(Part 2) Top products from r/technology

Yep, here's some info to spread for ignorant friends or family:

Net Neutrality is extremely important, but it's not yet established.  If you don't want to pay more for less service read on further, or jump down to WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Wiki definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_neutrality
Comic for picture learners: http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=8799039

Basically, ISPs (Comcast, TimeWarner, Cox, Verizon, etc.) will be able to control the type of content you have access to and charge services you love (Netflix, Pinterest, Steam, Facebook, your website) more in order to get "preferential" treatment - in other words, they will have to pay the ISPs to not be blocked or slowed down to a useless crawl when you use those sites when they don't want you to.  This will result in ALL OF US having to pay more (once simply to gain internet access, and again to then access sites we love quickly and clearly).  And as the quality and scope of technology continues to become more prevalent in our lives, we'll need more broadband usage in the future.

The FCC recently proposed a "fast lane" option - named after the lanes on the highway where, after you already payed to build and maintain the highways in taxes, if you have more money, you can avoid other traffic and go faster (http://gizmodo.com/to-be-honest-this-is-the-way-pricing-should-work-und-1523927357). DATA IS NOT A FINITE RESOURCE, unlike water or oil.  To compare the internet to a highway again, the telecom companies are trying to squeeze more(data) traffic onto (broadband cable) roads that they did not completely pay for to gain more profit.  And instead of building or improving current roads (broadband networks) that they got at a discount, they are just trying to squeeze the public for more money.  The internet is destined to become a nightmare metropolitan traffic jam where telecoms are the toll collectors with little to no restrictions on who they collect from and why.

How it started: http://www.wired.com/2013/11/so-the-internets-about-to-lose-its-net-neutrality/
Quotes from the article (emphasis mine):"The CEO of AT&T told an interviewer back in 2005 that he wanted to introduce a new business model to the internet: charging companies like Google and Yahoo! to reliably reach internet users on the AT&T network. Keep in mind that users already pay to access the internet and that Google and Yahoo! already pay other telecom companies — often called backbone providers — to connect to these internet users. [Disclosure: I have done legal work for several companies supporting network neutrality, including Google.]
But AT&T wanted to add an additional toll, beyond what it already made from the internet. Shortly after that, a Verizon executive voiced agreement, hoping to end what he called tech companies’ “free lunch”. It turns out that around the same time, Comcast had begun secretly trialing services to block some of the web’s most popular applications that could pose a competitive threat to Comcast, such as BitTorrent."

"...the FCC would be unable to stop cable and phone companies from taxing innovators or providing worse service to some sites and better service to others. Since we know internet users tend to quit using a website or application if it loads even just a few seconds slower than a competitor’s version, this no-blocking rule would essentially have enabled the phone and cable companies to discriminate by picking website/app/platform winners and losers."

The reality is that much of the infrastructure for internet was payed for and subsidized by taxpayers, but then exploited by telecommunications companies. It was intended to bring quality access and affordability to rich, poor, urban and rural communities.  Short Summary of how WE payed for the internet they are now charging us more for: http://www.newnetworks.com/ShortSCANDALSummary.htm. Many of you have already conceded to your wireless provider (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) that you're willing to pay more for less internet access (how often do you have to decide whether to use the $200+ phone and service you already paid for, or wait until you get home to use the $400+ computer and internet that you already paid for?  How much more are you willing to pay just to decide which one you'll have to use less?). 

Bandwidth caps aren't meant for what they say: http://socialmediacollective.org/2011/12/05/bandwidth-hogs-dont-exist/ & http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130118/17425221736/cable-industry-finally-admits-that-data-caps-have-nothing-to-do-with-congestion.shtml. What you need to know is that bandwidth caps (overage charges past a certain number of GB of data you use) are not in place because it costs the ISPs more money, it simply MAKES THEM MORE MONEY.  Just like text messages (which cost them almost NO money, but cost us A LOT of money: http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/13868-t-mobile-accused-destroying-evidence-text-pricing-collusion/)
A book on the matter: http://www.amazon.com/The-300-Billion-Broadband-Scandal-ebook/dp/B003EEN1VY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392356378&sr=8-1&keywords=Bruce+Kushnick & some snippets: http://www.newnetworks.com/broadbandscandals.htm
PBS interview: http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2007/pulpit_20070810_002683.html
More here: http://gigaom.com/2012/10/01/data-caps-chart/
Tired of deciding whether google maps or your email is more important when you're running out of data? Go here: http://stopthecap.com/

