• About
  • Mortgage Basics
  • $40K Challenge
  • Aunt Doris
  • Grandfather Says
  • Privacy
  • Archives

Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

100 Words On: The Department of Redundancy Department

By Len Penzo

When it comes to the world of banking, nobody seems to have any problem with redundancy. How else can you explain the fact that people routinely use their PIN number at the ATM machine? If you ask a linguist, he’ll boldly proclaim that redundancy should be avoided at all costs. But that’s not always true. Engineers demand a belt-and-suspenders approach when designing safety into passenger airplanes; it’s the primary reason why flying is the safest form of travel, including walking.

The bottom line: Redundant redundancy is redundant, but that’s not always a bad thing — especially when you’re flying at 37,000 feet.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

12 Comments February 28, 2019

Comments

  1. 1

    Bill says

    As someone who lives 9 miles as the crow flies from one, I hope the department of redundancy department was also at work that day when they designed this nuclear plant.

    Reply
    • 2

      Len Penzo says

      Well, they did, Bill. It’s still no guarantee, of course — but it’s not something I would lay awake at night worrying about. The odds of an accident on the level of Chernobyl or the recent one in Japan is extremely remote.

      In fact, those who live downwind of a properly-operating coal-burning power plant are subjected to greater amounts of radiation than those who live downwind of a nuclear one. (Well, as long as it has it hasn’t suffered a meltdown due to the damage caused by an 8+ magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami, or some other fluke event).

      http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste

      And if you live upwind of your nuclear plant, all the better.

      Reply
  2. 3

    AverageJoe says

    I totally agree one hundred percent!

    Reply
    • 4

      Len Penzo says

      Well done, sir!

      Reply
  3. 5

    Krantcents says

    It is also a good thing when it comes to money! Particularly my money.

    Reply
    • 6

      Len Penzo says

      That it is. That it is.

      Reply
  4. 7

    Greg McFarlane says

    HIV virus. ABS system. ISBN number. UPC code. Please RSVP. But not PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve.

    And my all-time favorite, DSW Discount Shoe Warehouse.

    Reply
    • 8

      Len Penzo says

      Those are good ones. How about these: tuna fish, kneel down, empty space, true fact …

      Reply
  5. 9

    Steve says

    37,000 ft? It’s important if your flying at 1000 ft too. Or 100 ft.

    Reply
    • 10

      Len Penzo says

      True. But I think your point is redundant.

      Reply
  6. 11

    Aloysa @ My Broken Coin says

    Sometimes I like redundancy. I like redundant deposits that go into my bank account. Redundant expenses… not so much! 🙂

    Reply
  7. 12

    TnAndy says

    Often hear the term: Hot water heater.

    WHY would one need to heat hot water ?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The Question of the Week:

Are you a better or worse financial manager than your parents?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Recent Posts

  • Black Coffee: Out to Lunch
  • How to Set Up a Proper Gambling Budget
  • How to Guarantee a Social Security Disability Claim
  • Grandfather Says: Croc Hunting in Mindanao
  • How to Save Money on Dental Care So You Won’t Go Broke at the Dentist
  • 7 Big Reasons Why a Roth IRA Isn’t the Best Way to Save for Retirement
  • 3 Ways That Great Sleep Helps You Get Richer
  • Series I Savings Bonds Are Now Paying 9.62%; Here Are Their Pros and Cons
  • Black Coffee: Are You Not Entertained?
  • 100 Words On: What You Should Always Do Before Buying Stuff Online

Disclaimer

This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and the content herein should not be mistaken for professional financial advice. In fact, making investment decisions based on information published here, or any other website for that matter, is more than unwise; it is folly. This website accepts advertising in the form of monetary and other compensation; as such, topics of discussion are occasionally influenced by these advertisers. Sometimes, an article may also include affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, this blog earns a commission if you click through and make a purchase (for example, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Remember, you and you alone are responsible for the decisions you make in life, so please contact an independent financial professional for advice regarding your unique personal situation.

Sign up for the weekly Len Penzo dot Com newsletter
Len Penzo dot Com Delivered Weekly
Join more than 40,000 readers and fans who enjoy personal finance and macroeconomics with an offbeat twist!
Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing!

Popular Now:

  1. 1. The Great Paper Towel Test: Which Brand Is Your Best Value?
  2. 2. How a Broken Washing Machine Fixed My Finances
  3. 3. Tip Inflation: We’ve Got Nobody to Blame But Ourselves
  4. 4. Lottery Fraud: Don’t Get Caught Paying “The Stupid Tax”
  5. 5. What’s the Fastest Way to Pay Down Your Mortgage Early?
  6. 6. The Marriage Conundrum: Joint or Separate Accounts?
  7. 7. Why Time Is More Valuable Than Money
  8. 8. 25 Examples of Shrinkflation That No Longer Fool Consumers
  9. 9. Historical Gold & Silver Benchmarks for Wages and Commodity Prices
  10. 10. 4 Good Reasons Why Some Quarters Are Painted Red

All-Time Most Popular:

  1. 1. 19 Things Your Suburban Millionaire Neighbor Won’t Tell You
  2. 2. Dear Friend: Here Are 41 Reasons Why I’m NOT Lending You the Money
  3. 3. Why Your Expensive Luxury Car Doesn’t Impress Smart People
  4. 4. If You Can’t Live on $40,000 Annually It’s Your Own Fault
  5. 5. 21 Reasons Why Corner Lots Are for Suckers
  6. 6. 4 Smart Reasons Why College Isn’t for Everyone
  7. 7. 18 Fast Facts About Social Security Numbers
  8. 8. My Ketchup Taste Test: Upset! Guess Which Brand Topped Heinz
  9. 9. Why I Prefer a Spreadsheet to Track Expenses and Manage My Finances
  10. 10. Here’s a Simple Trick for Getting Credit Card Interest Charges Waived

Copyright © 2022 Len Penzo dot Com · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Nuts and Bolts Media

© Len Penzo dot Com 2008–2022