I just watch the latest weather report and here comes another storm. 4th this month. It's going to miss us but the transporters at work are already begging the boss to go north or west to avoid driving into it. Looks like CT is going to get hammered again. Hope you all stay safe....and sane. I've just about had it with winter.
Me too! hearing about all those storms hitting the NE coast this year. That means more people coming to Florida next year. They are building houses and senior communities everywhere....one day I drove by about a 100 acre farm down the street where there were cows grazing.....the next day it was all bulldozed and they have about 15 bulldozers and 12 trucks getting the grounds ready for new homes....600 of them.
I had a pool growing up and one of my responsibilities was to help take care of it during the summers. Between that and the cost of keeping it up, I’d fill it in, too.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Dino, excellent comments about construction. I would have assumed it was the quality of the cement too, but you explained why it isn't in a way even I - who know nothing about this - can grasp it. Could it have been mixed wrong? I still don't like the fact they didn't use steel as well.
Not mixed, rather placed. Concrete in such sites comes mixed and ready from specilized plants. This is not your backyard mixer, these are silo sized mixers, run by automated controls. Then it’s a specific time on a concrete truck from the plant to the site, or precast yard. Placed continuously in forms, vibrated. There are situations, when it can be dropped from to high elevation, causing sedimentation, or not vibrated correctly, but that’s extremely unlikely in a casting yard, where there is good control and access to elements.
I am generally “material agnostic” myself. There would be perfectly suitable solution in both steel and concrete for this bridge, technically viable and executable. The question is about an actual design fitting the goals and constraints.
we have a pool (inground). If had a do over, we would not have put it in. But, stuck with it now! Hopefully when we sell (soon, if I get my way), it will be a positive. Or at least not a negative.
but, by us, plenty of people do still want one. It does cost something, but the big cost is installing. Not that expensive to run for a season. But if you don't have interest, not worth buying a house with one. Flip side, if you want one, much better to buy a house that already has one in place.
actually, in car terms, it is almost like having a car with a stick shift!
A safety recall on all Fuzions right now. We can’t rent them and we’ve taken them all to maintenance in either Miami or Lauderdale. Some problem with a bad bolt in the steering wheel is what I’ve heard. The first rental Enterprise gave ma a couple weeks ago was a Fuzion hybrid but returned it the next day as it was just too big and think the shock of the accident hadn’t worn off yet. Am finally over it and enjoying the RAV4 right now. Would I want to own one...not really. I miss my small Golf and it should be repaired about 2 weeks from tomorrow. Was promised it’ll be perfect so will wait and see. Did bring up the subject of diminished value with the insurance lady so not sure about that or getting my deductible paid by the other guys company. Just know if the Golf isn’t perfect, will probably trade it sooner than later. Probably should’ve been totaled to be honest but they decided to fix it. Will deal with it once I get my hands on it...I do miss it!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The problems are much more frequent with proper placement and compaction. So-called honeycomb (porous texture) could sometimes be an issue. Most of the time it’s superficiial, aesthetic only, easly fixable, but if more critical area is affected, it could spell trouble.
Hmmm . . . Proper placement/compaction is certainly more likely to be an "issue" than the quality of the concrete itself -- comes down to who's running the vibrator and who's watching. It's called workmanship. You make an excellent point, given that slump and other testing of the product that arrives in the transit mixers is well regulated.
I guess you have to assume the slump tests were all good. When I was inspecting, I can't count the times the workers wanted to add water to the mix so it was easier to work. I would never allow any water to be added and sometimes they got angry. That lead me to believe it was allowed at times.
@qbrozen,
I'll try to talk her into looking at a Continental, but I don't think she'll go for it.
One of the kids is going to be home this weekend, so I don't think she cares about looking at a new car.
She still hasn't been in my new truck since the test drive about a month ago.
Why not another MKC?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Mike interesting article I don’t trust the media each channel spend it the way they want with everything that the broadcast ha ha Ha be like that for years I’m sure like Stephen above
Explore she don’t think the wife wants to go pick him up on that offer why not maybe not this weekend but the following one ha ha Ha go for it would be interesting reading in here
This site offered some explanations for the bridge collapse - of course nothing has been proven:
"We don't know if it was a design error, a miscalculation by a structural engineer or poor construction work," Wyatt Porter-Brown, an architect who has worked on projects including Miami International Airport, told Bisnow. He said that if the landing supports were not completely level, "even a very minor deviation in elevation — if you're off by 1/8 inch — could cause a huge twist [in the concrete over such a long span]."
"Two things could have happened," he continued. "The deck had cracks observed, and so could have been compromised when they started stressing the cables, or a cable broke, tearing up the deck and weakening it to collapse. I've worked in post-tension projects and it's terrifying, because when a cable breaks, it flies all over, sending concrete builders flying. "Bottom line: they decided not to pull the road closure permit; [it] takes time and money. But even without the advantage of hindsight, they should have for cable-stressing operations." Florida's Department of Transportation would have been responsible for closing roads, but FDOT officials said the department had not been aware any such closures were needed at the time.
