Random Thoughts Thread

[oldshurst442]

1 hour ago, David said:

@surreal1272 @Robert Hall @Drew Dowdell @smk4565 @oldshurst442 @trinacriabob @regfootball @ccap41 

This is a really good read on the Snapdragon Auto system powered by Google Android on how it works and interacts with phones.

Android Automotive OS review: Under the hood with Google’s car OS | Ars Technica

While a little old, it is a great starting point to read and learn about how Google will keep it updated in comparison to the auto companies.

As the story says, Ford has quit Microsoft's Auto OS and went with QNX for the last few years but like everyone is moving this year to Snapdragon/Android.

Connectivity is not of my concern.  I dont think Id be using the smart phone type features of Apple car play or Snapdragon or whatever...   

My concern is of the privacy thing.  And how somebody, whoever that somebody might be, that may have access to my personal info or my persoanl whereabouts or whatever whether through hacking or the OEM itself trying to sell me user fees for heated seats or whatever.    Trackability of anykind, whether its literal tracking of where my car is (good thing concerning theft...) or trackability of what I do with my car and its features and how often I use these features like its Facebook or Youtube algorithm...is what I fear for the future not just for cars, but ANYTHING doing with our internet consumption connectivity going forward with humanity.  

So...my FIRST sentence is FALSE and YEAH!!!   I have MAJOR concerns with this kind of shyte.   

I honestly wish we could go back to the simpler times...regarding dashboards and pushbuttons and lack of electronic gizmo distractions.  Some of those electronic gizmo distractions are necessary. Some of them are an evolution of our day to day life evolution and I get all that.  But I feel we have swung waaaay out of the middle of where our fantasy world resides  and where are real lives should be...   Again...NOT just with cars, but in EVERY aspect of our lives. 

 

 

[oldshurst442]

I got another RECALL for the Ford Fusion...

I have honestly forgot how many that would be.  Its got to be 12 by now.   

Its been too long Ford...I have wondered where and when would the next one come.

Brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses and brake pedal travel will increase and brake action will require more effort with a reductionof rate of deceleration over time increasing the risk of an accident...

FoMoCo is ramping up for replacement parts and will inform me when I can go and get my car fixed... 

10 years old this Fusion platform is and Ford CONTINUES to dump money into it...  

GREAT JOB Ford!!!  AWESOME way to be...profitable.

 

[Drew Dowdell]

3 hours ago, David said:

@surreal1272 @Robert Hall @Drew Dowdell @smk4565 @oldshurst442 @trinacriabob @regfootball @ccap41 

This is a really good read on the Snapdragon Auto system powered by Google Android on how it works and interacts with phones.

Android Automotive OS review: Under the hood with Google’s car OS | Ars Technica

While a little old, it is a great starting point to read and learn about how Google will keep it updated in comparison to the auto companies.

As the story says, Ford has quit Microsoft's Auto OS and went with QNX for the last few years but like everyone is moving this year to Snapdragon/Android.

It's been a while. I tried it out in a Polestar 2... and it was absolutely not done cooking. Alert windows would pop up behind primary windows and would be unclickable.

But the other issue is that I avoid Google products because they invade privacy.  When you use Google, you aren't using their products, you are the product, because they will sell every scrap of information they collect on you that they can.  Go to the ice cream shop with your kids every Friday at 7? Google will sell that information to Baskin Robins and ColdStone so you get coupons.

Now, I know other companies do the same, but Google is by-far the most nefarious.

Unfortunately, due to my line of work, I can't avoid Google entirely... but I don't want it installed in my car.

[surreal1272]

4 hours ago, David said:

If like Polestar they include the hooks to fully support Apple Carplay. I can see plenty of Apple people going with the Chinese made Polestar to have their Apple interface in the car.

Maybe I missed it but I didn't see anything about CarPlay support of any kind by Polestar. Help me out.

