The switching cost point is profound and real. You might just see that same dynamic at your place of employment.

Or a variation of this is TailScale configured to use NextDNS and a TS exit node. That’s for anyone who doesn’t want to maintain a PiHole. I’ve done both. Personal choice.

They have a predatory business model. “Hey we’re cheaper than the competition”. Once you’re soaking in it and need features, they have options but it’ll cost you. I reckon they have slick sales people who know how to pander to the egos of middle management as well. You know … The people who don’t actually have to use the tool but sure like to feel like they somehow matter.

Is his name Cletus by any chance?

All true. Most of the argument about free travel isn’t about taxes per se. It’s about being able to travel on those for which you paid taxes without further restrictive encumbrance. I’m sorry arguing for that but at the same time I understand the constitutional case for it.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/21/21-7237/215263/20220301155927765_20220301-153600-00002217-00002863.pdf

I’m not sure the book has been closed on this one. You don’t have to be a sov citizen to read the constitution and know that laws get passed all the time that violate civil rights for instance. Laws get overturned when they are challenged and someone has standing. Appeals courts are issuing rulings all the time that reverse what many assume was iron clad and untouchable. Jimmy YouTuber could be wrong but if he tests it and appeals with standing, we might just be surprised by the outcome.

Agreed. This was rolled out without any regard whatsoever for people’s interest in data privacy. That kind of entitled behavior from any government agency is just plain gross.

Traditional QA is horse and buggy shit anyway. Shift left and make your tests the requirements (ATDD). Testing is self service, automated and there’s zero delta between behavior intended and behavior tested. Put product owners on the hook to learn Gherkin and Bob’s your uncle.

All the shitter domains are on my DNS block list. Happier for it.

Opt out. If we don’t exercise our rights, we lose them.

"What if they retaliate and make life difficult for me? "

That’s both illegal and against policy. If someone delays your right to travel for this specific reason, delay their job by asking for their supervisor and their name and employee number. Then file a complaint. That will dissuade that public servant (and their leadership) from exhibiting such behavior and encouraging it respectively.

“But they are capturing your image in 10 skillion other public locations.”

1. Sure, and you have the option to create your own privacy in public.
2. Further, what’s the real purpose of the scanner at the TSA check if they already have that detailed image of your retina, your facial pore patterns and whatever the fsck else they store? They don’t have that level of detail yet on CCTV.

If you don’t care, then that’s fine. Some people don’t mind the slow encroachments on 4th Amendment protections. Cool. Others do. Cool also. That’s why we can opt out.

She got more than she Home Bargained for

Honestly if you do truly value having control over your privacy take this advice to heart. There are so many good Linux options now that are even easier than Windows to install. All it takes is a few clicks. You can even choose which UI you prefer in many cases. All those previous barriers to entry no longer exist.

NextDNS is another option that’ll give you PiHole level control and customization. I will say PiHole is pretty easy to get up and running tho.

Fair! I intended to have it in the original post but it didn’t take. Likely my error.

Article link https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/cable-tv-companies-tell-fcc-early-termination-fees-are-good-actually/

I guess the shame and expense Sony learned the hard way in 2005 has faded and now kernel invasion has become acceptable.

We had a CVS Pharmacy location near me that decided to leave that location. Self checkout there was based on assuming everyone was a thief. All their wounds were self inflicted. Almost everything was locked up and you could never find someone to get your item for you. The genius management thought it was going to help profitability by deterring theft. Instead it was a deterrent to willing and eager customers wanting to buy their stuff. When you step over a dollar to get to a dime, your business is on borrowed time.

I heard Texas has a ballot initiative to change the state’s name to Republic of Gilead

I’m just of the general opinion that any personal data you entrust to any corporation is going to be at risk - regardless of it’s assurances. There’s also a risk of that corporation being legitimately acquired by another thus nullifying previous TOS, etc. Or worse case, they sell all your info anyway. Connected technology is moving quickly. What might seem safe to share today could become the basis of an insurance claim denial when they discover a genetic predisposition they believe you were obligated to disclose.