Porter-Brown said the skill of the workforce could have been a factor. "It's like going to a Yugo factory and asking them to build a McLaren," he said. "Miami typically doesn't have a lot of high-tech engineering." The National Transportation Safety Board is doing a forensic investigation, and homicide detectives are also involved. In the meantime, in an online Reddit forum devoted to civil engineering, some people speculated that the two bases upon which the span rested were not wide enough to support the weight, or that the span and base had not been properly secured. Speculators discussing technical details in Reddit's online architecture forum had other theories.
oldfarm50 is always bragging about those letters his wife gets to try to get her trade in her very valuable and in demand PT Cruiser. Probably coincidental, but last Saturday, I brought in my wife's 2016 MKC for service. The SA remarked how nice it looked as we walked to set up the paperwork. I told her I can't take any credit, my wife cleaned it up herself and as a matter of fact she loves it and never lets me drive it. Last time I drive it was the last time I brought it in for service.
Today she gets a letter. We will give you 29765** for your 2016 MKC. Plus with this invitation, an additional 9049**. Plus I will give you and additional 10,500* and make your first payment. Also a $10 Target gift card for showing up on Saturday.
Top that!
Wow, near $20k in bonus money! Can't top that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@qbrozen, I'll try to talk her into looking at a Continental, but I don't think she'll go for it. One of the kids is going to be home this weekend, so I don't think she cares about looking at a new car. She still hasn't been in my new truck since the test drive about a month ago.
Yesterday we had to transport a number of cars to Amsterdam. I walked out to the line and saw several Caddies and one Continental. I was all set to fight to get the Lincoln when we were handed keys to a bunch of Elantras instead. What a letdown"
Looks like Stickguy's relatives cheaped out.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This site offered some explanations for the bridge collapse - of course nothing has been proven:
"We don't know if it was a design error, a miscalculation by a structural engineer or poor construction work," Wyatt Porter-Brown, an architect who has worked on projects including Miami International Airport, told Bisnow. He said that if the landing supports were not completely level, "even a very minor deviation in elevation — if you're off by 1/8 inch — could cause a huge twist [in the concrete over such a long span]."
"Two things could have happened," he continued. "The deck had cracks observed, and so could have been compromised when they started stressing the cables, or a cable broke, tearing up the deck and weakening it to collapse. I've worked in post-tension projects and it's terrifying, because when a cable breaks, it flies all over, sending concrete builders flying. "Bottom line: they decided not to pull the road closure permit; [it] takes time and money. But even without the advantage of hindsight, they should have for cable-stressing operations." Florida's Department of Transportation would have been responsible for closing roads, but FDOT officials said the department had not been aware any such closures were needed at the time.
Porter-Brown said the skill of the workforce could have been a factor. "It's like going to a Yugo factory and asking them to build a McLaren," he said. "Miami typically doesn't have a lot of high-tech engineering." The National Transportation Safety Board is doing a forensic investigation, and homicide detectives are also involved. In the meantime, in an online Reddit forum devoted to civil engineering, some people speculated that the two bases upon which the span rested were not wide enough to support the weight, or that the span and base had not been properly secured. Speculators discussing technical details in Reddit's online architecture forum had other theories.
The guy is full. s..t. Didn't take time to study the project itself, just shooting his mouth and making wild guesses, over things he barely understands. I just looked up his profile. He is a master of architecture, bachelor from arts. He's been in construction management long enough to pick up the vocabulary, but I don't think he really has a true working knowledge about structures design beyond some basics. Architects have a very vague understanding of how loads are transferred, they work with numbers in terms of proportions, utility and leave stresses to engineers. They know next to nothing about bridges.
Apparently this does not stop him from talking to the media. Guys, be careful when you read a media reporter talking to an "expert" in this case. Real experts won't be caught dead in front of a microphone, mostly for legal reasons, as they usually work for companies that have contracts (on-going or potential) with the affected parties. They'll be permitted to talk only when explicitly requested by the authorities. Guys who end up in front of cameras and microphones are usually either retired gentlemen that have nothing at stake (they can sometimes contribute constructively), or guys like him - people from related industries so hungry for attention, they'll talk regardless whether they know anything specific, or not.
His comment about Miami is just outrageous. I don't live there, but there is plenty of expertise in the area and around (Florida in general), both in design and construction of such structures. Florida is generally a leader state when it comes to bridge design trendsetting (usually Florida publishes its manuals/specifications and then many other non-seismic states follow/copy) and the designer company is one of the leaders in this particular technology of post-tensioning (they're out of Tallahassee, BTW). Doesn't make them immune errors, of course. Can't tell anything about the contractor, but there are plenty of qualified in the area, too. Talking down Miami as an area somehow incapable of handling construction and/or design of this type of structure is revealing mostly about this guy - or the reporter, we know how these guys are, too. It's possible the reporter put words in mouth of this guy that were never uttered.
Your thoughts about the "talkers" are the same as mine. I learned long ago that an expert to a media person is someone they finally found that is willing to talk.
What would be really interesting is to find out how many people turned down the request to spout off.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Your thoughts about the "talkers" are the same as mine. I learned long ago that an expert to a media person is someone they finally found that is willing to talk.
