The Little Engine that Could But Will It? March 4, 2005March 1, 2017 OUR LOTTERY TICKET Borealis claims to be ‘one week ahead of schedule and on budget’ for its April test of the Chorus Motor that will drive a 767 around the tarmac like a golf cart. The prudent thing to do is assume delays or disappointment. But the company seems to believe this will work; and the Boeing engineer I spoke with several weeks ago, overseeing the effort from their side, seemed cautiously optimistic. So the lottery ticket remains live. The company is currently valued at $40 million (5 million shares at $8 each; no debt). If the little motor does prove itself, that would seem to suggest significant potential for this technology . . . if it can tug a 767, how about a forklift, an elevator, or an electric car? . . . and suggest, also, that some of the company’s other supposedly revolutionary technologies may be real. You would expect a crazy speculation like this to be selling for ten times as much – because if it is real, it could then sell for ten times that. The fact that it doesn’t is just one more red flag I can’t explain. As always: You should invest in Borealis only funds you truly can afford to lose with a laugh rather than a tear or a spasm. But it’s the best lottery ticket I’ve seen. GENERALISSIMO FRANCISCO FRANCO Joe Rigo: ‘So . . . are you still DNC treasurer?’ ☞ Yes. Send me all your money. (And, in a related note that SNL viewers of a certain age will recognize, Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.) But far more to the point, our new chair, Governor Dean, was elected the same day, February 12, and is already off to a great start. Stay tuned. SHOOTING STRAIGHT Of the US military, this week’s Economist opines: . . . According to a recent poll of enlisted men, more than half thought gays should be allowed in the armed forces. In the current time of overstretch, even the older, more conservative, officer class seems to be changing heart. . . Congress should look at the British example. In 2000, when the queen’s army jumped out of its closet (so to speak), many senior officers were aghast. Their arguments then were similar to American fears now: sooner or later, showers and bars of soap were mentioned. Four years later, recruitment has not suffered; most new recruits are unfazed about meeting gay comrades. And with gays subject to the same rules governing appropriate behaviour as heterosexuals, the showers need hold no fears for happily-married men. Come on, Rummy, what are you afraid of? ☞ I think this may actually be the year we wise up. The ‘Military Readiness Enhancement Act’ was introduced this week by Representative Marty Meehan and more than 50 Democratic co-sponsors. It would repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ under which thousands of service members – including 54 Arab linguists – have been dismissed. Several retired generals and admirals have signed on to the cause. Is this a great country or what?