LavaCon 2026 and the future.

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LavaCon is a conference now going on 25 years. Its always fun at conferences where folks collaborate on what the future holds. This year I drove to Charlotte NC from Duluth GA to attend. I used the Tesla in Full Self Drive. I went park-to-park without touching the wheel for over 200 miles. It's crazy. I don't think most people understand how well it works. Lots of nay-sayers still, but it really does work. Be on guard, but enjoy. I spent some of my time "driving" while conversing with Grok as part of my daydreaming. I was discussing with Grok an idea I have of building a West system (cold molded) old style barrel-back runabout maybe 20 feet long- all varnished Mahogony. Of course this boat would have an exotic 12-cylinder engine under a transparent engine hatch between the twin cockpits. We discussed the designs, available actual study plans and pre-lofted design documents for the hull. We also discussed the best engine (perhaps a BMW N73) coupled with a Velvet Dri...
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I have been traveling. This past week I was in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. It snowed. I realized the last time I saw snow was in Finland last winter. It wasn't in NY. Winter is fine and even snow is ok, but I am remembering that early snow in Winter (or late in Fall). It is a bit depressing and certainly the last snow in April will not become a holiday anytime soon.

Some of my ducks are back. I am again working on them to be less fearful with bribes of food, it seems to work.

I bought a new car. I ended up getting a Nissan Leaf. It is all electric, no engine, none of that hybrid stuff. It is a near zero maintenance car (Nissan says zero maintenance). It doesn't even have any belts. It has a very simple single ratio transmission, a battery and a motor. It is fun and has almost no noise. It is like driving in the future. My plan is to "plug in" everywhere except for home. I have a keen look out for electric outlets in parking lots everywhere. There are growing numbers of Level 2 (240 VAC) chargers appearing which have a much quicker charge time.

I haven't settled on the terms of my totaled car with USAA insurance (the guy who hit me, his insurance company). I knew it as soon as he hit me I was going to get screwed despite the accident being 100% his fault. Despite knowing that, I am offended by the "replacement value" offered. I took all of the cars like mine on craigslist and the average is considerably more than what USAA offers. So I am auguring with them. What about my procurement costs? What about items I added to the car? These practices by the insurance companies are undoubtedly unethical and should be illegal. I would be much more relaxed with what they do it they didnt hold my wrecked car ransom. They sell the parts. Not ok. I should be able to watch them destroy the engine for example, just like they did with the Obama's "Cash for Clunkers" program. These practices are what make people hate insurance companies. I wont get everything I am looking for since this a cartel of (should be) illegal activities with insurance companies. They make the laws through lobbying. Insurance is truly gambling. I am grateful neither of us was hurt.

The huge smoke cloud at the airport got my attention. I still don't know what is was.


Comments

David said…
What's your opinion on Tesla Motors? Now that their Supercharger network is steadily growing, it seems like a much better (although way more costly) alternative than any other (so called) EVs; and pluging in at a Supercharger is free for life. Here a link to the current Supercharger network as well as their plans for opening new ones: http://www.teslamotors.com/supercharger
6:16 AM
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LavaCon 2026 and the future.

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LavaCon is a conference now going on 25 years. Its always fun at conferences where folks collaborate on what the future holds. This year I drove to Charlotte NC from Duluth GA to attend. I used the Tesla in Full Self Drive. I went park-to-park without touching the wheel for over 200 miles. It's crazy. I don't think most people understand how well it works. Lots of nay-sayers still, but it really does work. Be on guard, but enjoy. I spent some of my time "driving" while conversing with Grok as part of my daydreaming. I was discussing with Grok an idea I have of building a West system (cold molded) old style barrel-back runabout maybe 20 feet long- all varnished Mahogony. Of course this boat would have an exotic 12-cylinder engine under a transparent engine hatch between the twin cockpits. We discussed the designs, available actual study plans and pre-lofted design documents for the hull. We also discussed the best engine (perhaps a BMW N73) coupled with a Velvet Dri...
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