By using a stereo pair you pick up the different characteristics of the instrument and mix them together.
The X/Y stereo microphone technique is a popular recording technique. It is also one of the simpler ones to use. It involves two cardioid microphones, normally condensers, pointed in such a way as to capture the whole instrument.
You want the full tonal spectrum of an instrument in a proper stereo recording. The X/Y technique is one of the fastest, most simple and easy to use in your bag of tricks.
How to Use?
This microphone technique involves two mono microphones to capture a stereo image of (usually)one instrument. Many portable recorders have built-in X/Y microphones that work really well if you want to capture an idea on the fly.
We must position the microphones correctly, or as close as possible to each other so that they are facing each other in an angle of 90° to 110°.
I recommend having the microphones as close to 90° as possible, but if you are close-miking a large instrument, you might need to open the angle a little more.
Any more than 120° and you risk losing the stereo image of the instrument by neither microphone picking up the center.
Advantage of the X/Y Technique
Since it's a stereo recording technique, panning both microphones to each side will result in a wide stereo image.
Converting the recorded tracks to mono result in a fuller sound that you wouldn't get with one microphone.
Since the microphones are so close to each other, there is almost no chance of having phase issues.
Some Tips for Using an X/Y Pair
Today, we record every single drum with at least one microphone if not more. When the time comes to mix your drum-kit, many mixing engineers tell you they always start from the overheads.
The overhead microphones are the ones that pick up every single thing the drummer does. They are the most valuable microphones in the mix. So an X/Y pair is a good choice for drum overheads. It automatically has the advantages of being a great stereo technique and doesn't have problems with phase.
If you can't position an X/Y pair as overheads try using the technique for capturing the room sound. Not only if you are recording drums, but also for whatever you have that sounds good in a room.
X/Y can work well on acoustic guitar. Positioning them a foot(30cm) or so from the 12th fret will pick up the whole instrument perfectly.
If you have a percussion player playing assorted percussion instruments such as congas, bongos and such you can position a X/Y pair a few feet above the instruments, capturing the group of instruments as a whole.
Stereo Sound - Impressive Sound
Knowledge of a few stereo microphone techniques is a good thing to have in your utility belt. Being able to whip out two condensers and get a wide stereo sound in minutes is impressive to your clients.
Just follow the above guidelines for setting it up, and use some of the advice I've given and you're up and running in minutes spreading stereo all over the place.
Monday, June 03, 2013
Benefits of Purchasing Quality Medical Uniforms
Many employees in hospitals, doctors' offices, dentist offices and even veterinary offices put on the medical dress code. Medical uniforms play an integral role in the medical setting. This article addresses some of the core benefits associated with buying a collection of quality hospital uniforms for health care staff members.
Nurses and the other medical professionals should feel comfortable while undertaking their specialized duties. Employees that wear ill-fitting, itchy outfits will not be able to focus on their important tasks. However, good fitting medical uniforms are comfortable and consist of soft, pliable material that suit well in any kind of a health setting.
Most health care workers wear medical scrubs for a day and then put them in a wash. Consequently, poor quality medical outfits start falling apart because of such frequent wash. Besides, high quality medical uniforms can withstand daily washing. Long lasting, resilient, and quality material does not fade, tear or pill. Those working in the medical arena require uniforms that can stand a lot of movement, perspiration and bending.
Well designed hospital uniforms enhance the professional look of employees in addition to the office that they work in. Medical employees that wear neat and good looking medical scrubs give visitors and patients a feeling of high confidence in their abilities. Conversely, a health worker within a medical facility that wears an ill-fitting and faded uniform could appear as incompetent. In a nutshell, the way staff members dress can say a lot regarding the reputation of the medical office.
A quality uniform is a great bonus in the medical office that offers service to children. There is a well-designed medical dress code, which is colourful and cheerful. This can be a source of peace of mind to any child visiting the medical office or facility for their first time.