[G. David Felt]

15 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Connectivity is not of my concern.  I dont think Id be using the smart phone type features of Apple car play or Snapdragon or whatever...   

My concern is of the privacy thing.  And how somebody, whoever that somebody might be, that may have access to my personal info or my persoanl whereabouts or whatever whether through hacking or the OEM itself trying to sell me user fees for heated seats or whatever.    Trackability of anykind, whether its literal tracking of where my car is (good thing concerning theft...) or trackability of what I do with my car and its features and how often I use these features like its Facebook or Youtube algorithm...is what I fear for the future not just for cars, but ANYTHING doing with our internet consumption connectivity going forward with humanity.  

So...my FIRST sentence is FALSE and YEAH!!!   I have MAJOR concerns with this kind of shyte.   

I honestly wish we could go back to the simpler times...regarding dashboards and pushbuttons and lack of electronic gizmo distractions.  Some of those electronic gizmo distractions are necessary. Some of them are an evolution of our day to day life evolution and I get all that.  But I feel we have swung waaaay out of the middle of where our fantasy world resides  and where are real lives should be...   Again...NOT just with cars, but in EVERY aspect of our lives. 

Trackability is a true concern about privacy and your life. I agree with it and it is why I still have my 1994 GMC Suburban SLE. This will be an EV conversion with no built in GPS system and yes none of the nanny safety devices, but it is going to be a non-trackable SUV that I can just love to Drive.

15 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I got another RECALL for the Ford Fusion...

I have honestly forgot how many that would be.  Its got to be 12 by now.   

Its been too long Ford...I have wondered where and when would the next one come.

Brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses and brake pedal travel will increase and brake action will require more effort with a reductionof rate of deceleration over time increasing the risk of an accident...

FoMoCo is ramping up for replacement parts and will inform me when I can go and get my car fixed... 

10 years old this Fusion platform is and Ford CONTINUES to dump money into it...  

GREAT JOB Ford!!!  AWESOME way to be...profitable.

The amount of Recalls in the last few years by Ford is another reason I have not moved forward with either a F150 Lighting or Mach-e. While I like both EVs, the quality of the product Ford builds concerns me.

14 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It's been a while. I tried it out in a Polestar 2... and it was absolutely not done cooking. Alert windows would pop up behind primary windows and would be unclickable.

But the other issue is that I avoid Google products because they invade privacy.  When you use Google, you aren't using their products, you are the product, because they will sell every scrap of information they collect on you that they can.  Go to the ice cream shop with your kids every Friday at 7? Google will sell that information to Baskin Robins and ColdStone so you get coupons.

Now, I know other companies do the same, but Google is by-far the most nefarious.

Unfortunately, due to my line of work, I can't avoid Google entirely... but I don't want it installed in my car.

Might be time to Convert that lovely sedan of yours to EV then and put in a 3rd party unit that allows you your Apple Carplay my friend.

[G. David Felt]

12 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Maybe I missed it but I didn't see anything about CarPlay support of any kind by Polestar. Help me out.

In the Press Release for Polestar 4:

Technology

Polestar continues to push technology toward a more entertaining, connected and autonomous future in all its cars. In Polestar 4, the infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform now utilizes a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

 

With Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar continues to offer a leading connected experience. The close collaboration with Google allows Polestar to keep pushing the boundaries of the system.

 

A Harman Kardon audio system is available as an option, with 12 speakers and 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier. An additional two headrest speakers are added to each front seat with the optional Nappa Pack– raising the total to 16. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is included.

 

As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air (OTA) updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles, removing the need to visit a workshop to gain the latest software.

 

Was there in the write up I did.

[surreal1272]

2 hours ago, David said:

A Harman Kardon audio system is available as an option, with 12 speakers and 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier. An additional two headrest speakers are added to each front seat with the optional Nappa Pack– raising the total to 16. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is included.

