Tag Archives: technology

EV Update

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As an electric vehicle enthusiast, I’ve been sharing my journey with my Nissan EV since its purchase two years ago, offering insights and real-world experiences to help potential buyers make informed decisions about sustainable transportation.

For electric vehicle enthusiasts considering a purchase, my experience offers valuable insights. The car delivers impressive performance, though its practicality depends on individual driving habits. As a retiree with limited daily mileage, I find the 200-mile range sufficient for local trips. However, potential buyers should carefully evaluate their driving needs. Extended daily commutes or frequent long-distance travel might challenge the vehicle’s battery capacity, especially when climate control systems are in use. Extreme temperatures can notably impact range, so it’s crucial to factor in heating and cooling requirements when assessing the car’s suitability for your lifestyle.

Electric vehicle efficiency varies significantly with temperature. In mild conditions, my car achieves an impressive five miles per kilowatt-hour. However, during a recent cold snap of twenty degrees, the range dropped to just 1.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. Short trips compound this challenge, as the cabin heating system consumes energy before reaching the destination. Personal comfort settings play a crucial role in energy consumption. While I maintain a cozy 75-degree interior, those who can tolerate lower temperatures around 68 degrees will experience improved overall efficiency.

Unexpectedly encountering a nail in my tire revealed a critical flaw in my vehicle’s emergency preparedness. The absence of a spare tire, even a compact temporary one, coupled with the lack of a jack, left me stranded and vulnerable. This realization has prompted me to proactively address these shortcomings before another roadside mishap occurs, ensuring I’m better equipped to handle potential tire emergencies.

The vehicle comes standard with an air pump and liquid sealant, featuring a surprisingly efficient compressor that can rapidly inflate a tire from 37 to 42 psi in just 2-3 minutes. However, a notable drawback is the requirement to have the car running to power the cigarette lighter outlet. During a recent cold spell, I needed to adjust the pressure in all four tires, which unexpectedly drained a significant amount of battery power. The process seemed unnecessarily energy-intensive, potentially consuming double the electricity required. As a result, I plan to purchase a standalone electric pump that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet for more convenient and efficient tire maintenance.

A compromised bead seal renders sealant application futile and prevents the small pump from effectively addressing the problem. I’m seeking recommendations on acquiring a compact spare.

Our Phones!

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The subtle tremor against my sternum stirs me from slumber. Logically, the smartphone nestled in my breast pocket is the source of the disturbance. Yet, in the stillness of the night, I’m perplexed by the unexpected interruption, wondering who could be reaching out at this hour.

Groggily, I fumble for my phone, its screen a blurry mess of light and shadow. With heavy-lidded eyes, I swipe to answer the call, mumbling “Hello?” three times before a human voice briefly breaks through the static. Suddenly, the voice morphs into a robotic recording, draining away any hope of meaningful communication. Resigned, I disconnect the call and sink back into my pillow, sleep beckoning once more.

Unsolicited advertisements intrude on my personal space, flagrantly disregarding my privacy. Unlike traditional media where advertisers fund the platform, I bear the full cost of my communication device, yet receive no compensation for these unwelcome interruptions. The disparity is stark: television and radio ads are subsidized by marketing budgets, while my personal phone becomes an unpaid billboard for corporate messaging.

Frustrated by the constant barrage of unwanted calls, I long for a platform to reach millions and share a crucial message: ignore these intrusive telemarketing attempts. If consumers collectively refused to engage, these disruptive businesses would quickly disappear, allowing us all to reclaim our peace and quiet. By simply hanging up and refusing to participate, we could silence these persistent interruptions and restore tranquility to our daily lives. The one and only reason they continue to persist is that sometimes they succeed.

During the period from late October to early December, unsolicited marketing intensifies, particularly targeting seniors like myself who are Medicare-eligible. These advertisers seem to have access to demographic information, though their targeting isn’t always precise. In one instance, I received a call claiming to offer thousands of dollars from Tennessee, despite living in Mississippi. Such blatantly false claims reveal the desperation and disregard these marketers have for potential customers, using the pattern of lies in hopes of our business.

Some corporate sharks swim in boardrooms, armed with MBAs instead of machetes or guns, plotting to extract every last penny from our wallets with surgical precision and spreadsheet finesse. Their weapons? Slick marketing, fine print, and a smile that says, “Trust me, this is totally in your best interest.”

And… They use the phones we pay for to do it.

Safety Is Number One Priority

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The statement echoes the typical corporate response following a catastrophic event, reflecting a carefully crafted narrative that may or may not align with the full truth. While potentially genuine, such communications often serve to mitigate reputational damage, leaving listeners to discern the nuanced layers of accountability and perception.

