Category: Opinion

Birt þann

Why Anders Borg is wrong on Greece and the euro

I see the news that Anders Borg is calming that Greece is going to leave the euro in the next six months. To start with, Anders Borg is wrong and is going to be wrong. For Greece, leaving the euro would be a economic disaster on Icelandic scale. Dropping the value of the countries currency is not a fix. That is not even a temporary solution. Dropping the value of a country currency means that economic policies of that country have failed at some or all levels. While it makes export cheaper and increases it’s value in the terms of local concurrency. It also increases inflation, imported prices and interest rates. None of that are going help a country getting trough an recession like the one Greece is currently having. For Greece that would be getting from bad to worse in terms of economics stability and chance of recovery. Sure, there are going to be several bad months ahead for Greece. But then the pain is going to be over. As in breaking a leg always involves a pain before the damage can be recovered. But the responsibly of recovery lies with the Greece public. Not IMF or the EU. But with them self (same goes for Icelanders for example. But they are not getting it seems).

The problem with economists like Anders Borg is that there „science“ is wrong and it is adjusted to fit there newest models. Anders Borg is no exception it seems in this matter. So I am sure that he is going to be wrong. Greece is going to stay in the eurozone and get over the crises that way. I just hope that Anders Borg does not implode the Swedish krona while he is acting as a minister in Sweden.

Related news

Greece Will Probably Leave Euro Within Six Months, Borg Says (Bloomberg)

Why Economic Models Are Always Wrong (scientificamerican.com)

Birt þann

Sanctions should be put in place on Ukraine for violating human rights

It is my opinion that Ukraine is getting out of control. It’s newest laws are showing ever more signs of dictatorship in the ruling of the country. Human rights are something that must respected at all cost and at all times. No exceptions on this in my opinion. Same goes for Russia. But Russia being what it is. The problem there is more political then something that can be solved with sanctions. In the case of Ukraine this is something that is a mixture of both solutions until Ukraine starts to respect international treaties on human rights. Human rights that Ukraine has already agreed on with there membership of Council of Europe. Membership includes the requirement of following the treaties in question.

Human rights are for everyone. Just excluded list of people. Regardless of sexuality, political views and other factors. My reason for writing this blog post is this new from BBC News on status of human rights in Ukraine.

Ukraine takes aim against ‘gay propaganda’ (BBC News)

Birt þann

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) description is a joke

I find that Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a joke. Why? Check out this list here.

[…]

Symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:

Lack of attention (inattentiveness)

Hyperactivity

Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)

Some children with ADHD primarily have the inattentive type. Others may have a combination of types. Those with the inattentive type are less disruptive and are more likely to not be diagnosed with ADHD.

Inattentive symptoms

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork

Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play

Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace

Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)

Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities

Is easily distracted

Is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity symptoms:

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected

Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations

Has difficulty playing quietly

Is often „on the go,“ acts as if „driven by a motor,“ talks excessively

Impulsivity symptoms:

Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

Has difficulty awaiting turn

Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games)

[…]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
ADD; ADHD; Childhood hyperkinesis

This is exactly what I would expect from kids how do not know how to behave them self. This is not a problem if you teach your kids how to deal with this. Some goes for adults who have this issues. Placing people on drugs because they do not know how to control them is not a solution. It is just delaying the problem indefinitely. For everyone in question.

It is also important fact we are humans. Not robots. As this official government list suggests. Reading this list I have all the symptoms as a adult with ADHD/ADD. But you know what. I it is my opinion that this list is nothing short of a bullshit and not worthy of a attention.

They put it nicely in The Sopranos while ago. I agree with them.

Birt þann

Industry of lies and greed

The music industry, along with the industry of TV shows and movies is a industry of lies and greed. Nothing is at is seems in it. Entertainment companies claiming losses where there are none. Making false reports on income and so forward. There is no wonder that now it carries 10 years of jail if you are found sharing tv shows, movies or music in Japan because of big industry lobbing. But lobbing is just a fancy word for bribes, corruption and illegal activities by big corporations.

[…]

Japan-based internet users who download copyright infringing files face up to two years in prison or fines of up to two million yen ($25,700; £15,900) after a change to the law.

[…]

But critics said that efforts should have remained focused on stopping users making such material available.

In Japan illegal uploads of copyright infringing music and videos carry a maximum 10 year prison sentence and a 10 million yen fine.

Sales figures suggest the country is the world’s second-largest music market after the US.

[…]

Japan introduces piracy penalties for illegal downloads (BBC News)

I am all for getting authors of artwork paid for the work, being an artist my self (I am a writer). But this is not the correct way to deal with the „piracy“ problem. This has never worked in real terms. Sames goes for DRM and other copyright protection that is being used today on some MP3 (most have stopped using it) sales.

I found the above image on the internet. The claim that „piracy“ is going to kill off the entertainment industry soon have been going on longer then I have been alive. I do not expect this lies to go away anytime soon. But I am sure that we can remove the corruption, bribes and all the lobbing the industry (and any industry for that matter) is doing today. As it damages the due progress of creating laws that are fair and good for society. That is what the world needs today. The recession today that was created by bankers is the clue we got on how wrong things are in the world at the moment.

