Quantcast
Jump to content









Keys, What are they good for? --- Sayin' goodbye to the ignition key


Gonzo

Recommended Posts

Keys, what are they good for?
I’m all for technology, especially any technology that makes life easier. Like keyless entry and push button starting systems, just to name a few. As we move further into the ever advancing technology, certain things of mechanical nature will be lost to electronics. Fewer cars are being manufactured that still have keys. Some only have a key fob and no metal or brass back up key at all, and soon you won’t even need those key fobs either. Everything will be programmed and controlled by your smart phone. Yep, one more thing the smart phone has taken over.

What about the poor old lonely key? I guess it’s gone the way of the bench seat and wing windows. Instead of a polished piece of brass, with its saw toothed notches, the key is being replaced by a bits of plastic and a few microchips.

Before the car key fades off into distant memory into the archives of a forgotten age, and ending up under glass cases as some museum attraction, I’d like to salute our faithful old friend, the key, for all the things it has done for us.

We’ve reached a stage in technology that the simple act of turning a mechanical lock can been replaced by RF signals and a few electrons. Though the versatile car key has done so much more for us than turning locks. Oh sure, you can say the same thing about your smart phone, but can a smart phone, or one of those funny looking key fobs, double as a bottle opener? Probably not. Then again, a key might poke ya in your pocket, but it can’t butt dial your ex-girlfriend.

Who hasn’t used their keys to dig in their ears, or used it to scratch an itch? I can’t imagine using a key fob to tighten a loose screw, but the good old key always came in handy for that. You could use a key to pry the lid off a paint can or scrape the ick out of the crevices of a console, and it came in handy for digging out that stuck change in the vending machines, too. Let’s not forget to mention the key’s sidekicks, you know, all those dangly items that people attach to their key rings that do nothing more than weigh them down. Where are all those things going to go now? No keys, no key ring, no more dangly whatchamacallits for the mechanic to sort through to find the ignition key. I don’t think you’re going to attach them to the side of your cell phone any time soon.

Of course, there is one thing that a lot of people would love to see disappear: those nasty scrape marks left when somebody keys your car. I seriously doubt anyone would try to drag a cell phone across a car in the hopes of creating the same degree of damage. Most likely the cell phone would end up with just as many scrape marks as the car would. I guess that’s justice in a way.
Now of course, a key will eventually wear out, but so does the phone. The key can be recopied, but the copy is only as good as what it’s copied from. When a phone wears out or is damage, there’s a possibility of never retrieving all the information stored in it. One of those bits of data might be your cars security coding. Awe, shucks, looks like a trip to the dealer for you. At least with a key ya might have been able to jiggle, wiggle and eventually get it to start the car. You can jiggle and wiggle that phone all you want, but I don’t think it’s going to help.

I don’t want to leave out the bulbous key fobs that a lot of the imports have gone to either. However, when it comes to these key fobs, I can’t think of any suitable second purpose they’ll ever have in their lifetime. Not like the humble key with its thousands and thousands of uses. Sure, the smart phone has thousands of uses, but when the key breaks off in the lock you’re just locked out. When your smart phone locks you out, you’re locked out of everything.

Thinking back to my high school days I can remember using a car key to carve my name in the gym’s pay phone booth, (Yep, a real wooden pay phone booth. Mine wasn’t the only name scratched into those old wooden panels, generations of names were in there). Who would have ever thought that in the future a phone booth and your keys would both fit into your shirt pocket. Hard to believe, ain’t it? I kind of miss the squeak of the door and how the light would flicker on and off just before it would finally give off its dim fluorescent glow. It wasn’t a whole lot of light, but you could read the names in the phone book with it easily enough. These days ya just reach for your smart phone and turn the flashlight feature on. Oh, phone books? It’s in the smart phone already. Not quite the same nostalgic atmosphere as the old phone booth though.