The disclaimer serves as a strategic legal shield, reflecting a calculated approach to risk management. Legal practitioners view such scenarios as potential goldmines, positioning themselves to represent clients with an eye toward lucrative contingency arrangements. Corporate leadership often opts for expedient settlements, recognizing that the financial and reputational costs of prolonged litigation can far exceed the immediate monetary outlay of a negotiated resolution. it megabytes the need for an outright win in court.

The most significant risks arise when false statements are exposed, potentially revealing deliberate corporate negligence. Imagine the catastrophic consequences if evidence emerged that leadership consciously prioritized efficiency over worker safety, creating a scenario fraught with legal and ethical peril. Such a revelation would demand an extraordinarily challenging explanation that could fundamentally undermine organizational integrity and trust.

The potential revelation of underlying issues could bring to light significant concerns within an organization. While not necessarily leading to immediate legal or financial repercussions, the implications might still be substantial for leadership. The practice of selecting personnel based on personal connections, physical characteristics, or arbitrary factors rather than merit raises serious ethical questions. It is worth recalling that during a recent presidential administration, such preferential treatment was not only tolerated but seemingly encouraged by federal policies. The memory of these practices remains vivid for many observers who witnessed such systemic approaches to hiring and promotion.

Wouldn’t it be something if we found out that the incident was the result of a lack of qualifications by some technician chosen by the color of his skin.

I don’t know. What I do know, I am much less likely to fly these days. There seem to be a number of accidents these days that are the result, not of mistaker, but rather just being sloppy.

I know the argument. Flying is still safer. Still, I’m going to drive, take the bus, or maybe just walk.

There was a reason, right? Right??!

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After a decade and a half of reliable performance, our trusty washing machine finally succumbed to wear and tear, grinding to an unexpected halt. Its sudden breakdown was a testament to the inevitable aging of household appliances, a reality many homeowners understand all too well.

After careful consideration of repairing our old appliance, we ultimately decided to explore newer models. During our search, we were immediately struck by the modern design of top-loading washers, which notably lacked traditional agitators.

I wondered why engineers across the industry had simultaneously abandoned agitators. Surely, they must have conducted extensive research and had compelling technical justifications for this widespread design shift. Despite my personal reservations, their collective expertise suggested a well-considered decision.

Despite initial reservations, I bought a washing machine with an appealing design. In hindsight, I should have immediately returned it or requested a replacement within days of delivery. During the spin cycle, the appliance exhibited alarming instability, violently shaking and shifting position. To compound the frustration, the machine’s design prevents users from manually adjusting the load balance, trapping owners in a cycle of potential damage and inconvenience.

In the quiet moments of reflection, I’m haunted by my hasty decision to discard the aging machine, a faithful companion that, despite its worn exterior, had never threatened the stability of my home’s foundation with violent tremors.

Intrigued by the evolving design of modern washing machines, I embarked on a research journey to understand the industry’s shift away from traditional agitator models. After conducting a preliminary online investigation, I discovered a rationale that, while informative, did not entirely convince me. Despite lacking formal engineering expertise, my hands-on experience with agitator-free machines has provided invaluable insights. Consequently, when purchasing a new washing machine today, I opted for a front-loading model, acknowledging its higher cost, but valuing its apparent advantages.

I desired a top-loading washing machine, but the design engineers had eliminated that configuration from the available models.

Being DUMB about EDUCATION

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One of the most significant challenges facing our nation lies in its approach to education, spanning from elementary school through advanced academic pursuits.

Reading is the cornerstone of learning, and without strong literacy skills, personal growth becomes significantly challenging. Successful individuals often attribute their knowledge and achievements to extensive reading, with research suggesting that over 90% of their learning occurs through written materials. Developing robust reading comprehension is essential for anyone seeking to expand their understanding and advance in their personal and professional endeavors.

A failing primary education system reveals its deepest shortcoming when students graduate without mastering fundamental literacy skills. Similarly, higher education institutions are fundamentally flawed when their graduates struggle to secure meaningful employment or achieve professional sustainability.

Despite the allure of higher education, many prestigious institutions perpetuate a cycle of academic detachment from practical life skills. The real-world education gained through four years of hands-on work often surpasses the theoretical knowledge acquired within the sheltered confines of academic campuses, leaving graduates more intellectually burdened than professionally prepared.

In short, looking back over the years, I would have to give our public and college education system a grade of F in teaching the basics and an F- in advanced subjects. I would certainly have to give them a B on teaching students how to fail. I say this because some have succeeded despite the quality of education.

