Silent running

Couldn’t you just put baseball cards in the wheels? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing sound standards for electric vehicles. Not because they’re too loud but because they’re so quiet that pedestrians and cyclists often don’t hear them as they approach. NHTSA is proposing automakers choose from a range of added noises for electric cars.

This could be a huge selling point. We’d love to see the reaction of cyclists who hear a Harley coming up behind them and then see a Prius pass by.

No, the McRib doesn’t count: McDonald’s is expanding its test marketing to Chicago for its “Mighty Wings” chicken wings, deep-fried bone-in chicken wings served with a choice of dipping sauce.

It’s the first time that McDonald’s has offered a menu item that, unlike the McNugget and the McBite, actually comes from an identifiable part of the chicken.

Somebody’s been sleeping in my planet: Astronomers scanning the skies for Earthlike planets say the Milky Way galaxy is home to at least 17 billion planets similar in size to our planet, but they have yet to find one in the so-called Goldilocks zone, where a world would not be too hot nor too cold.

Even more sought-after is a world in the Hansel and Gretel zone where the planet’s crust is made of gingerbread.

Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1963, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” measuring 30 inches by 21 inches, went on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., with President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline, in attendance.

Jackie remarked on its small size, to which John replied, “Ah, that’s what she said.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, May 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A driver in a Tesla reportedly on "autopilot" allegedly crashed into a Snohomish County Sheriff's Office patrol SUV that was parked on the roadside Saturday in Lake Stevens. There were no injuries. (Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
Editorial: Tesla’s Autopilot may be ‘unsafe at any speed’

An accident in Maltby involving a Tesla and a motorcycle raises fresh concerns amid hundreds of crashes.

Schwab: Challanged by a letter writer; why Biden is better

Rather than explain why not to re-enter a burning building, some reasons to stick with President Biden.

RFK’s good traits don’t cancel out his conspriacy theories

A recent Herald opinion piece professed admiration for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,… Continue reading

It’s up to God to judge Trump’s, Biden’s faith

A recent letter to the editor questioned the Christianity of Donald Trump.… Continue reading

Set up single-payer health care coverage

I agree with a recent letter regarding health care spending. This country… Continue reading

Nicholas Kristof: How protesters can better help Palestinians

Protest has its place, but what’s happening now has displaced attention on those suffering in Gaza.

A Black-capped Chickadee sits on a branch in the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Bird act’s renewal can aid in saving species

It provides funding for environmental efforts, and shows the importance of policy in an election year.

Volunteers with Stop the Sweeps hold flyers as they talk with people during a rally outside The Pioneer Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Portland, Ore. The rally was held on Monday as the Supreme Court wrestled with major questions about the growing issue of homelessness. The court considered whether cities can punish people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Editorial: Cities don’t need to wait for ruling on homelessness

Forcing people ‘down the road’ won’t end homelessness; providing housing and support services will.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, May 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Health care coverage for undocumented an insult to taxpayers

I just read that Washington sate has been granted a federal waiver… Continue reading

Until EVs, little concern shown for impacts of lithium mining

To all of the fossil fuel defenders who are now suddenly worried… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.