Thanks. I was not running on all cylinders the last few days due to complete garage for sleep ("come on already hip surgery") and my eyes were not in a focusing mood lol. Thanks for supplying that info. The other article, oddly enough, didn't seem to mention that. At least Polestar has the good sense to keep it. The others, though, deserve some scorn lol.

Edited April 22, 2023 by surreal1272

[Drew Dowdell]

3 hours ago, David said:

Might be time to Convert that lovely sedan of yours to EV then and put in a 3rd party unit that allows you your Apple Carplay my friend.

Albert has been liking the Ioniq 6.

[G. David Felt]

Very interesting read on their assumption of the midcycle refresh for 2024 model of the Escalade.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/04/we-render-the-refreshed-2024-cadillac-escalade/

2 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Thanks. I was not running on all cylinders the last few days due to complete garage for sleep ("come on already hip surgery") and my eyes were not in a focusing mood lol. Thanks for supplying that info. The other article, oddly enough, didn't seem to mention that. At least Polestar has the good sense to keep it. The others, though, deserve some scorn lol.

I can totally relate my friend. With my left knee going through PT and a baker's cyst behind that knee plus the PT for my L4 to L6 Bulge and right glute sciatic nerve issues, there are days I truly am worn out by the pain and just totally space out.

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Albert has been liking the Ioniq 6.

I will have to say that in certain colors it is very sharp.

Fun when you can play with the builder.

2023 IONIQ 6 | A Breakthrough Electric Sedan | Hyundai USA

Pretty decent price for an AWD Sedan.

[G. David Felt]

Very good read on the Lithium market and why the industry expects Lithium to continue to drop in price up to 2025. End fact is that China ramped up Lithium capacity and the government then ended subsidies and China EV purchases dropped big time leaving a glut of un-used Lithium so everything from the raw materials to the finished product in a Battery pack has dropped in value.

https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2023-04-21/storm-rages-for-key-battery-element-after-2022-rush-as-price-of-lithium-plunges-nearly-50.html

[Drew Dowdell]

3 hours ago, David said:

I will have to say that in certain colors it is very sharp.

Fun when you can play with the builder.

2023 IONIQ 6 | A Breakthrough Electric Sedan | Hyundai USA

Pretty decent price for an AWD Sedan.

We're looking at the Digital Green with white/green interior. Limited AWD trim.

 

 

[G. David Felt]

Cool News about Korea. The Government has committed 20 Trillion Won or $15 Billion U.S. dollars to help their industries develop and deliver a high volume Solid-state battery to stay ahead of the world in leading battery development.

South Korea to Invest $15 Billion in New EV Battery Technology - Bloomberg

[G. David Felt]

Very cool that the V4 Superchargers are finally getting installed. 615 kW of charging power can reduce the average charge time to 11 minutes if the EV supports that faster charging rate. Right now the fastest is the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis EVs.

The Tesla 615kW Supercharger could be a game-changer for EVs | T3

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, David said:

Very cool that the V4 Superchargers are finally getting installed. 615 kW of charging power can reduce the average charge time to 11 minutes if the EV supports that faster charging rate. Right now the fastest is the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis EVs.

The Tesla 615kW Supercharger could be a game-changer for EVs | T3

I know charging speed is a big deal with EVs but, I just don't see the appeal to EVs if you're publicly charging them. The cost to charge is very similar to gasoline with less range in almost every instance that isn't the 500-mile range Lucid. 

Personally, I think increased battery capacity is a bigger issue rather than maximum charging speeds. Charging speeds are already quick enough in most instances but if you could cut the battery weight in half and still add like 25% more capacity, that would be a massive win as opposed to just charging faster.

I know those are just "thrown-out-there numbers" but that's what's needed. It's just plain silly to have 4000-5000lb sedans and 7000-9000lb trucks. 

Edited April 24, 2023 by ccap41

[oldshurst442]

51 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I know charging speed is a big deal with EVs but, I just don't see the appeal to EVs if you're publicly charging them. The cost to charge is very similar to gasoline with less range in almost every instance that isn't the 500-mile range Lucid. 

