npts2020

That is one of the silliest and least imaginative things I have ever seen you write on this forum. How do they have high speed rail or subways without pedestrians, even after they leave the trains? Do they have to take trains everywhere where such things are available? Same with the other things you mention and bad weather, most of which would be eliminated if the system is enclosed (or at least mostly so). The bold part I completely agree with, however.

Pretty funny I didn't catch that because I do editing and frequently have to get the same sort of changes made in manuscripts. I probably should have said, "one of the few pontificators of economics".

Doesn't that depend on the sport? In equestrian events and auto racing men and women compete against each other and I would say Simone Biles is as good as any gymnast in the world.

Well, about 15 years ago I estimated the cost of rebuilding most of the roads in the US to accommodate an automated system at around $3-4 trillion. A vast sum, to be sure, but a good deal less than we collectively paid for the then current system (which we still have). By coincidence, the amount of paved roads in the US is almost exactly the same as the area of solar panels required to power the entire country. All of this is an entirely different discussion from the OP, tho. In a system where ALL of the vehicles are automated and you don't have other random obstructions, AI could easily deal with varying speeds for local or long distance commuting and safely put vehicles in their proper lanes.

Or at least a "Cliff Notes" of both. I find Marx to be very repetitive but one of the few economic writers who actually make sense.

At present, they are not but it isn't impossible to make transit systems self contained.

Exactly. That is why a self contained system will be required, otherwise you are trying to automate a system that is centuries old...

I guess you are right, computer controlled vehicles can't operate as safely as humans. You need to let the space shuttle people know so they can put human pilots in charge next time to be safer.

These deaths are NOT in an automated system! They are result of trying to mix predictable automation with unpredictable human action. This is why you build "fail-safe" shutdowns into the system.

Language can be as precise or ambiguous as you choose. Science generally has pretty universally well defined definitions for terms used and where there isn't agreement the narrator should define the terms in context of their narrative. One reason scientists (especially in the same field) seem to understand each other very well. Politicians, on the other hand, like ambiguity...

It could be used to automate the entire transit system to cut the ~40,000 annual fatalities to nearly zero and allow everyone to use the system.

Do you think there is any level of greenhouse gases that could cause global warming? If so, at what point would that be?

Mostly C-Span but when I need to know what I am supposed be upset about on a given day; PBS, local tv or once in a while fox, AP, Reuters, Deutsche Welles, BBC or RTV.

Near as I can tell, you haven't been stopped from saying anything (or even going on saying nothing other than how you aren't allowed to say anything). In this forum, however, you are expected to make a topic, discuss it, and back up whatever you DO say with things like maths and/or experimental evidence.

Read below. Vaclav Havel was a very smart man.

Well the US (and frequently the rest of "The West") often supports unsavory and/or corrupt governments. Here are a few examples... https://www.salon.com/2014/03/08/35_countries_the_u_s_has_backed_international_crime_partner/

Sometimes that works for me but more often I will recall something later, I couldn't dredge up at the time, doing or thinking about something else completely unrelated. (I often tell people "I have a photographic memory, it's the photographic recall I have troubles with. )

Not to mention that many animal populations, some (swans for example) much smaller than Bigfoot, are estimated using satellite imagery. AFAIK, no satellite has ever returned an image of Bigfoot...

Oaks are great for mushroom aficionados https://mushroomgrab.com/mushrooms-that-grow-under-oak-trees/

Weather, especially moisture and temperature changes; "Much of the weather-related deterioration of solar panels is due to rapid swings between hot and cold, freezes during periods of high humidity, hot and humid weather and UV radiation. Rapid changes in weather can cause materials to expand and contract, weakening connections like the soldering inside the panels. During freezing temperatures with high humidity, expanding ice can create separation between materials. UV radiation can cause discoloration of surfaces, which can limit the amount of light that reaches the solar cells. Discoloration was one of the most common problems in one study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (though that information [PDF] is over 10 years old at this point)." from; https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/yes-solar-panels-deteriorate-over-time-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ Weather deteriorates solar panels more than any other factor and is usually calculated at .5% efficiency loss/year so that after 20 years panels will still produce at 90% of whatever peak performance was to start. This is "worst case" outlook so actual efficiency loss may be as little as .1% or less annually. Germany seems to have some still producing electricity, even after 40+ years of operation.

and HAL-9000 should have taken over the space program by now.

I suppose coherency is in the eye of the beholder but Roger is pretty consistent in condemning violence (especially wars), promoting civil rights and trying to alleviate poverty among other things