Time Between Disengagements

Time Between Disengagements is a concept I came across in a recent article from Gitpod, and it offered an interesting new way to think about AI’s role in software development. It compares the evolution of AI in engineering to the progression of self-driving cars—where the key metric is how long an autonomous system can operate before a human needs to step in. That simple but powerful analogy really clicked with me. It reframes how we should think about the future of AI-assisted development—not just in terms of raw capability, but in how independently and safely these systems can work. ...

June 17, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · bjr

The Cult of Hard Mode

Why do we glorify complexity and look down on simplicity — especially in tech? I wanted to share this because it resonates with so much of what I’ve experienced and observed in tech myself. In Joan Westenberg’s thought-provoking piece, “Why Simplicity Offends Tech Elites”, she explores the curious tendency within tech circles to glorify complexity and dismiss simplicity as somehow less valuable. Reading this, I was struck by how deeply embedded this mindset is in startup and developer culture — where convoluted solutions, obscure tools, and overly engineered systems are often seen as badges of honor. Westenberg challenges this mentality, arguing that simplicity should not be mistaken for laziness or lack of depth. In fact, true simplicity is hard-earned — it requires clarity, discipline, and empathy for users. ...

June 14, 2025 · 2 min · 214 words · bjr

Rethinking Microservices: What Startups Need to Know

Startups are often drawn to microservices with the promise of scalability and flexibility, but adopting them too early can backfire. Microservices introduce overhead—more infrastructure to manage, more complexity in deployments, and more effort in monitoring and debugging. For small teams moving quickly, these challenges can slow progress rather than support it. Early on, simplicity is a major advantage. Keeping your architecture lean—whether that’s a monolith or a tightly scoped service—allows you to move faster, iterate quickly, and focus on building the product. The key is not to avoid microservices altogether, but to recognize when the benefits truly outweigh the costs. Premature optimization can lead to a fragile setup that’s hard to maintain without delivering real value. ...

June 11, 2025 · 1 min · 162 words · bjr

The Laziness of the Ad-First Economy

In 2025, digital advertising is looking more like a pyramid scheme than a sustainable marketing model. As John Kilhefner explains in his HackerNoon article, the obsession with pageviews and impressions has led to a bloated, user-hostile web—filled with pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers that drive readers away. Publishers chase clicks at the expense of quality, while brands spend millions on ads that users increasingly ignore or block. The result? A fragile ecosystem where trust erodes and ROI quietly collapses under the weight of empty metrics. ...

June 10, 2025 · 1 min · 140 words · bjr

DevOps in 2025

April 30, 2025 · 0 min · 0 words · bjr

starting a grid back up from total collapse

The power grid is a vast and intricate system composed of generation units (like hydroelectric, thermal, and renewable energy plants), transmission lines, substations, transformers, and distribution networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Orchestrating a black start across this interconnected web is a highly complex task—each component must be reactivated in a precise sequence to avoid overloads, instability, or cascading failures. Communication between grid operators, synchronization of frequency and voltage levels, and the gradual reintroduction of demand are all crucial elements. It’s a delicate dance that requires meticulous planning, real-time coordination, and robust contingency protocols. ...

April 29, 2025 · 1 min · 126 words · bjr

Out Run - possible the best in-game music

In the late 1980s, arcade culture wasn’t just entertainment — it was a defining force that shaped an entire generation. Neon lights, the hum of CRT screens, the electric buzz of packed arcades. It was a time when video games weren’t just games. They were part of an awakening, a moment when a whole generation found new ways to dream, to compete, and to connect! Go ahead - hit the play button below to be transported to the 80s. ...

April 25, 2025 · 3 min · 434 words · bjr

The Motorola 68000 - a microprocessor ahead of its time

It was introduced in 1979 as a hybrid 16/32-bit CISC microprocessor, featuring a 24-bit flat address bus and a 16-bit data path. This design achieved over 1 MIPS of performance and outclassed contemporaries like the Intel 8086 in both speed and programmability. It rapidly became the engine behind landmark personal computers, such as the Apple Lisa and Macintosh, the Commodore Amiga, and the Atari ST, as well as gaming consoles like the Sega Genesis, due to its orthogonal instruction set, ample register file, and large unified memory space. Even after its discontinuation in 1996, the 68000’s architecture endured in embedded controllers, printers, and industrial systems, cementing a legacy that shaped subsequent CPU designs across the industry. ...

April 25, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · bjr

Milliseconds Matter: Understanding Time in High-Speed Sports

In the world of motorsport, particularly Formula 1, performance is measured in milliseconds. A single tenth of a second — 0.1s — can mean the difference between starting at the front of the grid or being buried in the midfield. During qualifying sessions, it’s not uncommon to see several drivers separated by just hundredths or even thousandths of a second. For most of us, that kind of precision is difficult to grasp without some form of visual aid. ...

April 20, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · bjr

the Dunning-Kruger effect

Much has been said about the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals with limited knowledge are convinced they have deep expertise in a subject. When this overconfidence is combined with a more aggressive personality, it creates the perfect storm—leading to challenging dynamics in teams and organizations. Recognizing and addressing this phenomenon is essential for fostering healthy collaboration and continuous learning in the workplace.

April 19, 2025 · 1 min · 61 words · bjr