Latest on twitter:
Quaker State, makers of fine automobile fluid products everywhere, has run a contest inviting people to compete for the title of World’s Worst Commute. (Beware the link(s), the site is Flashtastrophic.)
As genius as this campaign is, I beg to differ with the marketers on this — the solution is not more effective motor oil. It’s not even electric cars.
What is it? It’s better designed cities with more affordable housing and rapid transit options. I don’t think I’m stretching to say that these people are dying: driving and waiting in their cars instead of exercising, cooking healthy food for themselves, spending time doing things with people that make them happy, allow them to give back to their communities or engage with their creativity.
Just think of the scads of cognitive surplus our society would have on its hands, if we were able to shorten the average commute time.
That ride with Jimmie Johnson will be sweet for the winner. I don’t know about any of you, dear readers, but I’m personally OK with losing that contest.
