onlineFOCUS – News and Stuff For Rochford District since 2003

Here’s a couple of videos showing Republican Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie.

In the first one he says “My job is to work for the people who elected me , and not to work for my political party first.” That’s a viewpoint we certainly have at onlineFOCUS:

In the second one he tells an eight year old that the best thing about being Governor is that the serious ‘best thing’ about being governor is that “Every day you have the chance to change peoples lives for the better” As councillors we also have a chance, though it’s not so easy….. Then he explains what the fun ‘best thing’ is ….. and gets a lot of laughter.

March 15th, 2013 | Category: American Ideas, YouTube and Video | Leave a comment

In New York City , one step at a subway station was slightly out of kilter with the rest. It was causing people to stumble.

It was only half-an-inch too high, but that half-inch was enough to make people trip up.

To get it fixed, a filmmaker created this video, which has now had over a million views – and the problem is now being dealt with.

Is this worth trying here for a pothole or two?

Hat-Tip : Andrew Sullivan.

June 30th, 2012 | Category: American Ideas, YouTube and Video | Leave a comment

Nissan with bumps on roof.

If you drive on roads like the A13 you’ll find quite a few drivers are sticking to 50 mph and cruise control to save fuel.

Here’s another idea (no guarantees that it works!)

We found a new article on the Pacific Standard website that’s quiet intriguing.

It’s about a Californian deep-sea diver and inventor who’s looked at the tiny bumps on whales. He reckons that if you put the same type of bumps on car roofs you improve the aerodynamics and save on fuel:

The pods—spaced four inches apart and located 10 inches from the lip of the roof—reduced aerodynamic drag by 5 percent when a two-door VW Golf was driven at 65 miles per hour….

The pods come in loud flashy colors. Some can be permanently glued to the roof. A more expensive model attaches via magnets. Prices currently range from $60 to $100, but those, Evans said, will come down to reflect how much a driver might save in a couple of months.
Aside from the monetary relief, Evans said the pods offer drivers the opportunity do something about climate change.
“People don’t want to be told what to do; they want to do it themselves.”

The sellers of these bumps have a website here.

Does anybody fancy being a pioneer? Should County Highways invest in a set and see if they work?

June 5th, 2012 | Category: American Ideas, Green Issues, Highways & Parking, Money Tips | Leave a comment