Personally, I think increased battery capacity is a bigger issue rather than maximum charging speeds. Charging speeds are already quick enough in most instances but if you could cut the battery weight in half and still add like 25% more capacity, that would be a massive win as opposed to just charging faster.

I know those are just "thrown-out-there numbers" but that's what's needed. It's just plain silly to have 4000-5000lb sedans and 7000-9000lb trucks. 

 

Ill agree with your post.  And having 4000-5000 lbs sedans and 7000-9000 lbs SUVs is more detrimental than we actually realize.

From accidents involving compact ICE CUVs  (approx 3500 lbs or less) and EV CUVs (aprox 5000lbs or more) ...   To huge heavy EVs that collide with one another.   The destruction is not nearly enough talked about.  

Our roads going forward.  All that weight in an all EV world will certainly have an impact on road maintenance.  Also...think about all the bridges that exist in the world and how fast their life spans will be cut short due to the fact that EVs are AT LEAST 50% heavier than the ICE counterparts that they will replace and that bridges were designed to accomodate the less heavier ICE cars.    Parking lots are to be included in this discussion.    If proper maintenenance and more frequent maintenance is not done (and calculate how much THAT will cost the tax payer or the owner of the parking lots), now imagine parking lots and bridges collapsing and the devastation that comes with that... 

Charging times is one thing.

But battery tech needs to improve in density to allow for less heavy batteries that equate to similar ranges as their ICE-V counterparts.   Putting more battery and increasing weight is NOT an answer.   Telling people to be content with less battery with less range is not an answer either to keep weight down.

Battery density will improve eventually.  But THAT is what we need to focus on.

Battery density to allow for better weight vehicles.  

Edited April 24, 2023 by oldshurst442

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Personally, I think increased battery capacity is a bigger issue rather than maximum charging speeds. Charging speeds are already quick enough in most instances but if you could cut the battery weight in half and still add like 25% more capacity, that would be a massive win as opposed to just charging faster.

Tesla started that already, but not at the percentages you mentioned.  I'm not good at keeping track of Tesla battery model numbers, but one of the more recent versions allowed Tesla to cut a significant chunk of weight from the Model 3's battery.  Tesla could have stuffed more battery in the Model 3, but they decided to keep the range but lighten the battery instead.  Good move in my opinion.

That said, your overall point is correct and there is still further to go.

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

I know charging speed is a big deal with EVs but, I just don't see the appeal to EVs if you're publicly charging them. The cost to charge is very similar to gasoline with less range in almost every instance that isn't the 500-mile range Lucid. 

Personally, I think increased battery capacity is a bigger issue rather than maximum charging speeds. Charging speeds are already quick enough in most instances but if you could cut the battery weight in half and still add like 25% more capacity, that would be a massive win as opposed to just charging faster.

I know those are just "thrown-out-there numbers" but that's what's needed. It's just plain silly to have 4000-5000lb sedans and 7000-9000lb trucks. 

As with this story, South Korea to Invest $15 Billion in New EV Battery Technology - Bloomberg

Solid-State is where we are going and with a 4X common density improvement, that would mean that you could reduce battery size to a quarter current sizes and still have the same battery range.

Example is the GMC Hummer EV Truck battery is 2,000lbs. With Solid-State that can be cut to 500 lbs with the same range.

Korea not wanting to let China lead here is investing heavily to be the first with Mass market production of solid-state batteries. This will be the next generation of EVs for some and first for others. It will be interesting to see how fast OEMs change over.

[Robert Hall]

A fun random photo from 8 years ago that popped up in my FB feed today--from my back driveway in Phoenix....Raine had hopped up on the dead Merc to look over the fence...

 

[ccap41]

31 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Tesla started that already, but not at the percentages you mentioned.  I'm not good at keeping track of Tesla battery model numbers, but one of the more recent versions allowed Tesla to cut a significant chunk of weight from the Model 3's battery.  Tesla could have stuffed more battery in the Model 3, but they decided to keep the range but lighten the battery instead.  Good move in my opinion.

