If they have to do it a second time, they aren’t very good at it.

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.

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.