We need to reserve hotel rooms like we reserve airline seats

The Trivago television ad says that if we use their website we will find the identical room at the best price.  But it is not necessarily the full truth.  We aren't getting the "identical room" but are getting the same "class" of room.  We all know that there are very few actual truly identical rooms.  Some rooms are a little closer to the elevator, some are a little further from the noisy ice machine.  Some units have good views, others may have views that are partially blocked by trees, etc. Some units are near the dumpster that gets emptied at 6AM, while another is near the parking lot or pool.  We have found when we've used discount sites such as Groupon to reserve rooms, we may get the same "class" of room, but typically in a location within the hotel that is somewhat less desirable. Hotels know the individual value of their rooms.  But when we reserve a room, we are only renting a certain type of room.  The hotel reserves the right to move us around to any room within that class.
When we now reserve a flight, we get a certain seat on that flight.  The airlines also recognize that each seat has a different value.  Center seats are less valuable than aisle or window seats.  Bulkhead or exit row seats are so desirable that the airlines charge extra for those seats.  Most airline seats are sold "non-refundable." -- and to exchange flights we have to pay a fee.  Hotels now have non-refundable reservations, but we cannot select our room.  There is no price differential between a room that is next to a noisy elevator or one at the quiet end of the hallway.

It is Time for US to have a Value Added Tax

Almost every major country in the world has a Value Added Tax (VAT) except the United States. (see this link for countries and rates).  A VAT inherently discourages imports, while reducing the cost of a countries exports.  It is easy to administer and is somewhat "self-auditing."   President Trump has proposed to increase tariffs on imports, but there is a fear that selective tariffs could trigger a devastating trade war. If, however, the US, as part of a tax overhaul, added a VAT tax while reducing personal and corporate income taxes, our trading partners would be unable to claim we were unfair since they have been doing the same to us for many years.  Liberals have generally fought against the idea of a VAT because they are concerned that a VAT will tax lower income citizens at a higher percentage of their income than richer citizens.  However, if a VAT were implemented at the same time personal income taxes were decreased (and maybe earned income credit increased) the effect of the VAT on lower income groups would be neutralized.  If we plan a Government revenue-neutral tax reform, adding VAT and reducing corporate income taxes, corporate income "stranded" overseas may be repatriated to the US.
There are other advantages of VAT other than international trade:

• By increasing prices, it tends to discourage consumption and encourage saving.
• It taxes the underground economy which could be as large as $2 Trillion or 12% of US GDP,   Drug dealers and prostitutes don't pay income taxes, but everyone has to buy stuff.
• The huge baby boom demographic is retiring.  The ratio of tax-paying workers to retirees is falling.  By taxing consumption, we reduce the burden on workers. 

I wrote Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Darrell Issa the above suggestion. 

The world needs a remote payment/turn on service

In this new "internet of things" world, we need an easy way to pay remotely for a service without using coins or bills, for very small businesses.
I'm thinking, for example, of the capability to turn on a sauna at a club or homeowner association remotely to warm it up before arriving.  I would use my smart phone to sign on to a website to request a service, which would then transfer me to a payment website, such as Google Pay, PayPal, or Apple Pay.  After paying, the service site, would be able to send an encrypted message to the internet-connected device and start/confirm that the service is started.  The service could be used to enable a code for un-chaining a boat rental, bike rental, car wash, or other service.  It could turn on spotlights at a view spot, open a parking gate, allow access to a small gym, enable an entertainment system, turn on heating or air conditioning etc.
The key to the service is a small internet-connectable device that would receive the encrypted commands, and be able to control external hardware.  It would probably need backup battery support, wifi as well as ethernet connectivity, and maybe even wireless phone connection.   For some applications it could have a built in timer that would turn off the service (such as a sauna or car wash) after an allotted amount of time.  Deluxe models of these devices could include capability of accepting biometrics, taking photo of customer, read a bar code, and provide a visual display of parameters related to the service being provided -- such as number of minutes left for the service.

I'm sure that big businesses can, or have already been able to set up similar services.  I know that laundromats have cards that can be used to pay for laundry.  Cities have systems using cards for payment of rapid transit.  Cable companies for years allow customers to buy pay-per-view movies.  But "little guys" don't have an easy way to set up such a system.

My vision is that a small businessman could go online and order the device controller that would handle his situation.  The business would install the device, and probably secure it in a small, locked box in a location with power and internet or phone connectivity.  The business would then go online to the payment service and register the device with a MAC address, IP address, and a serial number provided by the manufacturer of the device.  The payment service would do a handshake with the device, and send it a second encryption key to use when transferring information.  The payment service would allow the business to select a template to use and customize and provide a link that the business would add to their website to set up the service.  I would think the service could charge $1-$2 + a percentage of the revenue stream that would be added to the clients account.