That said, your overall point is correct and there is still further to go.

Oh I know they're all working on increased density with decreased weight. I just don't care about insane charging speeds, because the current speeds are more than adequate for me. This is also because my goal would be to never have to publicly charge. If I can get 80% of a Hummer battery charged overnight at my home, that's enough to say I'd be able to leave home every single day with a full charge (or as full as I have it scheduled to charge) in anything else. 

11 minutes ago, David said:

As with this story, South Korea to Invest $15 Billion in New EV Battery Technology - Bloomberg

Solid-State is where we are going and with a 4X common density improvement, that would mean that you could reduce battery size to a quarter current sizes and still have the same battery range.

Example is the GMC Hummer EV Truck battery is 2,000lbs. With Solid-State that can be cut to 500 lbs with the same range.

Korea not wanting to let China lead here is investing heavily to be the first with Mass market production of solid-state batteries. This will be the next generation of EVs for some and first for others. It will be interesting to see how fast OEMs change over.

I know solid state is one of the long-term goals and those numbers are EXACTLY what we need. Cut that battery in a third AND add more range?!? Perfect! 

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, oldshurst442 said:

 

Ill agree with your post.  And having 4000-5000 lbs sedans and 7000-9000 lbs SUVs is more detrimental than we actually realize.

From accidents involving compact ICE CUVs  (approx 3500 lbs or less) and EV CUVs (aprox 5000lbs or more) ...   To huge heavy EVs that collide with one another.   The destruction is not nearly enough talked about.  

Our roads going forward.  All that weight in an all EV world will certainly have an impact on road maintenance.  Also...think about all the bridges that exist in the world and how fast their life spans will be cut short due to the fact that EVs are AT LEAST 50% heavier than the ICE counterparts that they will replace and that bridges were designed to accomodate the less heavier ICE cars.    Parking lots are to be included in this discussion.    If proper maintenenance and more frequent maintenance is not done (and calculate how much THAT will cost the tax payer or the owner of the parking lots), now imagine parking lots and bridges collapsing and the devastation that comes with that... 

Charging times is one thing.

But battery tech needs to improve in density to allow for less heavy batteries that equate to similar ranges as their ICE-V counterparts.   Putting more battery and increasing weight is NOT an answer.   Telling people to be content with less battery with less range is not an answer either to keep weight down.

Battery density will improve eventually.  But THAT is what we need to focus on.

Battery density to allow for better weight vehicles.  

EXACTLY! It's all fine and dandy that we all just drive heavy sht. It's the repercussions of said heavy sht that's the problem. I could care less my family hauler weighs 7000lbs. It's that 7000lbs is less efficient and does more damage to roads AND damage in accidents.  

They're getting there. I know they are. I just don't care about charging speeds beyond what we already have, at this point. If the fastest charging vehicle was a Bolt with 50Kw, that's too slow. But we're up and over 300Kw and that's sufficient, IMO. There are other things that should be addressed and weight and capacity is the top of the list, to me. 

[Drew Dowdell]

12 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I just don't care about insane charging speeds, because the current speeds are more than adequate for me. This is also because my goal would be to never have to publicly charge. If I can get 80% of a Hummer battery charged overnight at my home, that's enough to say I'd be able to leave home every single day with a full charge (or as full as I have it scheduled to charge) in anything else. 

Well, yeah. But one of the talking points of the F.U.D. anti-EV crowd is that they take too long to charge and some people live in apartment buildings.  The charging speed aspect attacks that talking point.

If you don't need those speeds, that's fine, and it's probably better for your vehicle anyway. Those speeds are meant for people who are on long road trips or who don't have access to charging at home.

[oldshurst442]

35 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

A fun random photo from 8 years ago that popped up in my FB feed today--from my back driveway in Phoenix....Raine had hopped up on the dead Merc to look over the fence...

