Ameet's Blog
The Gig Economy in $5 Increments
I am both a participant and avid user of the "Gig Economy". I run my own high-tech consulting business (you can browse ameetdhillon.com for more details) and have multiple clients who regularly pay for my services. Like many others, I also use Uber/Lyft when...
What the Heck is Cap and Trade?
Raise your hand if you know what "cap-and-trade" is? My guess is most people have heard the phrase, but likely don't know exactly what it is or does. I consider myself to be fairly environmentally literate but didn't really understand the concept until I did a little...
Is Residential Solar Viable Without Government Help?
Four years ago I installed a 17 panel (3.6 kilowatt) solar system at my house in California with a net total cost to me of $12,600 (after 30% federal tax rebate). I have been very happy—maybe even ecstatic—with my decision, and what is not too like? The system has...
Interesting Twist on the International Music Business
Music companies market their product all over the world the best they can. However, because music tastes, language, and culture vary so much it is often difficult for performers to reach a worldwide audience. There are of course the obvious exceptions like Michael...
I Love Apple Music
Let me state unequivocally that I am not an Apple "fanboy" and don't love Apple Music because of its elegant design (I find it clunky to use) or visionary brilliance—it is in fact not visionary at all, but rather a "me too" product. No, I love Apple Music because it...
Add Banking to the List of U.S. Infrastructure Problems
Crumbling transportation infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and roadways is an oft-discussed topic in the United States. While the problem may not be as bad, I think you can add banking to the list of antiquated US infrastructure. To be more precise, I am...
A Drive Down Melody Lane
In my entire life, I don't think I have ever met a person that didn't regularly listen to music. Music is an integral part of my life and I cannot imagine a world without it. I often listen to music in my car and I got to thinking about the various music recording...
Amazon Go
Last month my family and I took a trip to Seattle for my boys spring break. I had been to Seattle many times on business but never as a tourist. We did our usual, such as catch a Major League Baseball game—Seattle Mariners versus Cleveland Indians. One of the...
Bank Locally
I recently had a poor customer service experience with one of the largest banks in the United States, Capital One Bank. It took more than three weeks for them to add me to a business banking account—when it would only take 5 - 7 business days to open a brand new...
MVNO – Mobile Virtual Network Operator
How many nationwide mobile networks are there in the United States? If you answered dozens or even hundreds, you aren't totally wrong; but the answer depends on what you mean by nationwide network. If you mean how many mobile network operators (MNOs) have built out...