This is the first real episode of the new call-in format. I go through all the emails sent to the show, where clearly my back catalogue is being fully explored! ITIL, Bees, AppSumo and the recent cyber attacks on Harrods, M&S, and the Co-op are explored. Remember, kids, use an authentication app like Authy or Google Authenticator wherever you can!

Be on the next show, call in! https://richardsonsrubicon.com/be-on-the-show/#liveshow

Hey there, and welcome to the very first episode of Riffin' the Rubicon! I'm John Richardson, and I'm diving headfirst into this new live show adventure.

Funny enough, it was VE Day when I did the recording. We'll talk about how folks sometimes overlook the true meaning of the day, all while I try to shake off this feeling that I'm stuck in an episode of Fawlty Towers!

Plus, I'll let you in on a day in my life, juggling B&B mishaps and bee-keeping adventures. And you won't believe the wild story from Turkey about a town accidentally getting high!

I'm figuring out a new way to live podcast and I really want you to jump into the conversation. Share your stories, ask questions, or just hang out at https://richardsonsrubicon.com/be-on-the-show/

Welcome to a new episode of Richardson's Rubicon hosted by me, John Richardson. In this episode, I dive into the economic principle of price elasticity of demand (PED) and its potential implications for the tourist sector, focusing especially on the controversial topic of visitor levies, or tourist taxes.

I explore recent trends and data indicating a shift from serviced accommodations like hotels to more affordable, nonserviced options such as self-catering sites and campsites from 2022 to 2023. This reflects people's sensitivity to economic pressures. I'll share my analysis of how the introduction of a proposed visitor levy could impact the economy, including potential job losses and reduced economic impact, drawing on figures from various sources.

Throughout the episode, I explain the difference in economic outcomes between applying a percentage-based visitor levy versus a flat fee. This analysis is crucial for policymakers considering the best way to fund local councils without causing undue harm to the economy. Whether you're interested in economics, tourism, or public policy, this episode offers insights into a pressing issue affecting Scotland's tourist industry. Enjoy the show, and feel free to engage with the discussion on our website or through email!

Show notes: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/will-a-5-visitor-levy-hurt-scotlands-tourist-economy-an-analysis/

Discussion: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/main-category-episode-topics/will-a-5-visitor-levy-hurt-scotlands-tourist-economy-an-analysis/

Welcome back to Richardson's Rubicon! In today's episode, I delve into the heated topic of the visitor levy, often misconceived as a mere tourist tax.

PLUS!!!! NEWSFLASH AT THE BEGINNING!

Join me, John Richardson, as I navigate through bizarre social media reactions and comments on this contentious issue. I discuss the misconceptions surrounding the tax, how it affects everyone staying in accommodations in Scotland, and the overlooked impact on council budgets and inflation.

Discuss in the forum here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/main-category-episode-topics/misunderstanding-or-misinformation/

Through lively exchanges with social media commenters like Kenny and Nadia, I explore the rationale behind this levy and the necessity for a structured examination of council expenditures.

Tune in to uncover the truths behind these policies and why many ARE missing the bigger picture. Feel free to join the conversation and share your perspectives with me!

Right, let’s cut to the chase. On the latest Richardson’s Rubicon, I tore into this new Visitor Levy Scotland’s rolled out. Frankly, it’s infuriating, and I won’t sugarcoat it.

First things first: don’t let them spin this as a “tourist tax.” It’s a charge on everyone staying in accommodation—yes, even your cousin from Manchester here for a weekend. And mark my words, every council in Scotland will slap this on, padding their budgets with CoSLA, the SNP, and local authorities nodding it through.

It's completely unlike tourist taxes. It's a percentage rate that scales upward the longer to stay somewhere and in higher quality places, it's off the scale.

https://argyllandbutevisitorlevy.com/argyll-and-bute-visitor-levy-why-a-percentage/

I’ve run a B&B for years—I know taxes are part of the game. But this rate they’re pushing? It’s outrageous. The roads near my place are riddled with potholes, services are collapsing, yet council bosses pocket pay rises while the rest of us cough up more. Where’s the logic?