 

 

I loved the pic NOT because of your cute doggy, RIP.

But because of these 3 lovely words:

36 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

the dead Merc

 

PS: Love the doggy pic too though... 

[G. David Felt]

This is cool. States running out of money due to folks going EV faster then was expected.

Surging EV demand causing states to pause incentives (electrek.co)

BYD is coming out with their first Electric full size Pickup and to say it is a rip off of Ford is an understatement.

BYD electric pickup spotted during final stages of development (electrek.co)

Great news for everyone from home to commercial as Siemens opens a full production site in Texas.

Siemens just opened an EV charger factory in Texas | Electrek

This is their second site as they ramp up to be able to produce 1 million chargers of all levels to help blanket North America and export.

Rivian reveals big towing update coming along with new features (electrek.co)

Rivian is adding dash cam and expanded towing capabilities.

[Robert Hall]

17 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

 

I loved the pic NOT because of your cute doggy, RIP.

 

 

 

PS: Love the doggy pic too though... 

Raine is alive and well, 10 years old now.  The '84 500SEL had 220k miles, was dead due to various old car problems...leaking fuel lines, brake lines, etc..  one of the paperweights in the driveway in AZ... 

[oldshurst442]

2 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Raine is alive and well, 10 years old now.  The '84 500SEL had 220k miles, was dead due to various old car problems...leaking fuel lines, brake lines, etc..  one of the paperweights in the driveway in AZ... 

my bad about Raine.  I know you have had 2 of your precious little doggys pass on, I just didnt realize the names.  Glad to hear about Raine still being with you alive and well. 

Just kidding about the car.  Although I can feel the frustration you had with the Merc through your post I feel kinda good about the joke I did on it BECAUSE you seem to be frustrated by it.   Id feel bad though, somewhat,    if you had told me it had great memories for you so Im glad I didnt put my foot in my mouth.  

[Robert Hall]

There was another dead Merc the carport...a '91 300CE.   I drove them both quite a bit when I lived in AZ...my sister's money pits.    She sold them both in Jan 2017 before we moved to Ohio. 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting that all the companies on this list are currently struggling with declining revenue.

The Companies Mandating Employees Return to the Office (businessinsider.com)

[oldshurst442]

5 hours ago, David said:

Interesting that all the companies on this list are currently struggling with declining revenue.

The Companies Mandating Employees Return to the Office (businessinsider.com)

What is more interesting is that most of these companies are internet and/or computer tech related to which it would seem that old ways of doing business in an office would be obsolete for them...

Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Salesforce, Snap, Twitter, Uber

 Phoque Amazon.

Phoque Salesforce

Phoque Snap

and EPSECIALLY  Phoque Meta Twitter and Uber!!! 

I dont particularly care for Google either, I think they are corrupt with user's personal info and stuff, but at least Google is a search engine that actually searches and gives info.  We should be afraid of Google because of the sheer amount of information it carries so phoque them too!!! 

Apple...I got no mean words for them...other than Ill blame them for the state of addiction all of the world is for smart phone usage...   

[G. David Felt]

11 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

What is more interesting is that most of these companies are internet and/or computer tech related to which it would seem that old ways of doing business in an office would be obsolete for them...

Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Salesforce, Snap, Twitter, Uber

 Phoque Amazon.

Phoque Salesforce

Phoque Snap

and EPSECIALLY  Phoque Meta Twitter and Uber!!! 

I dont particularly care for Google either, I think they are corrupt with user's personal info and stuff, but at least Google is a search engine that actually searches and gives info.  We should be afraid of Google because of the sheer amount of information it carries so phoque them too!!! 

Apple...I got no mean words for them...other than Ill blame them for the state of addiction all of the world is for smart phone usage...   