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?:

The internet in its current form is mostly free and open.  Just as everyone needs a phone line to participate in our modern society, everyone needs access to the internet to function as well.  If we don't work together to establish better rules for the internet then our middle class, low income, rural, small businesses, churches and more will have less access to the vital communications and services that the internet currently offers. Everyone will simply be charged MORE for LESS service.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Sign the Petition to tell the FCC that "fast lanes" won't work for net neutrality (you'll have to sign up with whitehouse.gov - a good thing for future issues!): https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/maintain-true-net-neutrality-protect-freedom-information-united-states/9sxxdBgy

Then email current FCC leadership and tell them about your issues (quote above if you need to): http://www.fcc.gov/leadership

Most importantly contact your elected officials and tell them we need common carrier status for ISPs (search by state and area): http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
More on common carrier status: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/01/drop-regulatory-hammer-on-internet-providers-says-former-fcc-commish

WHAT YOU CAN WRITE:

To your representatives:
My name is __ and I am from ___.

Protecting Net Neutrality is important to me because I believe that internet access is a necessity for modern life, but will be restricted if we don't establish common carrier status for ISPs.  Data and information are not finite resources, and we need to keep access to them open and affordable to all.
Recently, the FCC has proposed to allow a "fast lane" for Internet Service Providers to charge more for services that are currently included in most data packages.  This will cripple many people's ability to get the content and communication they need for everything from building small business to improving community involvement.  ISPs were subsidized by taxpayers for a broandband infrastructure meant to provide access and affordability to all citizens, however, they are now strangling taxpayers to pay again for services businesses and citizens have already paid for.  Companies already pay for the bandwidth they use, consumers already pay for internet access, and now ISPs are trying to get consumers and companies to pay double because they are unwilling to invest their large profits in their own networks.
Ending net neutrality will do irrevocable damage to economic and social growth in America.  I urge you to reject the FCC's "fast lane" proposal, and instead begin the process of establishing ISPs as common carriers just like phone service and public utilities.  Ignoring this problem will devastate the public's ability to communicate and contribute to your campaign, and any number of other public goods.
Thank you very much for your time, and again, I urge you to defend and protect net neutrality.

It was a few years ago, but lots of entire series of lectures are online. I got through most of the "core" CS concepts in ~2 years of doing intense academic learning alongside actually writing code (and releasing some stuff to small groups or to app stores). Picking straightforward, small projects with a specific academic challenge like a game with a simple concept but needs pathfinding algorithms (and implementing them myself instead of using a framework)

e.g. Data Structures (YouTube)

You can also find series of lectures like the above on algorithms. Than do basic research on what the most common/industry standard textbooks for these topics are, like Introduction to Algorithms (Amazon link) and buy them or download PDFs or whatever.

The important thing is to actually do the work, suggested tasks/projects, etc. Personal accountability is the driver, here.

Then there are one off books like Code: Hidden Language (Amazon link) that explore specific topics or walk you through certain ideas and concepts at a kind of introductory level. If you find the topic interesting or it is important for your work, it's a good starting point to learn about the lowest level stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-DCM18S-Personal-Coffeemaker/dp/B00005MF9C

I have this and it makes a great cup of coffee. Once you know how many scoops you need it will always be the same.

I also have this and it makes great coffee. You can really dial it in for single cups. It steeps the coffee before letting it out into the cup and its just amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BDC600XL-YouBrew-Coffee-Maker/dp/B005I710MW/

James Bamford details out the open air secrets of the NSA, and has been doing good work that way for over 30years. Probably my favorite of his is Shadow Factory - basically it makes it clear that even within NSA/CIA you have people that have misgivings about the level of enthusiasm with which some politicians are willing to engage in shady stuff.

Purchase any standard cable modem. If you want the same capability as what you currently have, make sure it has wifi built in as well.

Cable Modem only

Cable Modem with wifi built in.

