Getting “Back In The USA” Will be Faster

The U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement folks (not to be confused with Homeland Security) are making great strides to improve the "welcome home" and "welcome to the USA" experience. And, they're doing it with your smartphone and applications. For years we have been filling out a form as we land, and then presented it to … Read more

Muni Broadband Still Mangled By Incumbents Political Clout

If you look at the US Telecom preemptive lawsuit against the FCC's Net Neutrality action taken this week and then look deep enough at what is being done in Tennessee you'll likely see the same players working behind the scenes to limit muni-broadband providers expansion out of governmental footprint. The incumbents already have easements and … Read more

Traveling Without Luggage

I stopped carrying any bag that I can't carry on a plane years ago thanks to Luggage Forward. The relationship with them began in 2007 when I had to get all kinds of things over to France for my wedding. I've been using them ever since. The last two trips though have raised my respect … Read more

Wire Updates Their Mac App

Wire, the app that is rapidly replacing Skype within the VoIP insider community including many of the VUC regulars, just updated to version 1.4. The new version adds some new ringtones, audio improvements-from guys who really do know audio, and some new messaging and ping sounds to make the app sound different. My experience with Wire … Read more

Faugeres Wines-Need More In the USA

A few years back, the Chevalier du Comanderie en Faugeres, deep in the heart of the Languedoc chose to make me a “Chevalier” or Knight for my more than 20 years of promotion of wine in the region. I guess buying the wines from there also for as long didn’t hurt either. Now, on every … Read more

The Loss of A Friend-GigaOm

Before I started VoIPWatch, there was GigaOm, and Om Malik. While Om may have taken a massive step back about a year ago from the publication he started, largely to focus on his health and role as a VC with True Ventures, GigaOm was a lighthouse in a storm of breaking news. Those of us who … Read more

Why I Carry A European Power Strip Now

Some ten years or so ago my then soon to be wife and I were “shopping” in a French electronics store when she spotted a 5 outlet power strip that was for European plugs. It was one of the best things we ever purchased as it has made dozens of crossings. While I also carry … Read more