WSJ: Noticed an increase in drivers using their smartphones?

Friday, February 24, 2017

FROM 2017-Feb-21 WSJ’s daily briefing is named “The 10-Point” 

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TODAY’S QUESTION

Have you noticed an increase in drivers using their smartphones? Send your comments, which we may edit before publication, to 10point@wsj.com. Please include your name and location.

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Yes I see it. Sometimes I don’t believe it. Like on an interstate at 80 mphs. Other times, who cares like at a red light. Hopefully, the auto will catch up and allow more of us to interact with the phone like we do with the radio — eyes on the road. Personally, I put the phone on the passenger side floor so that even if tempted I can’t peek. I do enjoy listening to Tom Woods or Jason Stapleton podcasts and those keep me focused on the road. And not be lulled into boredom.
 
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INTERESTING: The “fog of war”?

Monday, February 6, 2017

Last night, I was at the American Legion #401 watching Super Bowl #51. Large amounts of adult refreshments were consumed by various individuals in vary amounts. There was food; lots of it. Otherwise, the alcohol would have taken over. O, of course, as sober as a judge, watched the game with interest.

Now bear in mind, this was mostly an anti-Brady anti-Pats pro-ATL crowd. But I in my cool injineeering logical mind reasoned that: (1) Brady was up to that game playing like a man possessed; (2) most of the talking heads were picking the Pats; and (3) for most of the week, the “line” never moved. 

So I “predicted” to any all who would listen that this would be a good game with lots of scoring and that the ball was going to get frequent flier miles from being tossed around so much. 

I was even so bold as to predict the score 35-32 Pats — total 67 points over the Vegas 59½. 

I admit when I heard about the 1M$ bet on ATL, my courage was shaken. I blissfully stuck to my prediction.

ANYWAY to the “fog of war” point, when at the end of the 4th Quarter with a tied score, confusion reigned. I heard at least SIX different explanations of the overtime rules from “knowledgeable” patron, who completely drowned out the TV. (Although, I thought I heard the ref and the talking heads gobbledy gook and thought it was wrong. Only ONE of the SIX explanations I KNEW was wrong — game would not end in a tie. I just admitted I did NOT know the Super Bowl rules.

So we all watched Brady lead the Pats to a touchdown and the game ended.

Every one was stunned.

I learned another valuable lesson — in addition to my rule of never bet on anything that talks — in the “fog of war”, no one knows what they are talking about. Probably even me.

Laugh!

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POLITICAL: Go to Mars, but keep the Gooferment out of it

Saturday, February 4, 2017

https://www.wired.com/2017/01/put-people-mars-2033-good-nation/

AUTHOR: NORM AUGUSTINE, MARK KELLY, AND SCOTT HUBBARD. NORM AUGUSTINE, MARK KELLY, AND SCOTT HUBBARD
SCIENCE  DATE OF PUBLICATION: 01.28.17.01.28.17 TIME OF PUBLICATION: 7:00 AM.7:00 AM
PUT PEOPLE ON MARS BY 2033—FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATION 

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And exploring Mars is achievable under reasonably expected future budget allocations for NASA. During the space race under President Kennedy and then President Johnson’s leadership, NASA claimed 4 percent of the overall federal budget. Today, NASA’s budget is 0.5 percent of the federal budget; the agency receives about $19 billion per year, of which about $8 billion is spent on human space flight. With the right approach and planning, including a potential handoff of the International Space Station to a commercial entity, these funds could be redirected for a successful human mission to Mars. Our leaders in Washington could speed up the timeline for a successful mission, and national victory, with additional investments.

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I don’t see NASA as a spectacular success story.

Having read all the Heinlein books in my youth, I keep wondering where we went wrong. 

I grew up “believing” and still no nuclear power, no folks in space, and a debauched fiat currency that has lost most of its value in my lifetime.

Argh!

I conclude it’s ALL Gooferment’s fault. The politicians and bureaucrats have robbed the people blind. The Crony Capitalists have feathered their nest and left the ordinary people in tatters.

So let entrepreneurs lead us to space. Let them risk their capital and lives for the benefit of mankind.

I firmly believe that is the only way we will get there.

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How to Ride an Escalator: China Says You’re Doing It Wrong

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

http://www.wsj.com/articles/rising-risk-china-reconsiders-stand-right-walk-left-on-escalators-1484029173

Interesting I never walk on the escalators. Maybe China could keep right on even day aanf left on odd ones laff!


States Wire Up Roads as Cars Get Smarter

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

http://www.wsj.com/articles/states-wire-up-roads-as-cars-get-smarter-1483390782

Having lived in Va for several years, the planners can put whatever speed limit they want. Drivers exceeded it whenever they can!


Rhodes Scholar’s Mother Helped Him With Autism Breakthrough

Monday, January 2, 2017

http://www.wsj.com/articles/rhodes-scholars-mother-helped-him-with-autism-breakthrough-1483404375

This story should change perception of autism and “education”?


At Least 35 Killed in New Year’s Attack at Istanbul Nightclub

Sunday, January 1, 2017

http://www.wsj.com/articles/several-wounded-in-new-years-attack-at-istanbul-night-club-1483229410

And sadly, the carnage continues.


Terms of Enlightenment: What scientific term or concept ought to be more widely known? – WSJ.com

Saturday, December 31, 2016

http://graphics.wsj.com/image-grid/year-end-science/?mod=wsjapp

Wow, never thought of grandmoms and children from this perspective. I grew up with my maternal grandmother and three aunts. Maybe that made me so crazy?


Aluminum Billionaire Planned China Escape, Lawyer Says

Thursday, December 29, 2016

http://www.wsj.com/articles/aluminum-billionaire-planning-escape-from-china-lawyer-1482953518

Nice “retirement” fund. Wonder how the Chinese government feels.


Why You Should Have a Retirement Chuck-It List

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

http://blogs.wsj.com/experts/2016/11/27/why-you-should-have-a-retirement-chuck-it-list/

I guess I should be less reluctant to speak my mind? Laafff. #nofilter