Tomek Modrzyński

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Taming a terrible AC with the power of IoT

Software engineering

Taming a terrible AC with the power of IoT

Some time ago I wrote a post about taming a terrible soundbar with the power of Internet of Things. The solution used a Wi-Fi connected infrared repeater, which simulated buttons on the soundbar remote being pressed in specific order and with specific delay. I don't have that soundbar anymore. I

My attempts at organising life

Self development

My attempts at organising life

I did my bachelor's degree in early 2013, and I started my official professional career shortly after. Looking back, the uni life was relatively straightforward. There was a goal (graduating), clearly marked checkpoints (semesters/years) and clear rules on how to pass them (exams, projects). While there were a lot

Stargazing

I was gifted this big boy for Christmas by my lovely wife: Due to a few weeks of rain and clouded skies (and, well, me being lazy) I managed to assemble it and start looking at the sky only this week. We went to the Royal National Park, to one

Migrating from Facebook

Migrating from Facebook

I embarked on a quest to get rid of Facebook from my life. Here's what triggered me to do it and what exactly I'm planning to do.

I sold a car

Almost two years ago I bought my first car, a 2004 Renault Scenic. Last week, the time has come to say goodbye to it, as I upgraded to a bigger and newer one. This isn't really a story about selling the car, but a few interesting interactions I had with

Fear mongering

I have seen a resurgence of fear mongering powered by social media in the recent days. It is not the first one, and unfortunately not the last one.

Living with a beast

Living with a beast

I got a message a few days ago from one of my friends, asking me why there has not been a new post on this blog. Here is what happened with me.

Book review: Rebel ideas

Book review: Rebel ideas

I read a book recently, titled "Rebel ideas" by Matthew Syed, about diversity, and in particular cognitive diversity. It was a very good lecture that reasonated with my way of thinking. This post is my attempt to review it.

One of the biggest fires in my career

Software engineering

One of the biggest fires in my career

Let me tell you a story of how one project I worked on ran into engineering issues caused by accumulated organisational problems, and how it all affected me just after coming back from holidays.

Taming a terrible soundbar with the power of IoT

Software engineering

Taming a terrible soundbar with the power of IoT

How to make the user experience of a soundbar less terrible than the producer intended. Starring: Google Home and some Chinese WiFi IR remote.

I don't like bicycle helmets

I don't like bicycle helmets

I complain about the necessity of wearing bicycle helmets in the place where I live now, and try to briefly compare arguments for and against. (Mostly against.)

Automating boring tasks (and saving money on Kickstarter)

Software engineering

Automating boring tasks (and saving money on Kickstarter)

My approach to not wasting time on repetitive tasks that can be automated. And in some cases saving a little bit of money. All thanks to technology!

The morning routine

Self development

The morning routine

A few weeks ago I started yet another attempt at waking up early in the morning, and utilising time in a productive way. Let me walk you through reasons why I think I previously failed, and why I think (I hope?) this time I can succeed.

How to improve your chances at landing your dream job

Software engineering

How to improve your chances at landing your dream job

In this post I write about your online presence and how it may affect your interactions with your potential employers—positively and negatively.

A few lessons on travelling

A few lessons on travelling

Travelling taught me a few interesting lessons. They may seem obvious to you, but I wish I knew about these a few years ago. Have a few protips!