Here’s the kicker, though: this levy isn’t just about money. It’s overreach. Council officials demanding the right to march into my property, inspect my books? Not on my watch. And the paperwork they want? Half of it’s irrelevant to calculating the tax!

What really grinds my gears? They’ve sidelined the trade bodies representing accommodation providers. We’re the ones keeping Scottish tourism afloat, yet our concerns are brushed aside while the SNP and CoSLA fiddle with their grand plans. Short-sighted doesn’t even begin to cover it.

And let’s talk consequences. Jack up accommodation costs, and visitors will vanish overnight. Domestic tourism will plummet, and Scotland’s economy will take a hit no spreadsheet in Holyrood can fix.

So here’s the plan: push back. Bombard every public consultation, buttonhole your local councillor, make your voice heard. And if any of them fancy defending this shambles on my show? I’ll give them airtime—and a fair hearing, though they’ll need to bring a strong case.

Right, I’ll wrap up here. Swing by the website if you’ve got thoughts. Cheers,

John

P.S. Share this far and wide. The campaign site: https://argyllandbutevisitorlevy.com

Forum: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/main-category-episode-topics/the-ugly-truth-about-the-visitor-levy-in-scotland/

In this episode of Richardson's Rubicon podcast, host John Richardson dives into the hot topic of Scotland's new Visitor Levy, often mislabeled as a 'tourist tax.' John clarifies that the levy is an accommodation tax, impacting both locals and visitors, and outlines its implications on small businesses like his own B&B. He compares the progressive percentage-based levy in Scotland with flat fee systems in Manchester and Wales, highlighting potential negative economic effects. John encourages listeners to explore further information and participate in the public consultation on the Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy website.

Our forum discussion here: https://richardsonsrubicon.com/community/main-category-episode-topics/understanding-scotlands-visitor-levy-not-just-a-tourist-tax/#post-73

https://argyllandbutevisitorlevy.com/

00:00 Introduction to Richardson's Rubicon Podcast

00:31 Understanding the Visitor Levy

01:05 Impact on Accommodation Providers

01:33 Concerns and Comparisons

02:33 Examples from the UK and Europe

05:03 Call to Action and Conclusion

Hello there, I'm John Richardson, your host on the Richardson's Rubicon Podcast. In this episode, we'll explore the tasks beekeepers should focus on in November and December, especially for those in the Northern Hemisphere, like in Scotland. We'll discuss the importance of providing sugar syrup and treating for varroa mites in the months leading up to winter. We'll examine how bees adapt their physiology for winter, enabling them to survive longer and produce royal jelly for the next spring and summer broods. We'll cover the dangers of starvation and varroa mite infestations for bees, the advantages of feeding them proper fondant, and the importance of protecting hives from bad weather. I urge you to resist the temptation to open the hives during this period, and guide you on how to maintain them during these colder months, all in an effort to ensure the survival of your buzzing communities. Enjoy!

Here's where to get a Gas Vap: https://www.bridge-cottage.com/gas-vap

Hive Alive fondant: Thornes (other stockists available)

Welcome to a new, quick episode of Richardson's Rubicon podcast titled "Bluesky Verification." I'm your host, John Richardson. In this episode, we explore security protocols, identity verification, and user experience on social platforms.

We kick off with an analysis of different social media verification methods, with an emphasis on Bluesky's unique approach. I dissect the transition from Twitter's celebrity-focused paradigm to the pay-to-verify model of "X". The issue of fake accounts is underlined, emphasising the weaknesses of existing models.