Birt þann

3G back on my mobile phones

I have turned 3G back on. The reason is simple. With the mobile companies pushing the data traffic towards LTE („4G). The amount of data traffic passing over 3G has been dropping at fast rate. This means that in most places using 3G for voice communication is now again option. In some high usage area voice calls might get pushed back to 2G. Same goes for areas with poor 3G coverage.

I am going to keep 3G on from now on. But I might turn it off in areas where coverage is extremely bad. But using GSM in such areas often brings better connection signal then 3G (it also because of lower frequency that GSM uses in most cases). This has everything to do with more GSM transmitter then 3G transmitters today. Why this is the case I do not know. But I do not expect it to change any time soon.

Birt þann

Why I am leaving Facebook for good

I am leaving Facebook for good. The reasons are not complicated. I find the timeline feature annoying. Then there are Facebook apps, self-promotions and award games that are plastering my newsfeed like a bad case of pop-up infestation by an malware. Along with people that have turned into narcissist, as that is what Facebook allows them to do. I also find Facebook lack of respect for privacy of people disturbing.

There is also an illusion of connectivity on Facebook when it comes to people. Sure. There are people on my Facebook list that I do keep in contact with. I even call them regularly. But how many people are that. A bit less in then 10 people in my case. The rest I had contact with. But I do not today. The Facebook would allow me to keep in contact with them. If they where them self interested in doing so. In most cases, that is not the case. It is also an issue on Facebook that today there are no friends list. As once where on Facebook. But with that it allowed you to group people in accordance to how well you knew them. Today it is just one friend list. I am going to loose contact with some people. Sure. But I am not sure that I was in any serious contact with them to start with. But those who want to keep in contact with me can do so without any problems at all. I have sent directions to them with Facebook. As Facebook is not the only way to keep in contact with people. There is email. But there is also Google+ and Twitter for instance that can be used to keep in contact with people. There is also email to keep in contact with people.

So there it is. Why I am leaving Facebook for the above reasons. But I am not leaving social media as such. I am just leaving Facebook. I am going to remain active on Google+ and Twitter. As I like the approach the Google+ and Twitter gives people how want to watch see what I am writing. Without actually having to be my friend as is the case on Facebook (the subscribe option fixed that a bit on Facebook. But it is and always is going to be limited solution to this issue).

I also left MySpace for similar reasons at the time. I did test once or twice to restart an account there. But I did delete them soon again. There was no point and MySpace had not change into anything useful for to communicate to people. I am however not expecting Google+ or Twitter to be such a place. I regard that an place that I can share my writing with anyone how has interest in reading what I have to say. I have been Facebook users since the early days. But I did create my Facebook account in the year 2007, on 26 of March that year (Facebook did not forget this). Many people find it „wrong“ that I am leaving Facebook. Since it is used to keep in contact with other people. It also seems to be the clues that Facebook is making us more lonely (The Atlantic: Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?). But being alone is something that I have a lot of experience in and I do not recommend it.

My Google+ account can be found here. My Twitter account can be found here.

Birt þann

George Soros be investigated for illegal financial acts

I call on governments everywhere to investigate George Soros for illegal financial acts. Acts against the global market. Attempts to destabilize currencies. That be mostly the euro but also the american dollar (USD). I base my opinion on recent news about George Soros calling for Germany to lead or leave the euro. It is clear that it is not something he is able to dictate in any way. Even if he is wealthy.

It is also worth noticing that economic growth of 5% is unrealistic number. In fact. All manner of economic growth is unrealistic in the short and long term. It creates bubbles and is the basic foundation for economic crises as we are seeing today. Status-quo is something that should be aimed at. Rather then economic growth that does not hold up to any realistic expatiation or facts in the long term.

It is also worth noticing that George Soros is only interested in one thing. Saving his self interest and nothing else. Just like any other „International financier“ (BBC News quote) out there.

BBC News on this

Soros calls for Germany to ‘lead or leave euro’

Birt þann

Why the music industry is fucked

Here is why the music industry is fucked and for good.


From youtube vevo channel viewed from Denmark. The copyright owner is a greedy self interest bastard. This image is free to use for everyone. Just credit this blog.

I like this artist. I want to watch here music videos the legal way. But when the copyright holder is limiting this artist viewing in the world. It tells a big story on why the music industry is losing for everything today. It is not because of „piracy“. It is because the music industry is run by people how are out to make an profit for them self. Not to make the art available for the people. and to make sure that it’s artist have a good living out of it. The music corporations are pocking the profit for them self and they feel no shame in doing it.

The music industry is fucked. Because of it’s own greed and nothing else. They can not blame it on ordinary people getting the music it love with the internet. When it made unavailable where they live.

Side note: The movie industry is in part fucked for the same reason. But not just as badly as the music industry.

