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Comment Re: No (Score 1) 160

A random one from me (since one thing I commonly use them for is search, e.g. "Find the lowest price on a belimo lr230a rotary actuator" or whatnot). Not knowing what type of cancer you have, I asked a model to come up with a random type of terminal cancer and a random place in the US. It gave: Stage IV Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis, and Boise, Idaho. So:

Prompt: "I have metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis. I live in Boise, Idaho. Conduct a search for clinical trials, whether for the cancer treatment or for pain management to help better deal with it. I am willing to travel."

Treatment-Focused Clinical Trials

The landscape of cholangiocarcinoma treatment is evolving, with many clinical trials focused on targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and novel chemotherapy combinations.

Targeted Therapies: A significant area of research involves therapies that target specific genetic mutations found in some cholangiocarcinomas.[1][2] Molecular profiling of your tumor is often required to determine if you are a candidate for these trials.[1] Key targets include:

FGFR2 Fusions or Rearrangements: Several trials are evaluating drugs that target the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2).[2][3][4] Drugs like pemigatinib, infigratinib, and futibatinib have shown promise and are being studied in various trial phases.[2]

IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations: Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 genes are another focus of targeted therapy research.[2]

BRAF V600E Mutations: Trials are investigating the effectiveness of BRAF inhibitors, sometimes in combination with other drugs.[2]

HER2 Amplification: Some studies are exploring therapies for cholangiocarcinomas that overexpress the HER2 protein.[5]

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, is another active area of investigation.[6] Trials are exploring the use of checkpoint inhibitors, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy or other targeted agents.[7][8]

Chemotherapy: Researchers are continuously working to improve chemotherapy regimens.[6] Clinical trials may involve new chemotherapy drugs, novel combinations of existing drugs, or different methods of delivery.[6] One specific trial for patients with peritoneal metastases from biliary tract cancer is investigating the use of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized nab-paclitaxel in combination with standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin).[9]

Actively Recruiting Trials: For the most current information on actively recruiting clinical trials, you and your doctor can search the official registry at ClinicalTrials.gov. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation also provides a curated list of trials on its website.[10] Some ongoing trials for advanced cholangiocarcinoma include studies on:

Durvalumab and tremelimumab with chemotherapy.[7]
Pembrolizumab and olaparib.[7]
Various FGFR inhibitors.[7][11]
Combination therapies for specific genetic mutations.[7][12]

Pain Management Clinical Trials

Peritoneal carcinomatosis can often lead to significant pain. While many of the treatment-focused trials aim to alleviate pain by controlling the cancer, some studies specifically address pain management.

One notable approach being investigated is the use of virtual reality (VR) for gastrointestinal cancer pain. A trial at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is exploring how VR can help improve patient-reported outcomes for severe abdominal pain.[8]

Leading Cancer Centers

Your willingness to travel opens up the possibility of seeking treatment at nationally recognized cancer centers with expertise in cholangiocarcinoma and peritoneal carcinomatosis. These centers often have a wide range of clinical trials available.[10] Some of the top institutions include:

Mayo Clinic: With locations in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, the Mayo Clinic is a major referral center for cholangiocarcinoma and has pioneered liver transplantation for this disease.[12][13]

Moffitt Cancer Center: Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt has a robust clinical trials program for cholangiocarcinoma, focusing on new therapies like anti-angiogenesis, EGFR inhibitors, and immunotherapy.[6][14]

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University: Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Winship is a top-performing research institute for cholangiocarcinoma with a high volume of clinical trials.[15]

City of Hope: With locations in California, Arizona, Georgia, and Illinois, City of Hope has a specialized program for bile duct cancer and an extensive clinical trials program.[16]

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK): Located in New York City, MSK has a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in treating bile duct cancer.[17]

University of California Health System: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have active clinical trial programs for cholangiocarcinoma.[3][4]

To find and inquire about specific trials, you can use the clinical trial identifiers (NCT numbers) found in the search results and on ClinicalTrials.gov to get more detailed information, including locations and contact information.[7][11] It is recommended to work closely with your healthcare provider to navigate these options and find the best fit for your circumstances.