Attention now turns to Bluesky's innovative "domain verification" process, a key feature of their groundbreaking AT protocol. I describe how it promises decentralisation, interoperability, and enhanced security, making your identity more transferable and giving a smoother experience on the internet.

https://atproto.com/guides/overview

This innovative verification method is illustrated through a compelling example featuring Sky reporter Sam Coates and a questionable account posing as Kemi Badenoch.

https://bsky.app/profile/samcoatessky.bsky.social/post/3lb6eyk6bp224

I shed light on the intricacies of the verification process on Bluesky, how organisations can manage multiple users using subdomains, and how critical user-friendly instructions can be to a successful transition. The notion of domain name impersonation, also known as typosquatting - a potential threat with roots in the 90s internet era - is also discussed.

https://bsky.social/about/blog/4-28-2023-domain-handle-tutorial

The episode pushes on to emphasise the importance of user education and advises large organisations such as Sky News, BBC, the Houses of Parliament and others to publish Bluesky handles on their websites, reinforcing two layers of verification. With my experience in mind, I share insights into successful countermeasures such as proactive domain monitoring, legal protections, usage of Secure Socket Layer certificates and registering variations of company names.

I end the episode with an open invitation, urging listeners to actively participate in the podcast, bridging the gap between myself and you, the listener. The discussion can move beyond the IT realm, incorporating an array of topics chosen by you. Join me, not just as listeners, but as contributors, igniting stimulating conversations and expanding our collective understanding. So, continue to follow me on this informational journey while I blend humour, personal anecdote, and insightful commentary, all within an engaging narrative. Tune in and let us explore beyond the Rubicon together.

https://richardsonsrubicon.com

Follow me on Bluesky!

https://bsky.app/profile/richardsonsrubicon.com

Welcome back to Richardson's Rubicon, I'm your host, John Richardson, and today we're delving into something a little different. It's going to relate to my IT expertise, but resonates in everyday life, specifically dealing with service desks. What's making today's episode worth your listen is an exasperating experience I recently encountered with my teen son's mobile phone insurance claim. This ordeal with Assurant - the company in question - highlighted some crucial lessons on customer service, communication and data security. So join me as I take you through the tale of vexing service desk interactions, password-protected files and unencrypted PDF's. Who knows, maybe you could take away a few pointers that could potentially improve similar experiences for you, or even suggest improvements to companies you interact with. Stay tuned for this exploration, right here on Richardson's Rubicon.

More details here:

Hello and welcome to season 3 of the Richardson's Rubicon podcast! I am your host, John Richardson, and I'm absolutely thrilled to unravel the tentatively diverse topics we'll be delving into this season. Our venture is no longer confined to the world of EverQuest - we'll still entertain those fascinating aspects, but aren't afraid to swerve off into exploratory lanes.

In fact, if you tuned in for episode 1, you'd already have had a taste of this adventurous turn: we discussed lifetime deals for various types of digital tools available out there. I even delved into some issues surrounding Sessions, and I promise to keep you updated as we go along.

But let's set things straight—Richardson's Rubicon isn't just about my insights—it's essentially your podcast. What do you want to discuss? What are the burning topics you want to unwrap and lay bare? Your passion is the fuel that will keep these discussions glowing.

I offer you a couple of inviting ways to be a part of this adventurous journey. Visit our website, richardsonsrubicon.com, and simply choose the path that suits you. You might want to open new doors through an interview—sparking a conversation about something that inspires you. Or perhaps you wish to sit in for a fireside chat; casual, hearty conversations about the topics you care about.

Besides these, feel free to fill the air with your voice through a voice note by visiting the appropriate link on the website. Express your thoughts, share your curiosity, connect directly on our forum. Plus, for those of you who find comfort in face-to-face conversations, we have something for you too—a 'cam-to-cam' feature, available on the relevant pop-in page on our website.

This season promises to be a dynamic, exciting ball of conversations—a perfect blend of planned subjects and spontaneous topics instigated by you, the audience. You are an integral part of our direction this season, so don't hesitate. We encourage you to reach out via [email protected] with your suggestions, ideas, and feedback. Looking forward to some thought-provoking exchanges, intriguing topics, and plenty of insightful dialogues!

Richardson's Rubicon season 3— yours, mine, ours — a podcast adventure where we navigate new territory together. Looking forward to exchanging thoughts, perspectives, and experiences with you! Thank you, and let's dive in. Cheers!