Why do US speed limits end in "5"?

Every other country, including our neighbor, Canada, has almost all speed limits end in "0." So, we get 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, etc. H0wever, in the US, they almost always end in "5," even though car speedometers show speeds ending in "0." I have often wondered why the US adopted this counter-intuitive and probably more difficult system. But like light switches going up to turn a light on, it is yet another example of American exceptionalism. I have tried to find the origins of this, but perhaps, like driving on the right or the left, there is no sure answer.

The US Post Office is quite remarkable

For 48c a letter can be picked up from any of over 100 Million locations, and within one to three days, bo transported thousands of miles, to any of over 100 Million locations, with a precision which is remarkable - much more accurately than Fedex or UPS, which will charge about 40X as much. Other Western countries charge around twice as much and cover few far locations and far smaller distances. We see one of the most effective and accurate services ever to exist, at a price that is unequalled. Yet, we fail to value it enough and never think to marvel at how it achieves this. When it finally dies, our descendents will find it difficult to believe.

Do journalists have an obligation to check facts, or should they merely repeat what they hear?

It has long amazed me to see that usually, when an interviewee blatantly lies or makes an incorrect statement, the journalist will let it stand. To me, this undermines the credibility of the journalist. yet it is not seen as the function of most journalists. It seems that the justification for the special position of the Fourth Estate is the fact that it seeks the truth to put in front of the public. Yet it has become more like entertainment. If journalists are not charged with seeking the truth, and challening untruths, why should the press occupy a special position?

Why do we blog?

Do we simply like to hear the sound of our own voices? Are we seeking publicity? Do we want to make money? Are we altruistic? Do we want to keep learning by being on the leading edge?

I suspect that while the balance may vary, most bloggers have more than one motivation. With many millions of blogs out there, most get little or no readership, and a tiny percentage get in the thousands of readers. I also find that it is a good self-discipline to force myself to think of a topic on a (semi)-regular basis and then to articulate the thought. It is harder work than Tweeting or reposting articles to Facebook or Digg. I would encourage everyone to have a go.

When does media impartiality become irresponsible?

The media in many democracies tries to be impartial in its news coverage. However, sometimes presenting a balanced view of two perspectives if one is wrong, is a disservice and betrayal of the reader or viewer. Giving equal time to flat-earthers may be one of those, or to those who argue that the moon landings were rigged. So at what point does it become irresponsible to not point out that Iraq did not have WMDs? In regard to the debt ceiling? It is wrong not to point out that to refuse to pay for debts which were incurred when Congress authorized the spending, will have bad consequences, as when a homeowner refuses to make mortgage payments, or a credit card holder refuses to pay even the minimum payment.
This suggests that the media now misunderstands its proper role in a democracy. Informing the audience of opinions is not mandatory, but it is of facts, and opinions should be marked as such.

Putting barriers between you and a prospective customer or client

It always amazes me that companies will put barriers between them and a prospect. One of the most common is forcing them to provide contact information before allowing them to download a brochure (even if you call it a white paper). If you really believe that a prospect will think more highly of you after they have read it, why create a disincentive? You should want to get it into as many hands as possible. Prospects want to buy! They would not be looking otherwise. So it is important to streamline the process by stripping out the obstacles in the way. Allow the prospect to buy by putting them in control of the process.