Also, while this is all happening, the resistance needed to cross over to Linux is decreasing for non-corporate users. I realize that something like this prediction has been hanging around for years, but the gap seems to be narrowing and it seems to be less painful.

1) Mint and similar distros are making the user experience less traumatic to new users from Windows.
2) Steam and Wine have made most major games play well on Linux (admittedly, the api bridges are eating some performance but most casual gamers won't notice the difference.)
3) Office 365 (in the browser) runs fine on Linux.
4) Most casual users use browser based apps, anyway. Zoom also runs fine on Linux
5) The one that stands out for us is Turbotax desktop which won't run on Linux. We will keep a cheap laptop running windows for the once a year tax exercise.

ERP systems have been decomposing (software-wise) incrementally over the last 20-30 years. Look under the hood and you will find modules with API interfaces. What makes this transition interesting it creates potential opportunities for heterogeneous sources for the modules. You are no longer necessarily stuck with one software supplier for all your business functions.

These kind of hours (a bit more, actually) were common in the early 20th century. This gave birth to the labor movement and resultant labor unions and the Department of Labor. If this is for real, it looks like the conditions are setting up for a 2nd version of this.

I can download more reading materials in epub or pdf format than ever before. For example, I regularly read old sci fi pulp magazine on archive.org and can access both current and classics on the online library in our state. That is just a start. Our local library is only open 3-4 days a week and it pretty much useless. This has not in the slightest inhibited my reading for enjoyment.

Software development for rev 1.0 is not usually the most expensive. It is maintaining and extending the code as requirements change and new features are added. This sometimes requires the decision to incrementally improve the code. Other times it requires some significant refactoring. Finally, in the worst case it requires the decision to throw the whole thing away and start over. Thus far, AI is very good in many cases at crafting a functioning version 1.0 release. But, once you try to change it, it can become a great big mess. Good architecture and design improves the length and ease of maintenance going into the future.

HP has realized this. Look at the "Smart Tank" printers from HP. Much more affordable supplies.

Reusable plastic bags are a good choice but be sure to sterilize them regularly.

https://health.clevelandclinic...

AM radio requires the least amount of infrastructure to keep going. In addition to HAM radio I also keep a GE Superadio handy as it has some of the best reception in a portable radio. At night I can often listen to California stations in SW Washington.

https://www.universal-radio.co...

I mentored multiple people while working full time remote over the Covid period. Two of them were recent college grads that hired on with us. Their growth was phenomenal and they have become fantastic contributors. Not bad for someone 2-3 years into their careers. My wife who worked at a another company was famous for mentoring others. They have been remote for over 11 years. We both recently retired so alas our professional mentoring has come to an end for these companies. We have found other opportunities in the recent months. Between us we make a good team between computers and finance and have helped others learn. Mentoring is something you need to promote and something you are willing to do. Some cultures make it a waste of time and being remote makes it even easier to avoid.

Agreed. Lack of street names alone has caused me to move more to Apple maps. And, try to get the exit numbers on the interstates.

I don't use self-checkout at the grocery store. The automation allows companies to low-ball wages and to automate people out of jobs. I refuse to support this trend. Using cost as the only metric in a business does not lead to a greater good. When I go to the store or one of these AI restaurants, I will always ask for a person to do this. If nobody uses the automation, they will be forced to hire people and probably raise prices as well, but that is OK.

Emacs malware!! Dem's fighting words. ;-)

--Emacs(and vim) user for over 30 years.

Offshoring repetitive project types or work does work to some extent. Doing something fundamentally new or with a high level of innovation usually does not work too well. Having them do well-known patterns such as putting a React utility UI over some of our REST endpoints seems to be optimal. Bottom line, as mentioned above, assuming you can just replace local teams with offshore is a simplistic way to head downward into disaster.

Demonstrate they can do it by having lots of calls supporting Trump. Twitter will be in an uproar and they will figure out how to cancel those calls within a week.

The Telco execs should get one call for every 100 robocalls sent.