What would be really interesting is to find out how many people turned down the request to spout off.
jmonroe
You only have to see how many media outlets have been pranked by people claiming to be witnesses or experts with respect to a given situation to know that little to no vetting actually takes place.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Speaking of construction, the maintenance department for my condo complex are just about finished sealing up the wall in my foyer under the HVAC unit. They appled new Sheetrock and about 4 applications of spackle to finish the surface. They will be back this afternoon to finish.
I had a painter over to give me an estimate to paint the wall (after spraying and sealing the ceiling and the water stains), paint the woodwork, caulk both bathrooms (bathtub and wall seams, sinks, stall shower and vanities) with waterproof caulking and caulk the counter tops in the kitchen with waterproof caulking at the wall and countertop seams.
He he said he would do the job for $400, including paint, caulking and stain sealer. I gave him a jar of the original Sherwin Williams Alibaster paint and he’ll pick up a gallon. I thought $400 was reasonable considering it’s a 6-8 hour job.
A safety recall on all Fuzions right now. We can’t rent them and we’ve taken them all to maintenance in either Miami or Lauderdale. Some problem with a bad bolt in the steering wheel is what I’ve heard. The first rental Enterprise gave ma a couple weeks ago was a Fuzion hybrid but returned it the next day as it was just too big and think the shock of the accident hadn’t worn off yet. Am finally over it and enjoying the RAV4 right now. Would I want to own one...not really. I miss my small Golf and it should be repaired about 2 weeks from tomorrow. Was promised it’ll be perfect so will wait and see. Did bring up the subject of diminished value with the insurance lady so not sure about that or getting my deductible paid by the other guys company. Just know if the Golf isn’t perfect, will probably trade it sooner than later. Probably should’ve been totaled to be honest but they decided to fix it. Will deal with it once I get my hands on it...I do miss it!!
The Sandman
I could see the other insurance company resisting Diminished value, but not your deductible losses. That should be a slam dunk, along with any rental car costs your own company doesn't cover.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
The most likely option is often the truth. Since I've driven a lot of miles over nearly 25 years without killing a pedestrian (nor even touching one), and autonomous cars have now tallied up at least 1 more victim than I in just a few years of use, it seems clear fatally striking a pedestrian is not a normal thing to have happen.
Those who speculate the pedestrian is entirely at fault are really grasping for straws. I like crosswalks to be used too, but that doesn't make me ram people at 40 MPH when they fail to do so. I was taught pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Dino, it will be interesting to see if they can actually find what caused the bridge to collapse - they usually do come up with an explanation. The article said there are sites where engineers weigh in with theories.
I think it is unprofessional to say the labor pool is not of a good enough quality in a particular area -though that could be the reporters interpretation of what was said. I get some value from the statements made and I think it is fair for someone who works in the business to theorize. No one knows for sure, for the most part he is just giving possible scenarios. I know they are not "the definitive explanation", but I learned about some possible causes which I didn't know about before...like a support being off by 1/8th of an inch could have caused this to happen.
It is possible no car could have stopped in time if she left the curb and walked in front of the car - going 40 mph.
That's exactly what happened. Every day I see confirmations that I would gladly rescind my "freedom" to drive, if only those morons were also prohibited. Latest wave of menacing "millenials" staring at their phone rather than road only adds to my conviction. I remember once I saw this small car without lights (it was dark) on a freeway, I got even, start honking to get the driver's attention. No avail - the young man and his equally young companion were so fascinated by their phones, they couldn't see or hear a thing around them, while going about 40 mph on a three-lane expressway in morning traffic. I'm sure, it was very important. Their pal probably had a pizza and had to share that breakthrough experience and who would pass such an important post up without giving it a prompt like and at least five comments.
It is possible no car could have stopped in time if she left the curb and walked in front of the car - going 40 mph.
It's possible, but the key term "walked" makes it hard to believe that the car didn't have time to swerve around her (assuming the adjacent lane was free). If the adjacent lane was free, not sure I could forgive the driver.
Huge difference between ran/jumped/biked and turned in front of me to "walking with bike in tow." Why would you be so close to someone that at walking speed you still hit them?
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
It is possible no car could have stopped in time if she left the curb and walked in front of the car - going 40 mph.
That's exactly what happened. Every day I see confirmations that I would gladly rescind my "freedom" to drive, if only those morons were also prohibited. Latest wave of menacing "millenials" staring at their phone rather than road only adds to my conviction. I remember once I saw this small car without lights (it was dark) on a freeway, I got even, start honking to get driver's attention. No avail - the young man and his equally young companion were so fascinated by their phones, they couldn't see or hear a thing around them, while going about 40 mph on three lane expressway in morning traffic. I'm sure, it was very important. Their pal probably had a pizza and had to share that breakthrough experience and wou would pass such an important post up without giving it a prompt like and at least five comments.
Well, get the munchies from some of that "medicine" and you would understand how phenomenonal that pizza experience could be.
Seriously though, this has always been my concern with self-drivers, the human factor. Humans being clueless or malevolent in their interactions with the vehicles are unpredictable. How about someone trying to commit suicide for example? How could you program for that?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You can't, but the program may actually detect an errant vehicle and try to take evasive actions sooner. It will likely have much shorter processing time for the situation around. The statistics will start looking like people saved by the robot: 1000, people killed by the robot: 1. We can discuss if that's enough, but I think this is a calculation worth making and with proper preparation, acting on.
