Their dimensions are specfied by a second law, the latest model has 18 fewer parts than the previous version which has been standard since 1970, and well over half of the world's total are thought to be made by one city in Asia. What is the object, how many parts is it made of now, and which Asian city is its largest producer?

lanfranco

Does this have anything at all to do with microprocessors and Gordon Moore? If so, I'm dead. Jun 24 06, 5:47 PM

peasypod

I'm thinking more along the lines of car engines and Newton's Second Law of Thermodynamics. Jun 24 06, 6:44 PM

MyAlias

Standard since 1970???? Catalytic Converter. Jun 24 06, 7:56 PM

peasypod

Uggghhh. Before Gmack comes back in here thinking I've lost my mind, I did happen to mention my typing faux pas with that last post mentioning Newton, but it seems to have somewhat vanished. What it should have read was: I'm thinking more along the lines of car engines, Newton's Second Law, and, that of Thermodynamics. Jun 25 06, 5:57 PM

MyAlias

Air/fuel mixers, once known as carburetors, now have very few parts. Throttle bodies they are known as today. That is all I can say. Jun 25 06, 6:47 PM

gmackematix

It's good to see you three tackling this one but it looks like I might have to throw in a couple of clues... Jun 25 06, 8:08 PM

peasypod

I'm up for some clue fishing... Jun 25 06, 8:24 PM

peasypod

Like the benefits of centrifugal force applied to fishing reels that seem to be in abundance in Japan. Jun 25 06, 8:54 PM

gmackematix

Are you ready to pass, Peasy, because so far none of your shots has been on target? Jun 26 06, 12:38 AM

peasypod

I never give up. Ever. Let me get some sleep, and I'll be back. Target you say? Jun 26 06, 6:25 AM

gmackematix

Oh look! Here's a game question that nobody scored with. Can anyone pitch in with an answer now? Jan 24 07, 8:45 PM

gmackematix

After seven months and seven additional clues I'd better give the answer. This was asked at the height of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the answer was footballs (as in soccer balls). Association Football's 2nd law determines the ball's size. The 2006 World Cup ball was a 14-part truncated octahedron, rather than the usual 32-part football made of pentagons and hexagons. Surprisingly, to me anyway, about 75% of the world's footballs are made in the Pakistani city of Sialkot. My further clues contained "tackling", "throw in", "pass", "shots on target", "game", "score" and "pitch". Here's the relevant wiki-site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_%28ball%29 Jan 25 07, 5:27 PM