The claim is that the remote operators do not actually drive the cars. However, they do routinely “assist” the system, not just step in when there’s an emergency.

I saw an article recently, I should remember where, about how modern “tech” seems to be focused on how to insert a profit-taking element between two existing components of a system that already works just fine without it.

This would be more impressive if Waymos were fully self-driving. They aren’t. They depend on remote “navigators” to make many of their most critical decisions. Those “navigators” may or may not be directly controlling the car, but things do not work without them.

When we have automated cars that do not actually rely on human being we will have something to talk about.

It’s also worth noting that the human “navigators” are almost always poorly paid workers in third-world countries. The system will only scale if there are enough desperate poor people. Otherwise it quickly become too expensive.

The masks tell the whole story. People with legitimate authority do not need to wear masks. Everyone involved knew this was a criminal act and wanted to avoid being implicated.

We’re seeing a lot of masks on law enforcement and government agents these days. There’s a reason.

It’s probably better to know, but that thoroughly sucks. I wish you the best in getting it sorted out.

I customized several begleris with 550 cord, silicone bands, and silicone tape, all in interesting color combinations. It gives me something to do when my hands get tired from fidgeting with them.

Have you checked to see whether those holes in the blade appear on all of them? I’m wondering if yours was just attacked by a rogue machinist while its back was turned.

This may be the least important area in which China is displacing the US.

I’m happy to see Winston Duke returning. I loved his performance in Black Panther.

I think most people from my culture (midwest American) find it uncomfortable to get help from anyone. It seems vaguely embarrassing, even when it’s from friends or family. It’s much easier to give than to receive.

I’ve been on both ends of that pretty regularly and I have been working on learning to accept help gratefully as well as giving it. It is surprisingly difficult.

This is just another aspect of the conviction these people all share that the rules do not apply to them. And it is a perfect demonstration as to why no one with that attitude should ever be allowed to serve in the government.

Also, my use of the term “serve” was inappropriate. None of these people are serving anyone or anything except for their personal interests and their egos.

My enormous Husky / Shepherd / Akita mix named Denali has spent the day being snuggly. He is a majestic looking-beast with bright blue eyes who seems like he should be posed on top of a mountain looking into the distance. Instead he’s a cheerful goofball who loves to cuddle, get petted, and hang out with the cats. He’s tremendously smart and has his own opinions on everything, but he loves everybody and wants them to be happy. A lot of large dogs want to be lapdogs. He’s one of the few who can actually make it work.

I don’t like balisongs, even a little, but I thoroughly enjoyed your review.

He seems to only have one actual skill, but to be fair, being born rich is very difficult to master.

Poor grammar aside, the headline is inaccurate. I am all in favor of people dumping Teslas, but Musk neither designed nor built any of them. He paid people to design them, then he paid people to build them. And by all accounts, he did not pay them well or treat them kindly.

Colantoni is absolutely one of those people.

Hope she gets lots of cuddling and feels better soon.

I read an interview where Cage said that he always tries to make his characters entertaining. I think he generally succeeds, but I’m not sure it always benefits the overall movies he’s in.

I will certainly give you Sam Rockwell. He should have been on my short list.

I heartily agree about Bale, Oldman, Pitt, and Dafoe. Simon Pegg doesn’t always do it for me. Bernthal is a great actor, but I thought his contribution to the Daredevil series was more loss than gain (which I realize is not the common reaction).

I think Branagh can be good, but he can also be tiresome. I made the mistake of watching his Poirot movies in combination with their earlier incarnations. I think he is a better director than actor.