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Comment Is the USA "not open for business" Mr Microsoft? (Score 1) 28

A couple of weeks ago this move was blocked in the UK by the CMA and we were told ...

"Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, the American computer games group, attacked Britain after the Competition & Markets Authority blocked their proposed $68.7 billion combination, saying it would reduce innovation and consumer choice"

That Britain “closed for business”

I wonder if they will now say the same thing about the USA?

Comment No 2020s classic cars in the future. (Score 4, Insightful) 147

There are cars running today from the turn of the century. There are cars running from the turn of the previous century and before.
A trip to a motor museum such as https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/ is fascinating and shows how these machines can be kept running.

I doubt very much that there will be 2020s 'classic' cars running in 2120.

CPU based engine management and dashboard control systems will die and manufacturers are not likely to make spares for any real length of time.
Who expects their mobile phone, which is basically the same technology, to still be functional in 10 years?

Maybe there will be a trade in 3rd party "universal" replacement units but I suspect that this will be an uphill battle as manufacturers try to prevent this.

I think very strong right to repair laws are going to be required to allow moderns cars to age and become classics.

Comment "if we had to follow the rules .." (Score 2) 476

I often hear from customers and "new" businesses that if they had to pay for things the same way as their competitors, they wouldn't be able to undercut and make a profit. "If we had to pay Redhat for a licence rather than use CentOS to build a product we then sell .. we wouldn't make as much profit", "if we had to pay employees properly and give proper terms rather then force them into being gig workers .. we wouldn't make money", "if we had to pay taxes like bricks and motor companies we wou;d be able to undercut them and put them out of business" Honestly, if you can't follow the rules, offer the same the terms your *established* competitors offer to employees, or you can't or won;'t pay the same tax as your competitors ...well you shouldn't really be in business should you? We are allowing a small number of tax dodging, rule breaking, dodgy employers take their competition out of the market. What will it be like when they are the only game in town?

Comment Saved some cash, ask SpaceX to act as an Uber (Score 2) 43

Since SpaceX have a plan to visit Mars in 2024, it might save considerable money and effort, just asking them to pick-up the package and deliver it. Better still invest these Billions of Dollars/Euros and the time and effort in accelerating the SpaceX programme. Even if the SpaceX programme slips there is a reasonable chance it would deliver sooner than this plan.

Comment Snakeoil (Score 1) 414

I'm currently working on a formulation for Homoeopathic Petrol (TM). I'm sure everyone can see the benefits; a limitless fuel source, cleanly produced and it increases in potency as production increases. Does anyone want to fund my venture? It's a sure fire moneymaker. Get in early! BTW, I came up with this idea after a long night of drinking my previous invention - Homoeopathic Beer (TM).

Comment Keep them busy. (Score 5, Interesting) 246

If I have the time I like to keep these people on the phone. My record so far is an hour and fifty minutes. I have a honeypot system ready to go and it's fun and informative to see how they operate. Keeping them busy means they have less time to prey on somebody else less compueter savvy. I see it as a public service.

Comment Homeopathic Whisky (Score 2) 526

I'm looking to patient my discovery of Homeopathic Whiskey. I have taken a rather excellent Single Malt and I have continually watered it down in a Homeopathic fashion to a concentration of many million parts.(note: only the best spring water would suffice) Based upon proven Homeopathic principles, as one might expect, my Whiskey offers the highest recorded alcohol content and the most pungent taste. Obviously, I will charge a premium price for this rare treat. I'm hoping to have this product endorsed by a number of significant people including the new health minster. Do you think I will have many takers? PS: Next I'm thinking about Homeopathic Petrol and Homeopathic Chocolate. Do you think there might be a market?

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