I believe such a service will eventually be available.  But whoever gets there first will be able to build a large infrastructure, establish interface standards and maybe patents, build a brand name, and make a difficult barrier to entry for other competitors.

Hotel Reservations for Specific, assigned rooms

I think the World Needs hotels to allow guests to reserve specific rooms on their website, similar to how airlines allow travelers to reserve specific seats.
At so many large resorts, particularly in foreign countries, there are often long lines at check-in which is often very frustrating and unwelcome to travelers arriving after long flights and taxi rides, and maybe suffering from time zones and loss of sleep.  Since I have studied "queuing theory" as part of an overview of Operations Research, I understand that there are many variables that can affect the length of the que.  However it is obviously clear that the long lines in these hotels is due to the amount of time taken with each arriving guest.
At the more recent resorts we've checked into, the rooms were reserved and paid for many months in advance, so no 'financial transactions" were involved at check-in for any of the people in line.  They only had to verify our identity and give us our room keys, however the lines moved very slowly due to the amount of time taken for each arriving guest.  It appeared that what took so long was a "negotiation" with each guest over what room was assigned.  If that process were eliminated, the line could have moved quicker, and the hotel may have been able to reduce the number of people working the reception desk.
It appears to me that hotels are the only place where people renting do not know in advance the actual unit number that they are assigned.  When we stay at a B&B, we pick out rooms that have specific views, furnishings, and even certain antiques.  When we use VRBO, Home Away, Flip Key, AirBnB, we reserve a specific unit.  As a timeshare owner at many resorts, I know that we call on specific dates (or even participate in a lottery) months in advance to get a specific room assigned.  Airlines have specific seats assigned and allow travelers to select their seats in advance, and have additional fees levied for the various better situated seats, such as business class, or exit row seats with more leg room.
In hotels, there are also many variables among rooms.  Many are subtle differences that only repeat guests would be aware of.  However hotels really want those repeat guests!  So it pays to make them happy.  I contend that even though it appears on the surface that all hotel rooms are identical, in fact there is a different "value" to each of them in the view of guests.  For example, top floors are quieter because they don't have noise of people walking above, but may require more steps to climb.  Ground floors may be more accessible, but also may appear to be less safe.  Rooms near staircases or ice machines may seem more convenient to some guests, but present more annoying noise to others, etc. Sometimes there are specific, short-term issues that can affect guests where room rates should be discounted to accommodate those situations.  For example, if construction or renovations are going on in nearby units that could cause annoying noise, those units should be discounted.  Guests may be willing to rent those units if they know they will get a discount, and they would be less likely to complain to management (or on advisor websites) if they had to put up with noise in order to get a discounted rate.

If hotel websites allowed guests to pick out their room they may lose a little flexibility in moving people around, however I believe the following would happen:

1. Guests would be more comfortable about making sure they are getting a unit with the amenities and view that they are paying for
2. Hotels could simplify the check-in process and reduce the lines at check-in and possibly reduce the number of staff required.
3. Guests could get on wait lists for specific "upgrades" to their room selection, and if the room opens up their "desire" could be met at check-in.  It could even be met a few days prior to checkin via an automated email message.
4. Hotels could establish a pricing structure that has many more options.  Offer higher rates for the more desirable units and discounts for the units with specific, known disadvantages, such as blocked view, or additional noise.
5. Guests "expectations" will be better managed so they won't be disappointed when they feel they have paid for a certain type of room and then not get it.  If they know they paid "less" for a room with a disadvantage, they may understand better that they had gotten a good deal after all.

I would think that the software necessary for the large hotels and hotel chains to implement specific room reservations would be easy to write and install -- and should be much simpler than seat assignment software for airlines.

I believe eventually, guests with smartphones will be using their phones to open the doors to their units, and charge their purchases at hotel stores and restaurants.  If so, it may be possible for guests to completely bypass the check-in desk when arriving.  I know that hotels think that it is important for that "personal touch" when guests meet the desk clerk.  But I think the modern, electronic-enabled, gadget-savvy  traveler would actually be happier if they didn't have to waste time on arrival.  

US Needs a Shorter Work Week

Much of the Western developed world works shorter total hours per year than in the US.  According to these 2013 trend charts, other countries are working hard to try to reduce their work weeks and may overtake the US as well. This CNN website shows that Netherlands average work week is 29 hours compared to the US 38 hours.  Why do US workers need to spend so many more hours working?  Why, in the wealthiest nation, do we get shorter vacations, fewer holidays and longer hours?

