Ok this is amazing. I can’t decide whether it’s funnier when the result header is something super official or when it’s just “sdf fdsfdsfg” with official content inside.
I think this is one of those things that looks like a huge problem but is in fact quickly going to turn into a major strength. The obvious solution to this problem is to have the cars communicate with each other and vote on which one should go first, with some unified tie-breaking strategy. No arguments, just a quick fact-based decision. And you can make it more robust down the line by adding the capability to share context info and make a collective decision.
I'd say it is alleviated quite a bit actually because it solves a corollary issue. To me personally, the majority of the issue is in the magic box that promises me instant dopamine any time I pick it up and turn on its screen. I don't mind getting a message and choosing to respond. I do mind, however, being tempted to open any of the attention seeking apps or websites after I'm done with my message or call. The watch has virtually none of that temptation. YMMV depending on whether the notifications or the decision fatigue are more of an issue for you
That's my main gripe as far as the Apple watch is concerned. I'm fortunate enough to have a corporate cell plan so I don't pay anything for it, but I'm not looking forward to having to be on an expensive plan + $5/month if I ever change jobs.
Earlier this year I decided to get a cellular Apple watch because, while I want to stay in touch with my partner while walking our dog or running short errands, I don't like having my pockets stuffed. I felt a similar sense of relief and freedom as the article author - it really feels great to not be tethered to the attention economy, but still be in touch with your loved ones using just a tiny device on your wrist. Nowadays I opt for leaving my phone at home as much as I can, and I very rarely face any sort of inconvenience because of it. I think with smartwatches getting more capable now, and reaching dumbphone + navigation + weather info functionality, this is becoming a really solid alternative to carrying a phone with you all the time.
I think the difference here is that you can get those ratings with a PPL with no extra medical requirements. IIRC some countries actually require you to get a higher class medical if you want to get an IFR endorsement for your PPL. I think what we're seeing with BasicMed is a step in the right direction to further relax the medical rules for the vast majority of PPL operations (i.e. not flying a cirrus jet at FL300, or a caravan with 10 friends). My main point though was that it is absolutely not the case that FAA bans you from flying if you have a condition they don't like or take meds they don't like. If you don't need a medical certificate (glider with or without a DL, LSA with a DL and no denial on the most recent medical application, among others) and can in good faith attest that your specific medical circumstances (the impact of which you are presumably deeply familiar with) are not a hazard, then you are allowed to hold a license and exercise its privileges. Disclaimer: This interpretation is based on reliable sources but I'm not a lawyer. Don't take my word for it, read the FARs and relevant legal publications or ask a lawyer if you think any of this applies to you.
When and where did you get your information? Because this is completely wrong. LSA's and gliders rely on self-certification for the very medical reasons you mentioned. In smaller aircraft where you don't carry passengers and don't fly in demanding circumstances (high speeds, altitudes, IFR, etc), the margin of safety for the general public is much wider. The FAA puts more trust in your own assessment of your medical condition's impact on your safety, since the main person affected by your ADM in such an aircraft is yourself. editing to add that this isn't speculation, I fly gliders.
His argument hinges on the fact that getting vaccinated against a highly contagious disease that has collapsed several healthcare systems is a personal medical decision. I don’t think it can be until we have enough resources to handle COVID waves and still have capacity left over to treat other, less preventable diseases that bring suffering and death.