This all goes again to human's completely messed up perception of risk. We don't think twice on high risks we take every day and get stupid scared by risks that are very remote, but are brought to our attention by news.
If you ask anybody, if the world is today is more or less violent than say 200 years ago, majority would tell you it's today. The data of deaths caused by violence clearly shows it's not, not even close. But they didn't have CNN or Fox by then. Same goes for those computers driving. I'm sure even if showed incontrovertible evidence that the robot driving is safer (not today, in the future), many will start inventing all kinds of scenarios to "prove" it's not.
You can't, but the program may actually detect an errant vehicle and try to take evasive actions sooner. It will likely have much shorter processing time for the situation around. The statistics will start looking like people saved by the robot: 1000, people killed by the robot: 1. I think this is a calculation worth making and with proper preparation, acting on.
If they can get it there. I think they'll get closer to that goal once they program a car to beat Jay Leno around a track. Even better if they can be a real race car star and pro at lap times.
Are lap times directly correlated to driving safely on public roadways? Directly, no. Indirectly, yes. I think it is a legitimate "bar" for allowing these dangers on the public roadways. We should ask, why can't the computer beat the best human drivers around the track?
It took them a long time to beat the best chess players. It'll probably take them even longer to master driving.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Traffic Citation Ticket & Traffic Court Story Time:
If you are as sensitive as a snowflake, and need a safe space when government is being criticized, please skip this post.
So the BS speeding ticket for 70 in a 55 that should be posted at 65. Remember I invoked VC 40502(b) to have my case adjudicated at the Country Seat, that court being closer to my place of work.
The legislature in their infinite wisdom put the word "UPON DEMAND" into that law, not "UPON REQUEST" and I believe for good reason, as the Courts seem to ignore and disregard some laws, while trying to enforce arbitrarily the laws they wish to enforce for revenue generation.
The Officer granted my request, if you recall the story. However, on the ticket, he clearly squiggled out the East County, and put the County Seat as the court venue I was to appear at. I signed to appear at the County Seat by 2/20/18.
I received a Courtesy Notice to incorrectly appear at East County (they ignored the citation, the squiggly marks clearly crossing-out that as a selection). It wasn't either or, it was only to be at the County Seat.
So now I have a Failure to Appear charge, which is laughable, since I never signed nor agreed to appear at the East County Court. How could I be charged with such a frivolous thing when if they bothered to look at a copy of the citation they'd see they don't have the evidence to convict!!!!!
They have a harrassing rude collection agency calling me two days in a row Thurs/Friday last week, but they've left me alone since then. Just received the first letter from them yesterday (other than the collections calls where they were argumentative, I hadn't received a single word about this).
The reason I don't appear at the County Seat is because if I did so I believe I'd have my time wasted, and be direct to go to the East County Court. They might not even have me on their books or share their files.
I need the East County court to correct this situation. I sent them a letter about all this on 2/6 or 2/7, and they ignored it.
Did the USPS magically lose this letter? If so, they are government incompetents too. If not, then the court misplaced my letter, and/or failed to respond.
This isn't my first rodeo. I know how this works. However, in my stubbornness, I don't feel I should have to pay extra for Certified Registered Return Receipt Mail (payments to the Government) when I am innocent of the charges, and intend to plead not guilty and get the charges dismissed. I also don't want to have to appear in person at the East County court, as it is a great inconvenience, a significantly longer drive, and from prior experiences, a significantly slower processing line (longer lines too).
In fact, when you call the East County Court, they only have phone hours for a few hours in the morning each day. Even when you call within those time frames, I was held on-hold for almost a full hour!
They don't answer the phone, they don't answer written correspondence, they have excessive lines, they are far away, and most importantly, I do not wish VC 40502(b) to be trampled upon, broken, and disrespected. I should never have to appear at the East County Court. They should just fix their mistakes (yes, plural mistakes now).
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
@abacomike, that sounds pretty reasonable to me. Hard to get a nearly all day job done well for any cheaper than that.
That’s what I thought. I called the painter and they are coming over this afternoon to start the job. They have to apply primer first anyway and the can knock off the waterproof caulking today. When they return later this week, they will apply the paint.
I’ve been living with that huge hole in the wall for a month. You have no idea how good it is to see a “whole plastered wall” again.
You can't, but the program may actually detect an errant vehicle and try to take evasive actions sooner. It will likely have much shorter processing time for the situation around. The statistics will start looking like people saved by the robot: 1000, people killed by the robot: 1. I think this is a calculation worth making and with proper preparation, acting on.
If they can get it there. I think they'll get closer to that goal once they program a car to beat Jay Leno around a track. Even better if they can be a real race car star and pro at lap times.
Are lap times directly correlated to driving safely on public roadways? Directly, no. Indirectly, yes. I think it is a legitimate "bar" for allowing these dangers on the public roadways. We should ask, why can't the computer beat the best human drivers around the track?
It took them a long time to beat the best chess players. It'll probably take them even longer to master driving.