This offers nurses and their fellow medical experts a little variety with regard to dressing for their work. For instance, some medical scrubs have a V-neck whereas others have the crewneck style. Other hospital scrubs come with wrap style tops. Additionally, some hospital uniforms come with short or long sleeves depending on what the medical office requires. Most medical experts really appreciate their ability to reveal their style while putting on the best clothing for work.
Lastly, by buying a well-designed medical dress code for the staff members, a health organization can save money on budgeting for the hospital scrubs. No wonder, you do not need to replace a well designed medical dress code after every few months. A hospital or medical office may need to pay slightly more for a properly designed medical dress code though it will be cost effective in the long term. Besides, employees will really appreciate the high quality of their official outfit.
With the different styles available on the Internet, buy medical scrubs from a reliable website to ensure that you obtain quality uniforms at a fair price. Before you purchase, ensure that it offers a stylish look and helps to develop your professional image. You will need to handle transfer of patients, equipment movement and cleaning of the patients' place. Thus, ensure that you'll be comfortable and free to move while putting on the hospital scrubs.
Nurses and the other medical professionals should feel comfortable while undertaking their specialized duties. Employees that wear ill-fitting, itchy outfits will not be able to focus on their important tasks. However, good fitting medical uniforms are comfortable and consist of soft, pliable material that suit well in any kind of a health setting.
Most health care workers wear medical scrubs for a day and then put them in a wash. Consequently, poor quality medical outfits start falling apart because of such frequent wash. Besides, high quality medical uniforms can withstand daily washing. Long lasting, resilient, and quality material does not fade, tear or pill. Those working in the medical arena require uniforms that can stand a lot of movement, perspiration and bending.
Well designed hospital uniforms enhance the professional look of employees in addition to the office that they work in. Medical employees that wear neat and good looking medical scrubs give visitors and patients a feeling of high confidence in their abilities. Conversely, a health worker within a medical facility that wears an ill-fitting and faded uniform could appear as incompetent. In a nutshell, the way staff members dress can say a lot regarding the reputation of the medical office.
A quality uniform is a great bonus in the medical office that offers service to children. There is a well-designed medical dress code, which is colourful and cheerful. This can be a source of peace of mind to any child visiting the medical office or facility for their first time.
This offers nurses and their fellow medical experts a little variety with regard to dressing for their work. For instance, some medical scrubs have a V-neck whereas others have the crewneck style. Other hospital scrubs come with wrap style tops. Additionally, some hospital uniforms come with short or long sleeves depending on what the medical office requires. Most medical experts really appreciate their ability to reveal their style while putting on the best clothing for work.
Lastly, by buying a well-designed medical dress code for the staff members, a health organization can save money on budgeting for the hospital scrubs. No wonder, you do not need to replace a well designed medical dress code after every few months. A hospital or medical office may need to pay slightly more for a properly designed medical dress code though it will be cost effective in the long term. Besides, employees will really appreciate the high quality of their official outfit.
With the different styles available on the Internet, buy medical scrubs from a reliable website to ensure that you obtain quality uniforms at a fair price. Before you purchase, ensure that it offers a stylish look and helps to develop your professional image. You will need to handle transfer of patients, equipment movement and cleaning of the patients' place. Thus, ensure that you'll be comfortable and free to move while putting on the hospital scrubs.
6 Tips For Safe Summer Traveling
Summer time is the season when more people are focused on vacations and having a good time. Too often when traveling, we forget that thugs and thieves don't take the same vacation break. As a matter of fact, summer is a criminal's favorite time of year. Travelers become lax about their safety and forget to consider safety issues, but the bad guys continue to look for any kind of easy target. Here are 6 safety tips for safe summer traveling:
1.Your home: Make an effort to make your home look occupied. Keep the blinds and curtains in their normal position. Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. Install a timer which controls lights and a radio or television. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, arrange for your grass to be cut. It should go without saying, but make sure your doors are locked and set your alarm if you have one. If you don't, consider getting an alarm that sounds like a barking dog.
