Category Archives: Clue train

American slavery – it’s a thing

Posted on May 6, 2014 by T.Rob

After an informal analysis of the health insurance system in the USA, I’ve come to the conclusion that while Lincoln may have freed the slaves, we haven’t actually abolished slavery here.  In fact, it is alive and well, enshrined in … Continue reading →

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Net Neutrality – Part 2

Posted on May 1, 2014 by T.Rob

In my yesterday’s Net Neutrality post I wrote “For your ISP, a packet is a packet is a packet.” In another forum, Howard responds: Speaking as an ISP engineer, no, it isn’t that simple. Set aside preferential charging of source … Continue reading →

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Net neutrality for the rest of us

Posted on April 30, 2014 by T.Rob

Net Neutrality has been framed as a debate between corporate giants who can well-afford to pay to publish their content, and rightly should.  But that’s a straight-up lie.  Let’s try a thought experiment, shall we?  Imagine the public outcry if … Continue reading →

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Facebook explores emergent behavior, invents bully-bot

Posted on April 28, 2014 by T.Rob

Has anyone actually been successful getting Facebook to enforce its own Terms of Service?  Because I’m striking out left and right.  Oddly, the people having success seem to be the ones abusing the reporting process.  In his book Out Of … Continue reading →

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Advanced travel Tip #65: How to survive the desk at the @Hampton Inn

Posted on April 16, 2014 by T.Rob

Have you ever stayed at a Hampton Inn?  If so, chances are very good that you have run into their particularly perverse room floor plan.  Most of the Hampton properties I’ve visited have this floor plan so I assume it’s … Continue reading →

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Stop the presses: @TWC admits incompetence

Posted on April 11, 2014 by T.Rob

Today is a lucky day. Time to go buy a lottery ticket, I guess. Why, you ask? Because for the first time ever since I have been a Time Warner Cable customer, a Customer Support Rep was sorta, kinda honest. … Continue reading →

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Dear @Klout – A note about #security

Posted on February 16, 2014 by T.Rob

Dear Klout, Just because it’s on Schneier’s blog doesn’t mean it’s about security.  At least not directly.  You see, every Friday, Bruce links to something about squid.  The actual squishy kind that live in water. The Schneier post to which … Continue reading →

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Small business frozen in Carbonite

Posted on December 26, 2013 by T.Rob

Dear Carbonite, I originally purchased the Carbonite Business service based on the strong recommendation of Leo LaPorte and the product’s ability to let me manage my own encryption keys.  Although this feature is advertised heavily on Leo’s various shows, it … Continue reading →

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Careful what you ask for

Posted on July 5, 2013 by T.Rob

Dear Neighbor, First, let me express my thanks and gratitude. Last month when we spoke, I respectfully requested that you pick up after your dog. I explained that the city right of way extends 15 feet from the curb and … Continue reading →

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The multiple personalities of AllClear ID

Posted on June 17, 2013 by T.Rob

On leaving IBM, I initiated the process to roll my 401K over to my IRA.  The fund manager sent the requisite forms – already filled out with my SSN, contact info and the account numbers to effect the transfer – … Continue reading →

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