If You Could, Would You?

It will be faster than a speeding bullet: a pencil-shaped car powered by a jet engine and a rocket, roaring across a desert at 1,000 mph. If all goes to plan, the Bloodhound SSC will break the land speed record by the largest-ever margin, and, in 40 seconds of breathtaking thrust, inspire thousands of British schoolchildren to take their science college-entrance exams.

The car’s plans were to be unveiled this week with work to begin on it soon. 1,000 MPH! That’s a long ways from the current record.

The current record for a wheel-powered car is 458 mph, set in 2001 by brothers Don and Rick Vesco at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the western Utah desert. Rick Vesco hopes to break the 500-mph barrier in the same car in 2009.

So, here’s the question for you. If you could sign up to “drive” this “car” would you do it? Why? Why not?

And, then, if you really want to be bold in replying, here’s another question for you: What’s the fastest you have ever driven?

What You Talking About Willis?

Say it ain’t so! Sorry, can’t do that. If you can believe the news media, it is so.

Gary Coleman [Diff'rent Strokes fame] has been sued by a man who claims the actor punched him and ran into him with his truck in a Payson (Utah) bowling alley parking lot, causing knee, back, and neck injuries.

Colt Rushton, 24, of Spanish Fork, says he and Coleman got into an argument September 6, after he began taking pictures of the “Diff'rent Strokes” actor with a cell phone. [Now, if my name is Colt, do I really want it known that I was beat up by little Gary Coleman? Seriously!]

Coleman, who is now 40 years old [How can that be true?], was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and disorderly conduct in Payson City Justice Court. A court clerk said Thursday there had been no notification that Coleman is represented by a lawyer.

In the civil lawsuit, filed Wednesday in 4th District Court, Rushton’s account of the confrontation said Coleman’s bodyguard, Paul Rohbock, told Rushton he would have to pay $20 per picture if he continued taking photos. [Probably a good idea—since Mr. Coleman has had such serious financial struggles in recent years.]

Rushton’s attorney, Dustin Lance, said Rushton stopped taking pictures, but when he later saw Coleman sitting in his truck close to the steering wheel, he thought it was funny and took another picture. [Well, Mr. Rushton, have you seen just how short Gary Coleman is? How else is he to reach the gas pedal?]

The lawsuit contends Rushton was attacked from behind by Rohbock or Coleman’s wife, Shannon Price [that’s bad form on her part, and Gary’s part—letting your wife do your fighting], and that his cell phone was taken away. The lawsuit also contends Coleman punched Rushton in the chest several times. [Have you seen Gary Coleman? Is Colt short? Or, does Gary Coleman take a two-foot ladder wherever he goes? After all, how did Gary Coleman reach Colt Rushton’s chest?]

You know, I don’t really mean to make fun of the situation, Colt Rushton, or even Gary Coleman. But come on folks, this is funny! I can’t really picture Gary Coleman going after someone—but again, he has had a troubled past and all kinds of legal and financial issues. So, I guess the charges could prove to be true.

How sad.