65th Anniversary of the US Interstate Highway System

by | Aug 23, 2021 | Coffee Break, Insights, Technology

The Simple Genious of the Interstate Highway System (Video).  Started by Dwight D. Eisenhower after WWII, it was an economic necessity and is considered to be one of the most influential infrastructures in the country (in US history). The project was achieved at a cost of $8.5M/mile (2016 dollars) to construct, which increased to $34M/mile in the 1980s (2016 dollars). Starting in 1956, it took nearly 40 years to complete the entire system.  This reduced the 62-day journey from coast to coast to 42 hours.

The logistics of a nationwide transportation system is an engineering and economic marvel.  On the other hand, there were some significant non-monetary and hidden costs.  Check out this video for more details. (20-minute video, but worth the time – grab a coffee and enjoy).

Food Monopolies

by | Jul 14, 2021 | Agriculture, Coffee Break, Insights

I usually take The Guardian with a grain of salt – some of the articles can be alarmist and dramatic – but this article is interesting and worth the look.

Farmers know that a few food conglomerates control the grocery supply; this article goes into detail about which companies own how much of each segment of the food industry in the United States.

Check out the full article for a deep dive into who controls the food you eat.

Our Unequal Earth: Revealed: the true extent of America’s food monopolies, and who pays the price

[I did not know that Keurig/Dr. Pepper was on the list – check out the Beverages Section of the report]

Drive and Listen

by | Dec 30, 2020 | Coffee Break

We should all be staying safe and healthy at home – but if you have the itch to travel, try out the Drive & Listen website.  You are just riding along in a car on city streets – but it’s very interesting.  Terrific views and local radio in the background.  Enjoy!