The new issue of Autoweek sports a graphic and effective full page ad, to warn of the dangers of texting and driving.
See it for yourself here.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Canada Beating US at Olympics! (Per Capita)
This isn't automotive, but being an engineer, I have to say something.
There is a lot chatter and ink flying about how the U.S. is beating Canada in the winter Olympics medal count.
But not really.
Canada is outplaying us if you normalize the data. Who cares about total medal counts? Better measures are in residents/medal and GPD/medal.
Let's compare some countries using Wikipedia's demographic information and current medal count:
U.S.A: 310,000,000 people, GDP $14,400,000,000,000, 24 medals, 7.7E-8 Medals/Resident, 1.6E-12 Medals/$ GDP
Germany: 80,000,000 people, GDP $2,900,000,000,000, 18 medals, 2.3E-7 Medals/Resident, 6.2E-12 Medals/$ GDP
Norway: 4,800,000 people, GDP $257,000,000,000, 12 medals, 2.5E-6 Medals/Resident, 4.7E-11 Medals/$GDP
Canada: 34,000,000 people, GDP $1,300,000,000,000, 9 medals, 2.6E-7 Medals/Resident, 6.9E-12 Medals/$GDP
Slovenia: 2,050,000 people, GDP $54,600,000,000, 3 medals, 1.5E-6 Medals/Resident, 5.5E-11 Medals/$GDP
Per capita and per $ GPD, Canada is clearing beating the U.S. They are winning about 3.4x the number of medals per resident, and 4.3x the number of medals per $ of GDP.
But Norway is really cleaning up. It is winning medals at a rate 32x the U.S., per capita, and 30x the U.S. rate per $ of GDP.
There is a lot chatter and ink flying about how the U.S. is beating Canada in the winter Olympics medal count.
But not really.
Canada is outplaying us if you normalize the data. Who cares about total medal counts? Better measures are in residents/medal and GPD/medal.
Let's compare some countries using Wikipedia's demographic information and current medal count:
U.S.A: 310,000,000 people, GDP $14,400,000,000,000, 24 medals, 7.7E-8 Medals/Resident, 1.6E-12 Medals/$ GDP
Germany: 80,000,000 people, GDP $2,900,000,000,000, 18 medals, 2.3E-7 Medals/Resident, 6.2E-12 Medals/$ GDP
Norway: 4,800,000 people, GDP $257,000,000,000, 12 medals, 2.5E-6 Medals/Resident, 4.7E-11 Medals/$GDP
Canada: 34,000,000 people, GDP $1,300,000,000,000, 9 medals, 2.6E-7 Medals/Resident, 6.9E-12 Medals/$GDP
Slovenia: 2,050,000 people, GDP $54,600,000,000, 3 medals, 1.5E-6 Medals/Resident, 5.5E-11 Medals/$GDP
Per capita and per $ GPD, Canada is clearing beating the U.S. They are winning about 3.4x the number of medals per resident, and 4.3x the number of medals per $ of GDP.
But Norway is really cleaning up. It is winning medals at a rate 32x the U.S., per capita, and 30x the U.S. rate per $ of GDP.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Future Collectible Cars
Over at Jalopnik, Matt H. asks, "What's the best cheap future collector car?"
My answer: something like a Mustang GT, or Chevrolet Camaro, or Dodge Challenger, running a V8. Even a Pontiac G8.
Because when NHTSA, EPA, and CARB's CO2 and fuel economy regulations kick in full bore, only rich guys will be able to afford a good fashioned American V8. Naturally aspirated, big displacement, big torque.
My answer: something like a Mustang GT, or Chevrolet Camaro, or Dodge Challenger, running a V8. Even a Pontiac G8.
Because when NHTSA, EPA, and CARB's CO2 and fuel economy regulations kick in full bore, only rich guys will be able to afford a good fashioned American V8. Naturally aspirated, big displacement, big torque.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Geocache Challenge Update: WINNER!
We have a winner!
Reader Francis found the goods today, and sent along a cell phone pic to prove it. He correctly identified the secret word, and also, the old Sierra Nevada beer bottle someone left near the tree trunk.
Reader Francis found the goods today, and sent along a cell phone pic to prove it. He correctly identified the secret word, and also, the old Sierra Nevada beer bottle someone left near the tree trunk.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Geocache Challenge Update 3: Corrected
I went back to check the cache today, and it was still there. I did notice though that the GPS location was somewhat different from when I originally measured it.
The new (and hopefully correct) GPS location of the prize is N42*33.547, W83*12.596
Also, more hints about where it is:
Follow the right side of the field, to where you can see the power transformer.
Follow the path until it comes to a "T".
The prize is hidden behind a large fallen log about 20" off of the trail from the "T".
The new (and hopefully correct) GPS location of the prize is N42*33.547, W83*12.596
Also, more hints about where it is:
Follow the right side of the field, to where you can see the power transformer.
Follow the path until it comes to a "T".
The prize is hidden behind a large fallen log about 20" off of the trail from the "T".
Shooting Down Mosquitos
A research group called Intellectual Ventures Lab has built a working prototype of a machine which detects, identifies, and shoots down mosquitos in flight. Amazing.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Geocache Challenge Update
I got an email from a guy who went to the park looking for the TopGear goodies, but couldn't find them. Last I checked, the stuff was still there, as of Sunday. I'll check again this weekend.
Here's a hint: the cache is within a 15' radius of the T shaped intersection which forms the last waypoint. It isn't buried, but it is not in "plain view" from the trail.
Here's a hint: the cache is within a 15' radius of the T shaped intersection which forms the last waypoint. It isn't buried, but it is not in "plain view" from the trail.
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