Transportation
The Airplane Bathroom That Cleans Itself; A Toilet Seat That Lifts Itself
After watching a steady parade of people emerge from the lavatory on an extended commercial flight, many passengers are reluctant to expose themselves to the germs left behind.
But what if the lavatory could clean itself after every use? Boeing engineers and designers have built a prototype lavatory that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill 99.99 percent of pathogens, thus sanitizing all the lavatory surfaces. Combined with touchless faucets, soap dispensers and more, the lavatory of the future could make for a more hygienic, less worrisome experience. more »
Rev Up Those Engines: Plan For Motoring/Air Travel Summer Vacations But Energy Uncertainty Is Always a Factor
"The US retail regular gasoline price is forecast to average $1.98/gallon (gal) in 2016 and $2.21/gal in 2017, compared with $2.43/gal in 2015. In January, the average retail regular gasoline price was $1.95/gal, a decrease of 9 cents/gal from December and the first time monthly gasoline prices averaged below $2/gal since March 2009." US Energy Administration, February 9, 2016 more »
Demand-Price Parking: Cities Try $6, $8 Hourly Parking to Cut Congestion, Pollution
Some major cities are seeking to take advantage of their supply and motorists' demand with so-called demand-price parking. Rather than charge a flat rate for each spot in every area of the city, they are demanding motorists pay $4, $6 or up to $8 an hour for a spot on a busy street, close to shops and restaurants, while keeping hourly prices lower on less busy streets just a few blocks over. more »
While Waiting for the Plow: Vehicles for the Snow, NATO, International Polar Foundation, British Royal Marines and Texas Oil Fields
Editor's Note: Before turning on the Barrett-Jackson current auction sales for my husband's amusement (and outright envy), I encountered a program displaying the charms of the Snow-Trac, no longer manufactured, but still being acquired by devotees. The cable program which, we assume, may be downloaded through your cable station is Extreme Auto Hunters. Those who live in frequently snowed-in areas can of course, go a bit further with a vehicle/station designed for the International Polar Foundation. But, of course, we've found a free You Tube version, too. more »