2.Study your destination: Before you leave home, familiarize yourself with the maps and tour books of that area. Read customer reviews of any hotels you plan to stay at. A good deal you find online may not be such a good deal when you find out it is in a bad neighborhood.
3.Pack light: Lugging around with large bags can make you more of a target. Designer bags may signify status, but it also draws attention from thieves. You are better off packing light in inconspicuous luggage. Pack your important items, such as any medicine, jewelry and vital papers in a carry on.
4.Be aware of your surroundings: While your destination may have some incredible sights you can't help but gawking at, don't do so at the expense of your safety. Use the same precautions for safety you would use at home. Avoid looking and acting like the typical tourist. Criminals know that tourists usually have cameras, cash and other valuables with them. That makes you a target. Whenever possible, travel with other people, especially when going to unfamiliar areas. Keep your favorite self defense product with you at all times.
5.Safeguard your car: You may come from a small town, where you never lock your doors, but in an unfamiliar place, it is crucial that you lock your car whenever you exit it, even if it just for a minute. Don't leave valuables in plain view, including your wallet. Take a look inside your car, including your back seat before you get in. If you have parked on a city street, jot down a note as to the location. Don't rely on your memory in a strange place.
6.Your hotel room: Always lock the door using the deadbolt and any additional locking device. For extra protection, use a travel door guard alarm. Locate the closest exit routes in the event of a fire or other emergency. Do not leave valuables in your room, unless you use the in-room safe. Always shut the door when you leave the room, even if you will only be gone a minute.
It's all about using your common sense. Remember that crime doesn't take a vacation.
1.Your home: Make an effort to make your home look occupied. Keep the blinds and curtains in their normal position. Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. Install a timer which controls lights and a radio or television. If you are going to be gone for an extended period, arrange for your grass to be cut. It should go without saying, but make sure your doors are locked and set your alarm if you have one. If you don't, consider getting an alarm that sounds like a barking dog.
2.Study your destination: Before you leave home, familiarize yourself with the maps and tour books of that area. Read customer reviews of any hotels you plan to stay at. A good deal you find online may not be such a good deal when you find out it is in a bad neighborhood.
3.Pack light: Lugging around with large bags can make you more of a target. Designer bags may signify status, but it also draws attention from thieves. You are better off packing light in inconspicuous luggage. Pack your important items, such as any medicine, jewelry and vital papers in a carry on.
4.Be aware of your surroundings: While your destination may have some incredible sights you can't help but gawking at, don't do so at the expense of your safety. Use the same precautions for safety you would use at home. Avoid looking and acting like the typical tourist. Criminals know that tourists usually have cameras, cash and other valuables with them. That makes you a target. Whenever possible, travel with other people, especially when going to unfamiliar areas. Keep your favorite self defense product with you at all times.
5.Safeguard your car: You may come from a small town, where you never lock your doors, but in an unfamiliar place, it is crucial that you lock your car whenever you exit it, even if it just for a minute. Don't leave valuables in plain view, including your wallet. Take a look inside your car, including your back seat before you get in. If you have parked on a city street, jot down a note as to the location. Don't rely on your memory in a strange place.
6.Your hotel room: Always lock the door using the deadbolt and any additional locking device. For extra protection, use a travel door guard alarm. Locate the closest exit routes in the event of a fire or other emergency. Do not leave valuables in your room, unless you use the in-room safe. Always shut the door when you leave the room, even if you will only be gone a minute.
It's all about using your common sense. Remember that crime doesn't take a vacation.
Selecting the Best Kid Backpack for Your Child
Finding a kid backpack that can carry everything you need and more.
