tocs3

I went to a drugstore to get my passport photo taken earlier this year. It was sort of a comedy of error. Still, I stood in front of the white screen (that at one point fell off the wall) and not behind it. Also, you have been able to take and print your own pictures for a while. They just need to meet the requirements. I thought about it but decided it would be to much trouble.

Interesting changes:

will feature a larger and “more gold” seal on the front cover

and

When the passport’s pages are flipped rapidly, the eagle will appear to flap its wings

I and going to try flipping the pages in my new passport just to see if there are enough of them for this sort of flip book.

Does anyone know how the Trump “patriot passports.” did this summer (I am sort of imagining they sold out)

I have been wanting to read Donald Knuth's "3:16 Bible Texts Illuminated".

(https://www-cs-faculty.stanford.edu/~knuth/316.html)

I have been reading The Bible. It has been a long time project and I have a long ways to go. I am much more agnostic that a true believer but it has been interesting. Hearing popular views about it and Christianity vs. reading The Book is sort of like the difference between reading a novel and watching the based on movie.

From TFA:

That means households can charge their EV when power is cheap

If electricity is always the same price it would not make any sense unless:

That means households can charge their EV when power is cheap, and either use the stored energy themselves at peak times, or sell any surplus back when the price is high.

or maybe:

A charged EV with a two-way system could also help a household to get through power outages caused by storms or other severe weather.

I will also add that I have been thinking about getting an EV and installing solar panels. My power company does not buy back excess electricity (they give a rebate on the electricity I buy from them with any excess). It is a little of a special case as I only drive maybe 2 or 3 times in an average week. Having something that can serve as a charger for the car and also power the house at night might be nice.

But freedom also includes recognizing problems and acting responsibly to minimize the adverse affects to society at large. The problem being pointed out here is that some may be placing obstacles in the paths of those who are having trouble self regulating.

The criticism that is levied on these things is not that they exist but that despite the glitz and shine they are not going to help today. 20 years is a long time to wait for your fancy mobility device.

I have seen countless concepts that never see in the real world. 100 mpg cars, stair climbing wheel chairs, exoskeletons etc. I am watching for thing that I can afford and use now.

There is often a great big gap between what is available (meets basic requirements) and what is possible (crabchair). It is the space that is to boring for large companies to bother with.

edit: It does have a foot rest. I did not see it on this page but it is shown on the designboom link in the article. https://www.designboom.com/technology/autonomous-wheelchair-...

It seems something like vertical gardening (a phrase I just made up) would be better. Something that is not trying to be then end all be all solution. Just a way to supplement peoples fresh food needs. Something like a few shelves outside a house with a small yard or the side of an apartment building sounds a little more practical. Some technology would probably be helpful (especially watering the plants). It could use natural sunlight and provide some shade for the building behind it. Make it into a greenhouse in the winter and it might even provide some heat. It might be something that many people could enjoy.

It seams more likely that it was thought through and officials just don't care.

I should probably have said this in my original comment.

“Today’s decision leaves Americans’ most sensitive information open to search at the border without any suspicion at all,”

I think this is just an extension of a general we, as government officials protecting American freedoms, can do what we want and will justify it later if we have to policy.

It should probably be noted that this specific case led to a conviction of an actual crime (Bank fraud and money laundering).

Sure there can be good arguments for having insurance. Insurance companies are part of the financial sector and will be working to make more money. That is a fine incentive for the insurance industry but for the insurance consumer it is a reason to be skeptical and careful.