I say Phoque Apple to use your term. I have had nothing but hell with them and refuse to give them any of my money. They do not follow the laws or rules that they agree too and I have had it with Apple and their Communist Dictator approach to the industry and access to their products and services.

They say they are part of the Movies Anywhere group and yet they do not allow their digital copies to go into that eco system forcing you to have to use their Apple TV/Movie system. I am tired of the Apple Crap attitude of use our stuff or screw you. 

Apple can rot in hell.

@oldshurst442 @trinacriabob @ccap41 Seems Toyota is going to throw in the towel on cars and focus on trucks and SUVs.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/other/only-38-of-this-toyota-car-model-have-sold-in-2023-so-far/ar-AA1ahWPI?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=b008facac0af4076993d571f7b19d6dd&ei=36

Toyota has pulled the Avalon and will stop producing it as well as other cars as they move to focus on Trucks/SUVs this year. Be interesting to see, but I suspect the Camry will continue on as their lone car.

[ccap41]

I've never had an issue with my iPhones. That's all the Apple products I own and you'd have to pay my to change operating systems now. All of my iPhones have lasted between 4-5 years before I upgraded. 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting take on using the base Camaro to build a modern-day Buick GNX.

https://www.hotcars.com/modern-buick-gnx-steal-ford-mustang-thunder/

[trinacriabob]

@David  That's sad to hear.  Sedan choices are dwindling further.  The post says they will probably keep the Camry.  I don't know why the Corolla doesn't stay on as well.  Do they not sell enough of them?

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

@David  That's sad to hear.  Sedan choices are dwindling further.  The post says they will probably keep the Camry.  I don't know why the Corolla doesn't stay on as well.  Do they not sell enough of them?

Take a look for your self, while Toyota sales over all are not doing well, cars are in the dumpster. I totally see why they are looking at the Crown and Camry as the only cars to keep and dumping everything else.

Here are Toyota's Electric sales

Toyota Motor North America Reports March, First Quarter 2023 U.S. Sales - Toyota USA Newsroom

[oldshurst442]

Survivor or HNIC?

I missed 1 potentially exciting game and 1 interesting period in another game over my wife's and daughter's insistance that I watch freakin' Survivor with them.  

Never say never...but Im NEVER missing NHL playoff hockey again.  (unless the 2 most important women in my life dont give me a freakin' choice)

[trinacriabob]

More or less, Camcord sells at the rate of about 300,000 to 400,000 units a year.

[G. David Felt]

Interesting review, what do others think?

 

[G. David Felt]

GM and Samsung SDI have signed a contract to build and operate a 30 GwH battery cell plant in the US. This will be online by 2026 giving GM the leading battery cell in both pouch and cylindrical cell design.

General Motors and Samsung SDI Plan to Invest More than $3 Billion to Expand U.S. Battery Cell Manufacturing (gm.com)

Quote:

The plant will have more than 30 GWh of capacity and will bring GM’s total U.S. battery cell capacity to about 160 GWh when it is at full production.

The companies plan to jointly operate the facility, and it is projected to have production lines to build nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical cells.

[G. David Felt]

Cool review/ watch

 

 

[trinacriabob]

I don't remember when I saw this, so it's not suited for a spotting thread. 

It was slightly west of Palm Springs, heading toward Los Angeles.

They look like dominoes.

[G. David Felt]

53 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

I don't remember when I saw this, so it's not suited for a spotting thread. 

It was slightly west of Palm Springs, heading toward Los Angeles.

They look like dominoes.

They say Electrical is the new Oil Barons.

[trinacriabob]

On the front page, I noticed that it's @caddycruiser 's birthday.

Happy birthday!

[trinacriabob]

This can't be.  Jerry Springer has died.  This was in Chicago and he was 79.

The classic episode was about 2 women fighting over the same two-timing dude.

Jerry Springer sort of helps us understand the pack mentality among audiences that would have fueled the barbaric events that happened in the Colosseum.

[G. David Felt]

@caddycruiser 

GM has joined the larger group of Software auto group.

