Commuter Capitalists, Karmic Lack Of Confidence In Corps, Common-sense Contracts

Backgrounds from heromachine.com. It IS fairly easy to use. HD

[dull metallic clunking noise as  Hairy nests three plankton basins, shakes tentacle pointing at screen] Herr D is apparently in need of a sabbatical. Siesta? Something? He's 'begging off' (his words) a lot more often than normal, citing a bad season. Hopefully he'll be back available soon. Shelob? What did he mean?

Projected temporary overload or minor health concern or both.

Oh. . . . [translates to 'I wish well'] I just got back five days ago--

Six.

What?

Today is Tuesday. You were improving the silt filters yesterday and lost track of time again. You also strobed twice, not noticing.

I forgot to blog Wednesday?

Monday. Tomorrow is Wednesday. We are maintaining the calendar--

What? Oh, #$%^&*. Okay. Turn on the blog function.

On.

A topic I've been meaning to ask about is domestic location.  Now I know that people just have individual preferences, but I'm actually fascinated at how people arrange to live various places. Some people deliberately choose to live in tiny, loud, living quarters so they can be crammed closer to other people. Other people choose to live so far away from everyone that they won't survive for an ambulance to reach them if they call 911.

I'm guessing moderation isn't in fashion?

The whole business of city and country confuses me completely. Shelob, is it necessary anymore?

Uncertain of question parameters.

Transportation, Shelob. I'm talking about transportation. Why should people rely on such things as the internal combustion engine for distance and acoustic tile and 'space-saving' plans to make their living quarters acceptable?

Researching known alternatives. [sixteen seconds pass] This nation is experiencing a need for economic bolstering and infrastructure reform and innovation as you have stated. Transportation programs are historically successful.

Ooh! Like? [reaches for fourth plankton basin]

The current interstate system served such a purpose during its creation. A government program created jobs, improved transportation, enabled more successful commercial trade over greater distance, and made possible long-distance commuting.

I doubt people today would go for such a massive government program.

Projected for lowest government presence involves four things. 1. Standardization 2. Incentives 3. Scheduling 4. Arbitration

[reaches for fifth] That sounds good. Explain that.

Minimum standards and identical specifications per unit.

Wait--[five second neuralink burst] Choose maglevs. Update and resume.

[translates to 'processing'] Current interstate system would gradually reassign certain lanes. Standard rail size, car size, etc., would be on file. Standard fees and quality specifications (tensile strengths, etc.) for completion would be set. The first company to deliver minimum starting supplies and prove minimum workforce available would get each unit assignment. Rails and stations and trains would be examined and approved. Payment on completion. Substandard product will be returned unpaid. Vendors of food and temporary housing, etc., would capitalize on workforce.

At need, military bases could provide emergency services and assistance, including logistical assistance. The Army Corps Of Engineers--

WAIT! . . . weren't they the ones that designed the levee system that failed in Katrina?

Yes.

Maybe there's an alternative for that part. Go on.

Judicial system in place can arbitrate in situations that may arise.

Because the lawyers need a cut too. Okay. Does anyone have a suggestion to improve this plan? I'm going to do something unusual right now. I'm gonna say DON'T comment if all you want to say is something useless like "It'll never work." Good job, Shelob. [belch] I think I ate too much . . . [disconnect]