--

I can't be bothered to transcribe all those links, since that's presumably not your cancer, but here's a random one, here's another random one (search for "Identifier"), here's another random one, etc.

(BTW, when I tasked it to sum up example prompts of things that might be of benefit to you using a couple pages of copy-pasted Slashdot history, I had no idea about your situation. Sorry to hear that, man, that sucks :( )

Comment Re: No (Score 1) 160

Prompt: "I am concerned about my wife's parenting style and fear she will not raise our son to be a resilient and responsible adult. What are some constructive ways I can communicate my concerns to her without causing conflict? Provide strategies for how we can create a unified parenting plan for the time I have left, and suggest resources that could help her develop her parenting skills."

Communicating Concerns Without Sparking Conflict

Effectively communicating your concerns is the first step toward a resolution. The goal is to foster a dialogue, not a confrontation.

Strategies for Constructive Communication:

Choose the Right Time and Place: Initiate conversations when you are both calm and have ample time to talk without interruptions.[1][2] Avoid bringing up sensitive topics when your child is present or during stressful moments.[2]

Use "I" Statements: Frame your concerns from your perspective to avoid sounding accusatory.[3][4] For example, instead of saying, "You're not strict enough," you could try, "I feel concerned that our son may not be learning responsibility, and I would like to discuss how we can work on this together."[2]

Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to your wife's perspective without immediately formulating a rebuttal.[1] Acknowledge her feelings and try to understand her point of view.[5] You could say something like, "It sounds like you feel that being nurturing is the most important thing right now."

Be Curious, Not Critical: Approach the conversation with a genuine desire to understand her reasoning.[6] Her parenting style may have merits you haven't considered.[6]

Focus on Shared Goals: Frame the conversation around your shared desire for your son's well-being.[7] You could start by saying, "I know we both want what's best for our son, and I'd love to talk about how we can be a team in raising him to be a wonderful adult."

Avoid Blame and Accusations: Placing blame will likely lead to defensiveness and shut down the conversation.[7] The focus should be on finding solutions together.

Creating a Unified Parenting Plan

A unified parenting plan can provide consistency for your son and reduce conflict between you and your wife.

Steps to Create a Unified Plan:

Establish a United Front: It's important for children to see their parents as a cohesive team.[8] Even if you disagree on an approach, try to support each other's decisions in the moment and discuss any differences privately later.[8]

Define Your Family Rules: Collaboratively create a set of household rules that you both agree on. This includes rules for your son's behavior and the consequences for breaking them.[8]

Develop a Detailed Agreement: A parenting plan should be detailed to minimize future misunderstandings.[9] It can include:
Schedules: Outline routines for daily activities, holidays, and vacations.[10]

Decision-Making: Specify how you will make major decisions regarding your son's education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.[11]
Discipline: Agree on consistent methods of discipline that you can both adhere to.[5]

Be Flexible and Willing to Compromise: A parenting plan is a living document that may need to be adjusted as your son grows and circumstances change.[12]
Consider Professional Help: If you struggle to create a plan on your own, a family therapist or mediator can provide guidance and help facilitate productive conversations.[11][13]

Resources for Developing Parenting Skills

There are many resources available to help your wife, and you, develop parenting skills and build confidence.

Online Resources:

Infoaboutkids.org: A website from the American Psychological Association (APA) that provides science-based information on child and adolescent development.[14]

Child Mind Institute: Offers expert articles and guides on various parenting topics and child development.[15]

PBS KIDS for Parents: Provides tips, activities, and resources to help raise kind, curious, and resilient children.[16]

Raising Children Network: An Australian website with a wealth of information on all aspects of parenting.[2]

Parenting Programs and Courses:

ACT Raising Safe Kids Program: An APA-developed program that teaches positive parenting skills.[14]

Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing: A free online course from the Yale Parenting Center that provides videos on parenting techniques.[14]

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: Offers evidence-based courses and support for parents.[17]

Support Groups and Counseling:

Parent Support Groups: Connecting with other parents can provide a sense of community and a space to share experiences.[18]

Couples Counseling: A therapist can help you and your wife navigate your parenting differences and improve your communication.[8]

By approaching this situation with empathy, open communication, and a willingness to work together, you can create a positive and unified parenting approach that will benefit your entire family.