The two I listed are just examples, you can shop around and find other brands for different prices. Just make sure on the specifications it says it's "DOCSIS 3.0" or something like that and it'll be compatible with Comcast.

DO NOT CALL COMCAST RIGHT AWAY! Only do that as a last resort since it's a pain. In most cases you can activate the new modem without calling. Take it home, disconnect your old modem and connect the new one to the cable line and hook it up to your computer. Plug it in and give it 10 mins to connect to Comcast. Open a web browser and the Comcast activation screen should come up. In put your account info, click activate and give it a good 30 mins to complete. Once you have working internet, return your old modem to the Comcast store (GO IN PERSON AND HAND IT TO A PERSON) and make sure you get a receipt.

If you have trouble activated and have to call, before calling take down the Serial Number and the Cable Mac Address on the bottom of the modem. You're gonna need to give that info to the rep so they can add it to your account.

Either way, you won't have to pay that stupid rental fee any more and you'll probably have better performance with your own modem.

Save your money. Get a long-ass HDMI cable for $20 and a nice wireless keyboard/mouse combo like this, hook it up to your PC or laptop and play EVERYTHING.

What's the matter with Kansas is a great book about that whole issue. Conservatives (Republicans) appeal to dumb people in these types of states on a lot of issues including jobs, giving them false promises and then turning an about-face when the time comes that they're in office.

Republican policies have long benefited the rich, and not the average worker.

It depends on the packing - if you tap it on the counter to settle the grounds in and fill about 3/4 full (doesn't it have a 'fill to here' line in it?) then that should give you more than brown water.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ekobrew-stainless-steel-elite-k-cup/s100225?a=1552
That's ridiculously expensive but it's all steel and looks like it'll brew well.

I actually have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Ekobrew-Refillable-Keurig-Brewers-1-Count/dp/B0051SU0OW but it has a screen on the sides and bottom, letting the water flow out barely touching the grounds. I added some tinfoil inside to force the water to stay in the cup a few milliseconds longer to get better brewing.

You can buy refillable cups on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Ekobrew-Refillable-Keurig-Brewers-1-Count/dp/B0051SU0OW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425495809&sr=8-5&keywords=refillable+kcup

Use in my 2.0 and it works great. Has two bright neon orange stickers that attach on top of the cup that trick the 2.0.

I just ordered a Surfboard 6121 and its a really great modem. Pair it with an ASUS router like this and you have a wonderful combination. The range is extremely far, you can customize a lot of settings and you don't have to pay the monthly price. Comcast was charging me $8 a month for my modem, so after 6 months ill have paid for it already (picked mine up on sale).

Just get a bidet add-on, like this. Baby wipes are nice, but they're a lot more expensive than regular toilet paper, and the bidet is something you'll only pay for once. Also, I like knowing that my asshole is clean enough to eat off of. Just take my word for it.

>The original article that claimed they didn't care was misleading clickbait

Welcome to the world of iterative journalism in the link economy! Strap in for a wild ride where tips are lies, the facts are made up, and the corrections are unread.

Trust Me I'm Lying is a great book about this very subject.

The original plan was to use HTPC software (XBMC back then) but we got busy when I was setting it up and we got really used to just using windows and a wireless keyboard/pad. So we just do that. Allows us to basically stream anything without issues.

We picked up a Logitech K400 and it's worked very well so far, although it doesn't work well without a clear line of sight between it and the receiver so you have to make sure you have that (no holding it behind a laptop or your legs). Maybe the more expensive versions work better.

Only real issue I have with it is that I can't seem to get the machine to wake from sleep using the keyboard like I want, I have to open the cabinet and press the power button each time. The USB ports lose power when in sleep mode and I can't figure out how to get it to work, even after trying everything I've found online and having all settings correct. I think it may be the motherboard I got, but no idea.

This is a really good book. I highly recommend everybody read it. Get it from Amazon here.

If you're looking for decent performance, look for a dual band 802.11n router such as the Asus RT-N66U. If you're looking for the best performance, get a dual band 802.11AC router such as the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 or the Asus RT-AC87U. Also, make sure you have a Docsis 3.0 Modem if you have cable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0198739834/

Consciousness is a hard to define word, but he talks about what it would mean if you had an artificial general intelligence significantly smarter than humans, possible paths to create one, and dangers of doing so. I haven't looked into any of his other stuff (talks or whatever).