Despite substantial financial investments in education, particularly in urban and well-funded school districts, academic performance appears to be declining. Conversely, smaller rural school systems demonstrate more effective educational outcomes. Historical evidence suggests that educators in the past, such as those teaching in single-room schoolhouses, often achieved greater academic success with students, despite many teachers lacking formal higher education credentials. This observation raises important questions about the relationship between educational spending, teaching methodology, and student learning achievements.

Are we potentially misdirecting educators in their professional development and training approaches?

A Matter of Priorities

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Each professional views their role with unique significance, reflecting the importance of their specific contribution to society. The street painter sees his work as crucial for guiding traffic and maintaining order on roadways. For the bus driver, punctuality represents the core of their professional responsibility, ensuring reliable transportation for countless commuters. Similarly, lawyers perceive their profession as fundamental to societal structure, believing that without legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, civilization would descend into chaos. These perspectives highlight how every occupation, regardless of its perceived status, plays a vital role in maintaining the intricate balance of community and social functionality.

In the medical profession, nurses and doctors often engage in a subtle competition to highlight their respective contributions to healthcare. Nurses passionately advocate for the critical role they play in patient care, emphasizing their direct and compassionate interactions with patients. Meanwhile, physicians counter with a comprehensive list of reasons why their medical expertise and decision-making skills are paramount to patient treatment and overall healthcare outcomes. This ongoing dialogue reflects the complex and interconnected nature of healthcare professionals, each bringing unique and essential skills to the medical field.

In the realm of essential professions, few trades are as critical as plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. When water lines rupture or sewer systems become obstructed, plumbers emerge as unsung heroes, swiftly resolving potentially catastrophic household emergencies. However, during the scorching summer months, HVAC technicians become absolute lifelines, particularly in the mid-southern region of the United States. The extreme heat is not merely a source of discomfort but a genuine health hazard, with potentially fatal consequences for vulnerable populations. These skilled professionals ensure that residential and commercial spaces remain cool and safe, protecting individuals from the potentially life-threatening risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Their work transcends mere comfort, representing a critical public health service that safeguards communities during the most challenging seasonal conditions.

If may add one more little thing. Can you imagine all those lawyers holding court in 100° + rooms… As they did years ago.

The Purpose of the Internet

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Through countless hours of browsing, scrolling, and digital exploration, I’ve uncovered a profound insight into the essence of the Internet. This revelation wasn’t a deliberate quest or planned investigation, but rather an organic understanding that emerged gradually, almost imperceptibly, as patterns and behaviors crystallized before my eyes.

Periodically, I disconnect from the internet with remarkable ease. A mere two mouse clicks is all it takes to sever my digital connection. When I seek absolute certainty of disconnection, I simply unplug my mobile device—a swift, foolproof method that requires no waiting or additional steps.

I noticed a significant performance improvement after disconnecting the link from my computer. The system’s speed increased dramatically, running 4 to 6 times faster without the connection. Unsurprisingly, reconnecting the link instantly reduced the computer’s performance, making it clear that the link was causing substantial system slowdown.

Therefore, I figure the primary purpose is to slow my computer. You see, if it weren’t for the internet an all it’s associated requirements, I would not be able to keep up with my computer. Hence, we must keep the internet connected or we would never be able to keep up with our computers.

Can you imagine a computer actually doing things at lightning speed? Think about it. Could you keep up with it? Can you imagine your computer seemingly displaying results before you can finish entering the data? How in the world could you possibly keep up with it?

Hence, we must have the internet to keep the computer from getting away from us. Do we really want them coming up with answers before we complete the questions? Ergo, obviously, the most critical reason for the internet is to slow the computers.

When we connect to the internet, it’s intriguing to consider the complex background processes occurring within our computer’s system. Beyond the visible web pages and applications, numerous computational tasks are simultaneously executing, managing network connections, running system updates, processing security protocols, and handling background data synchronization.

While it might be essential to slow our machines, sometimes I feel the internet is doing its job a tad too well. Sometimes, I get this urge to stay unconnected, remain antivirusless, and simply let the machine do its job without the throttling.

3 Questions About my New I-phone

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I recently purchased an iPhone 14 from T-Mobile and quickly discovered several intriguing features that piqued my curiosity. Initially, I noticed a small tab near the volume buttons and wondered about its purpose. A couple days ago, a voicemail from my sister arrived, which caught my attention because the phone had remained silent during the incoming call. These unexpected details prompted me to explore the device’s functionality more closely.

