But events - even those with a comic element like the McKinley episode - continue to demonstrate what Senator Frank Lautenberg called the almost incomprehensible magnitude of trying to secure a US transport network which includes 3.9 million miles of roads, 600, 000 bridges, 361 ports and more than 5, 000 public-use airports.

BBC: NEWS | Americas | US stowaway reveals security holes

As it is, the government seems hesitant even to privatise the earnings-related element of the state pension.

ECONOMIST: From Beveridge to Blair

The decision to become an independent contractor can be a brave and wise move, but the ability to buy an inexpensive health plan, even with a pre-existing condition, is a key element to a successful freelance life.

FORBES: How Health Insurance Premiums Drag Down the Freelance Economy

Coaching is a vital element, in sports, and today even world-class athletes in individual sports have coaches.

FORBES: Why coaches need coaching

Those widgets could even be useful as an addition to Apple TV or an element of an Apple-branded television should Apple pursue that oft-rumored path.

ENGADGET: Switched On: Next for the nano

"Each element of the study indicated that A-level physics had become easier over time and even the majority of teachers attributed rising pass rates over the past decade to this, " he said.

BBC: A-level row upsets students