While being around for decades, the humble key was far more useful than just for starting the car. I’m sure it won’t entirely go away, but for the car, it might be on its last turn of the lock. No more bar fights with a car key as a weapon, no more of the traditional tossing of the keys when your teenager gets their first car, and no more making a spare copy of grandma’s car keys just in case she can’t remember where she put them. All that will soon be history, a last turn of the lock; now just push a button. Throw away the key, because it just won’t be needed anymore. I say, “Long Live the Key”. I know what it’s good for.


View full article

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Poignant, have you ever thought about why did we need keys to begin with? More than just to keep our stuff lock away for others... because it points the way to where the new keys will be used to keep out those that don't know better.

 

For example, your face and your other biometrics are now being used by the Government to keep you in line.

 

Here are some links to open up the subject, since soon we may need to amend our constitutions to restrict government from using our biometrics as keys.

 

Facial Recognition Technology- Time to recognize the dangers of unfettered use of your biometrics by Government.


https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112shrg86599/html/CHRG-112shrg86599.htm

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012

U.S. Senate,
Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law,
Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:36 p.m., in
Room SD-226, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Al Franken,
Chairman of the Subcommittee, presiding.
Present: Senators Franken, Whitehouse, and Blumenthal.
Also present. Senator Sessions.

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. AL FRANKEN, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA

Chairman Franken. This hearing will be called to order.
Welcome to the fourth hearing of the Subcommittee on Privacy,
Technology, and the Law. Today's hearing will examine the use
of facial recognition technology by the Government and the
private sector and what that means for privacy and civil
liberties.
I want to be clear: There is nothing inherently right or
wrong with facial recognition technology. Just like any other
new and powerful technology, it is a tool that can be used for
great good. But if we do not stop and carefully consider the
way we use this technology, it could also be abused in ways
that could threaten basic aspects of our privacy and civil
liberties. I called this hearing so we can just start this
conversation.
I believe that we have a fundamental right to control our
private information, and biometric information is already among
the most sensitive of our private information, mainly because
it is both unique and permanent. You can change your password.
You can get a new credit card. But you cannot change your
fingerprint, and you cannot change your face--unless, I guess,
you go to a great deal of trouble.
Indeed, the dimensions of our faces are unique to each of
us--just like our fingerprints. And just like fingerprint
analysis, facial recognition technology allows others to
identify you with what is called a ``faceprint''--a unique file
describing your face.
But facial recognition creates acute privacy concerns that
fingerprints do not. Once someone has your fingerprint, they
can dust your house or your surroundings to figure out what you
have touched.
Once someone has your faceprint, they can get your name,
they can find your social networking account, and they can find
and track you in the street, in the stores that you visit, the
Government buildings you enter, and the photos your friends
post online. Your face is a conduit to an incredible amount of
information about you, and facial recognition technology can
allow others to access all of that information from a distance,
without your knowledge, and in about as much time as it takes
to snap a photo.
People think of facial recognition as something out of a
science fiction novel. In reality, facial recognition
technology is in broad use today. If you have a driver's
license, if you have a passport, if you are a member of a
social network, chances are good that you are part of a facial
recognition data base.
There are countless uses of this technology, and many of
them are innovative and quite useful. The State Department uses
facial recognition technology to identify and stop passport
fraud--preventing people from getting multiple passports under
different names. Using facial recognition technology, Sheriff
Larry Amerson of Calhoun County, Alabama, who is with us here
today, can make sure that a prisoner being released from the
Calhoun County jail is actually the same prisoner that is
supposed to be released. That is useful. Similarly, some of the
latest smartphones can be unlocked by the owner by just looking
at the phone and blinking.
But there are uses of this technology that should give us
pause.
In 2010, Facebook, the largest social network, began
signing up all of its then 800 million users in a program
called Tag Suggestions. Tag Suggestions made it easier to tag
close friends in photos, and that is a good thing.
But the feature did this by creating a unique faceprint for
every one of those friends. And in doing so, Facebook may have
created the world's largest privately held data base of
faceprints--without the explicit consent of its users. To date,
Tag Suggestions is an opt-out program. Unless you have taken
the time to turn it off, it may have already been used to
generate your faceprint.
Separately, last year, the FBI rolled out a Facial
Recognition Pilot program in Maryland, Michigan, and Hawaii
that will soon expand to three more States. This pilot lets
officers in the field take a photo of someone and compare it to
a Federal data base of criminal mug shots. The pilot can also
help ID a suspect in a photo from an actual crime. Already,
several other States are setting up their own facial
recognition systems independently of the FBI. These efforts
will catch criminals. In fact, they already have.
Now, many of you may be thinking that that is an excellent
thing, and I agree. But unless law enforcement facial
recognition programs are deployed in a very careful manner, I
fear that these gains could eventually come at a high cost to
our civil liberties.
I fear that the FBI pilot could be abused to not only
identify protesters at political events and rallies, but to
target them for selective jailing and prosecution, stifling
their First Amendment rights. Curiously enough, a lot of the
presentations on this technology by the Department of Justice
show it being used on people attending political events or
other public gatherings.
I also fear that without further protections, facial
recognition technology could be used on unsuspecting civilians
innocent of any crime, invading their privacy and exposing them
to potential false identifications....


