JOURNALISM

You often write about the murders of journalists in Mexico, how are we doing on this critical issue?

R. In Mexico, the deaths of journalists with a direct link to their journalistic work represented almost 20% of the world total. As RWB details: “At least 80 journalists have been killed in connection with their work in Mexico in the last ten years (including 46 in the last five), despite repeated calls by civil society and international organizations for the government combat violence more effectively. The report goes on to refer to the murder of journalist Lourdes Maldonado López, who was “in principle enjoying (state) protection in Baja California,” when she was shot outside her home in January.

To put it in context, between reality and what the current government disseminates, I share that, in a recent tweet, the official spokesman indicates that there have been 13 murders of journalists this year and that five culprits have been apprehended, prosecuted, and sentenced. Five out of 13 is not bad, one would say, we are on the right track, but the truth is that five culprits are related to two murders, currently 11 remain unsolved.

USED

Now that new cars are out of reach for most, we’re going for a used one, are there any special precautions we should take when we’re checking it out?

R. Don Artemio, not a precaution, but many. The first is the seller, individual or distributor. I would not buy a car from a private individual, even if it was a family member or close friend. Take these recommendations into account and see if there are:

1. Oxidation. Even if it’s a small point, rust has a knack for finding small, hidden places. From there it spreads like a virus to the rest of the vehicle.

2. Musty or moldy smell. This problem may be a sign that this vehicle has been through a flood or there is a water leak.

Water can cause significant damage to mechanical systems, electronics, and lubricants. These can also be incredibly expensive to repair.

3. Body alignment. Checking for misaligned body panels is a must when buying a used car. Misaligned panels, doors that don’t close evenly, and uneven paint are all signs that the car has been in an accident.

4. Brakes. The brakes should not be soft, but firm. Brakes where you keep pushing down for an extended period of time or feel soft can be a clue that your brake fluid needs to be changed and can be a warning sign of worse things to come, such as the brake master cylinder failing. .

5. Shock absorbers, suspension. If you push a corner of the car down, the car should return to its original level smoothly. If it does, then the shocks and suspension are in good condition.

6. History. If the seller doesn’t want to share the repair and maintenance history report, that’s reason enough to look for another car.

THE METRIC

Apart from the neighbors to the north, is there any other country that does not use the metric system?

A. As we know, few things are as ubiquitous as the metric system, also known as the International System of Units. Democratic societies, totalitarian regimes, desert nations, and mountainous countries alike use the decimal system of measurement first devised in the 18th century—everyone, that is, except Liberia, Burma, and, as you point out, the United States. Instead, these countries use imperial (or customary) measurements, such as the foot, yard, and mile, as well as ounces, pounds, and tons. Even among these three nations, Liberia and Burma are in the middle of the metrification process, which means that one day the United States will be the only retainer.

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