> I can make it ANY strength i want (you know, meaning it wont taste like flavored water). And i can use any coffee bean i want in the entire world to make it. None of these ring true for the Keurig.

I can too with one of these, most of us use these.
http://www.amazon.com/Ekobrew-Refillable-Keurig-Brewers-1-Count/dp/B0051SU0OW/

Takes 30 seconds to make a cup, not 5 minutes.

Also adding my vote for ASUS routers. I've got two RT-N66U's and they're both excellent. However, I really can't recommend the RP-N53's. Have one, and it's a constant headache. Looking for a better wall-wart repeater now, haven't found one yet.

This conversation never happened, also spend the frickin $40 and see what it does for you, the fact is it shoots a stream of water out, you can move your butt around to a degree to get greater coverage, I say give it a shot if you have any kind of disposable income, they're pretty simple to hook up too.

Option 1
Option 2

I bought this one ($8, Amazon Prime) and it works great. I'm watching PBS right now.

I've found the Ekobrew to be better than the official one. The mesh is only at the bottom, so the water goes through more grounds and makes a stronger cup than the official filter.

For those of ya'll who aren't familiar with Tim Wu and are interested in learning more about his stance (especially w.r.t. net neutrality), I highly recommend his book, The Master Switch.

Just buy this, seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Reminds me of the book Daemon by Daniel Suarez. Great read.

The Only Difference Between God and Larry Ellison: God doesn't think he's Larry Elisson

Now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Difference-Between-God-Larry-Ellison/dp/0060008768

If someone wrote 'The Game' on business, Larry would be the Oracle behind it.

I read The Master Switch (mentioned in the article) last week and I can't recommend it enough. It's a great look at how we got here.

I bought one of these about a year ago, works decently for the cheap price. You don't have to mess with the software at all.
I run it on a 52" Samsung, just makes it into a smart TV. I also got the wireless keyboard to go with it.

The Master Switch by Tim Wu is a very interesting read.

Basically outlines how all info technologies become ossified and controlled.

Is that better than this?

A good read with many sources I can't get to directly 1.99 ebook by Bruce Kushnick

They better rethink that price, you can get a 200GB for less than a third of the price.

You should definitely give it a shot, and if it doesn't work for you, you can always go back to cable. I was sick of paying around $150/mo for a cable/phone/internet bundle, so I cut the cord when I moved into a new apartment around a year ago, zero regrets. I now pay $50/mo for 15Mpbs internet, and it's been great.

I got this computer: Dell Zino HD (looks like it's discontinued)

a wireless keyboard: Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400

and this HD antenna: RCA ANT1450BM

That's it! I'm going HDMI from the computer to TV to stream anything from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, anime sites, whatever you want. You're not limited to services provided through Boxee or Roku type devices. The HD antenna gets used once in a while for live stuff or PBS, and I was shocked by how good it looked. Positioning can be a bit tricky, but I swear the image looks better than my previous cable connection.

For current shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men, Amazon sells season passes for a slightly discounted unit rate, and the shows are available the day after airing.

It was a little scary at first, but now I can't imagine going back to that time and money pit. I feel more in control of what I watch, and I seriously feel mentally cleaner. Give it a try if you're considering it, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions!

recommended reading if you're wanting to know what Elon is concerned about.

A more approachable writeup. The one that got me started in the field.

Highly recommend both reads.

Just out of curiosity, what kind of wireless router do you have? A lot of times that can be a huge bottle neck.

I have this one and have never had slow speeds with comcast. I just use the normal comcast moden and that router and I constantly get 25-30mb/s when i'm paying for the "up to 30mb's" plan.

