Driving is so 10 years ago, studies find

Driving in the US peaked back in 2004, according to two recent studies. And due to factors like increased used of mass transit and less interest in car ownership, driving rates may never recover to the levels of their early-aughts heyday.

By RIchard Read,?Guest blogger / July 27, 2013

A car heads north Tuesday June 18, 2013, on Illinois Route 255 near Fosterburg Road in Madison County, Ill. Another study has come out suggesting that driving in the US may be permanently on the wane.

John Badman/The Telegraph/AP/File

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Back in May, the ?U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) published?a study that showed Americans are driving less.

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The PIRG study made a number of intriguing claims, all of which pointed to the fact that driving in the U.S. peaked in 2004. And due to a range of factors -- notably, the increased use of mass transit and less interest in car ownership -- it's unlikely that driving rates will ever fully recover.

Now,?Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute has published a study of his own that seems to back the PIRG's claims.?

To reach his conclusions, Sivak examined driving trends in the U.S. from 1984 to 2011. He paid particular attention to the distances traveled per licensed driver, per vehicle, and per household.?

On each of those counts, the figures have plummeted since 2004.

According to a press release, the number of miles driven per licensed driver and per household have both tumbled 9 percent. The number of miles traveled per registered vehicle is off 5 percent:?

The latest rates (2011) are: distance driven per person, 8,494 miles (down from 9,314 in 2004); distance driven per licensed driver, 12,492 miles (down from 13,711 in 2004); distance driven per household, 22,069 miles (down from 24,349 in 2004); and distance driven per registered vehicle, 11,318 miles (down from 11,946 in 2004).

Like the PIRG, Sivak says that Americans haven't simply been driving less because of the slumping economy. American driving peaked in 2004, years before the Great Recession hit, and the figures haven't recovered at the same pace as the financial sector.

In other words, Americans (and likely others around the world) think about cars and transportation differently now, causing a shift in our driving habits.

What does that mean for the future? Which automakers will survive the paradigm shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For additional details, you can see a PDF of Sivak's report by clicking here.

The Christian Science Monitor has assembled a diverse group of the best auto bloggers out there. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger,?click here.?To add or view a comment on a guest blog, please go to the blogger's own site by clicking on the link in the blog description box above.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/Pb67VKS_f-4/Driving-is-so-10-years-ago-studies-find

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Libyans vent anger at Islamists after activist's shooting

By Ghaith Shennib and Marie-Louise Gumuchian

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Protesters attacked offices of Libya's Muslim Brotherhood and the headquarters of a liberal coalition on Saturday after demonstrations sparked by assassinations in the eastern city of Benghazi turned violent, witnesses said.

Hundreds took to the streets overnight to denounce the killing of a prominent political activist and critic of the Brotherhood, Abdelsalam al-Mosmary, who was shot dead on Friday after leaving a mosque.

Mosmary was an outspoken opponent of the Brotherhood, whose Islamist political wing is the second biggest party in the national congress. Two military officials were also killed in Benghazi on Friday.

Libya's government is struggling to assert its authority over armed groups that helped topple veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, part of the wave of Arab Spring uprisings that also felled autocrats in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen.

Protesters in Benghazi set fire to two buildings - one belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood and another to its political wing, the Justice and Construction Party (JCP), witnesses said.

"They shouted 'Gather your belongings. Benghazi wants you out'," Benghazi resident Rami al-Shahibi said.

In Tripoli, a crowd stormed JCP headquarters before heading on to ransack the headquarters of the liberal National Forces Alliance (NFA), the country's biggest political party founded by wartime rebel prime minister Mahmoud Jibril.

There has been rising opposition to the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has links to several government ministers. It has struggled to convince Libyans wary of foreign interference that it has no financial or administrative links to its namesake in neighboring Egypt, whose Islamist president Mohamed Mursi was overthrown by the military on July 3.

Tensions are also high between secularists and the ruling Islamists in Tunisia, where the funeral of an assassinated secular politician was taking place on Saturday.

"THE STATE HAS FAILED"

Many of the Libyan protesters accused the Brotherhood of being behind the killings in Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 revolution - a charge rejected by Abdulrahman al-Dibani, a JCP member in congress.

"We have strongly condemned the assassination of Mosmary and all the Libyan people should hear this and not openly blame us," he said.

Reached by phone, Bashir el-Kubti, head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya, declined to comment on the attacks on the movement's offices.

Libyans are growing increasingly frustrated as they witness continuous political squabbling and lawlessness across the north African country, a major oil producer.

"The people were in the streets because they are fed up of all political parties and how the state has failed," said Hisham Idris, who had demonstrated in Tripoli's Martyrs Square.

"Maybe the growing opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood is because they are trying to achieve their political ambitions using religion as a cover for their agenda."

The Tripoli protesters waved Libyan flags and shouted anti- Brotherhood slogans. A group of youths then descended on the JCP offices, smashing its windows, climbing on desks, grabbing documents and throwing them in the streets.

Graffiti reading "Go shave your beards hypocrites, Libya does not need you" was sprayed on the building.

Calm later returned to Tripoli and Benghazi but residents did not rule out more protests after Mosmary's funeral later in the day.

(Additional reporting by Feras Bosalum and Reuters Television; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/protesters-attack-muslim-brotherhood-offices-libyan-cities-081036231.html

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?No hidden agenda in India-Africa engagement?