Finding the right backpack for your toddler is no easy task. Not only does your child need space to have their favorite items, you need space to store baby diapers, wet wipes, Size, weight and carrying handles or straps all need to be taken into account and we all know that every child likes different things. There is a huge variety of shapes, colors and designs to choose from, finding the right backpack can be a mind boggling task for moms and dads and kids too.
How to choose a Kids Backpack
Toddler backpacks have to be comfortable for your child and easy to carry or pull along. Will you need space for baby diapers or a comforter? Can you fit everything your child needs in the bag for daycare? Also don't forget when you're choosing that a heavier bag means more weight for your little one. Do they need shoulder straps or a pull along bag? Each child is different and at this tender age we don't want to stress their growing bones too much. Does the backpack fit your child? Each kid grows at a different rate and some find it hard to carry a bulkier bag. Will the bag stand up to regular use? Having to buy a new backpack every month is not fun.
Cute or Cartoon kids backpack
Do you want their bag to stand out from the crowd or have a favorite cartoon character on it? If every child had the same backpack how would they tell them apart? For your child getting their first backpack is a huge deal and very exciting, it marks the start of them gaining a little bit more independence and making new friends. With so many types to choose from you could spend literally hours staring at backpacks. From goofy shapes, to bags with angel wings on them, well known characters like Elmo or a whole host of Disney characters you know what your child likes.
Functional or Fun Kids Backpack?
A backpack for your toddler needs to be both fun and functional. It should be able to hold all the items your kid will need for the time that they are away from home. Baby diapers and Sippy cups must have a place to hide in a kids backpack, and should be something your child wants to take to kindergarten or daycare. You could even have their bag personalized with their name or initials and make it really special. Help make their first days at kindergarten more exciting by buying a bag with a pocket for that special toy or teddy bear, then teddy gets to go to school too!
Making the Right Choice for your Child
Whatever style, make or color of bag you choose, make sure it's something your child will easily identify when it is home time. Those early days at kindergarten or daycare are all very new and strange but can be so much fun. They are the first steps to being "one of the kids" and starting to learn a lot more about the world and people in it. Treasure this time as our little ones grow up in what seems like the blink of an eye.
Finding the right backpack for your toddler is no easy task. Not only does your child need space to have their favorite items, you need space to store baby diapers, wet wipes, Size, weight and carrying handles or straps all need to be taken into account and we all know that every child likes different things. There is a huge variety of shapes, colors and designs to choose from, finding the right backpack can be a mind boggling task for moms and dads and kids too.
How to choose a Kids Backpack
Toddler backpacks have to be comfortable for your child and easy to carry or pull along. Will you need space for baby diapers or a comforter? Can you fit everything your child needs in the bag for daycare? Also don't forget when you're choosing that a heavier bag means more weight for your little one. Do they need shoulder straps or a pull along bag? Each child is different and at this tender age we don't want to stress their growing bones too much. Does the backpack fit your child? Each kid grows at a different rate and some find it hard to carry a bulkier bag. Will the bag stand up to regular use? Having to buy a new backpack every month is not fun.
Cute or Cartoon kids backpack
Do you want their bag to stand out from the crowd or have a favorite cartoon character on it? If every child had the same backpack how would they tell them apart? For your child getting their first backpack is a huge deal and very exciting, it marks the start of them gaining a little bit more independence and making new friends. With so many types to choose from you could spend literally hours staring at backpacks. From goofy shapes, to bags with angel wings on them, well known characters like Elmo or a whole host of Disney characters you know what your child likes.
Functional or Fun Kids Backpack?
A backpack for your toddler needs to be both fun and functional. It should be able to hold all the items your kid will need for the time that they are away from home. Baby diapers and Sippy cups must have a place to hide in a kids backpack, and should be something your child wants to take to kindergarten or daycare. You could even have their bag personalized with their name or initials and make it really special. Help make their first days at kindergarten more exciting by buying a bag with a pocket for that special toy or teddy bear, then teddy gets to go to school too!
