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SamuelJohnson

@samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy

40 followers 4 following 1.1K posts

Scientist, MBA, ex IT professional, Irish & European Lived 30+ years on 4 continents, now back in Ireland. Deleted WhatsApp the day Zuckerberg bought it. Ditto […] 🌉 bridged from ⁂ mstdn.social/@samueljohnson, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Stuart Wilkinson @fairtradestu.mastodonapp.uk.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026

The second anniversary of this post is coming up, and surprise surprise these little "end of life" laptops are continuing to run well with #linux and do what we need then to, which includes spending less on tech so we can buy more actual books for the school […] [Original post on mastodonapp.uk]

A mastodon post from October 2024 showing a photo 8 laptops running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and libre office, the post explains the school has added Ubuntu to some old windows 10 devices that their IT support told them were end of life.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026

A former US marine's take on Marco Rubio's speech in Greece youtu.be/365dWR1snTg History will not be kind to this malevolent, cynical, dishonest and arrogant little man and his billionaire enablers. Between Rubio's propaganda and the appointment of the ridiculous Kimberly Guilfoyle as […]

Original post on mstdn.social

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

daniel:// stenberg:// @bagder.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 08/10/2026

"The people holding up the internet" A good-looking but somewhat depressing exposé about the people holding up current digital infrastructure as a hobby. sheets.works/data-viz/holding-up-th…

The people holding up the internet

Four billion phones ask one text file what time it is. One lecturer keeps it in his spare time. We counted the rest.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/10/2026

@b0rk 100%. I try to avoid jumping to conclusions about problems I been asked about because on sight they turn out to be something very different than what I might have assumed. I don't think it's always a hearing problem as much as a wavelength one. My iPad isn't working. I've got a cigar in a […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/10/2026

@etp FWIW my wife is running Linux Mint w Cinnamon desktop environment on a Macbook Air 2013 version. €180 2nd hand plus new battery from AliExpress for €35 or so.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/10/2026

September figures for car sales in France Market share Change Year-on-Year EVs 41.7% ⬆️ 108.1% Petrol 10.5% ⬇️ 39.2% Diesel 1.5% ⬇️ 61.8% Overall sales ⬆️ 11.6% (2025 was a bad year) Year to date EV sales are up 78.8% to 31.4% market share (from 18.3% in 1 yr). France having the best […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026

@Luke_Drury As Home Secretary Badenoch forced British citizenship on a NI citizen in contravention of the GFA. Overturned in court. Later she bleated in the Telegraph about her half-Nigerian children not being treated as fully British. Rees-Mogg during Brexit negotiations: "The Irish should […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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Reposted by SamuelJohnson

OpenTech(AUC) @opentech-auc.social.edu.nl.ap.brid.gy · 03/10/2026

De #NRC, one of the main newspapers in the #Netherlands, set up its own Mastodon server! Journalist @MarloesdeKoning played a key role in this development. We believe ournalists and academics have a special responsibility to start building the alternative networks of the future. Step by step […]

Original post on social.edu.nl

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

Completed the self-hosted survey for 2026 (last year's results are here: selfhosted-survey-2025.deployn.de) Results ### Fleet Commander 🚀 * Fleet: 6-10 devices 21-50 TB * Motivation: Independence from Big Tech & subscriptions, Privacy & data ownership, Learning & experimenting * My […]

Original post on mstdn.social

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Eat This Podcast @etp.indieweb.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

“In a sense heat itself is a kind of garbage we’re dumping offshore while we dump the carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere.” “To starve a whale is a crime against nature that staggers the imagination.” Two perfect sentences from Rebecca Solnit’s latest newsletter […]

indieweb.social

Original post on indieweb.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026

@dermotryanie @aphclarkson.bsky.social Yes. Tony Connelly's book covers it -- and the absence of any statutory basis.