Maybe I'm to pessimistic about human behavior but I can foresee situations where the chaos of the real world overwhelms a robotic system. Let's say a disgruntled Uber driver who lost his job to the robot attacks the cameras causing the car to stop in traffic or go out of control. A human would certainly understand the threat of a man running up to the car with a baseball bat but the robot might not. Also, since these systems are programed by humans you are subject to errors there. How many cars have been disabled because of a bad line of code?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Indeed. The propaganda about the autonomous driving vehicles was that they had much superior perception abilities. So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
Traffic Citation Ticket & Traffic Court Story Time:
If you are as sensitive as a snowflake, and need a safe space when government is being criticized, please skip this post.
So the BS speeding ticket for 70 in a 55 that should be posted at 65. Remember I invoked VC 40502(b) to have my case adjudicated at the Country Seat, that court being closer to my place of work.
The legislature in their infinite wisdom put the word "UPON DEMAND" into that law, not "UPON REQUEST" and I believe for good reason, as the Courts seem to ignore and disregard some laws, while trying to enforce arbitrarily the laws they wish to enforce for revenue generation.
The Officer granted my request, if you recall the story. However, on the ticket, he clearly squiggled out the East County, and put the County Seat as the court venue I was to appear at. I signed to appear at the County Seat by 2/20/18.
I received a Courtesy Notice to incorrectly appear at East County (they ignored the citation, the squiggly marks clearly crossing-out that as a selection). It wasn't either or, it was only to be at the County Seat.
So now I have a Failure to Appear charge, which is laughable, since I never signed nor agreed to appear at the East County Court. How could I be charged with such a frivolous thing when if they bothered to look at a copy of the citation they'd see they don't have the evidence to convict!!!!!
They have a harrassing rude collection agency calling me two days in a row Thurs/Friday last week, but they've left me alone since then. Just received the first letter from them yesterday (other than the collections calls where they were argumentative, I hadn't received a single word about this).
The reason I don't appear at the County Seat is because if I did so I believe I'd have my time wasted, and be direct to go to the East County Court. They might not even have me on their books or share their files.
I need the East County court to correct this situation. I sent them a letter about all this on 2/6 or 2/7, and they ignored it.
Did the USPS magically lose this letter? If so, they are government incompetents too. If not, then the court misplaced my letter, and/or failed to respond.
This isn't my first rodeo. I know how this works. However, in my stubbornness, I don't feel I should have to pay extra for Certified Registered Return Receipt Mail (payments to the Government) when I am innocent of the charges, and intend to plead not guilty and get the charges dismissed. I also don't want to have to appear in person at the East County court, as it is a great inconvenience, a significantly longer drive, and from prior experiences, a significantly slower processing line (longer lines too).
In fact, when you call the East County Court, they only have phone hours for a few hours in the morning each day. Even when you call within those time frames, I was held on-hold for almost a full hour!
They don't answer the phone, they don't answer written correspondence, they have excessive lines, they are far away, and most importantly, I do not wish VC 40502(b) to be trampled upon, broken, and disrespected. I should never have to appear at the East County Court. They should just fix their mistakes (yes, plural mistakes now).
Geez, are they going to issue a warrant out for you?
That's not a good reason to stop it, as it wasn't when people were smashing steam machines installed in the manufactures to do lifting.
True but just think how many were killed in steam explosions before that technology was perfected. I'm not really a Luddite just cautious.
I am cautious too....no diesel or e-cars until it has proven to be better than good old gasoline. But, I can see the day when self driving cars will be safer. Two biggest causes of accidents will be eliminated.....self drivers don't get distracted (by cell phones, texting or eating pizza), and they don't DUI.
If they can refine them a little more...they will be safer. Safer than the young lady behind me the other day yacking on her cell phone (heavy slow moving traffic) and talking to her passengers...and not watching what was happening in front of her.
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Indeed. The propaganda about the autonomous driving vehicles was that they had much superior perception abilities.
So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
In my S450, I get an alert from the rear seat if there is a pedestrian or vehicle approaching the rear of my car - if I do not respond within one second, my car brakes itself. Same for the front - car autonomously brakes. If I am coming up on an obstruction or vehicle too quickly, I get a front alert and the car will autonomously brake if I do not respond appropriately.
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory.
I said: ..self drivers don't get distracted (by cell phones, texting or eating pizza),
Maybe they can get distracted if they see another self driver that they think looks hot.
Once, at a sales meeting in Phoenix my horse ran up a hill to see a horse it wanted to meet. I was told to pull on the reins, and I did - had the horses neck almost twisted off. The guide gave up and told me to just join the other group who were from Tupperware! :@
Boy, the painters are already here preparing the wall for the paint and are going to finish the job this afternoon or early evening. They are doing the sanding and waterproof caulking right now.
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Indeed. The propaganda about the autonomous driving vehicles was that they had much superior perception abilities. So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
In my S450, I get an alert from the rear seat if there is a pedestrian or vehicle approaching the rear of my car - I I do not respond within one second, my car brakes itself. Same for the front - car autonomously brakes. If I am coming up on an obstruction or vehicle too quickly, I get a front alert and the car will autonomously brake if I do not respond appropriately.
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory
.
The autonomous car...at minimum, should be able to do those things. That would be done by computers and cameras they install now. I am thinking there is something missing from what happened....or they left out an important part of the self driving system in that Volvo.
