Auto racing beware the rabbits

Way back in 2007 I made an observation about NASCAR, and the whole of auto racing. I mentioned that I was surprised that the "global warming" eco-freaks had yet to protest or address auto racing in any way. In fact I made a prediction

"Mark my words, it is quite possible that one day soon, some green political organization is going to suggest that all cars in the auto racing industry be replaced with hybrid vehicles. Actually, it will probably start with some super green nutcase (like a certain musician, who thinks everyone should use one square of tissue paper only) who will suggest that instead of racing cars fueled with a gas, races should be with solar cars or just bicycles. Imagine a Daytona 500 like that."

Well it's a bit less than 2 years later, and it seems that part of what I imagined is on it's first legs to start.

Yep, race cars made out of plants and fueled by chocolate. Sounds like a joke doesn't it? But it's not. Because in London a group of scientists have done it.

Called the WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car, it is claimed but unproven to reach speeds of 145 mph. It runs on used vegetable oils and chocolate factory refuse as a biomass fuel. It has a steering wheel made from carrots and wheels made of soybeans. It will be featured in the European Grand Prix and Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Now there are 2 thoughts I have about this car. The first is what will happen when it is in a race. If this car finishes anywhere above dead last, you can be assured that there will be a huge cry for more to be built, and an end to all other styles of race cars. Monster Trucks will be replaced with monster cabbage, and NASCAR with broccoli inspired stock cars. It will be the example of green entertainment, and the prototype for everyday vehicles.

There is a good and bad to this of course. The good is the eco-fanatics dream. A world of vegetables and speed, or at least just vegetables. The bad might be the damage drivers will endure from cars that are not strong enough to be safe, or more flammable. And of course there ever present problem of rabbits.

But the more serious thought is something far more dangerous. Let's say this Willy Wonka inspired contraption works. Maybe even wins a race. And it inspires a slew of other vehicles and changes the entire auto racing industry. Even the personal vehicle industry (especially if President Obama continues on the path of privatizing the auto industry).

The result is that the cost of food will skyrocket. Most haven't noticed, and the major media has yet to seriously report that ethanol, especially corn-based ethanol as used in the U.S., drives up food prices. All the food we have costs about 10% more today just because of corn-ethanol. And that is rising.

Imagine cars made out of food, with engines fun on biomass derived from food. Of the hundreds of millions of cars just in the U.S. alone, with billions of gallons of fuel consumed. Of the thousands of race cars in the auto racing industry and the fuel they use. If the use of ethanol, which can't be bought by 95% of American citizens, has risen food prices 10% already what might this trend cost us?

Auto racing, NASCAR in particular in the U.S., is not going to go away. But this Wonka-mobile will start a trend, similar to what I imagined 2 years ago. So get ready. Things are about to change I think. And all the change may not be as fun, healthy, or affordable as some will claim.

Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp - really playing with rock stars

So you want to be a rock star. Rock Band and Guitar Hero are just not doing it for you. Because you know you can play with the best. This Christmas, or at any time really, you can get your chance, if you can afford it.

Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp is the opportunity that can put you and the select other few that can afford the $16,000 price, in a band playing and recording with the likes of Slash, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd. Seriously, you get to play with a rock star, and you get to record at Abbey Road studios in London.

Now when I say London, I do mean Britain. The cost of crossing the pond and staying somewhere when you aren’t writing your own song or performing it is an added cost you will have to figure out yourself. But for a true fan, or someone living out a dream, what’s a few ten thousand?

Without having to go to American Idol, without having to spend inordinate hours being mocked by Simon Cowell, without having stellar talent you too could be one step away from greatness. Literally. Now tell me you aren’t looking at your bank account – whether you have the money or not.

And I will add that this experience is not age limited. While many who do indulge in this expensive pleasure are moderately older, in the 50’s, there are those who have parents with the means that are far younger – like 15. So don’t let the sag in the middle, or lack of legal drinking age hold you back.

Recently at the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp were Slash in an unexpected visit, Mark Hudson guiding a group in writing a song, and drummer Nick Mason of Pink Floyd. When Mason was asked why he does this – since it is logical that he like many of the rock legends and stars that go to the camp don’t need whatever fee they receive – he said

“I think there a number of things that appeal about it. It's partly working with the non-professionals and working with the professionals. Both sections bring something.”