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026

@dermotryanie @aphclarkson.bsky.social Indeed. But there's some reciprocity in the East West and North South dynamics -- mutual handcuffs. Naomi Long's recent "knowing for a fact that people (asylum seekers) had entered NI via EU countries" as if this was in any way reprehensible was a […]

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026

@ottocr.at I've only seen a couple of clips but... What a change of style and... well, everything really. Agree. --As a neighbour w preference for relatable non-charlatans in Nr 10. As an aside, I detest Farage's emphatic little neck jerks, like a pigeon on meth.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 01/10/2026

@aphclarkson.bsky.social > @jdportes@bsky.social "oh please. Get back to me when Sweden joins the euro or Ireland joins Schengen.” As if Ireland didn't want to join Schengen. The only reason Ireland isn't in Schengen is because it would require a hard border on the island, which is never going […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Patrick Breyer @echo-pbreyer.digitalcourage.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026

🇪🇺✅ Good news: No "dirty deal" on #ChatControl 2.0 in yesterday's trilogue! 🎉 The Parliament stood firm – thanks to your pressure. But: the threat remains, next showdown likely in November. Update […]

digitalcourage.social

Original post on digitalcourage.social

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Simon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 30/09/2026

NEW ANALYSIS: Record wind and solar save UK from gas imports worth £5.9bn during Hormuz crisis 🌤️ wind/solar generation up 14% in 2026 to date 🏭 gas down ~10% 🚢 >100 LNG cargoes avoided

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

kim_harding ✅ @kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 29/09/2026

French local authorities to replace WhatsApp with ‘sovereign’ encrypted messaging www.computerweekly.com/news/3666512… French local authorities to deploy ‘sovereign’ end-to-end encrypted messaging service in […]

Original post on mastodon.scot

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

kim_harding ✅ @kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · 29/09/2026

Germany smashes PV record, produces three times more solar power than Australia so far this year reneweconomy.com.au/germany-smashes… Germany generated as much solar energy by the end of September as it did […]

Original post on mastodon.scot

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Alexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

American Liberals and Leftists should not be surprised if America faces a lot of scepticism even after Trump is gone from Canadians, Europe and the rest of the world as long as Democrats and DSA preach norms of international law they refuse to implement towards their own country

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

@ottocr.at It's a future heirloom 😋. Now you need a mechanical wrist to keep it going when you're wearing your digital watch. This will hold more than one watch. 😉

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

@ottocr.at At Ireland? Really? There is strong support for Palestinians in Ireland because of how they have been treated (an experience we understand better than many). The Netanyahu govt considers that anti-semitism.

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Alexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The average length of Roman-Persian wars was 7-15 years. The average length of Ottoman-Persian wars was 5-10 years. Forever wars are not the exception, they're the norm.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

@ottocr.at I enjoy writing with a good fountain pen (also, at times, a Pilot Gel pen and a Rotring retractable clutch pencil) but haven't used anything long enough to experience cramp for longer than I can remember. I touch type and enjoy doing so on a good keyboard. Couldn't use only one or the […]

Original post on mstdn.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

A reflection on AI doomerism bcantrill.dtrace.org/2026/09/27/foo… A former colleague of mine was a catastrophist of whom it was said by another from Texas "you have to kitch him on the way down". A late friend was such a pessimist he wasn't a glass half-full person but a […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

@gilduran.com I just bought your book. It must have hurt the poor baby.

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2026

@aphclarkson.bsky.social Who could forget BBC R4 Today: Was the data encrypted? Dido Harding: Gosh, do you know I don't know. As clear an example of executive incompetence, class privilege and rot (given subsequent appointments and outcomes) as one could hope to find. Then, instead of being a […]

Original post on mstdn.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at I can totally relate. First thing I did after retirement was get email off my phone*. You're buying your retirement watch early. 😋 *Redundant as I almost invariably have an 8" tablet handy.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at Personal ideal Roman numerals Silver (not gold) Steel bracelet (not leather) Self-winding Slim But... This was food for thought 😋 hackaday.com/tag/contactless-payment Couldn't see doing it or... liking the aesthetic. (I do not want notifications or email or chronometer […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at Try fixed link

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at 😂 I confess I window shop for a backup now and then and boggle at daft prices and 🤦 aesthetics. My 20+ year old £200 Swiss watch has suffered internally from tropical climes and will die someday share.google/KsnA3IbnT7zYkrbUB I have a mechanical Seiko (wrist powered) that I […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at how come? Why 😕?