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Indeed. The propaganda about the autonomous driving vehicles was that they had much superior perception abilities. So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
In my S450, I get an alert from the rear seat if there is a pedestrian or vehicle approaching the rear of my car - if I do not respond within one second, my car brakes itself. Same for the front - car autonomously brakes. If I am coming up on an obstruction or vehicle too quickly, I get a front alert and the car will autonomously brake if I do not respond appropriately.
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory.
Wow Mike. If you have to take a bathroom break, does it assist you?
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Indeed. The propaganda about the autonomous driving vehicles was that they had much superior perception abilities.
So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
In my S450, I get an alert from the rear seat if there is a pedestrian or vehicle approaching the rear of my car - if I do not respond within one second, my car brakes itself. Same for the front - car autonomously brakes. If I am coming up on an obstruction or vehicle too quickly, I get a front alert and the car will autonomously brake if I do not respond appropriately.
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory.
Wow Mike. If you have to take a bathroom break, does it assist you?
You bet - also wipes and pulls up my shorts for me.
BTW, are you still planning a visit here this spring? It’s 90 degrees outside right now - this is supposed to be spring!
Traffic Citation Ticket & Traffic Court Story Time:
If you are as sensitive as a snowflake, and need a safe space when government is being criticized, please skip this post.
So the BS speeding ticket for 70 in a 55 that should be posted at 65. Remember I invoked VC 40502(b) to have my case adjudicated at the Country Seat, that court being closer to my place of work.
The legislature in their infinite wisdom put the word "UPON DEMAND" into that law, not "UPON REQUEST" and I believe for good reason, as the Courts seem to ignore and disregard some laws, while trying to enforce arbitrarily the laws they wish to enforce for revenue generation.
The Officer granted my request, if you recall the story. However, on the ticket, he clearly squiggled out the East County, and put the County Seat as the court venue I was to appear at. I signed to appear at the County Seat by 2/20/18.
I received a Courtesy Notice to incorrectly appear at East County (they ignored the citation, the squiggly marks clearly crossing-out that as a selection). It wasn't either or, it was only to be at the County Seat.
So now I have a Failure to Appear charge, which is laughable, since I never signed nor agreed to appear at the East County Court. How could I be charged with such a frivolous thing when if they bothered to look at a copy of the citation they'd see they don't have the evidence to convict!!!!!
They have a harrassing rude collection agency calling me two days in a row Thurs/Friday last week, but they've left me alone since then. Just received the first letter from them yesterday (other than the collections calls where they were argumentative, I hadn't received a single word about this).
The reason I don't appear at the County Seat is because if I did so I believe I'd have my time wasted, and be direct to go to the East County Court. They might not even have me on their books or share their files.
I need the East County court to correct this situation. I sent them a letter about all this on 2/6 or 2/7, and they ignored it.
Did the USPS magically lose this letter? If so, they are government incompetents too. If not, then the court misplaced my letter, and/or failed to respond.
This isn't my first rodeo. I know how this works. However, in my stubbornness, I don't feel I should have to pay extra for Certified Registered Return Receipt Mail (payments to the Government) when I am innocent of the charges, and intend to plead not guilty and get the charges dismissed. I also don't want to have to appear in person at the East County court, as it is a great inconvenience, a significantly longer drive, and from prior experiences, a significantly slower processing line (longer lines too).
In fact, when you call the East County Court, they only have phone hours for a few hours in the morning each day. Even when you call within those time frames, I was held on-hold for almost a full hour!
They don't answer the phone, they don't answer written correspondence, they have excessive lines, they are far away, and most importantly, I do not wish VC 40502(b) to be trampled upon, broken, and disrespected. I should never have to appear at the East County Court. They should just fix their mistakes (yes, plural mistakes now).
Geez, are they going to issue a warrant out for you?
A warrant? Probably a good reason to carry a copy of my previously mailed out letter with me. I'm debating what to do next. Will probably hand deliver to their drop box additional letters, one to the Court without jurisdiction that thinks it does have it, and one to the Court where i should be making an appointment to appear (as of 3/1/18 they require appointments to appear; no more walk-ins for arraignment!). Talk about bureaucracy!
My guess is they probably give you some months before putting out the all-points-bulletin warrant out for me.
I also don't want to pay my other citation fine that is coming due soon. I fear they will attribute that payment incorrectly to this new case, rather than the old settled one first. Most of my fears about the Traffic Courts come true, I'd say around 66%.
I will write the check specifically with case and citation reference numbers on it, but we all see how much attention to details the Courts give.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Comments
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am generally “material agnostic” myself. There would be perfectly suitable solution in both steel and concrete for this bridge, technically viable and executable. The question is about an actual design fitting the goals and constraints.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
but, by us, plenty of people do still want one. It does cost something, but the big cost is installing. Not that expensive to run for a season. But if you don't have interest, not worth buying a house with one. Flip side, if you want one, much better to buy a house that already has one in place.
actually, in car terms, it is almost like having a car with a stick shift!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Just know if the Golf isn’t perfect, will probably trade it sooner than later. Probably should’ve been totaled to be honest but they decided to fix it. Will deal with it once I get my hands on it...I do miss it!!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
"We don't know if it was a design error, a miscalculation by a structural engineer or poor construction work," Wyatt Porter-Brown, an architect who has worked on projects including Miami International Airport, told Bisnow. He said that if the landing supports were not completely level, "even a very minor deviation in elevation — if you're off by 1/8 inch — could cause a huge twist [in the concrete over such a long span]."
