Odds ‘n Sods:

Kia Introduces Soul Flex at Brazilian Motor Show. It will burn 100% ethanol, 100% gasoline, or any mixture in between. I hope this model also gets marketed in the United States. It should sell strongly in the Corn Belt states. OBTW, an ethanol-burning variant of the Kia Sportage is also planned.

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States’ rights battles rage in Old Dominion. Here is a brief quote: “Del. John O’Bannon, R-Henrico, filed a bill at the request of his constituents that would create a “Don’t Tread on Me” license plate. And Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, filed a bill that would allow goods produced or manufactured in the state and which remain in Virginia to be exempt from federal regulation or Congress’ constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce.” (Thanks to Brett G. for the link.)

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R.F.J. noticed this over at Popular Science: The Hutchinson Serenity Airless Bicycle Tire

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DHS & TSA: Making a list, checking it twice. Here is a quote: “The terminology contained within the reported memo is indeed troubling. It labels any person who “interferes” with TSA airport security screening procedure protocol and operations by actively objecting to the established screening process, “including but not limited to the anticipated national opt-out day” as a “domestic extremist.” The label is then broadened to include “any person, group or alternative media source” that actively objects to, causes others to object to, supports and/or elicits support for anyone who engages in such travel disruptions at U.S. airports in response to the enhanced security procedures.” Hang on there Janet, I do object, and I encourage my readers to object, protest, and be civilly disobedient. So go ahead and put me on your stinkin’ list. Oh, and I noticed that your department cleverly worded the memo to exempt anyone in the mainstream media. So Katie Couric can object without any worries, but if I do, then I will be labeled a “domestic extremist”? The statist bias of the DHS is so transparent that its pathetic!