Making the Right Choice for your Child
Whatever style, make or color of bag you choose, make sure it's something your child will easily identify when it is home time. Those early days at kindergarten or daycare are all very new and strange but can be so much fun. They are the first steps to being "one of the kids" and starting to learn a lot more about the world and people in it. Treasure this time as our little ones grow up in what seems like the blink of an eye.
How to Create a Passive Income Source on a Social Website Like Twitter or Facebook?
Almost everyone seems to have a social profile. Most users have one on Facebook and twitter at the same time. People use these websites for connecting with their friends and families. However, these social websites can also help you generate passive income, you just need to learn how the money making idea works. There are thousands of targeted leads that you can convert on Facebook and twitter. Here, you will explore a powerful method that will help you setup potential sources of passive income right on your favorite social media website!
A guide on creating passive income source on a social website like Twitter or Facebook
If you haven't considered this idea of making money online, you might be wondering about where to start! Honestly, you can start working anytime, anywhere. You don't need a setup; however you need to learn how to use different incentives and reward programs to give this social business concept a go! Let's discover few basic steps you can follow and start generating passive income using your Facebook or twitter account.
#1 get a strong social profile with thousands of friends and followers
First, you will need a social profile with lots of friends and followers. If you have thousands of fans, you can promote anything in front of a huge audience and conversion rates will be high. You should start slow, concentrate on getting new friends and share some useful stuffs with them. This will help you get a good start with your social passive income business.
#2 don't post anything irrelevant or annoying
If you're annoying the people on social websites, you will get banned or avoided in no time. You should be very careful about promoting something. Make sure you are sharing something that people love to hear about. Before you run a campaign, try to explore the feedback and learn more about the product/service you're going to promote. This will also help you get better conversion rate.
#3 encourage your friends and followers to take action
You have to learn how you can enhance sales by promoting the items in a very professional yet friendly way. Make sure you are encouraging the friends and followers to take action. Don't irritate them, but try to communicate with them, educate them about the product or service and above all inspire them to take action.
#4 choose high quality, converting offers/products/services
This is a very obvious point to follow; things that are popular often convert better than a new, less known item. You have to find high quality, converting offers/services/products and promote them online. You can also shortlist the products and make experiments with those. You should continue with a campaign that's doing well.
Some special tips from social media marketers
-You should make as many experiment as you can and find out the best working method for you.
-You should focus on preparing a more professional social presence online to get better sales.
A guide on creating passive income source on a social website like Twitter or Facebook
If you haven't considered this idea of making money online, you might be wondering about where to start! Honestly, you can start working anytime, anywhere. You don't need a setup; however you need to learn how to use different incentives and reward programs to give this social business concept a go! Let's discover few basic steps you can follow and start generating passive income using your Facebook or twitter account.
#1 get a strong social profile with thousands of friends and followers
First, you will need a social profile with lots of friends and followers. If you have thousands of fans, you can promote anything in front of a huge audience and conversion rates will be high. You should start slow, concentrate on getting new friends and share some useful stuffs with them. This will help you get a good start with your social passive income business.
#2 don't post anything irrelevant or annoying
If you're annoying the people on social websites, you will get banned or avoided in no time. You should be very careful about promoting something. Make sure you are sharing something that people love to hear about. Before you run a campaign, try to explore the feedback and learn more about the product/service you're going to promote. This will also help you get better conversion rate.
#3 encourage your friends and followers to take action
You have to learn how you can enhance sales by promoting the items in a very professional yet friendly way. Make sure you are encouraging the friends and followers to take action. Don't irritate them, but try to communicate with them, educate them about the product or service and above all inspire them to take action.
#4 choose high quality, converting offers/products/services
This is a very obvious point to follow; things that are popular often convert better than a new, less known item. You have to find high quality, converting offers/services/products and promote them online. You can also shortlist the products and make experiments with those. You should continue with a campaign that's doing well.