"Two things could have happened," he continued. "The deck had cracks observed, and so could have been compromised when they started stressing the cables, or a cable broke, tearing up the deck and weakening it to collapse. I've worked in post-tension projects and it's terrifying, because when a cable breaks, it flies all over, sending concrete builders flying. "Bottom line: they decided not to pull the road closure permit; [it] takes time and money. But even without the advantage of hindsight, they should have for cable-stressing operations." Florida's Department of Transportation would have been responsible for closing roads, but FDOT officials said the department had not been aware any such closures were needed at the time.
Porter-Brown said the skill of the workforce could have been a factor. "It's like going to a Yugo factory and asking them to build a McLaren," he said. "Miami typically doesn't have a lot of high-tech engineering." The National Transportation Safety Board is doing a forensic investigation, and homicide detectives are also involved. In the meantime, in an online Reddit forum devoted to civil engineering, some people speculated that the two bases upon which the span rested were not wide enough to support the weight, or that the span and base had not been properly secured. Speculators discussing technical details in Reddit's online architecture forum had other theories.
If you read the article just go down as far as the video of the bridge:
Sweetwater Bridge Collapse
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Looks like Stickguy's relatives cheaped out.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
over things he barely understands. I just looked up his profile. He is a master of architecture, bachelor from arts. He's been in construction management long enough to pick up the vocabulary, but I don't think he really has a true working knowledge about structures design beyond some basics. Architects have a very vague understanding of how loads are transferred, they work with numbers in terms of proportions, utility and leave stresses to engineers. They know next to nothing about bridges.
Apparently this does not stop him from talking to the media. Guys, be careful when you read a media reporter talking to an "expert" in this case. Real experts won't be caught dead in front of a microphone, mostly for legal reasons, as they usually work for companies that have contracts (on-going or potential) with the affected parties. They'll be permitted to talk only when explicitly requested by the authorities. Guys who end up in front of cameras and microphones are usually either retired gentlemen that have nothing at stake (they can sometimes contribute constructively), or guys like him - people from related industries so hungry for attention, they'll talk regardless whether they know anything specific, or not.
His comment about Miami is just outrageous. I don't live there, but there is plenty of expertise in the area and around (Florida in general), both in design and construction of such structures. Florida is generally a leader state when it comes to bridge design trendsetting (usually Florida publishes its manuals/specifications and then many other non-seismic states follow/copy) and the designer company is one of the leaders in this particular technology of post-tensioning (they're out of Tallahassee, BTW). Doesn't make them immune errors, of course. Can't tell anything about the contractor, but there are plenty of qualified in the area, too. Talking down Miami as an area somehow incapable of handling construction and/or design of this type of structure is revealing mostly about this guy - or the reporter, we know how these guys are, too. It's possible the reporter put words in mouth of this guy that were never uttered.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Your thoughts about the "talkers" are the same as mine. I learned long ago that an expert to a media person is someone they finally found that is willing to talk.
What would be really interesting is to find out how many people turned down the request to spout off.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I had a painter over to give me an estimate to paint the wall (after spraying and sealing the ceiling and the water stains), paint the woodwork, caulk both bathrooms (bathtub and wall seams, sinks, stall shower and vanities) with waterproof caulking and caulk the counter tops in the kitchen with waterproof caulking at the wall and countertop seams.
He he said he would do the job for $400, including paint, caulking and stain sealer. I gave him a jar of the original Sherwin Williams Alibaster paint and he’ll pick up a gallon. I thought $400 was reasonable considering it’s a 6-8 hour job.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/19/17140936/uber-self-driving-crash-death-homeless-arizona
The most likely option is often the truth. Since I've driven a lot of miles over nearly 25 years without killing a pedestrian (nor even touching one), and autonomous cars have now tallied up at least 1 more victim than I in just a few years of use, it seems clear fatally striking a pedestrian is not a normal thing to have happen.
Those who speculate the pedestrian is entirely at fault are really grasping for straws. I like crosswalks to be used too, but that doesn't make me ram people at 40 MPH when they fail to do so. I was taught pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think it is unprofessional to say the labor pool is not of a good enough quality in a particular area -though that could be the reporters interpretation of what was said. I get some value from the statements made and I think it is fair for someone who works in the business to theorize. No one knows for sure, for the most part he is just giving possible scenarios. I know they are not "the definitive explanation", but I learned about some possible causes which I didn't know about before...like a support being off by 1/8th of an inch could have caused this to happen.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Huge difference between ran/jumped/biked and turned in front of me to "walking with bike in tow." Why would you be so close to someone that at walking speed you still hit them?
I'd be hugging the left line in this situation. If the brakes or steering wheel were never touched, it shows a failure in the programming and sensors to detect the pedestrian. Which is what I suspected all along. Aren't these sensors supposed to be superior to a human?
Seriously though, this has always been my concern with self-drivers, the human factor. Humans being clueless or malevolent in their interactions with the vehicles are unpredictable. How about someone trying to commit suicide for example? How could you program for that?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
This all goes again to human's completely messed up perception of risk. We don't think twice on high risks we take every day and get stupid scared by risks that are very remote, but are brought to our attention by news.