Sources:
hutsonlaw.org
raisingchildren.net.au
recoupling-app.com
attorneystevelopez.com
click2pro.com
youtube.com
happinessishereblog.com
goodtherapy.org
familylawma.com
traviswalkerlaw.com
merelfamilylaw.com
denverdivorceattorneys.com
themarkslawfirm.com
apa.org
childmind.org
pbs.org
safeaustin.org
kutestkids.com

Comment Re: No (Score 1) 160

Prompt: "I am about to transition to Social Security Disability (SSDI) and a private long-term disability policy. My income will be reduced by 20%. My wife is 48 and still working. Please analyze my situation and provide a detailed breakdown of how to maximize my disability benefits and what my wife's options will be for survivor benefits. What are the tax implications of this change in income for our household?"

Maximizing Your Disability Income: A Step-by-Step Approach

It is crucial to understand that your private LTD policy and SSDI benefits will likely be coordinated. Most LTD policies include an "offset" provision, meaning they will reduce your LTD payments by the amount you receive from SSDI.[1][2] However, you will not lose income; the total amount will simply come from two different sources.[3] Here's how to navigate this process to your advantage:

Review Your Long-Term Disability Policy Immediately: Obtain a copy of your full LTD policy documents. Look for the section on "offsets," "coordination of benefits," or "other income." This will detail how your SSDI benefits will affect your LTD payments. Understanding these terms is the first step in managing your income stream.[3]

Apply for SSDI as Soon as Possible: Many LTD policies mandate that you apply for SSDI.[1][2] Even if it's not required, it's generally in your best interest to do so. Your LTD provider may even offer assistance with the application process, as your approval for SSDI is to their financial benefit.[1]

Understand the "Offset" Calculation: Your LTD benefit will likely be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by your SSDI payment. For example, if your LTD benefit is $3,000 per month and you are approved for $1,500 per month from SSDI, your LTD payment will likely be reduced to $1,500. Your total monthly income from these sources will remain $3,000.[1] Some policies may have different offset rules, so it is vital to check your specific policy.[4]

Consider Dependent Benefits: If you have children under the age of 18 (or up to 19 if they are a full-time student in elementary or secondary school), they may be eligible to receive a monthly benefit of up to 50% of your disability rate.[5] This can significantly increase your household's total income.

Account for Retroactive Payments: If you receive a lump-sum retroactive payment from SSDI for a period when you were also receiving LTD benefits, you will likely need to repay your LTD provider for the overpayment.[3] It is essential to be prepared for this to avoid any suspension of your LTD benefits.

Your Wife's Survivor Benefits: Planning for the Future

Should you pass away while receiving SSDI, your wife, who is currently 48 and working, will have options for survivor benefits. Here's a breakdown of her potential eligibility and strategies:

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits: A surviving spouse can typically begin receiving survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if she is disabled).[6] The amount she receives is based on your earnings record and her age when she claims the benefits.[6][7]

Benefit Amount: If she waits until her full retirement age for survivors, she will generally receive 100% of your basic SSDI benefit amount.[8] If she claims benefits between age 60 and her full retirement age, she will receive a reduced amount, ranging from 71.5% to 99% of your benefit.[6][8]

Coordinating with Her Own Retirement Benefits: A key strategy for your wife will be to coordinate her survivor benefits with her own Social Security retirement benefits.[9] She cannot receive both her own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit at the same time; she will receive the higher of the two.[10]

Strategic Claiming: A potential strategy for your wife is to claim her survivor benefit first, which she can do as early as age 60. This would allow her own retirement benefit to continue to grow. Then, at a later date (up to age 70), she could switch to her own retirement benefit if it is higher. This can help maximize her lifetime Social Security income.[6]

Impact of Her Work: Your wife's continued work and earnings will not affect her eligibility for survivor benefits, as SSDI is not a needs-based program.[11][12] However, if she is receiving survivor benefits and is under her full retirement age, her earnings could temporarily reduce her benefit amount if they exceed certain annual limits. Once she reaches full retirement age, these earnings limits no longer apply.[13]

