Basically yes. And you still come across people who swear up and down they
exist. Typically folks who drive full-size V8 SUVs or 4x4 pickups as
single-person commuter scooters, and rationalize their profligate use of petrol
as due to a conspiracy between Detroit and Big Oil to keep fuel mileage
artificially low.
Periodically you see, some bright back-yard tinkerer would
(re)discover the secret to decent fuel economy, patent his innovation, and
market it to a Big Car Company. Who would promptly buy him out, swear him to
secrecy (or worse), and suppress the patent.
Everyone knows
that!
Seriously, I first learnt of the "Secret 70 mpg Caddy Carb
patents" when I was a teenager. Heard of it again maybe seven years ago, which
prompted me to inquire of my wise and aged uncle, a life-long auto enthusiast
and chemical engineer, just how far back that one went: "Can't say for
sure, Ed. But well before you were born."
Wake up, folks -- We
wouldn't lie to you.
[/irony]
:-)
--- Real Programmers
mangle their own memory. [ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
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