These are some scary facts on these links:

http://www.aamva.org/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/EventsEducation/Event_Materials/2015/2015_AIC/2015_AIC_Download_Station/About%20Face-Facial%20Recognition%20Technology_MASTER.pdf

https://www.eff.org/files/2013/11/07/09_-_facial_recognition_pia_report_final_v2_2.pdf

http://nj.gov/mvc/pdf/About/Annual%20Report%202015.pdf

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

boy of boy, that last comment was longer then the story! Gonzo, you really picked a controversial touchy subject this time! One more point you forgot, you won't be able to damage the ignition switch anymore, with (weights)by putting all your keys on one key chain!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         3 comments
      Got your attention? Good. The truth is, there is no such thing as the perfect technician pay plan. There are countless ways to create any pay plan. I’ve heard all the claims and opinions, and to be honest, it’s getting a little frustrating. Claims that an hourly paid pay plan cannot motivate. That flat rate is the only way to truly get the most production from your technicians. And then there’s the hybrid performance-based pay plan that many claim is the best.
      At a recent industry event, a shop owner from the Midwest boasted about his flat-rate techs and insisted that this pay plan should be adopted by all shops across the country. When I informed him that in states like New York, you cannot pay flat-rate, he was shocked. “Then how do you motivate your techs” he asked me.
      I remember the day in 1986 when I hired the best technician who ever worked for me in my 41 years as an automotive shop owner. We’ll call him Hal. When Hal reviewed my pay plan for him, and the incentive bonus document, he stared at it for a minute, looked up, and said, “Joe, this looks good, but here’s what I want.” He then wrote on top of the document the weekly salary he wanted. It was a BIG number. He went on to say, “Joe, I need to take home a certain amount of money. I have a home, a wife, two kids, and my Harly Davidson. I will work hard and produce for you. I don’t need an incentive bonus to do my work.” And he did, for the next 30 years, until the day he retired.
      Everyone is entitled to their opinion. So, here’s mine. Money is a motivator, but not the only motivator, and not the best motivator either. We have all heard this scenario, “She quit ABC Auto Center, to get a job at XYZ Auto Repair, and she’s making less money now at XYZ!” We all know that people don’t leave companies, they leave the people they work for or work with.
      With all this said, I do believe that an incentive-based pay plan can work. However, I also believe that a technician must be paid a very good base wage that is commensurate with their ability, experience, and certifications. I also believe that in addition to money, there needs to be a great benefits package. But the icing on the cake in any pay plan is the culture, mission, and vision of the company, which takes strong leadership. And let’s not forget that motivation also comes from praise, recognition, respect, and when technicians know that their work matters.
      Rather than looking for that elusive perfect pay plan, sit down with your technician. Find out what motivates them. What their goals are. Why do they get out of bed in the morning? When you tie their goals with your goals, you will have one powerful pay plan.
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      NAPA trainers Curt Eigenberger, Bill Weaver, and Randy Cohen, discuss the critical role of training in the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The conversation underscores the industry's evolution, the need for technicians to update their skills continuously, and the overarching theme of safety and ongoing education in response to technological advancements. The role of mechanical and technology specialists is changing faster than a pit stop at the Indy 500. Always know that training is a key pillar to your strategic success. We're not just talking about keeping up with the latest tech but about staying ahead of the curve. Show Notes:
      Link to NAPA Auto Tech Training Technology Skills and Mindset (00:02:06) The conversation delves into the mindset and skills required for today's technology specialists, emphasizing the blend of engineering knowledge and artisan skills. Evolving Training with Technology (00:04:57) The evolution of training in response to technological advancements, including the need to adapt to industry trends and technician needs. Youth in the Automotive Industry (00:06:53) Insights on the changing demographics in the automotive industry, including the increasing interest in technology and electronics among young technicians. Preparing Future Specialists (00:09:47) Identifying and grooming individuals for technology specialist roles, emphasizing the importance of