The productivity of American workers continues to rise.  So many jobs are now being done using technology so fewer workers can accomplish much more.  Internet has eliminated printing jobs, music stores, video stores, sorting check payments, book stores, travel agencies, and traditional secretaries.  As self-driving cars start to be used, fewer people will be needed to drive taxis, trucks and busses which will eliminate many more jobs.  The functions of retail stores and fast food will be easily handled by robots.  I believe a lot of the roles of educators may be taken over by computers and software that will help each individual learn at their own pace.  Even lots of farming and construction tasks may be handled by robotic systems.
What jobs will be left for humans to do?  Hopefully there will be many jobs where the human need for creative problem solving will be available.  However, it is clear that there will be less need for workers.
Working is important for human psyche.  We all need to feel that we are contributing to society, and receiving some sort of salary for our service makes us feel that our contributions are recognized.  But do we need to contribute so much of our labor is the question.
Here is a hypothetical thought question: If everyone worked half the number of hour we are currently working, then, to accomplish the same amount of production, it would require twice the number of employees.  So if we shortened our work week, more people may need to be hired.

So, if the US would chart a gradual shortening of the work week over the next 10 or 20 years, we could maintain employment while productivity increases due to technology.  We would be able to improve the overall welfare of the US by improving our quality of life, and keep up with the other Western nations.  To do this, the US should simply pass a law that gradually shifts the definition of a full-time employee so that the number of hours per week gradually are reduced.  For example:

• In 2018 Workweek 38 hours
• In 2020 Workweek 36 hours
• In 2022 Workweek 34 hours
• In 2024 Workweek 32 hours
• In 2026 Workweek 30 hours

Companies should be given flexibility to work within a monthly "average workweek" to allow employees to work additional hours one week and fewer the next week.  Employees can work additional hours, but will be paid as overtime for those hours.  

Self Driving Vehicles

I've wondered why Google is spending so much money and effort on designing a self-driving car.  I've also thought about what would happen in society if most cars became self driving.  I've come to the conclusion that the world will be a LOT better off with cars that drove themselves.  I'm sure there other big societal changes that would occur, but here are some that I've thought about, and all of them sound very good to me!

1. Passengers will be free to do more productive things while riding in a car, since they won't have to worry about driving, navigation, or traffic.  That could be reading, writing, interacting on internet, or taking a nap.  
2. No more cab drivers!  The people doing those jobs now, will be free to do much more productive tasks for society, whether in science, art, music, politics, or engineering.  Currently cab drivers have a difficult time making a living.  Since they often have to wait for an hour in order to get a fare, they then have to charge more to compensate them for their non-productive time in order to barely make a living.  A computerized cab does involve a slightly higher fixed cost, but requires no direct labor cost.  (Maintenance, cleaning, fueling, repairs etc would require labor, most likely)
3. No more DUIs!  Drunk or impaired drivers cause a lot of horrible accidents.  The costs to society of those accidents is often very high!  Injuries or loss of life to breadwinners or employees is a huge tax on society.  That is why police spend so much time involved with DUI enforcement.  
4. Traffic law enforcement could become a thing of the past.  Computers should be able to navigate roads without violating reasonable rules of the road.  Some rules of the road may even be changed to adapt to the new capabilities of computers.  For instance, vehicles on open highway could "draft" in platoons which will save energy.  Computers communicating with each other would allow vehicles to drive with very little following distance between them so cars behind the lead car in a platoon will save on fuel.  4-way stops could also be a thing of the past, if vehicles approaching such an intersection could adjust their speed so they would cross an intersection at alternative times without slowing down too much or stopping.  
5. Because DUIs and traffic law enforcement would be reduced, it would seem that the tasks for a police force would also be reduced. Taxes required to support the reduced police force could be reduced, or the current police force could be moved to more difficult law enforcement tasks. 
6. Driver training & licensing requirements may be reduced or eliminated.  Certainly some specialty vehicles used for construction or hauling may need drivers, who will need licenses.  
7. Auto insurance will be reduced or eliminated.  If computers are controlling vehicles, they should eventually be much more reliable than human drivers.  They don't get tired, and they don't get distracted.  If there are fewer accidents, insurance costs should go down.  If the concept for self-driving cars becomes a "fleet ownership" system rather than individual ownership, those corporations may need some sort of liability insurance.  But even so, there should be no real need for individuals to buy insurance against accidents. 
8. Vehicle maintenance could be reduced even further.  Yes, computers and sensors involved with the self-driving capability will initially have some flaws in hardware and software.  But as we see with modern electronics, they will eventually become very reliable.  If cars become all-electric, there would be fewer "moving parts" that could fail, and the overall reliability should increase.  That savings in maintenance cost, will trickle down to all residents in cheaper transportation.  
9. Improvements to Homes and Cities:  If self-driving cars became "common carriers" and not privately owned, there could be many further benefits.  Homes could be redesigned without as much garage space.  Cities could be redesigned to be more pedestrian friendly.  Cars could be parked in underground garage in a "last-in, first-out" packed configuration, which takes up less space than a design where everyone can get to their car in "random access."  