Tax Implications for Your Household

The transition to disability income will have significant tax consequences for your household. Here's what you need to know:

Taxability of Private Long-Term Disability: The taxability of your LTD benefits depends on who paid the premiums. If your employer paid the premiums with pre-tax dollars, the benefits are generally fully taxable.[6][10] If you paid the premiums with after-tax dollars, the benefits are typically tax-free.[6][10] If there was a shared cost, a portion of the benefits may be taxable.[6][10] You should receive a Form W-2 or Form 1099 from the insurance company if your benefits are taxable.[6]
Taxability of Social Security Disability (SSDI): A portion of your SSDI benefits may be taxable, depending on your "combined income." Your combined income is your adjusted gross income (AGI), plus non-taxable interest, plus half of your Social Security benefits.[7]

Joint Filing and Combined Income: Since you are married and filing jointly, your wife's income will be included in the calculation. If your combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your SSDI benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.[7]

Withholding Taxes: You can request to have federal income taxes withheld from your SSDI benefits by filing Form W-4V with the Social Security Administration. For private disability benefits, you can file Form W-4S with the insurance company.[7] This can help you avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year.

Professional Advice is Key

Given the complexity of your situation, it is highly recommended that you seek personalized advice from qualified professionals:
Financial Advisor: A financial advisor with experience in disability planning can help you create a new budget to account for the 20% income reduction, review your investment strategy, and help you and your wife plan for retirement with these new income sources.[14][15] They can also help you understand the long-term implications of your choices.

Tax Professional: A qualified tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is essential to help you navigate the tax implications of your new income streams. They can help you estimate your tax liability, determine if you should have taxes withheld, and ensure you are filing your tax returns correctly.[15]

Disability Attorney: If you encounter any issues with your SSDI or LTD claims, a disability attorney can provide invaluable assistance.[16]
By taking a proactive and informed approach, you and your wife can navigate this transition and secure your financial well-being for the future.

Sources:
financialsamurai.com
evansdisability.com
disabilityservicesofamerica.com
investopedia.com
fbrlaw.com
investopedia.com
sslg.com
ssa.gov
troweprice.com
aarp.org
bruceweider.com
jandils.com
disabilitysecrets.com
merceradvisors.com
illinoislifespan.org
numberanalytics.com

Comment Re: No (Score 1) 160

"I simply have no use for it."

Prompt: "Analyze the posts from registrations_suck for anything an AI might be useful for him for - e.g. What things does he need assistance with? What things does he wish he had more information on? What things is he clearly missing information on? What mistakes has he made? On and on. Just think about what's he's written, and come up with a fair number of prompts that could be given to a powerful AI with RAG and good analysis capabilities to help him out."

  [I paste in several pages of your comment history, then paste in each resulting prompt]. Model is Gemini Pro with search grounding enabled. Each response takes just seconds (I spend a lot more time copying them into Slashdot and formatting them than the model takes)

Handpicking a few random ones (not knowing what you *actually* need answers for):

Prompt: "I am a 54-year-old with terminal cancer and a net worth of approximately $1.7 million. I have a 9-year-old son and a wife who I believe lacks financial discipline. I need to set up a trust for my son to ensure he is taken care of and his inheritance is protected. Explain the different types of trusts available in Pennsylvania, including the benefits of a spendthrift trust, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to establish one. What are the key considerations when selecting a trustee who is not my wife?"

Understanding Your Options: Types of Trusts in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you have several types of trusts to consider, each with distinct features and benefits. Here are some of the most relevant options for your situation:

Testamentary Trust: This trust is created within your will and only comes into effect after your death. While it can provide for your son, it will have to go through the probate process, which can be time-consuming and public.

Living Trust (Inter Vivos Trust): This trust is established during your lifetime. A key advantage of a living trust is that it avoids probate, ensuring a more private and typically faster transfer of assets to your beneficiaries. Living trusts can be either revocable or irrevocable.

Revocable Living Trust: You maintain control over the assets and can modify or revoke the trust at any time during your life. This offers flexibility as your circumstances change.