motivation, desire, and forward-thinking. Traits of Successful Specialists (00:13:26) Key traits of successful technology specialists, including problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to anticipate future industry developments. Recruiting and Identifying Talent (00:14:44) The recruitment of potential technology specialists, with an emphasis on identifying talent within the existing workforce and beyond. The need for a different mindset (00:16:16) The need for individuals to adapt to new technologies and change their mindset. Adapting to high-voltage electricity (00:17:12) The importance of understanding and respecting high voltage electricity and the need for proper training and safety measures. Safety and training for electric vehicles (00:19:12) The necessity of safety and proper training for working on electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for awareness and respect rather than fear. Changing approach to working on vehicles (00:21:31) The need to rethink traditional practices and prioritize safety when working on vehicles, especially in the context of electric vehicles. Pre-qualifications and assessments for EV training (00:24:30) The importance of pre-qualifications and assessments for individuals attending EV training, emphasizing the need for certification and safety awareness. The future of automotive technology (00:27:02) The future of automotive technology, including trends in alternative fuels and propulsion systems, and the evolving nature of the industry. Embracing change and technology in the industry (00:28:55) The excitement and opportunities in embracing new technologies and changes in the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Adapting to new roles in the industry (00:29:14) The shift away from traditional stereotypes in the automotive industry, focusing on the evolving roles and opportunities for individuals interested in technology. The importance of conversational learning (00:32:53) The value of conversational and interactive learning, allowing for open discussions and addressing individual struggles and concerns during training. The importance of class engagement (00:33:22) Encouraging conversational learning and active participation in training classes. The value of asking questions (00:34:55) The importance of asking questions, even if they seem basic, to enhance learning for everyone.  
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections        
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Mike Ragsdale is the founder of the 30a Company, and he has an incredible story of being called out by his kids when they got tired of hearing him talk about his dream life without ever pursuing it. This is an incredibly inspiring episode that may result in you exploring how you can create a life you don’t need to escape from.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Carm Capriotto discusses the importance of establishing a new language standard for automotive repair professionals. He focuses on the need for clear and consistent job titles that reflect what we do for the consumer. It will help bring a necessary professional view of auto repair specialists. Get your copy of 'The Rise of the Mechanical and Technology Specialists" HERE. Carm gave a keynote speech on ‘The Rise’ in early 2024 and has spoken via Zoom to many shop owner networking groups and coaching groups to share the reason for and drive for this universal and essential initiative. He will bring his passion to your company or networking group to hear the behind-the-scenes story of the formulation of this very important industry initiative. Email Carm HERE. Think of the power of this language change when we speak to high school and post-secondary students about our trade. We have one of the most technology-driven skilled trades that can use this high dose of professionalism internally and externally. We dive deep into crafting a new standard language for auto repair specialists. It's not just about technical jargon; it's about creating clear, precise, and universally understood communication that benefits everyone in the industry, mostly our clients. Imagine a world where every technician, service advisor, and customer speaks the same automotive language. Respect, clarity, confidence, and trust would skyrocket between service providers and clients.
      Crafting the New Lexicon
      The journey to creating a new language standard is an entire industry endeavor. It requires collaboration and consensus from all corners. Everyone's input is valuable, from the seasoned veterans to the fresh faces just starting their careers. Here's how we can approach this monumental task:
      Engage with Industry Leaders
      We must bring together shop owners, thought leaders, educators, and influencers within the auto repair community to spearhead this initiative. Their expertise and experience will be the cornerstone of developing a practical and forward-thinking language. The automotive industry is not static; it's a dynamic field that is constantly advancing. Our new language must be adaptable and evolve with emerging technologies and repair techniques.