GM Ramps Up Effort to Bring Customers Seamless Software Experiences Through Unified Automotive Standards

General Motors announced today that it is joining the Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations. It has also contributed “uProtocol” as a starting point for greater standardization, enabling increased software productivity across the automotive industry that can lead to easy-to-use, software-enabled customer experiences. This protocol aims to speed up software development by streamlining the creation of software that is distributed across multiple devices within vehicles as well as across the cloud and mobile.

[G. David Felt]

Happy National Prime Rib Day!

[oldshurst442]

6 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

This can't be.  Jerry Springer has died.  This was in Chicago and he was 79.

The classic episode was about 2 women fighting over the same two-timing dude.

Jerry Springer sort of helps us understand the pack mentality among audiences that would have fueled the barbaric events that happened in the Colosseum.

Somehow...I think Id prefer the barbaric events at the Colosseum than anything Springer, Ricki Lake and Geraldo ever did.  Lets not forget early Oprah too.    Sheer disgust I have for that kind of television.  

Seems crazy right? That Id prefer seeing Christians eaten alive by lions, Gladiators brawling to death...   

Springer and his ilk...a precursor to the shytty, seedy world of the world wide web we have today.  

I did have several chuckles though, at the cameo appearance he did parodying himself and his show on Austin Powers.

 

In summary. I prefer murder and genocide over greed.  Weird how I phrase it but in my mind...it all makes sense!  

Edited April 27, 2023 by oldshurst442

[trinacriabob]

2 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Somehow...I think Id prefer the barbaric events at the Colosseum than anything Springer, Ricki Lake and Geraldo ever did.  Lets not forget early Oprah too.    Sheer disgust I have for that kind of television.  

Springer and his ilk...a precursor to the shytty, seedy world of the world wide web we have today.  

Talk TV just got worse and worse.  Then, reality TV shows came along.  I wouldn't watch them.

Phil Donahue was better at talk TV then the others.  Hey, he went to Notre Dame, like Regis Philbin did.  But Donahue was punchier and had more insightful things to say on the fly because he's an intelligent man.

Chicagoans were pissed when Donahue turned his back on the city that made him and went to New York.  That opened the door for Oprah, who is Chicago based.  And, obviously, the ladies on their sofas in the afternoon slam dunking Oreos down the hatch are going to like Oprah more than Phil because they can empathize with her.

I'm not a fan of hers.  She took the genre of TV down a notch from the Donahue years.  A classic episode for her would have been "500 pound women and the 150 pound men who love them ... on the next Oprah."

But, hey, when Donahue went to New York, the ladies taking the microphone from him in the audience to speak their minds were not from the Chicago area, but now from Long Island and New Jersey, so far more emotive and entertaining to listen to.

Edited April 28, 2023 by trinacriabob

[ccap41]

I don't want to completely hijack @Robert Hall's thread so I'll post my recent painting pictures here.

We bought our place with some really crappy light blue paint on some walls and we're finally painting over it. I tried stripping it off, because we like red brick and it's blasphemous to paint over...but that didn't go all that well.

We don't want to completely cover the walls with black here so I'm just painting the bit of blue that's showing. 

I have most of this covered but haven't taken a recent picture. I still have a lot to do though. Brick is a pain in @ss to cover. There are SOOOOOO many nooks and cranny's. 

Maybe, if I remember when I get home, I'll take some updated pictures. 

[G. David Felt]

Seems Honda and Kia are upping their sales forecast for EVs.

Honda And Kia Up EV Production Goals As Segment Growth Booms (insideevs.com)

[G. David Felt]

Interesting, it seems Brazill GM is helping in development of all Ultium EVs so that they are global in nature and can contribute to what other needs might not be so obvious to US market only.

GM Brazil Is Collaborating In Ultium EV Development (gmauthority.com)

I honestly can see this bringing in a subcompact EV that is possible to be at $20K to $25K as a starting price.