Beetle on the wing

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 19:30:00 +0000

Ernest Rogers, retired aerospace engineer and active inventor, is driving along, running routine car tests west of Salt Lake City, when it happens. A car appears behind his and stays in position, close behind. Then the car pulls up alongside and a passenger leans out her window, camera in hand. She shoots a number of photos of Ernie's car, then shoots more as the car pulls forward and slows. Finally, apparently satisfied, the driver accelerates away while the photographer gives Ernie a thumbs up and a big smile.

Was Rogers driving some kind of sleek, rocket-boosted dragster or gloriously refurbished classic car? Nope -- his vehicle was something far more relevant to the average consumer -- a new model Volkswagen Beetle, with a twist. This Beetle had a "wing" sticking out the back with two side protrusions. It resembled a silver ladybug. It looked adorable.

Rogers says he likes working on big scientific or engineering problems where he can have a significant effect. Reinventing cars so that they make more efficient use of energy resources is one of those problems.

Falling down

Fri, 26 Sep 2003 22:32:00 +0000

Several months ago, my husband and I received two rebate checks simply for having children, all part of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, an economy-stimulating incentive. Congress approved this quickie tax cut so we'd all go out and buy Pottery Barn lamps and Gap boot-cut trousers and then presumably the economy, and we, would be saved. Instead, I cashed the checks, paid off some bills, and then tucked my dignity under my arm and went to file for food stamps.

The Department of Transitional Assistance is maybe a mile from my house. It's in the basement of a nondescript brick building in a college neighborhood, seated next to an independent movie theater and a funky coffee shop. It's a well-trafficked area for the people of my demographic, the post-hip Suburban parent. I kept my head bowed low walking in and hustled down the flight of stairs. I didn't want any of my neighbors to see me.

Salon.com > Barbara Card Atkinson

Beetle on the wing

Falling down