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at Had a charmingly avuncular Swiss horologist with an eyeglass and a shop full of cuckoo clocks in the main street where I grew up. Often called in on the hour as kids to hear the cuckoos. He was very indulgent. I wouldn't have one in the house but I will never not wear a classic […]

Original post on mstdn.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@aphclarkson.bsky.social After some friction with automated ID verification, following which recommended solution was to go to nearest UK Post Office (in NI in my case), I resigned some (effectively philanthropic) UK directorships. There are limits to what I'll do, though I support the intended […]

Original post on mstdn.social

Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Dan Gillmor @dangillmor.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

The tech oligarchs are rallying around Elon Musk to block a filmmaker from advertising a deeply reported documentary that lays bare what a slimy -- and dangerous -- person Musk is […]

mastodon.social

Original post on mastodon.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at A new to me gif! Loved it.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at 👌😂💪

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/09/2026

@ottocr.at Slaughter and May.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

@bestforbritain.org Labour can't pledge to rejoin. It's not a Labour decision to rejoin. It can only pledge to apply to JOIN. The decision is for member states, every single one of them, with unanimity required.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

@ottocr.at 100%. And several member states will have demands (Greece, Elgin marbles; Spain, Gibraltar; etc).

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026

@distrowatch Actually, It's FOSS was one of the worst offenders and I complained several times. I think it's improved but I decided life is too short to protest any more. I can't fathom making no allowance for the first time reader about something. 🤷‍♂️

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026

@ottocr.at 🤣 I sometimes wince vicariously for unionist gammons (orange variety) when regular gammons engage in bombastic puffery about their "island nation". Unrequited gammon love... You'd need a heart of stone not to laugh.

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026

@distrowatch What's much more annoying is New release of <unheard of product>. Followed by * Now rewritten in RUST (or some other technical info here) * Bugfixes * yada * yada And no mention whatever, anywhere, as to WTF this software does. Clicking the link very often still doesn't result […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026

@stefano I'm reminded of consecutive visits to a company I worked with in Palo Alto before and after dot com bust Before: some colleagues: We're the only ones who haven't jumped ship (ie gotten lucky) After: same colleagues: Now they're all out of work (and asking to come back) and we look […]

Original post on mstdn.social

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/09/2026

@ottocr.at Not as annoying as when it's poorly packaged and tossed on the doorstep and damaged by a feckless courier. (A keyboard I ordered some time ago.) Happily the offending company is now out of business. The good news: free replacement thanks to EU rights. 💪

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/09/2026

@Zwergi I recently bought an automatic pet feeder. Chose the without-camera option (no desire to have CCTV in the house). Turns out it has a recording capability so I can record something like Heeeeere Fluffy, supper time! This is allegedly good for Fluffy's mental health in her owner's […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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Reposted by SamuelJohnson

Vulvarine @zwergi.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026

We’ve officially reached the point where hearing your spouse’s voice on the phone isn’t enough proof that it’s actually them. That sounds ridiculous until you realize voice-cloning scams are already here. Have a code word. Call the person back directly […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Screenshot from another platform:
Just had the creepiest scam ever happen
20 minutes ago.
| got a call from my wife telling me she forgot her
wallet and needed the credit card to pay for her gas.
Except my wife was at home with me, and drives a Tesla.
Same voice, bit... off, weird cadence but 100% sounded
just like her. If she wasn't there, and it wasn't about
gas | would have fallen for it.
| entertained it for awhile to get more out of it, | was so
confused. Must be some sort of voice deepfake.
The responses were too fast for ai, | think it was a voice
filter. | wish | had thought to record it.
The future is about to get fucked. Warn your loved ones,
do verbal passwords with your kids.
Bit taken aback.

SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026

Solar and wind energy meet 80%+ of Australia's grid energy demands and new records are likely www.theguardian.com/environment/202… Just checked my own figures for the month so far and solar has met 79.8% of […]

Original post on mstdn.social

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SamuelJohnson @samueljohnson.mstdn.social.ap.brid.gy · 22/09/2026

@LillyHerself @GreatDismal Ah, yes, I meant "really" here. I knew. An uneven distribution problem. 😉

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