Skin Cancer Application for SmartPhone

The problem:

Some of the more recent information about spotting skin cancer has pointed out that one of the most important things to know when searching skin for cancer is how things have changed with time.  If spots or growths have changed, they deserve attention.  Many of us as we get older have many different spots on our skin -- all over our body.  It is very difficult for a dermatologist to spot a problem, even if all of the spots are looked at carefully.  For individuals like myself, who have seborrheic keratosis, searching all of our skin can take a long time.  There are too many objects or discolorations for any doctor to be able to remember, and too many for most patients to recognize changes, since changes occur slowly over time.

The Solution:   

Since so many people now have smart phones, I believe that an application could be built that would allow us (patients) to scan our own skin, map it, record it and then do automatic comparisons from time to time to look and identify changes.  The patient would perform a self scan of their body with the camera on their smartphone, where the resulting files would be encrypted and sent to a secure processor that would stitch the photos together, form comparisons and flag changes.  The resulting images and flags would be then made available to the patients dermatologist.  When the patient came in for an appointment, the doctor would be cued for possible areas of concern.

Advantages:  

• Patient does own scanning in privacy of own home
• Could cut down on time spent by dermatologist and improve accuracy
• Will help flag those subtle changes that could indicate skin cancer problems
• Forms a permanent record of a patient’s skin and shows changes with time
• When some objects are removed from patients by surgery or freezing, it allows doctors to clearly see if they come back
• This permanent record database could provide information for researchers trying to study types of skin cancers, discolorations, and growths

How it would work for patient:

Patient would download the application, based upon doctor's instruction, and then find a place with good lighting and follow vocal instructions provided by the application.  Instructions would be like this:

• While holding the phone in your right hand, Press the plus ( +)  button on your phone and slowly pass the camera over your left arm starting at the shoulder down to the tips of your fingers.  When done press the minus (-) sign button  Your scan should take about 5 seconds from start to finish.  
• Now do the same thing for the underside of your arm from your left armpit down to the tips of your fingers.  Press plus sign to start and minus sign to stop
• Finally, turn your left hand so palm is up, and scan under the arm past the elbow down to your wrist.

The whole process could take as long as a half hour to complete scanning the whole body.

What the application would do:

• Create a file for each of the scans along with metadata for the scan
• Verify that the lighting for the imagery is adequate for recording
• Make sure that the scan wasn’t too fast or too slow.
• Encrypt the file for privacy based upon keys provided by the server
• Uplink the file to a server

What the server and software will do:

• Capture all of the files uploaded and do a quality check to make sure the data is processable and is complete.
• Report in real time any errors, to allow the patient to repeat a scan if required
• Real time errors could include corrupted files, missing files etc
• Capture the patients metadata from the uploaded file and determine if there is a doctor to bill.  
• Stitch the files together to provide continuous skin coverage and align it based upon skin patterns (similar to stitching together landscape photos)
• Determine if the patient has a file from a previous scan.  If so, perform a comparison of the two files and identify changes based upon criteria developed from clinical tests:
• Tolerance for how much change is enough to be flagged, to prevent false alarms
• Tolerance could be based upon shape, size, and color of marking or object on skin
• If too many differences, software could self-adjust some tolerances and report the situation.  Could also determine if problem could be due to a photo registration/stitching problem
• Doctor may want to set a specific tolerance for change, depending upon the patient's age and skin type
• Extra filters may need to be enabled for patients who have other forms of skin problems, such as keratosis pilaris , hydrocarbon keratosis, or eczema.
• Inform the doctor’s office that a patient’s file has been processed and is available for review.

What the doctor’s interface will do:

• Doctor’s credentials and billing information will be validated
• Doctor will have a screen display showing the flagged locations where significant changes have been identified
• When doctor clicks on that spot on the body, the display will show a split-screen display with previous scan and current scan.  Doctor could opt for an overlay display and could click to see before and current scan.
• Doctor could also look back in archives if patient had multiple scans on file and perform comparison, or show time-lapse changes for particular areas of the patient’s body.