify is also used regularly, via a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Recently, I installed ChatGPT as I now subscribe. Essentially, I use my phone as a pocket computer and personal assistant, rather than for traditional telecommunications. So it would appear that the standard name we use for this device IE a “phone”, is redundant. I wonder if it will change eventually?
Breakfast
I like three meals a day. I’m sure that comes as no surprise to those who know me. However, breakfast is fast becoming the one I tend to skip the most. Mainly because I can’t find anything that I want. I don’t mind breakfast cereal but I see this more as a starter for breakfast. Something you have before moving on to something else. Naturally I’d like a Full English Breakfast as often as I can but my cardiologist strongly objects to this. Hence I am currently trying to find things that can provide a fairly robust breakfast but are also relatively healthy. Eggs are possibly the way to go but obviously I can’t have these every day. May be fish? There are lots of healthy options available such as fruit and yoghurt but I do not find these appetising in the least and fundamentally object to them due to my own personal prejudices. The other problem is that when I can’t find anything that I want, I eventually get annoyed and get a delivery from McDonald’s. How do you square this circle?