It was my understanding that past injections of federal money to expand infrastructure were misappropriated, AKA "the $200 billion ripoff", which now that I google around has been updated to 300 billion, accounting for ongoing overcharging by ISPs.

http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2007/pulpit_20070810_002683.html

http://www.amazon.com/The-300-Billion-Broadband-Scandal-ebook/dp/B003EEN1VY

You're right that infrastructure costs money, but the ISPs themselves should not be trusted to do it and just be handed cash. The infrastructure should be owned by the local municipalities if it's built with tax money. Here's an article I found that supports your point about a large investment:

http://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2008/01/fixing-us-broadband-100-billion-for-fiber-to-every-home/

Honestly I am far too disgusted with the local monopolies and collusion between ISPs to even consider just handing them money. They've already shown their colors.

Sounds like some malware writer has had a good read of Daniel Suarez's Daemon (http://www.amazon.com/Daemon-Daniel-Suarez/dp/0451228731).

So the thing is horrendously complicated, hides in other components firmware (network card was mentioned) and can communicate over ultrasound.

But what can/will it do? How prevalent is it and what's it for? Apart from sending shivers down my spine of course.

Pretty sure that's already a thing. Currently reading "Trust Me I'm Lying" by Ryan Holiday

Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

A good read if you want history and understanding binary code, among others. Not exactly about politics, but more on the easy-to-read technical side.

And it would only cost 1,400 $99.99 = $139,986. Well, for the storage anyway. Assuming the average song is $0.99, the music stored on the cards would cost considerably more: 37,000,000 $0.99 = $36,630,000

A few links you might like. Warning, many of these are long:

http://www.thocp.net/index.html

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7707585592627775409

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=440334862070787846

http://oreilly.com/openbook/freedom/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyJAX8F2jPg

http://www.amazon.com/The-Difference-Between-Larry-Ellison/dp/0060008768

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4hO_-TuTlo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S23yie-779k

Uh, duh. This is not new information. Ryan Holiday wrote a book exposing this in 2013.

I'm currently reading a book about how several different tech industries developed, from phone and radio to TV, movies, and the internet. It's called The Master Switch. It's not as much about how the tech was created, but more about how it became mainstream.

I think I'm going to get this at some point soon. Thanks for letting me know about that, I really had no idea.

Elon did say he was a fan of the scifi thriller Daemon, which is essentially about a billionaire tech genius taking over the world...?

The Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrum wrote a book called Superintelligence that covers much of this topic. I'd recommend it to anyone as it's not technical at all.

He maintains a strong position that the dangers of AI are many and serious, possibly existential. Finding solutions to these problems is an extremely arduous task.

my thought exactly... this guy isn't reinventing the lightbulb. http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-BLUE-MOON-Changing-Upgraded-Function/dp/B006RJRBY6/ref=pd_cp_hi_1 DER DER

http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-BLUE-MOON-Changing-Upgraded-Function/dp/B006RJRBY6/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

It was widely reported in this book

http://www.amazon.com/The-Shadow-Factory-Eavesdropping-America/dp/0307279391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371883104&sr=8-1&keywords=james+bamford

Remember, kids - Always wear a rubber! (SFW)

I believe this is the plot of Danial Suarez's book Daemon:
http://www.amazon.com/Daemon-Daniel-Suarez/dp/0451228731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260943402&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Matter-Kansas-Conservatives-America/dp/080507774X

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009W34XMM/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Relevant

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00005MF9C

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Felonies-Day-Target-Innocent-ebook/dp/B00505UZ4G

How does this differ from this SanDisk 200gb MicroSD available since March 2015?

Article Jun 29, 2015.. oh.

Relevant: Maybe he's right!

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT111-Basic-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B000HKGK8Y

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?product=mlbtv&affiliateId=MLBTVREDIRECT

https://gamecenter.nhl.com/nhlgc/secure/gclsignup?navid=nav-gcl-main&intcmpid=nhl-gcl-mainnav

you can buy a router/modem combo for ~90-120 depending on sale prices. I got this one for about 90 some time around black friday.

Oh yeah? So is denying it.

Works fine for me. Plug it into anything and Android will report no data connections

No, they probably weren't lying, maybe, but more likely just have no idea what they're talking about. Here's a modem that would work for you just fine. No idea on the quality of it, just the first one I came across. Here's one that's capable of up to 686Mbps even.

