By Duggan Flanakin ~

While some are certain of the inevitability of the impending demise of the internal combustion engine (ICE), others are far less certain. Cristian Agapie points to market pressures due to increased demand for electric vehicles have raised prices and operating costs as well. Another writer calls out electric vehicles, even Teslas, as just boring to drive. One thing for certain: hardly anyone will be able to enjoy the camaraderie and thrill of working on these vehicles.

Meanwhile, even General Motors, which like most other automobile manufacturers, has pledged to end its production of ICE vehicles, has also patented what it calls “multilink cranktrains with combined eccentric shaft and camshaft drive system for internal combustion engines.” This innovative design is likely similar to Nissan’s variable compression engine already available in its luxury Infiniti QX50 SUV.

The GM system, invented by Michigan-based senior engineer Andrew G. Balding…

By Douglas Blair ~

Not content to strip schools of “offensive names” or revel in its feces-filled sidewalks, San Francisco has yet again proven why it’s one of the most insane cities in America by engaging in some pointless language policing.

San Francisco’s school system has decided the word “chief” is racist, and therefore no longer may be used in job titles. Pictured: Chief Phil Lane of the Yankton Dakota and Chickasaw First Nations marches with demonstrators to City Hall during a rally against climate change Feb. 17, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

The San Francisco Unified School District announced last Wednesday that it would no longer use the word “chief” in any  job titles, over possible concerns from Native Americans.

“While there are many opinions on the matter, our leadership team agreed that, given that Native American members of our community have expressed concerns over…