So I suppose that if you have the cash, the dream, and the time there is only one question. Can you rock?

Classic cars - economic hedge, if you can afford it

In recent months I have discussed the economy, stocks, energy, and alternative sources of retaining wealth in an economic slowdown. I have found claims and suggestions that collectibles and antiques are excellent hedges against a credit crunch or mortgage bailout. But as nice as it may be to have an original edition copy of Green Eggs and Ham, it won’t get you down the road a mile.

For that you need a car. And if you have a mind to preserve your capital there is nothing better than a classic car. If you can afford it.

A recent car auction, which was focused on classic cars was held in London. Thousands crowded the scene, and many in that group were there to buy. Up for grabs were Rolls Royces, Bugattis, Aston Martins from the 50s, Ferraris from the 60s, and Jaguar E-Types just to name a few popular names. And many of the 99 cars were sold at or above the estimated price.

2 Ferraris were able to fetch over $1 million each. And an all-time high price was set for the McLaren F1, at $1.2 million



But for all the huge prices - and a few bargain deals like the 1935 Lancia that sold for $4500 and the 1954 Fiat that went for just over $1000 – 30% of the cars did not hit their estimated price. Still that’s not too bad for an auction.

So you might take this from the London auction. A classic Bugatti or Aston Martin, A Jaguar or McLaren is definitely not a stock. You can ride it down the road, really fast in some cases. You can look like a million bucks in it. You can be terrorized by birds overhead and potholes in the road. But the value of this slice of automotive heaven will likely not get altered much by lost profits, or bad loans.

Of course you have to have the money to buy the car in the first place. And then a home to garage it afterwards. And an alarm system, a really good one.

So perhaps classic cars are a hedge against economic woes. But it would seem to me that if you can afford a Rolls Royce your economics are pretty secure anyway. But if you have the mind and the money, well there is an option.

HIV and AIDS: the problem still exists

One of the things you really have not heard about of late is HIV and AIDS. Of the various diseases in the world, this is one of the most deadly and it is also one of the easiest to prevent. Yet it continues to grow in numbers, recently in NYC a report stated

“The report says in 2006, nearly 4,800 New Yorkers contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This means there were 72 new infections per 100,000 people. That number is three times higher than the national rate, in which the incidence of new infection is 23 per 100,000 people.”

Now some may want to focus on the words New York City, or 72 new infections. But what they are not focusing on is the equally important “the national rate, in which the incidence of new infection is 23 per 100,000 people.”

It’s been almost 30 years since the world became aware of HIV and AIDS. 25 million people worldwide have died, with roughly 33 million known infected people at the end of 2007. And while the numbers may have slowed they continue to grow. Half of those know infections are in people at or under age 25.

Don’t believe that because you aren’t seeing news stories, or hearing elected officials speak about HIV and AIDS that they have been cured or gone away like smallpox.

Now I reach roughly 115 or more countries each month. Not one of these nations is without AIDS or HIV. And this may not be scientific, or the most accurate statement, but I believe that the chance of getting HIV are better than getting Cholera, Malaria (in the U.S. – worldwide it is a larger problem), Measles, Mumps, combined in the U.S. Even in other nations, excluding Malaria, it leads most other chances of getting a disease.

If you live in London, or Dover, or Milan, or Barcelona, or Hong Kong, or Dayton Ohio or anywhere you can get HIV. Living in a small town or a major city will not protect you. Being White or Black or a woman will not protect you. Nor will your social class, education, age, religion, or any other classification you can name.

If you are having unprotected sex, especially with more than one partner in the past decade, you need to get checked. It’s just that simple.

I know some people are nervous or embarrassed about this subject. It’s probably why the major news media and the current Presidential candidates tend to shy away from this subject. But there really is no reason to be.

Getting tested is a simple blood test, done in your doctor’s office. It’s quick and private. You can get it done along with your annual physical. When I joined the Marines I was given my first HIV test, as is standard in the U.S. military. Since that time I get a test done as part of my annual check-up. It’s just part of the routine, along with my tests for diabetes, lung cancer, heart disease, cholesterol levels, and the normal check-up items.

It takes 30 seconds, isn’t your life worth that?