I read the book Shadow Factory because someone in some thread like this recommended it. It's scary.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Ultra-microSDXC-Memory-Class/dp/B00V62XBQQ
200GB storage
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verbatim-43549-16x-DVD-R-Spindle/dp/B000BEZYLA
5GB*16 spindle

So that micro sd is equivalent to 40 DVDs or 2.5 spindles of DVDS.

That's before we even get into the fact that all this duplicated content stored in hard copy is non-rewritable ready to eventually be buried under the ground. What a waste.

Everyone should read SuperIntelligence by Nick Bostrom.

Non-affiliate Amazon link: Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

I can't believe people actually funded this. You can do the same shit with Arduino, Ikea Dioders or this: http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-BLUE-MOON-Changing-Upgraded-Function/dp/B006RJRBY6/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

I like how that guy is charging $69 per bulb. He probably wrote $69 instead of $70 because most people will think that a price in the 60s is a lot more cheaper. If it said $70 then people think "oh this is too much!".

Still can't believe this got funded so much.

Read the book Amazon: Three Felonies a Day. Basically, it is impossible for any normal American to get through a single day without committing multiple felonies. The progressive discounting of mens rea by the state means that your intent or even awareness no longer matters.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-DCM18S-Personal-Coffeemaker/dp/B00005MF9C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393885089&sr=8-1&keywords=single+cup+coffee+maker

Dump in water, dump in coffee, press button. Costs 1/5 of a Keurig, no filters, requires a quick rinse of a filter each use. Can use any damn coffee you want forever! Seriously, Keurig has snowed all you who use them. Not to mention the damn waste. I've walked into office break rooms and seen trashcans almost running over with the stupid plastic k-cups. Keurig coffee is overpriced, the machines are overpriced, and the coffee is beyond sub par. You'll get better coffee from the machine I linked and it will cost you probably around $.05 a cup and t he convenience is absolutely comparable.

I remember reading a story in "Trust Me, I'm Lying; Confessions of a Media Manipulator" where the agent of an author wasn't getting any good marketing coverage for his client's new book, so the agent starting pulling the "angry consumer" shtick, calling/writing into different media outlets (bloggers, radio, etc..), pretending to be pissed off about the book. No one had heard of it, but eventually some of them started writing about how insulting & disgusting it was, just based on the agent's complaint.

It worked. No publicity is bad publicity.

---
edit: Since people are seeing this, you should read this book. The guy (former American Apparel advertising exec) did this tell-all book because he saw the media's standards dropping and his industry's tricks starting to be used in things like politics. It will destroy your confidence in ever believing anything you read on the internet, reddit definitely included. Good for honing your bullshit detector.

edit 2: I am not affiliated in any way with this book. You are not being manipulated 😜

I do not want a fully autonomous car. I want to own my car. I want to be 100% in control of where my car goes (and by extension, where I go) at all times. I do not want to put my destination in the hands of google and/or whomever else may be watching.

The argument for them, of course, is 'safety'. If just 11% of cars were autonomous, driving would be much safer! It's safer for everyone if we take away your control of the steering wheel! It's the same argument that gave us the TSA, that compels us to give up Facebook & phone passwords at the border, that the US, Australia, and the UK are using to curtail encryption. Sometimes 'more safety' is not really a good thing.

Every single one of us is a criminal in the eyes of the law. (This particular author asserts that we commit, on average, 3 felonies per day.) Have you exceeded the speed limit? Criminal. Accidentally blown through a red light or rolled a little too quickly through a stop sign because you were distracted? Criminal. Yeah but driverless cars will prevent that! you say. OK, have you ever picked up a feather off the sidewalk? You may be a felon if it came from the wrong kind of bird, whether you know it or not. Did you buy orchids off the internet? You're probably a smuggler.

Hell, nobody even knows for sure how many laws exist, let alone how many of them you may have violated. There's a high probability that you are breaking some law right now while you're reading this.

Once the initial suspicion about driverless cars passes, governments will start looking for the ability to track exactly who is in them, and exactly where. Governments will start pressing companies for an override to command the car to lock it's passengers in and deliver them to a destination against their will (ie - a police station). They will try to sell you on this being a good idea because 'safety'. It is not a good idea because they've made every single one of us criminals, and most of us don't even know it.

I will happily shift my own gears and hope that I die before they make "driving your own car on a public road" illegal.