Frustration mounted as I navigated through the labyrinthine settings, certain I had accidentally silenced my phone’s ringer. Despite my systematic search, the elusive mute option remained hidden. Determined, I dialed my number three consecutive times, each call connecting flawlessly, yet not a single sound emerged from the device.

Now I had three questions: the little tab, how I muted the ringer and how in the world I was going to get the thing turned back on before throwing the thing through the nearest wall.

My determination was put to the test as I meticulously searched for nearly ninety minutes before reluctantly reaching out to the local T-Mobile store. To my amusement, my call not only solved my problem but also brought unexpected joy to the customer service representative. Her laughter, palpable even through the phone, suggested a shared moment of understanding, as she revealed she had experienced a similar situation herself.

She clarified everything with her response. The indicator tab functioned as a switch, and when displaying red, it signaled that the ringer was deactivated—exactly as I had observed on my device.

I’m thoroughly impressed with this phone. Despite a few minor quirks I’m still navigating, it significantly outperforms my previous device. The innovative concept behind the switch is particularly compelling, and I commend the design team’s creative approach. My only reservation is the level of secrecy surrounding it.

A Lesson Hard Learned

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For many years, I was committed to the PC platform for three key reasons: it was straightforward to maintain, relatively affordable, and provided a stable environment. Even when new operating systems were released, my existing applications continued to function well or even improve after the upgrade.

Today, there is no greater reason to go to Apple than the Microsoft operating system. Each progressive operating system gets more resource-hungry, devouring the mountains of extra memory, disk space, and processor speed. The net result is a slower platform that not only runs slower but requires more time for maintenance.

Then, of all things, they make sure every year or two, you must pay the kitty for new applications and/or hardware. The alternative is to spend a lot of time waiting for the slower machine.

At some point, do not be surprised if you must purchase new applications to allow them to work with the new system.

Microsoft has decided to rent the applications to users instead of selling them. Over time, this approach may be similar to upgrading every few years. However, this gives the large companies an advantage, as it forces smaller companies to upgrade, whether they want to or not.

Worst of all, if we do not like the new product, too bad. I do not like the new Outlook email program. Among other things, it will not fit on my 15-inch screen. Too bad for me. They made me upgrade. They asked what I thought of it. I told them. It did not matter. Similar to the Steamroller Effect, a well-known phenomenon which is what happens when the little guy gets in the way of the big corporations.

After careful consideration, I have decided that my next computer will be an Apple. While the journey has been challenging, I have gained valuable insights that will guide my future technology choices.

I am sure that Microsoft will never miss me. I doubt my posts like this one will bother their bottom line. However, a few decades ago, I never dreamed of Sears filing for bankruptcy. It was one of the biggest companies in the world back then.

It seems Microsoft may soon be learning the hard way that Windows is no longer the belle of the tech ball, should a more charming platform come along to sweep users off their feet.

Not for Me to Say

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Many, many moons ago, I watched something of a documentary on the construction of a bridge over a river. I can’t remember but it might have been the Mississippi. I want to call to your attention the part near the end of the construction.

They had prepared the road bed and put out the order for the concrete, 109 trucks full of it. They said that they were a day ahead of schedule and stood a good chance of avoiding any time penalty. The trucks were on the way with who knows how many tons of concrete mixing, when they all had to stop. It seems that there was a man on the bridge talking suicide.

Then, of course, the immediate question that comes to mind is, what to do with tons of concrete? I guess the drivers might start looking for folks who would like a new drive way or, maybe swimming pool. Not too many people looking for big artificial rocks in their front yard.

Maybe when they decide to deliver large amounts of concrete, they might have an alternate delivery point. I mean, when the concrete is on the way, it’s too late to dig that pool or prepare that road.

Worse, it can’t be dumped just anywhere. Imagine the panic, if you will, for each and every one of those drivers when they realized they needed to find a place to get rid of, oh, a few pounds of concrete, like really fast. If that stuff sets in that big thing that turn, it means a lot of time and hard work to chisel it out.

From what I understand, problems like this occur more than than most would know, though not so large. In this case, the suicidal man cost the construction company the cost of 109 trucks of concrete, the penalty of not finishing on time, extra payroll, etcetera, etcetera, and so forth. The company took a big loss instead of nice big profit.

As I watched, I felt really bad for that construction company, taking such a big loss through no fault of their own. More than that, it was a huge waste of concrete.

It also made me consider a possible way to at least decrease some of the losses. What if, in large projects such as this, they wait to add the water until they are on site. In this case, not only would they have saved the money but the concrete too. They would also pour the concrete at just the right time for maximum strength.

Then again, it’s not for me to say. It’s likely why no one would let me run one of those big outfits.