Birt þann

Steam Valve new EULA

I did see today that Valve Steam had new EULA that I had to agree on (in order to use my games). What I found interesting is this you have to agree to in order to continue using Steam. For my part. I am going to forward this issue to consumer authorities in Denmark in next few days (I currently lack time to do so. I also need to find the contact details), as this terms might be illegal under EU law. Since taking away people rights (class action suites are sometimes legal in EU countries, laws are different between member states in this regards) cannot and should not remain legal for corporation to do so. As is being done in this case here.

Now the EULA text in question is like this.

[…]

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION/BINDING ARBITRATION/CLASS ACTION WAIVER.

[…]

An arbitration is a proceeding before a neutral arbitrator, instead of before a judge or jury. Arbitration is less formal than a lawsuit in court, and provides more limited discovery. It follows different rules than court proceedings, and is subject to very limited review by courts. The arbitrator will issue a written decision and provide a statement of reasons if requested by either party. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU AND VALVE ARE GIVING UP THE RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT AND TO HAVE A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY.

YOU AND VALVE AGREE NOT TO BRING OR PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION OR COLLECTIVE ARBITRATION, EVEN IF AAA’s PROCEDURES OR RULES WOULD OTHERWISE ALLOW ONE. THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD RELIEF ONLY IN FAVOR OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY SEEKING RELIEF AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF THAT PARTY’S INDIVIDUAL CLAIM. You and Valve also agree not to seek to combine any action or arbitration with any other action or arbitration without the consent of all parties to this Agreement and all other actions or arbitrations.

[…]

This Section 12 shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If the laws of your jurisdiction prohibit the application of some or all of the provisions of this Section notwithstanding Section 11 (Applicable Law/Jurisdiction), such provisions will not apply to you.

[…]

It is unfair in the legal scene that corporation remains the power player in this case. While the user (consumer in this case) has no right or limited rights to do something if fail or fall apart due to error or mistake of the company in question. This time around it is Steam and Valve how are taking away people right in the EULA update.

Birt þann

The mobile broadband bubble that is soon to collapse

There is a new bubble ongoing in the tech world. It is an mobile bubble. This can be seen in increased numbers of mobile devices. Be that from mobile phones to pad computers of all types and sizes. This mobile bubble has also lead to shortage in spectrum for high-speed mobile devices. This has some solved up to a point by re-allocating former frequencies that where once used to broadcast television signals. But at current rate, that is only got to work for next five years or so. Based on current speed of the mobile bubble.

Other problem with current mobile bubble is the fact mobile phone companies have not started to phase out older technology. In this context I mean 2G (also known as GSM) mostly. As 3G is rather new technology and 4G specs are not ready yet (LTE-advanced, true 4G network). The current frequency shortage is not because of lack of frequencies. But because mobile phone companies have not been phasing out older GSM technology. Until the older and obsolete technology that is GSM is started to be phased out slowly. The current situation is not going to improve frequency and technology wise.

It is also a problem that mobile companies have over sold the broadband ability of the 3G network. That has resulted in slower connection for the end user. Phone calls that should have gone over 3G get’s redirected to 2G transmitter (with following battery drain on the mobile phone). But that is something that I have seen during past few years when I have been using 3G on my mobile phones. This does not happen in low usage areas. But such areas are uncommon in most countries. This over selling of 3G abilities has forced the mobile companies to go over to next 4G like technology. Even if is far from being ready by the 4G standard. But when it comes to mobile broadband. The formula is always number of users and number of available transmitters in the area that can be used. For that reason, when there are too many users and too few transmitters. This problem is also going to plague users on 4G when the time comes, even if it has not already started to do so. At current time I do not use 4G and I do not own any 4G capable mobile device. It is also a fact that mobile data is way more expensive then data over ADSL/Fiber or Cable. That is something most users do not know when they start to use mobile broadband full time in there homes.

Many mobile users have solved the problem of slow 3G systems by going back to ADSL/Fiber/Cable internet connections. But that way they can bypass slow 3G network and data cost that also follows them. This has made mobile companies a bit unhappy. As they are in fact loosing money over this fact. But I doubt there is anything that they can do about it. As for current problems. I do not expect them to be solved any time soon. As there are no signs of the mobile phone companies are going to start and phase out GSM phones and stations any time soon.

As for my self. I did turn off 3G on my Nokia N8 and Nokia C2-01 phones. The reason being that I mostly use my mobile phone for voice, rather then data. While the mobile phone companies are directing voice calls to GSM. I do not see any reason to have it enabled while current situation is ongoing (voice calls being directed to GSM). I am just going to turn on 3G when I do need to use my mobile phone as a modem. But that is going to happen once in while. The reason why I don’t turn off GSM and just use 3G is because when 3G transmitter is overloaded with data. Voice call quality drops fast, in fact. It drops so fast I have got into the problem that people cannot even hear what I am saying over the phone. At least until my mobile phone switches over to GSM network. For that reason I do not use 3G network only.

I am one day going to switch on 3G setting, along with GSM setting. But I guess a lot needs to change before that happens I guess.