Some special tips from social media marketers
-You should make as many experiment as you can and find out the best working method for you.
-You should focus on preparing a more professional social presence online to get better sales.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Are Super Star Runners From Kenya Endowed With A Fibonacci Sequence At a Lower Leg Bone?
We've all heard about the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence, at least anyone who's ever studied mathematics or gone to college has learned of this. If you don't know much about it, I suggest you go online and look it up. Then come back to this article because I'd like to throw out a question, one which perhaps has not been proposed previously.
You see, there are many folks who will claim they have found the golden ratio in nearly everything that we can see or touch. Often they go out of their way to make a claim like this with no proof, and they fudge the numbers just to prove their point. Rather than do that, I'd like to merely ask a question, and then go have you figure it out. When I was in my younger days, I was a superstar athlete, I was a runner.
I often competed against the superstar runners from Kenya in the longer distances with occasional moderate success. It often appeared that I just did not have the genetics, or the proper body geometry to compete at their level. One thing I noticed was that their lower leg bones were longer than mine, ratio wise. Many have said that the human body follows the golden ratio. I believe this has been proven false, at least with most humans.
What if those runners from Kenya actually did have the golden ratio as part of their body geometry? Could that account for their incredible abilities as runners? It's quite obvious that weren't the same, and that they had the advantage. It's often been said that those with the longer lower legs had an advantage. It makes sense that they would.
I can tell you that when I ran on my toes while running the mile or even in a 10K, or half marathon that I could run effortlessly, and faster. By running on my toes, or rather the balls of my feet, I was extending the length of my leg, in that case by three or four inches. Would that bring me closer to the golden ratio, and was that why I could run faster and further than other runners that I competed against who did not run on their toes or balls of their feet?
Why does everyone love a woman in high heel shoes? Does it make her more appealing due to the golden ratio? Does it just seem right? It is said that art and beauty, at least as observed by the human eye and our preferences follow the golden ratio. Could there be a reason for this? Is it innate? Does the golden ratio not only have beauty and form, but also the characteristics of pure efficiency in every biological species? Please consider all this and think on it. I don't claim to be the expert, just a man with the questions, and just enough math and science knowledge to pique my curiosity.
You see, there are many folks who will claim they have found the golden ratio in nearly everything that we can see or touch. Often they go out of their way to make a claim like this with no proof, and they fudge the numbers just to prove their point. Rather than do that, I'd like to merely ask a question, and then go have you figure it out. When I was in my younger days, I was a superstar athlete, I was a runner.
I often competed against the superstar runners from Kenya in the longer distances with occasional moderate success. It often appeared that I just did not have the genetics, or the proper body geometry to compete at their level. One thing I noticed was that their lower leg bones were longer than mine, ratio wise. Many have said that the human body follows the golden ratio. I believe this has been proven false, at least with most humans.
What if those runners from Kenya actually did have the golden ratio as part of their body geometry? Could that account for their incredible abilities as runners? It's quite obvious that weren't the same, and that they had the advantage. It's often been said that those with the longer lower legs had an advantage. It makes sense that they would.
I can tell you that when I ran on my toes while running the mile or even in a 10K, or half marathon that I could run effortlessly, and faster. By running on my toes, or rather the balls of my feet, I was extending the length of my leg, in that case by three or four inches. Would that bring me closer to the golden ratio, and was that why I could run faster and further than other runners that I competed against who did not run on their toes or balls of their feet?
Why does everyone love a woman in high heel shoes? Does it make her more appealing due to the golden ratio? Does it just seem right? It is said that art and beauty, at least as observed by the human eye and our preferences follow the golden ratio. Could there be a reason for this? Is it innate? Does the golden ratio not only have beauty and form, but also the characteristics of pure efficiency in every biological species? Please consider all this and think on it. I don't claim to be the expert, just a man with the questions, and just enough math and science knowledge to pique my curiosity.