Irrevocable Living Trust: Once created, this trust generally cannot be altered or revoked. This provides greater asset protection from creditors and can have significant tax advantages. Given your concerns about protecting the inheritance, an irrevocable trust is a strong option to consider.

Trust for Minors: Pennsylvania law provides for specific trusts to manage assets for a minor until they reach a designated age. This prevents a young person from receiving a large inheritance before they are mature enough to handle it. A common approach is to structure the trust to distribute funds at various ages, for instance, one-third at 25, one-third at 30, and the remainder at 35.

The Power of a Spendthrift Trust: Protecting Your Son's Inheritance

Given your concern about your wife's financial discipline and the desire to protect your son's inheritance from potential mismanagement or future creditors, a spendthrift trust is a particularly powerful tool.

A spendthrift trust is specifically designed to protect a beneficiary from their own imprudence and from the claims of their creditors. Here are the key benefits:

Protection from Creditors: Assets held within a properly structured spendthrift trust are generally shielded from the beneficiary's creditors, lawsuits, and bankruptcy proceedings.

Controlled Distributions: You, as the creator of the trust (the grantor), can dictate the terms of distribution. The trustee you appoint will manage the assets and distribute them to your son according to your specific instructions. This can be in the form of regular payments for living expenses and education, or discretionary payments for specific needs.

Preservation of Assets: By preventing your son from accessing a large lump sum, a spendthrift trust helps ensure that the inheritance will last and be used for his long-term benefit, rather than being quickly depleted.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your son's financial future is secure and managed by a responsible party can provide immense peace of mind during a difficult time.

Establishing a Trust in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a trust involves a series of important legal steps. While it's highly recommended to work with an experienced estate planning attorney, here is an overview of the process:

Choose the Right Type of Trust: Based on your goals, you and your attorney will determine the most suitable type of trust. An irrevocable spendthrift trust appears to be the most fitting choice for your circumstances.

Select a Trustee: This is a critical decision, especially since you are not selecting your wife. The trustee will be responsible for managing the trust assets and making distributions to your son according to your wishes.

Identify the Beneficiary: In this case, your 9-year-old son will be the primary beneficiary.

Draft the Trust Document: Your attorney will create a comprehensive legal document that outlines the terms of the trust. This will include the trustee's powers, the distribution schedule for your son, and any specific instructions you want to provide.

Fund the Trust: You will need to transfer your assets, such as bank accounts, real estate, and investments, into the name of the trust. A trust only controls the assets that are legally titled in its name.

Selecting a Trustee: Key Considerations for Protecting Your Son's Future

Choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions you will make in this process. Since you are not appointing your wife, you must select an individual or institution that is trustworthy, capable, and will act in your son's best interest. Here are the key considerations:

Individual Trustee vs. Corporate Trustee:

Individual Trustee (e.g., a trusted friend, family member, or professional advisor):

Pros: May have a personal understanding of your family dynamics and your son's needs. They may also charge lower fees than a corporate trustee.
Cons: May lack the financial or legal expertise to manage a significant trust. There is also the potential for conflicts of interest or emotional decision-making. The individual you choose must be organized, responsible, and have the time to dedicate to the role.

Corporate Trustee (e.g., a bank or trust company):

Pros: Offer professional asset management, legal and tax expertise, and impartiality. They are regulated and have systems in place for record-keeping and reporting. This can be a good option for a large and complex trust that will last for many years.
Cons: They charge fees for their services, which are typically a percentage of the assets under management. Some people may find them to be less personal than an individual trustee.

Essential Qualities in a Trustee:

Trustworthiness and Integrity: The trustee will have significant control over your son's financial well-being. Choose someone with a strong moral compass and a history of ethical behavior.

