DocOwens.net

“If many people were to afford a car, it had to be low in original purchase price and financially economical to own and operate. The car had to be durable (of high and enduring quality, with good reliability) and should have the ability to operate on a less than perfect system of roads, not all of which were yet paved. Most of the roads in Europe before World War Two were built for equestrian travel – not for motor vehicles. The car should also retain its value as a well-maintained used vehicle. The design of the small car had to be simple enough that it would be easy and economical to produce in a very large quantity would be widely sold (it should be a popular car), replacement or spare parts would have to be relatively inexpensive (as opposed to being of “cheap” or lesser quality), of high quality and easy to obtain. One would require a wide and well-stocked retail or dealership network, with adequate parts on hand (as opposed to a “just in time” system of inventory). In fact, Volkswagen dealerships of the future would be required to have enough spare parts on hand to actually assemble an entire car. If they failed to do this, they would risk losing their cherished and lucrative franchise. In addition to this would be the required virtues of easy engine-starting (in any climate or type of weather), good road handling, driver and passenger comfort, and of course safety.”

Nonnenkamp, Marc. Volkswagen: a Car for the People / A Success Story (Kindle Locations 449-454). CreateSpace and Authorlink. Kindle Edition.

A pickle a day will keep the Doctor away. Or so says my doctor. According to him, one dill pickle spear eaten each day will reduce the leg cramping I have been experiencing recently. We shall see.

From HowStuffWorks.com

One problem that football players and officials have always had to deal with is exactly how to measure the 10 yards needed to gain a first down. First downs often decide games, but collegiate and professional football officials often measure them using a decidedly antiquated length of metal chain attached between two poles.

In my opinion, using the chains to accurately measure for a first down is the dumbest part of this uniquely American pasttime.  Consider what typically transpires . . .

A team acquires possession of the ball through a variety of ways and the end result of that play is that the two game officials attempt to determine the EXACT location of the ball when the ball carrier was ‘down’.  Consider that the ball may be very near to or touching the ground or could be 5 feet or more from the ground at the time the player is ‘down’.  The officials have to make a JUDGEMENT call as to how far down field the ball may have traveled.  They are probably several yards away from the ball carrier and perhaps behind or further down field from the ball carrier and may or may not have a clear view of the end of the play.

Then a measuring device is placed on the sideline by looking across the field and approximating the location of the ball had it been adjacent to the sideline.  This device happens to be two poles with a 10 yard long chain between them.  One pole is placed where the ball would be (based on JUDGEMENT), the chain is then stretched to it’s fullest length and the other pole is placed to indicate how far down field is 10 yards.

The offensive team has four plays to gain ten (10) yards towards the opposing end zone.  On one of those plays the ball might get very close to that point.  Once again at the end of the play the game officials are responsible for determine the exact position of the ball on the field when the ball carrier is ‘down’ from some distance away with all of the issues previously discussed.  Another JUDGEMENT!

Suddenly the officials are dumbfounded.  They can’t tell if the ball actually traveled 10 yards down field or perhaps slightly less.  Now they must relay on that measuring device to make the JUDGEMENT call for them.  I won’t go into detail about the process of accurately measuring the distance traveled and whether or not they were successfully.  Understand that the process is intended to be highly accurate and is also frequently repeated to relocate the ball to the center of the field not giving advantage to either team.

So, step one we make a judgement call while players are moving at full speed at some distance away, then a judgement call from a minimum of 20 yards away. then another judgement call again at full speed and some distance away.

Then we pull out a chain and two poles to PRECISELY measure the distance traveled.

For gosh sakes, ditch the rule and use your judgement!

So how hard is it to give away $1,000?!?  Apparently, no one wants work in SW Florida right now.  Called five different pool companies for estimates to totally replace all of my pool equipment.  One wanted to charge me $85 to come and look at it even though I already told them I wanted to replace everything.  Of the other four only one actually responded without a follow up call.  Of the other three that I followed up with, only one responded with an estimate albeit a half hearted attempt.  From the remaining two I got bupkiss!

All of this took over five weeks!

So if you are looking for pool equipment servicing or decent customer service then go with Pinch-a-Penny in San Carlos.  I don’t normally promote a company but when the other four are that bad then the one who responds gets my business

Trying something new and different.  A daily blog.  Mostly random thoughts, some quotes original and borrowed, current events and political commentary.  Try not to take it too personal . . .

Had a great New Years Eve last evening.  Dinner at a country club, party at the home of some very dear friends.  A good way to end and begin anew.