Posted inCan We Talk About This Please? In the News Online & Digital Politics & Opinion

Dear Telekom, You’re Just a Cable

I’ve borrowed this headline from Timo Hetzel (Bits und So / Undsoversum / Blog) because I find it so fitting. Many so-called providers still haven’t understood that at the end of the day, they are nothing more than a cable. A copper cable, a fiber optic cable, or a wireless connection — but still just a cable. They connect us with one another, through telephone lines or the internet. But for years, these providers have been trying to be more than just the pipe through which the bits flow. They want to upsell us with “value-added services.” Sometimes with a bit of…
Posted inCan We Talk About This Please? In the News Politics & Opinion

Marriage, Equality, and What Really Deserves State Support

Right now, the media is full of heated debates about whether same-sex marriages should be given the same legal recognition as “traditional” marriages. The discussion isn’t just about symbolism—it’s about practical matters too: tax advantages, legal protections, and social rights such as adoption. As someone who is deeply interested in this topic, though not eligible to vote in Germany myself, I’ve been thinking a lot about what lies at the core of the issue. To ground my thoughts, I went straight to the source: Article 6 of the German Constitution (Grundgesetz). It says: Marriage and family enjoy the special protection of…
Posted inCan We Talk About This Please? Science Matters The Homeopathy Myth

Magnetic Field Therapy – Science or Snake Oil?

As some of you know, I occasionally dive into the world of homeopathy, esotericism, and alternative medicine. One concept that stuck with me from the past—both as a skeptic and as a once-curious believer—is magnetic field therapy. So, I recently took the time to read up on it again. The result? As always, a mix of lofty healing promises, dubious mechanisms, and a whole lot of commercial noise. Sprinkle in wellness marketing, internet scams, and some "miracle devices," and you've got a familiar recipe. Here's what I found when I took a closer look. What is Magnetic Field Therapy? Magnetic…
Posted inCan We Talk About This Please?

Customer is King!

Has Germany become a service desert? What is service, and do I have a right to it? Recently, I placed an order in an online shop. Somewhat surprised, I had to realize, after the order—yes, I could have checked before—that the shop only accepts advance bank transfers. In my opinion, a bit outdated and already not very customer-oriented. But, well, said and done. I ordered and transferred the money. This was at the beginning of calendar week 36. In calendar week 37, I was on vacation and hoped that upon my return, my package would have arrived at the office.…
Posted inCan We Talk About This Please? Science Matters The Homeopathy Myth

Can sugar heal?

The answer is: No! (Unless you eat enough to get full.) Always, I encounter people in my everyday life who take homeopathic remedies and spend a fair amount of money on them, believing that homeopathy can make them healthy. Is that really the case? What is homeopathy? Why does it work, and why not? Often, I find myself in discussions with advocates of the sugar pill. Why do people take homeopathic remedies? Why Schüssler salts? Right from the start, I am not the absolute homeopathy expert, but I have read into the subject to some extent and would like to…