Financial Acumen: The trustee should have the experience or willingness to learn how to prudently manage investments according to Pennsylvania's "prudent investor" rule, which requires a trustee to invest and manage trust assets as a careful and sensible person would.[1]

Impartiality and Sound Judgment: A trustee must act impartially, balancing the present needs of your son with the need to preserve the trust funds for his future.[2] They should be capable of making difficult decisions, such as denying an unreasonable request from your son or navigating complex family dynamics without bias.[3] Try to appoint someone who is unlikely to have a conflict of interest with your son.[4]

Willingness and Availability: Being a trustee is a time-consuming and long-term commitment.[5] Before appointing someone, have an open conversation to ensure they are willing and able to take on the significant responsibilities for what could be decades.[4] Consider the age and health of a potential individual trustee; you want to choose someone likely to be able to manage the trust for its entire duration.[6]

Understanding of Fiduciary Duty: A trustee has a legal (fiduciary) duty to act solely in the best interest of the beneficiary.[7] This is the highest standard of care under the law.[7] In Pennsylvania, this includes duties of loyalty, prudent administration, and providing regular information and reports to the beneficiary.[8][9]

A Hybrid Approach: Co-Trustees

You do not have to choose between an individual and a corporate trustee. A common and effective strategy is to appoint co-trustees.[10] For instance, you could appoint a trusted family friend who knows your son and your values to act alongside a corporate trustee.[3] This "team" approach combines the personal touch and understanding of an individual with the professional management, investment expertise, and longevity of a financial institution.[3][10]

The Most Important Step: Seek Professional Legal Counsel

The information provided here is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Given the complexities of trust law and the significance of your situation, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced estate planning attorney in Pennsylvania. A qualified attorney can:

Provide personalized advice tailored to your specific family and financial situation.
Draft a legally sound trust document that clearly articulates your wishes and provides maximum protection for your son.[11]
Ensure the trust is properly funded to avoid the probate process.[12]
Explain the tax implications of your decisions.
Help you navigate the difficult conversations with your wife and potential trustees.

Taking these steps now will provide the ultimate peace of mind, knowing that you have done everything in your power to secure a stable and protected financial future for your son, long after you are gone.

Sources:
gibperk.com
heritageelderlaw.com
estateandprobatelegalgroup.com
frankkraft.com
lgarzalaw.com
mcandrewslaw.com
fsalaw.com
westlaw.com
clemonslaw.com
gibperk.com
slhslaw.com
paestateplanners.com

Comment Re:True genius is to replace gas pumps, slowly. (Score 1) 89

You are making assumptions about means, risk tolerance, concerns, circumstances, etc that will result in many of these people not acting like early adopters of EVs. The product market fit that works for early adopters does not work for the main market. EVs need multiple product market fits for different market segments. This is what makes introducing a new technology so difficult, and take so long.

Cell phones and Smart phones actually spread pretty dang quick.

And we have a number of EV "product market fits". We have everything from the Nissan Leaf to the Cybertruck, for example. Do we need even more models? Probably.

But I'd argue that a single "Tesla Diner" is more a market test than a serious effort to spread the concept. Also, that just replacing gas station pumps with EV chargers also doesn't acknowledge the very real differences between charging vs refueling.

You're probably going to want more dwell time for charging.
I tend to generate a generic priority list for charging:
1. Home
2. Work
3. Convenient spot they already spend some time at
4. Inconvenient spot that they can at least find something else to do.
5. Inconvenient spot that they can't find something else to do in.

Worst case, businesses can always put in a couple EV chargers and check use. With solar power, there's actually arguments for increased daytime charging, so put in enough for employees + some percentage of customers. Check to see how often customers are using them. If it goes over some usage level, install more.
One can also figure that the chargers will have a lifetime - build enough to satisfy demand during that lifetime, maybe, figuring on assessing expansion options when time to replace the overall system comes up.

Comment Re:True genius is to replace gas pumps, slowly. (Score 1) 89

Slightly over half the population live in SFD and can thus be assumed to be able to charge at home. Even then, charging options at both apartments and work centers is expanding.

That a "build it and they will come sort of wishfulness". Its guesswork.

I'd argue that it isn't any more guesswork than building a new McDonalds or Chick-fil-a. Wawa is a known successful model. Heck, the one closest to me also has a line of Tesla chargers.

Restaurants may not be the spur of the moment decision you are hoping for.

