The Future of Braking: Porsche’s Surface Coated Technology

Number of words: 460 Porsche’s new Surface Coated Brake system uses white calipers, a nod to the fact that the mirror-finish tungsten carbide-coated rotors drastically reduce brake dust. There’s usually a compromise between brake pad performance and brake dust (high-performance pads tend to generate more schmutz on your wheels) but that’s not the only reason … Read more

The Paradox of Data: What the Numbers Don’t Show

Number of words: 249 During World War II, numerous fighter planes were getting hit by anti-aircraft guns. Air Force officers wanted to add some protective armor/shield to the planes. The question was “where”?The planes could only support few more kilos of weight. A group of mathematicians and engineers were called for a short consulting project. Fighter planes … Read more

Contronyms: Words That Defy Logic

Number of words: 109 ‘Can A Word Be Its Own Opposite?’  Yes! They are called ‘Contronyms’—words that are their own antonyms, depending on usage. Here are a few examples  ‘Dust’ : can mean ‘to add fine particles’ or ‘to remove fine particles’.  ‘Left’ : can mean both ‘remaining’ and ‘departed’. ‘Off’ : can mean both … Read more