There's no question that content providers like streaming because it means we're really just renting the content. There's also no question that it's super convenient (I have Netflix like a lot of people do) but I don't view it as a replacement to physical media, but rather as an augmentation.

I'm a fool because I have a cottage where there isn't inexpensive broadband or a 4-terabyte server?

Well said. I buy my music on CDs for the same reason. (Granted, I rip it and file the originals away almost instantly; I still actually use my DVD and Blu-Ray media but that might change soon too if I can ramp up the server space).

I still buy physical DVDs - primarily because they are passively archival and don't depend on me a) having connectivity or b) having my server nearby. I view programming at some locations (like my cottage) where it's easier to bring a few DVDs than it is to copy a bunch of data onto a hard disk and then connect a computer to the television.

I also wonder if the energy consumption considers the issues of ramped-up Internet infrastructure and server capacity required to store, back up and stream the content. This isn't free and isn't emission-neutral. High-def (e.g. Blu-Ray) content is even moreso whereas the cost of a Blu-Ray disc versus DVD is actually almost trivial. Once you own the Blu-Ray player, you're done except for the marginal two or three dollar cost for the higher definition media.

In parent post, :s/clutch/clutch pedal/

You're welcome.

Get a manual transmission. Depress clutch; power is disconnected. Done.

The best solution to this problem is the third pedal - the clutch - but unfortunately it too seems to be falling by the wayside. Still, automatics can be quickly popped into neutral under duress, and drivers with automatics should really practice this. Generally you can just slide the gear selector; no button-pressing is necessary.

Still, I agree with you about physical keys. They're simpler, and simple is good.

There are three or more seats in almost every vehicle where people can legally operate phones.

You can change ^A to something you prefer.

They go south precisely because it isn't very summery where they live. :)

It depends on the quality of media that you use, and how well your burner works with that media. You can certainly do a lot better than that, but your numbers are pretty typical for low-cost media burned at maximum burn speeds.

My ISP is semi-metered (throttled when you hit the cap) but 1 am to 8 am bandwidth doesn't count against the cap, precisely because their equipment is significantly less busy during those hours.

Most new developments since 1985, in fact.

More like 20 years - maybe more. But that only helps your point.

Buying stamps half a dozen at a time reduce first class rates to $0.85; businesses using postage meters will get $0.75. Not cheap, and still a big increase, but the $1 rate will be paid by a very small number of people too cheap to buy stamps six at a time.

As for home delivery, it'll be sad to lose it but the alternative, the community mailbox a few doors down from most houses, will have one advantage: parcels will be loaded into it for you to pick up. Currently if you're not home you have to drive to the nearest sub-post office to get your parcels. This will be way more convenient.