Doesn't need to be "spur of the moment". People get hungry, want food. Many older people also want out of the car for a while. Combining those two with the third - get the car charged back up, is effectively getting paid three times.
And yes, a few chargers at pretty much anyplace people park for a bit is a good idea.
Just consider the "expected stay duration"
Motels expect ~8 hours. So they're good with level-2 charging, but you're going to want enough to cover at least the percentage of the clients you expect to be in EVs.
Movie theaters ~2 hours. A low end level-3 DC charger is good here. Only issue is that you can expect them to show up in batches.
Sit down restaurants ~1 hour - basic superchargers.
Fast food - 30 minutes - modern superchargers
Convenience store - 5-15 minutes: The highest power superchargers.

Comment Re:How much power? (Score 1) 89

Question is, do they really have to be? We all know ISPs oversell their backhaul, for example. That gigabit connection won't be a gigabit if everybody in the area is trying to download at full speed at the same time.

Same deal with charging EVs, I think. Put more chargers in, preferably capable of full speed individually, but what are the odds that you'd get 80 cars in during the exact same 15 minutes? That every single one of them would be properly preconditioned for a full speed charge?

If you have a few cars that have been there for 10-15 minutes already, their charging rate slows down naturally, the station can coordinate with the cars and driver's plans to ensure that the power is divided up in a equitable fashion.

As for the solar panels over the parking - I know it's not going to make a huge dent in providing all the necessary energy for charging the cars, but putting a structure over the top to shield them from the sun and rain is still very nice, at which point they might as well be solar panels.

A station that has 80 charging spots but normally only sees 3 of them being used at a time might still be able to satisfy most of their demand via the solar panels.

I have to agree with thegarbz - I think it is highly unlikely for a supercharger station to experience perfectly steady demand. At this point Tesla should have plenty of multiple yearlong examples to figure out likely usage patterns.
I'd expect, given food establishment (but no breakfast?) to see peaks around lunch and dinner periods: 11 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm. A trickle of cars otherwise. Add good breakfast, add a peak at 6 am to 9 am. (8am would be when the retirees mostly show up).

Comment Re:True genius is to replace gas pumps, slowly. (Score 1) 89

All we really need to do is take existing gas stations and slowly convert gas pumps to charging stations, in proportion to the local market's transition to EVs. Today? Maybe convert one pump at stations with 12 pumps.

True Genius would take it a step or two past that. For example, it is a rare exception for somebody to be able to fuel an ICE at home, mostly restricted to a few farmers. But "most" EV owners can easily do so.

This means that the optimal recharging locations and optimal refueling stations are actually somewhat different. Especially if you go from ~5 minutes attended fueling to ~15 minutes unattended charging.

The latter gives businesses a much better opportunity to sell EV owners more stuff when they stop by for charging. It's why I figure that the "quick stop" gas stations with a microscopic building for smokes and drinks wouldn't be as popular as the expanded food options available at expanded gas stations like Wawa. Note: Not endorsing, just giving as an example.

Of course, I'm not going to give Elon/Tesla any "Genius" points for implementing something I was suggesting years ago. Back when a fullish charge was closer to an hour than 15 minutes, I felt that placing EV chargers next to restaurants made very good sense. Even today, while 15 minute charges are a bit fast for a sit down place, more suited for fast food or even a convenience store, the ability to either charge more fully or slowly to help conserve the battery might be good.

Comment Re:Or maybe (Score 1) 55

It binds more strongly than O2 or CO2, but not permanently. Just time removed from the source will clear it. Providing supplemental O2 will speed that up while supporting life functions if they got a larger dose.
Basically, CO will win most fights with O2 for hemoglobin, but when it is experiencing a few hundred per trip through the lungs...

Comment If Lemkin were not a “founder” (Score 5, Insightful) 148

that would 100% be a firing offence.

Honestly, setting an AI you don’t control lose on your production database? Really? That’s just gross incompetence. This is code that a) wasn’t written or reviewed by a human, and b) code that wasn’t even tested on a development copy of the database.

Developers that do things like that are a liability. Unfortunately as “founder” he’ll likely just post something on LinkedIn about learning from his mistakes and “personal growth”, and that will be the end of it. Anyone else would have been shown the door to accelerate their “personal growth”.

Yaz

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