DIFFERENT HORSES—BUT FOR DIFFERENT ERAS?
A COLLEAGUE asked about horsepower measurement, specifically for classic cars like the Duesenberg Model J built between 1928 and 1937. As I happen not to have a Model J in … Continue reading
TONY FOKKER’S POST-WAR SCAMS
THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES ended World War I, but had implications far beyond its 1919 signing. Indeed, on a macro level, the treaty planted seeds that were to grow into … Continue reading
FLYING BAVARIANS
ONE OF the world’s most familiar automakers traces its heritage to Bavaria and to aviation. However, BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke, wasn’t originally the company’s name. And there was good reason … Continue reading
POSTERS IN THE GARAGE
SORTING ONE thing and another in the garage in preparation for our expected El Nino this winter, I uncovered a forgotten stash of posters. It’s a pity wall space inside … Continue reading
HOLMES’ COLLEGE DAYS—BUT WHERE??
THE MATTER of Sherlock Holmes’ education has encouraged a lot of scholarly research generating lively differences of opinion: King’s College, London? Queen’s College, Birmingham? Owen’s College, Manchester? Cambridge? Oxford? Or … Continue reading
ANDREW DEWAR’S FLYING ORIGAMI
TO CALL Andrew Dewar’s designs merely paper airplanes is a disservice to the planes and to this Canadian-born librarian residing in Japan. The airplanes are flying examples of origami art. … Continue reading
NEAT STUFF
THERE’S NEITHER reason nor rhyme in today’s offering. It’s just stuff that caught my eye and got squirreled away for a later date. Today’s the day. The Personals, London Review … Continue reading
GEORGE PHILLIPS AND HIS MG RACE CARS
READERS WHO are into old sports cars may recall the MGA, this British roadster built from 1955 to 1962. Perhaps less familiar is an earlier MG, the 1951 Phillips MG … Continue reading
READ EM’ MATH AT BEDTIME
HEARING MATH stories is beneficial for kids, just as hearing bedtime tales promotes kids acquiring reading skills. The payoff is especially dramatic in families with math-anxious parents. Proof positive of … Continue reading
AUTONOMOUS KILLS
SELF-DRIVING CARS programmed to kill? This is an ethical question inherent in autonomous vehicle design. And it’s a practical problem, not just a philosophical one. MIT Technology Review, October 22, … Continue reading
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