Technology

Just for Fun, Perspectives

Does it feel like the overall progress of technology has been slower this decade compared to the prior 4?

The other day, I was watching a compilation of commercials from 2006, and this particular commercial stood out. The product was this very primitive version of a sliding keyboard phone, which had rounded edges and extra handles on the side. It was almost like a fusion of a sliding keyboard phone and a Gameboy Advance, and it really got me thinking about how quickly cellphones were evolving in the 2000’s. We went from flip phones in 2003 to sliding keyboard phones in 2006, to smartphones in 2008, to voice-activated smartphones in 2011. And it wasn’t just cellphones that were racing forward at that time, either. It seemed like there was a new version of Windows more or less every 3 years back then as well.

It seems as if ever since computers and microchips started getting big in the 80’s, technology has been on a non-stop race forward, but I can’t help but feel like things are starting to plateau. We no longer live in an age where technology enters a new generation every 3 years. A phone purchased in 2024 has the same functionality as one purchased in 2012, and you could say something similar for computers as well. Every decade has had some great innovation (personal computers, the internet, smartphones, VR), but so far it feels like the 2020’s haven’t yet had their big moment, and I’m wondering if it’s coming at all.

Is this it? Is this the decade where things finally start to level off after 40 years of progress? My experience is that perhaps it started slowing down quite a while ago. Over the past 6 or 7 years, I have owned three new laptops. However, they have all had about the same specs. The processor has been an Intel I-7 with the same amount of memory (16 gig) and the same size SSD drive. I haven’t noticed any difference other than that the price has been lower for each newer model.

It makes me wonder where the initial innovation came from for this technology. Was it homegrown, adopted, or reverse-engineered from some other source? Will another type of technology be required to take us to the next level? Why have we not made much progress on the idea of nanotechnology being the next giant leap?

EV to PIHB

Economics, Education, Perspectives

I switched from an electric car back to a Plug-in hybrid – here’s what I learned

 [Volkswagen Passat ePro / Courtesy of Volkswagen] is a revolutionary new vehicle with a monstrous driving range that can make three round-trip trips between Seoul and Busan with fuel to spare has finally been unveiled. Volkswagen’s newly revealed Passat Pro PHEV model has sent shockwaves through the domestic market, confirming it can travel over 1,300 km (810 miles) on a single tank of gas and charge. This vehicle, which combines the efficiency of electric powertrains with the convenience of internal combustion engines, has instantly positioned itself as a disruptive force in the family car segment. The new Passat Pro stretches to nearly 5 meters (about 16.4 feet) in length, making it noticeably larger than most mid-size sedans.

[Volkswagen Passat ePro / Courtesy of Volkswagen] With a significantly extended wheelbase, the rear-seat legroom rivals that of domestic Grandeur, offering expansive comfort for passengers. The powertrain, which marries a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, produces a robust combined output of 272 horsepower (203 kW), ensuring spirited performance. The ability to travel 160 km (99 miles) on battery power alone means that daily commuters with an 80 km (50 miles) one-way trip could potentially eliminate their fuel costs, resulting in $0 in fuel expenses. 706.2 mpg

The 2023 Volkswagen Passat ePro offers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving a combined WLTP fuel economy of 706.2 mpg. This model is designed to provide an electric-only range of 150 km (93 miles) and a total range of 1,300 km (808 miles) when combined with its gasoline engine. The fuel tank is 66 litres.

Personal note: Our 2019 Hyundai Ionic only has a 40-litre tank, and I have managed 1100 km on it, and it is not a plug-in. The Ionic is MPG more efficient, likely because it has less HP.

For Neil Diamond Fans

Just for Fun

For Neil Diamond Fans

Being Have been a Neil Diamond fan since the early 70s. I have found memories of making a tape (reel to reel) of several of his albums and playing it along with a James Taylor tape when I bartended at an officer’s club in Alaska. Many years later I remember enjoying the entertainment provided by a tribute artist at “The Hop” in Orange County, CA a club owned by the Righteous Brothers. I wish I could remember his name. If you are a fan, you will enjoy Song Sung Blue, go see it or stream it. Details from Wikipedia follow:

“Song Sung Blue is a 2025 biographical musical drama about a Neil Diamond tribute band, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.

Song Sung Blue is a 2025 American biographical musical drama written, produced, and directed by Craig Brewer, based on a 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina and Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The story follows their journey from performing in dive bars to achieving local stardom, while navigating personal struggles, romance, and tragedy. 

Plot Overview

Mike, a recovering alcoholic and Vietnam War veteran, initially performs as a Don Ho impersonator but quits after being restricted from performing his own material. Claire, a hairdresser and part-time performer, inspires him to pursue a Neil Diamond tribute act. Together, they form Lightning & Thunder, performing Neil Diamond hits with passion and authenticity. The film explores their romantic relationship, professional challenges, and the highs and lows of performing in tribute shows. Key moments include their first gigs, misunderstandings with audiences, and Claire’s severe car accident, which tests their resilience and love. 

Musical Elements

The film features numerous Neil Diamond songs, with Jackman and Hudson delivering strong vocal performances. The music is central to the narrative, highlighting both the tribute aspect and the emotional depth of the characters’ journey. Signature songs like “Sweet Caroline” are incorporated as recurring motifs in their performances. 

Reception

Song Sung Blue premiered at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025, and was released in the United States on December 25, 2025. It received positive reviews, with critics praising Kate Hudson’s performance, the chemistry between the leads, and the heartfelt storytelling. The film grossed $58 million and earned Hudson nominations for the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award for Best Actress. Reviewers highlighted the film’s sincere portrayal of tribute culture, its emotional resonance, and the uplifting depiction of pursuing dreams through music. 

Viewing

The film is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, allowing audiences to experience the musical performances and the story of Lightning & Thunder. 
Overall, Song Sung Blue combines biographical drama, musical tribute, and heartfelt romance, celebrating the enduring appeal of Neil Diamond’s music while telling a story of love, perseverance, and artistic passion.