Why We Need a Rail Road Think Tank for Future Innovations
In the United States we have far too many industrial dinosaur industries. I have nothing against the strength of our industrial capacity, but there's no reason to use 19th-century technologies when we now live in the 21st century. Let's talk about the railroad industry in this country. Yes, we can move freight inexpensively on tracks, and we can move a lot of it. It makes sense to do this as it is a good distribution method, especially during periods of drought, and the reality that we don't have large canals moving from market to market over mountains and through the passes.
Still, we can do better than this. The current railroad technology isn't exactly adequate, the track is too narrow, and the railcars are too wide, and they go up too high. They fall over too much to be quite blunt, that is to say they often derail. The railroad also makes too much noise, and the reason that it gets away with all this is because it has been grandfathered into our current rules and regulations. Why you ask, well because the railroad lobby is quite strong, and it is a key element in our economy. It is also controlled by the unions.
Interestingly enough, this is perhaps why Warren Buffett has invested in the railroad. This fits in his scenario of a good investment because it has "motes" around the business model protecting the castle or the company. That is to say there are barriers to entry, and no one can buy up all the land and put down a railroad track to compete. In many cases it's a monopoly or at least duopoly in some places at worst. This is not to say that there isn't at least some innovation in the railroad industry, it's just that there isn't enough. Still, maybe some of that is changing.
In the Austin Business Journal was an interesting article posted on December 12, 2012 titled; "Union Pacific opens tech development center in Austin," by Christopher Calnan which stated;
"Another major company has opened a tech development center in Austin TX. This time it is Union Pacific Corp. the nation's largest railroad operator. The company will open a software development center in Northwest Austin that could employ up to 40 workers."
Yes, software and computer systems can make the railroad more efficient, safer, and eventually all the trains will be autonomous without drivers or in this case conductors. This saves labor costs, and makes the railroad more efficient, but what about everything else? What about all the new materials, why are we still making the tracks and wheels out of steel? Steel rusts, and steel on steel makes too much noise. I think we can do better than this. This is why I believe we need a railroad think tank for future innovations.
Not just for software and the computer systems, but all components. General Electric is making better locomotives, and there are new designs on the horizon, we need not stop there, and so, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Still, we can do better than this. The current railroad technology isn't exactly adequate, the track is too narrow, and the railcars are too wide, and they go up too high. They fall over too much to be quite blunt, that is to say they often derail. The railroad also makes too much noise, and the reason that it gets away with all this is because it has been grandfathered into our current rules and regulations. Why you ask, well because the railroad lobby is quite strong, and it is a key element in our economy. It is also controlled by the unions.
Interestingly enough, this is perhaps why Warren Buffett has invested in the railroad. This fits in his scenario of a good investment because it has "motes" around the business model protecting the castle or the company. That is to say there are barriers to entry, and no one can buy up all the land and put down a railroad track to compete. In many cases it's a monopoly or at least duopoly in some places at worst. This is not to say that there isn't at least some innovation in the railroad industry, it's just that there isn't enough. Still, maybe some of that is changing.
In the Austin Business Journal was an interesting article posted on December 12, 2012 titled; "Union Pacific opens tech development center in Austin," by Christopher Calnan which stated;
"Another major company has opened a tech development center in Austin TX. This time it is Union Pacific Corp. the nation's largest railroad operator. The company will open a software development center in Northwest Austin that could employ up to 40 workers."
Yes, software and computer systems can make the railroad more efficient, safer, and eventually all the trains will be autonomous without drivers or in this case conductors. This saves labor costs, and makes the railroad more efficient, but what about everything else? What about all the new materials, why are we still making the tracks and wheels out of steel? Steel rusts, and steel on steel makes too much noise. I think we can do better than this. This is why I believe we need a railroad think tank for future innovations.
Not just for software and the computer systems, but all components. General Electric is making better locomotives, and there are new designs on the horizon, we need not stop there, and so, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
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