[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 10 points 4 days ago

It's the before times, analog days, and the Internet was in it's infancy. Stephan Hawking, a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, said the following:

For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen. Speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible. Mankind's greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking. It doesn't have to be like this. Our greatest hopes could become reality in the future. With the technology at our disposal, the possibilities are unbounded. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.

Computers have been very effective applied to vehicles. In my life I've seen the advent of the aluminum block, anti-lock brakes and stability control, variable ignition and valve timing, more aerodynamic body, paddle shift and continuously variable transmissions, drive by wire, now even hybrid and electric drives. This has allowed leaps forward in safety, efficiency, and performance.

Then, we enshitified. Today there's barely choice in the vehicle market. Toyota/Honda; Hyundai/Kia; Ford/Chevy/Chrysler and a trim package defines everything but trucks. 1/2 ton trucks as symbols of identity break repeatedly if regularly used for payload and towing. "Choice" is a 1/4 Ranger, 1/2 Chevy diesel, or 3/4 Ford/Chevy/Ram. They didn't make the first two for decades, still scarce and expensive for what they are. And, for all vehicles one now often needs to remove inaccessible bolts in tight spaces, for several parts, to get to the part that's broken.

Profit optimization through technology is why there's little choice in vehicles; Why you can envision a Walmart and Lowes strip mall and every American knows exactly what it looks like and where the closest couple copies are; Why we can't replace phone batteries and screens. An out-of-the-box idea from AI that's also conveniently practical for humans will probably cure cancer. AI is also what's analyzing all the data being collected, just as inhumanely. The vehicle manufacturers want their cut.

Did Herbert envision that the spice of prescience was computational cycles?

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world -2 points 5 days ago

seems to rotate around a central point is

No. These are different things. One's an illusion. One's real.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 7 points 6 days ago

That's my roots. Maybe that's why it appeals to me.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 70 points 6 days ago

Clear, concise, and with respect. That seems exceptional for a modern parent.

Yeah, it's funny. But, OP, please tell him he's awesome for me.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 7 points 6 days ago

I know enough about aerodynamics to speak generally about typical designs. But, this isn't a typical design. Insight needs an aero engineer with some experience.

I think the architecture is really cool because it looks like a twist at first glance, but isn't.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 24 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Karlatornet (lit. 'The Karla Tower', initially called Polstjärnan) is a skyscraper under construction by Serneke in Lindholmen in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Wiki source

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 22 points 6 days ago

Competition in capitalism is always better than a lack thereof. But, we've not busted monopolies in a significant way since Ma Bell. And, even if we were, at 75% of the global market share they'd not warrant any action yet.

There's going to be a dominant organization because late stage capitalism sucks. And, I'd rather it be Valve than some alternative trying to fuck me over at every opportunity.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 33 points 6 days ago

I want to note that you'd need about $143 in gross sales to meet the threshold of $100 in net profit.

On the surface that sounds like a lot. But, they're providing a service without any guarantee of any income. Epic can only compete because they've few users and are willing to operate at a near loss in attempt to garner market share.

This will be a difficult one for others to understand as a "good deal". Gamers are usually correct when they pull out their pitchforks. This should not be one of those times.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 18 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Does Steam take a cut for distribution?

If not, while this emotionally sucks, they've a solid operational policy.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 5 points 6 days ago

Because that disturbs the comfort of a complacent society. Nothing about the US judicial and prison system is humane.

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 4 points 6 days ago

I can identify the holographic sight and the rifle. What's everything in-between?

[-] SirDerpy@lemmy.world 33 points 6 days ago

He's just doing normal cop stuff. Now, let's elect a prosecutor.

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submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by SirDerpy@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

I'd guess my net environmental impact is just now lower than US average because, despite my fuel consumption when moving my home, it's tiny, energy independent, and it doesn't move far or frequently. I don't really know. I just don't want to be judged unfairly, particularly when seeking help trying to do it even better.

I want to downsize my truck for cost and fuel efficiency. I've had this truck, my first, for a year, 3.5k miles. I've towed the trailer a short thousand miles without incident and including city, highway, and interstate.

Current setup:

'19 Chevy 2500 6.0L 4WD

Hitch towing ~2.5 tons GVWR (14', enclosed, tandem, brakes)

Getting 8mpg @ 70-75mph

Next truck budget is $10-20k. I'll keep it probably until the frame rots. I'm planning on replacing shocks & wearable steering components, am not averse to some work.

Should I target a 1/2 ton gas (leaning Ford 5.0L 4WD), a different 3/4 ton gas (which and why), or a 3/4 ton diesel (leaning Dodge Cummins)?

The paper numbers say I should get a 1/2 ton gas. But, my more experienced friend thinks I'll be a lot happier spending more for a diesel because diesel engines can last a long time, it'll at least double my fuel efficiency, and it's a little extra overkill for an easier tow.

I'm open to all informed perspectives. What's my best plan and why?

Edit: I kept the Chevy 2500 6.0L because the local market didn't support transition on the sale side. I also bought a '98 Dodge Cummins 12v diesel that needs work. It'll eventually replace the other truck.

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SirDerpy

joined 3 months ago