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Source: www.firstpost.com --- Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Accra, July 24 (IANS) There is no hidden agenda in India's engagement with Africa, which is purely meant to cooperate on developing a continent with similarities and a desire to offer tried and tested solutions, India's Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana Ajaneesh Kumar has said. Ajaneesh Kumar, who has spent the past month meeting heads of the country's universities, told the faculty and students of the University of Development Studies (UDS) at Tamale, the northern regional capital, that his country's engagement with Africa is "based on solidarity, lack of conflict of interest and shared historical experiences." He said India and Ghana would continue to foster cordial relations which were established decades ago. UDS vice chancellor Haruna Yakubu appealed to the Indian High Commission to offer scholarships to its students to push their education, adding: "The university needs to build a strong collaboration with India in the form of scholarships in areas that are beneficial to both countries to facilitate development, especially in the area of ICT." In another meeting with officials from the Valley View University (VVU), a private institution, Ajaneesh Kumar said the Indian government provides a wide range of educational scholarships and training programmes to institutions and individuals who seek to further their studies in India ...

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/no-hidden-agenda-in-india-africa-engagement-984265.html

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Capital Area Preservation and NC Modernist Houses Co-Host ...

NCMH?s George Smart will discuss North Carolina?s legacy of extraordinary Modernist houses, such as the recently demolished Paschal House in Raleigh.

George Smart

Capital Area Preservation (CAP), Wake County?s non-profit historic preservation organization, along with North Carolina Modernist Houses (formerly Triangle Modernist Houses), will host ?Mayberry Modernism: North Carolina?s Modernist Legacy,? a presentation by NCMH director George Smart, on Wednesday, August 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the new AIA NC Center for Architecture & Design, 14 East Peace Street in downtown Raleigh. The event is free and open to the public or $10 for architects who want continuing education credit.

?Mayberry Modernism? showcases North Carolina?s surprising collection of Modernist residences from the 1950s through today, many of which are in good shape but some of which are endangered or have been destroyed.

?CAP is delighted to partner with George Smart and NC Modernist Houses to bring this interesting and informative presentation to Raleigh,? said Gary Roth, CAP Executive Director. ?Our commitment to preservation of the whole spectrum of Wake County?s historic architecture and George?s enthusiasm for the Modernist houses that are such a significant portion of that spectrum in Raleigh and Wake County is the perfect fit. Whether you are a Modernist house aficionado or if Modernist houses are totally new to you, I believe that you will enjoy and learn from George?s presentation.?

Founded in 1972, Capital Area Preservation is Wake County?s only countywide non-profit historic preservation organization. CAP?s mission is to advocate and invest in the preservation of historic resources as an essential element of Wake County?s growth. For more information, visit the CAP website at http://cappresinc.org/index.php.

For more information on ?Mayberry Modernism: North Carolina?s Modernist Legacy,? go to www.ncmodernist.org and click on ?Speaking.?

###

About North Carolina Modernist Houses:
NCMH, which changes its name from Triangle Modernist Houses as of July 25, is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Established in 2007, NCMH has become the largest open digital archive of Modernist residential architecture in the nation. The award-winning organization is dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and promotion of North Carolina Modernist residential design. NCMH also hosts popular Modernist house tours several times a year, giving the public access to the state?s most exciting residential architecture, past and present. These tours raise awareness and help preserve these ?livable works of art? for future generations. For more information:

Website: http://www.ncmodernist.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Triangle-Modernist-Houses97954432790
Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgesmartTMH/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/triangle-modernist-houses-inc.
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/b1uep1ate/triangle-modernist-houses/

Source: http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/event/capital-area-preservation-and-nc-modernist-houses-co-host-mayberry-modernism/

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Call and police-interview transcripts after the arrest of a Washington dad, on s...

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Your Top Plays for Today

Phil Mickelson of the United States holds up the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Phil Mickelson of the United States holds up the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Phil Mickelson, left, of the United States, is hugged by his wife Amy after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

2013 Tour de France cycling race winner Christopher Froome of Britain and his girlfriend Michelle pose for photographers prior to the podium ceremony of the 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling in Paris, France, Sunday July 21 2013. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

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__MICKELSON WINS BRITISH OPEN WITH SPECTACULAR FINAL ROUND

Phil Mickelson blew past Tiger Woods, caught up to Lee Westwood and Masters champion Adam Scott, and won golf's oldest championship with the lowest final round in his 80 majors. With four birdies over the last six holes, Mickelson closes with a 5-under 66 for a three-shot win over Henrik Stenson at the British Open.

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__FROOME WINS TOUR DE FRANCE

British rider Chris Froome wins the 100th Tour de France after wearing the yellow jersey since Stage 8

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__A-ROD'S COMEBACK DELAYED

Alex Rodriguez has a strained left quadriceps and won't be able to return for the Yankees this week in Texas.

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__U.S. TO MEET HONDURAS IN GOLD CUP SEMIS

Landon Donovan scores a goal and sets up three others to help the United States beat El Salvador 5-1 and set up a Gold Cup semifinal against Honduras, which edged Costa Rica 1-0.

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__LOGANO WINS FOR PENSKE AT CHICAGOLAND

Joey Logano holds off Sam Hornish Jr. to win the NASCAR Nationwide race at Chicagoland Speedway, leading a sweep of top two spots for Roger Penske.

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Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-07-22-Sports-Top-Plays/id-e277331085cc424da5e4d610507c3a24

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Google brings new full-screen compose window to Gmail

It looks like those not satisfied with the recent Gmail redesign will soon have a new option to make things operate in a slightly more familiar manner. Google announced today that it's begun rolling out a new full-screen compose window that gives you more room to work with than the current option that's pinned to the lower right corner. What's more, you'll also find that the formatting toolbar is now on by default instead of requiring an extra click as it does now, and you can choose to make the full-screen view the default if you prefer it. If you don't have the new option already, Google says you should within the next couple of days.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/19/google-gmail-full-screen-compose/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

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