While several factors influence buying a new car, the sound of its horn probably isn’t one of them. And while the sound of a car horn may be a small issue for some, it’s a big issue for others—particularly automakers.
Pat Seashore of Ford Motors is one person who takes car horns seriously—it’s what she does for a living.
“Horns are tremendously important,” said Seashore in an interview with USA Today. “The horn is a communication device. You alert someone that something is happening.”
Some countries require a minimum decibel level
Dubbed the “horn czar,” Seashore, an engineering supervisor for Ford, recently spoke to the paper about the factors Ford takes into consideration when determining a car’s noise. And according to Seashore, none is more important than how loud of a sound it makes.
For instance, if a particular model is being sold in Europe, South Korea or Japan, Seashore says the horn has to be at least 93 decibels. Acc Read more…
Parts of the southeastern United States were already experiencing dangerous swells and rip tides Thursday as Hurricane Irene exited the Bahamas. On Friday afternoon, ahead of Hurricane Irene’s forecasted arrival in North Carolina tomorrow, high waves and storm surge were beginning to impact the states Outer Banks, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide, which is tracking the storm and reported on its possible route and effects late Friday afternoon.
Dr. Tim Doggett, principal scientist at AIR Worldwide, said that the current forecast indicates Irene will likely hit North Carolina’s Outer Banks rather than bypassing them, and go on to make a second landfall on or near Long Island, New York. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont are all in the vicinity of Irene’s projected path, meaning the major cities of New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and B
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It would be logical to assume that by combining car and house insurance you will get a better deal on your premium as you are bringing more business to the insurer. This is a logical assumption, but does not always actually work in your favor. As you are looking for cheaper insurance by going for a combination insurance package, check the details carefully to be absolutely sure you would not be better splitting your insurance options. In these difficult times, insurance costs are important and many people are looking to make savings, however don’t cut corners and end up with a poor deal.
Why getting combo insurance helps
Car insurance is a necessity as it is illegal to drive without cover. On the other hand, many people decide to save money by not taking out a house insurance policy. A Read more…
Simon Johnson, the former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, is the co-author of “13 Bankers.”
The United States and Europe seem to be competing hard this summer for the title of biggest economic problem. Based on the latest news coverage, Europe might seem to be experiencing something of a resurgence, as last week the euro zone agreed on a deal involving mutual support and limiting the fallout from Greece’s debt problems.
In contrast, the United States seems to be mired in a political stalemate that becomes more complex and confused at every turn.
Today’s Economist
Perspectives from expert contributors.
But rhetoric masks reality on both sides of the Atlantic. The euro zone still faces an immediate crisis: the can was kicked down the road last week, but not far. The Uni
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