Topic: Aaas

AAA is expanding its roadside assistance to include mobile charging for electric vehicles to combat "range anxiety." The service provides a 15-to-30-minute charge, offering roughly 20 miles of range to reach a permanent station. The hosts question the efficiency of this system compared to a simple gallon of gasoline, noting the significant time investment required for EV recovery.

President Biden authorized the year-round sale of E15 gasoline (15% ethanol) to lower fuel prices. AAA warned that the higher ethanol content could cause damage to older vehicle engines due to its corrosive properties. Dvorak explains that while some cars are designed for E85, most standard engines are only rated for a 10% ethanol mix.

Gas prices in the U.S. are rising at the fastest pace in history, with the national average nearing $4.00 per gallon. Brent crude and WTI oil prices have surged to over $115 per barrel. Additionally, Russia is cutting off fertilizer supplies, which is expected to have a severe impact on global food production and prices.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), chaired by Stephen Chu, operates a China division in collaboration with the China Association for Science and Technology. Through its Sci-Line initiative, the AAAS provides a centralized "motherlode" of quotable experts for lazy or under-resourced journalists. This structure allows for the rapid dissemination of specific scientific narratives across mainstream media outlets.

TSA and AAA predict record-breaking travel numbers for the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday, with over 26 million people flying and 49 million driving. John Dvorak shares a report on seeing a vintage "dome car" from the Great Northern railway attached to a modern train. The hosts discuss the logistical nightmare of airport security during the holidays.

A AAA report claims that fatal crashes involving drivers who used marijuana have doubled in Washington State since legalization. However, the report also admits there is no scientific basis for a "legal limit" similar to the 0.08 BAC for alcohol. The hosts discuss the impact of the Uber and Lyft exit from Austin on drunk and high driving rates.

A No Agenda producer demonstrates the lack of vetting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) by joining for $50 without providing any scientific credentials. He subsequently received a technical survey from the Associated Press asking him to rate the health of the Gulf of Mexico on a numerical scale. The hosts argue this proves that "scientific consensus" figures are often based on surveys of unqualified individuals.

An investigation into the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) reveals that membership is open to anyone willing to pay a $50 fee, regardless of scientific credentials. This finding challenges the weight given to Pew Research Center surveys that compare the opinions of "scientists" (AAAS members) against the general public on issues like GMO safety.

A controversy over E15 gasoline (15% ethanol) is discussed following warnings from AAA that the fuel could ruin car engines. The hosts debate the energy density of ethanol versus pure gasoline, with John C. Dvorak arguing that the claims of a "one-third" reduction in energy are exaggerated and that most modern engines can handle higher alcohol content without issue.

The United States credit rating was downgraded by Standard & Poor's following the raising of the debt ceiling. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner previously dismissed the risk of losing the AAA rating, calling it unassailable. Former economic advisor Christina Romer is criticized for her academic background and recent media appearances regarding the stimulus.

Standard & Poor's revised the United States' credit outlook to "negative," signaling a potential future downgrade of its AAA rating. The discussion explores the concept of the nation as a corporation and the valuation of human life as collateral for Treasury bills. Government estimates reportedly value a single human resource at approximately $9.1 million from birth.