Turbocharged CNN (h/t to Gun Nuts)

[ToddG]

Too good not to share:

Jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/how-much-can-cnn-get-wrong-about-f1-engines-physics-in-1111423405) quotes CNN: While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient.

I was recently thinking about getting a 335i X-drive but with twin turbos I'm scared the steam might shrink my clothes while I drive. Though I imagine it's far more environmentally friendly than the carbon dioxide those belt-powered crankshaft motors produce.

[JDM]

Embarrassing.

Do mainstream news outlets do anything right?

[ToddG]

Do mainstream news outlets do anything right?

Orchestrate national elections?

[Tamara]

It is easy to forget that a majority of people think the switch on the wall summons the light demons. People in general have no more clue about what makes the devices around them function than does a Kalahari bushman.

I mean, ask someone what the accelerator pedal does, and they'll answer "Makes the car go faster." Then ask "Yes, but how?"

[ToddG]

I mean, ask someone what the accelerator pedal does, and they'll answer "Makes the car go faster." Then ask "Yes, but how?"

That's essentially the extent of my knowledge right there, too. But I won't write an article for CNN about it and then inject imagined facts into it to increase word count.

[Tamara]

That's essentially the extent of my knowledge right there, too. But I won't write an article for CNN about it and then inject imagined facts into it to increase word count.

But... but... you have a degree! ;)

(Surely you have encountered the syndrome. Even worse than journalisticosis is doctoritis.)

I can see how a quickie explanation over drinks with a STEM friend resulted in the mangled explanation the now-expert journo major bestowed on us proles.

[Nephrology]

But... but... you have a degree! ;)

(Surely you have encountered the syndrome. Even worse than journalisticosis is doctoritis.)

I can see how a quickie explanation over drinks with a STEM friend resulted in the mangled explanation the now-expert journo major bestowed on us proles.

You have no idea how often at conferences and presentations I see people (with PhDs and MDs or sometimes both, mind you) ask questions that were either 1. already answered in the presentation or 2. essentially expository statements designed to impress other people in the room with how much unrelated crap they know.

[LOKNLOD]

It is easy to forget that a majority of people think the switch on the wall summons the light demons. People in general have no more clue about what makes the devices around them function than does a Kalahari bushman.

Was it Arthur C Clarke "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"? Because for the many (most?) folks, even in our technologically gifted age, that threshold is only slightly above small kitchen appliances. Toaster? Sure: wires hot, burn food. Microwave? Bah! Don't open the door while it's running or the heat fairies will escape and burn your face!


Orchestrate national elections?

Bazinga.

(Animated .gif fail)

[joshs]

That's essentially the extent of my knowledge right there, too.

James May has a sad.

[Chuck Haggard]

For some reason when I read Todd's post I thought of this;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5cL-h3Pj1o

[5pins]

I mean, ask someone what the accelerator pedal does, and they'll answer "Makes the car go faster." Then ask "Yes, but how?"

That’s easy; my foot pushes down on it.:rolleyes:

[RoyGBiv]

Bazinga.

(Animated .gif fail)
I've got your back. (had the same reaction myself)

http://semvida.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/bazinga.gif

[TCinVA]

Too good not to share:

Jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/how-much-can-cnn-get-wrong-about-f1-engines-physics-in-1111423405) quotes CNN: While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient.

I was recently thinking about getting a 335i X-drive but with twin turbos I'm scared the steam might shrink my clothes while I drive. Though I imagine it's far more environmentally friendly than the carbon dioxide those belt-powered crankshaft motors produce.

Exhaust gasses, steam....

[Hillary Clinton] What difference, at this point, does it make? [/Hillary Clinton]

[Bigguy]

But... but... you have a degree! ;)

(Surely you have encountered the syndrome. Even worse than journalisticosis is doctoritis.)

I can see how a quickie explanation over drinks with a STEM friend resulted in the mangled explanation the now-expert journo major bestowed on us proles.
This cartoon was on the bulletin board in our news room for years.

http://erinlyyc.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/today-i-am-an-expert-in.jpg

[BaiHu]

My favorite line: "I think CNN must be hiring Amish kids on Rumspringa for its motorsports writers. That's really the only way you could explain the rich, lavish ignorance of how cars work as demonstrated in this article about turbo engines returning to F1."

[Drang]

Bets on how long before Clarkson brings this up?

[fixer]

You have no idea how often at conferences and presentations I see people (with PhDs and MDs or sometimes both, mind you) ask questions that were either 1. already answered in the presentation or 2. essentially expository statements designed to impress other people in the room with how much unrelated crap they know.

No joking: this is how most people get promoted in the company I work for.

[hufnagel]

http://i.imgur.com/ElCPi.gif

[hufnagel]

Bets on how long before Clarkson brings this up?

S21E03

that's my prediction.

[Cookie Monster]

You have no idea how often at conferences and presentations I see people (with PhDs and MDs or sometimes both, mind you) ask questions that were either 1. already answered in the presentation or 2. essentially expository statements designed to impress other people in the room with how much unrelated crap they know.

I see this anytime I go to a conference or a university. It is insane.

Cookie Monster

[ToddG]

It happens at gun school, too.

[ford.304]

I see this anytime I go to a conference or a university. It is insane.


I used to be guilty of this all the time before I realized how bad I sounded. I promise that *in my head*, I was just doing it because I thought other people might want to hear about something I thought was interesting.