If you ask anybody, if the world is today is more or less violent than say 200 years ago, majority would tell you it's today. The data of deaths caused by violence clearly shows it's not, not even close. But they didn't have CNN or Fox by then. Same goes for those computers driving. I'm sure even if showed incontrovertible evidence that the robot driving is safer (not today, in the future), many will start inventing all kinds of scenarios to "prove" it's not.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Are lap times directly correlated to driving safely on public roadways? Directly, no. Indirectly, yes. I think it is a legitimate "bar" for allowing these dangers on the public roadways. We should ask, why can't the computer beat the best human drivers around the track?
It took them a long time to beat the best chess players. It'll probably take them even longer to master driving.
If you are as sensitive as a snowflake, and need a safe space when government is being criticized, please skip this post.
So the BS speeding ticket for 70 in a 55 that should be posted at 65. Remember I invoked VC 40502(b) to have my case adjudicated at the Country Seat, that court being closer to my place of work.
The legislature in their infinite wisdom put the word "UPON DEMAND" into that law, not "UPON REQUEST" and I believe for good reason, as the Courts seem to ignore and disregard some laws, while trying to enforce arbitrarily the laws they wish to enforce for revenue generation.
The Officer granted my request, if you recall the story. However, on the ticket, he clearly squiggled out the East County, and put the County Seat as the court venue I was to appear at. I signed to appear at the County Seat by 2/20/18.
I received a Courtesy Notice to incorrectly appear at East County (they ignored the citation, the squiggly marks clearly crossing-out that as a selection). It wasn't either or, it was only to be at the County Seat.
So now I have a Failure to Appear charge, which is laughable, since I never signed nor agreed to appear at the East County Court. How could I be charged with such a frivolous thing when if they bothered to look at a copy of the citation they'd see they don't have the evidence to convict!!!!!
They have a harrassing rude collection agency calling me two days in a row Thurs/Friday last week, but they've left me alone since then. Just received the first letter from them yesterday (other than the collections calls where they were argumentative, I hadn't received a single word about this).
The reason I don't appear at the County Seat is because if I did so I believe I'd have my time wasted, and be direct to go to the East County Court. They might not even have me on their books or share their files.
I need the East County court to correct this situation. I sent them a letter about all this on 2/6 or 2/7, and they ignored it.
Did the USPS magically lose this letter? If so, they are government incompetents too. If not, then the court misplaced my letter, and/or failed to respond.
This isn't my first rodeo. I know how this works. However, in my stubbornness, I don't feel I should have to pay extra for Certified Registered Return Receipt Mail (payments to the Government) when I am innocent of the charges, and intend to plead not guilty and get the charges dismissed. I also don't want to have to appear in person at the East County court, as it is a great inconvenience, a significantly longer drive, and from prior experiences, a significantly slower processing line (longer lines too).
In fact, when you call the East County Court, they only have phone hours for a few hours in the morning each day. Even when you call within those time frames, I was held on-hold for almost a full hour!
They don't answer the phone, they don't answer written correspondence, they have excessive lines, they are far away, and most importantly, I do not wish VC 40502(b) to be trampled upon, broken, and disrespected. I should never have to appear at the East County Court. They should just fix their mistakes (yes, plural mistakes now).
I’ve been living with that huge hole in the wall for a month. You have no idea how good it is to see a “whole plastered wall” again.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2018 430i Gran Coupe
So much for that cowpie. My cross traffic/rear traffic sensors in my 2014 Malibu go off at the least movement in the periphery of their range. The AV should have at least had its brakes applied as it hit the warm object it sensed.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Geez, are they going to issue a warrant out for you?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If they can refine them a little more...they will be safer. Safer than the young lady behind me the other day yacking on her cell phone (heavy slow moving traffic) and talking to her passengers...and not watching what was happening in front of her.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Maybe they can get distracted if they see another self driver that they think looks hot.
Once, at a sales meeting in Phoenix my horse ran up a hill to see a horse it wanted to meet. I was told to pull on the reins, and I did - had the horses neck almost twisted off. The guide gave up and told me to just join the other group who were from Tupperware! :@
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory
The autonomous car...at minimum, should be able to do those things. That would be done by computers and cameras they install now. I am thinking there is something missing from what happened....or they left out an important part of the self driving system in that Volvo.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The rear autonomous alerts and braking have saved me numerous times in the last 4 months from hitting a car coming from my lest rear or right rear as I am backing out of a parking space. Same with people walking behind me from my left or right - the people here walk a lot in the parking lots.
The problem is that the visibility in the newer cars is less than satisfactory.
Wow Mike. If you have to take a bathroom break, does it assist you?
BTW, are you still planning a visit here this spring? It’s 90 degrees outside right now - this is supposed to be spring!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My guess is they probably give you some months before putting out the all-points-bulletin warrant out for me.
I also don't want to pay my other citation fine that is coming due soon. I fear they will attribute that payment incorrectly to this new case, rather than the old settled one first. Most of my fears about the Traffic Courts come true, I'd say around 66%.
I will write the check specifically with case and citation reference numbers on it, but we all see how much attention to details the Courts give.