      The Road Ahead
      The road to a new language standard will be challenging. However, the rewards promise to be significant. By committing to this endeavor, we're not just changing our language but elevating the entire auto repair experience.
      Join the Conversation
      I invite you to listen to the full episode of "Remarkable Results Radio" to explore this topic further. Your thoughts and contributions are not only welcome but essential. Together, let's build a language that reflects the precision, skill, and passion that define our work. Remember to download your 10-page copy of this Declaration HERE and support this initiative. It will pay long-term dividends.   Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      It's time to find the hidden costs of 'busyness' in auto repair shops. It's not just about the work you do; it's about the work you're actually getting paid for. Measuring technician productivity is crucial - because if you're not measuring it, you can't manage it. It's a wake-up call for shops everywhere to stop leaving money on the table. Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, Bill’s previous episodes HERE. Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE Maylan Newton, ESI- Educational Seminars Institute. Maylan’s previous Episodes HERE Show Notes: The Importance of Shop Productivity (00:01:41) Discussion on the significance of measuring productivity and ensuring work is paid for. Challenges in Understanding Business Numbers (00:05:39) Discussion on the lack of understanding of business numbers and pricing strategies in the automotive industry. Implementing Time Clock Management (00:09:12) The importance of implementing time clock management and its impact on shop productivity. Setting Expectations and Accountability (00:11:14) The need for setting expectations and holding employees accountable for their performance. Challenges in Coaching and Accountability (00:12:25) The difficulty in coaching individuals who resist change and accountability in their business practices. Labor Rates and Coaching (00:18:40) Discussion on the impact of labor rates and the value of coaching in the automotive industry. Comparing Labor Rates (00:20:17) Debate on the practice of comparing labor rates and the importance of charging enough to pay employees. Technician Interviews and Billing (00:21:50) Perspective on technician interviews and billing practices, including misconceptions and lack of understanding. Business Education and Financial Planning (00:26:01) Importance of business education, financial planning, and understanding where the money goes in an automotive shop. Year-End Spending and Tax Strategies (00:27:16) Discussion on year-end spending, tax strategies, and the significance of paying fair taxes. The value of pricing (00:35:42) Discussion on the importance of presenting value over price in a competitive marketplace. The market for different pricing strategies (00:39:18) Highlighting the existence of markets for both top-tier pricing and lowest cost options, with a comparison to the tool market. The challenge of selling value (00:40:10) Debating the myth of offering better value and emphasizing the importance of growth and selling maintenance services. Defining fair pricing and value (00:40:40) Challenging the concept of fair pricing and discussing the perception of value in the eye of the beholder. Improving customer communication and value presentation (00:41:07) Emphasizing the importance of showcasing the quality of services, such as brake jobs, and the value they provide to customers. Challenges in selling diagnostic services (00:43:00) Discussion on the difficulties in selling diagnostic services and the need to shift from focusing on hours to tangible products and value. Efficiency in customer interactions and value communication (00:46:12) Emphasizing the need for efficient information gathering and value communication to customers during the intake process. The need to change industry mindset (00:52:07) Encouraging a shift in mindset within the automotive repair industry to drive change and success. The shop's transformation (00:54:08) Discussion on the positive changes and experiences after implementing changes in the shop. Clientele shift (00:55:00) The impact of changes on the clientele and the feedback received from customers. The value of preaching (00:56:06) Exploring the significance of preaching and the positive outcomes it brings in terms of leadership and company growth. Reward and challenges (00:57:00) Acknowledging the challenges and rewards of making significant changes in the business.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections        
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...