This is more good news on top of what we just heard a couple of weeks back about the highway fatality figures. In 2009, Texas saw a 12.1 percent decrease in the rate of traffic deaths, compared to a 9.7 percent drop nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of traffic deaths last year in the U.S. is the lowest since 1950, when there were one-fifth as many cars on the road. But motorcycle fatalities continue to remain high and pose a huge challenge in many states.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the cartel of oil producers, celebrates its 50th anniversary on September 14th. The organisation was founded in 1960 with the explicit purpose of manipulating oil prices by controlling supplies. It has generally proved successful. Here are some interesting nuggets for you to chew while you dig deeper in your pockets to pay for that gallon of gasoline/diesel at your neighborhood gas station:
1. OPEC controls around 80% of the world’s proven reserves
2. Over 40% of the worlds production among its 12 member states.
2. Price of oil in the market these days is $75, which the Saudi’s rave as the “ideal price”.

It begs the question who says what’s the ideal price of oil? Speculative investors in the markets around the world are not helping the cause either. It makes you think why are we so hesitant to move away from the fossil fuels and into some other non-petro fuel to power our lives! This group of oil selling, Armani wearing, kingdom-ruling thugs are no different than the Drug cartels who organize and manipulate the market for a different kind of commodity.

An interesting post on Askmen.com goes into great details about the organization. One of the most shocking that I learned from this article is discussed in the next few paragraphs: “Cartels are illegal in many countries. In the U.S., for example, OPEC is in direct violation of antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 — the same act that broke up Standard Oil, American Tobacco and Ma Bell. Antitrust laws don’t criminalize monopolies per se, only if the monopoly is used to eliminate its competition through methods of production or price-fixing.

Ordinarily, U.S. antitrust laws explicitly prohibit dealing with cartels. What makes OPEC so special? Simple: Congress grants OPEC diplomatic immunity from prosecution and in essence treats it as though it were a sovereign nation, even though this is not remotely the case. This status was tested in 1978, when the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a non-profit labor organization in the U.S., filed suit against OPEC under the Sherman Act. In 1981, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the case, claiming OPEC was protected by its sovereign immunity status.

In 2007, a pair of controversial bills were introduced in Congress designed to amend antitrust laws to include OPEC. If the measures are approved in both houses and the president doesn’t veto it, individuals harmed by OPEC in the U.S. can begin to sue the organization. If this were to happen, few expect OPEC to continue doing business with the U.S.”

Now, would you agree with me that many of the Congressmen and women seem to be in bed with the OPEC?

If you live in DC or ever rode around on the DC Metro, you can perfectly relate to this MASTERPIECE. Priceless lyrics! Here is a sample: “I just missed the train / but it’s gonna be fine / because there’s a two-car train twenty minutes behind”.

To learn more about the creator, Remy – a local Washingtonian, visit his website (quite a funny website): http://www.goremy.com/

Stop complaining about leg room, will ya? The manufacturer of Skyline seats says the following about the new product which sports all but 23 inches of space for you to ride/move/wiggle: “For flights anywhere from one to possibly even up to three hours… this would be comfortable seating. The seat … is like a saddle. Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in the saddle.” Come on, son! Are you for real?

The good news is that the FAA is not ready to act on approving this madness. It seem the agency is yet to hear anything about this “flying jail” concept!

Sometimes people ask me what I do at work.. I wish I can say something like this: “I’m Doctor Roadkill. I collect and upload roadkill data to the California Roadkill Observation System, a mapping Web site built by researchers at the University of California, Davis, to better understand where and why cars strike animals.”

Spoken like a true businessman: “Nobody is contending that we should not encourage, should not invest, should not allow renewable energy to grow,” he said. “We are investing in solar energy and are looking at wind and believe it will gradually take an increasing share, but it will take time.” This is somewhat true as many nations are looking at bleak economic prospects and scrambling for resources to invest in alternative energy research! What scares me is the fact that our political leaders (in certain Party) are turning a blind eyes to what’s happening and refusing to invest in progressive economic ideas! Can we, please, prioritize this issue and get working on moving away from oil for good? Our money is fast vaporizing – as fast as the petrol itself and soon we will be left with nothing!

Is this a sign of bad things to return? The chief executive of General Motors, Daniel F. Akerson, will receive up to $9 million in annual compensation, including $1.7 million in cash. The cost of concessions for the average auto worker $7,000 to $30,000 in annual pay, according to the United Auto Workers so that some of these Armani wearing fat cats can get the high $$$.

Autoblog reports that Dan’s colleague at Ford – CEO, Alan Mulally – makes substantially more. He netted $17.9 million in cash and bonuses in 2009. GM and Chrysler had to offer less because of they received Govt. bailout funds.

I’m glad the U.S. does not have such ceremonial positions that feed off the tax payer $$$.. The Royal Train, introduced by Queen Victoria in 1842, has attracted controversy in recent years because of its £800,000-a-year cost, leading to calls for it to be scrapped by some MPs.

Clarence House said the cost of food, accommodation and travel on the train for this week’s tour will amount to £50,000, but pointed out that the Prince will hold numerous meetings on board in between stops.

I wonder what is it that this guy (as well as the entire Royal family) accomplishes every year for the citizenry that the Government of U.K. cannot accomplish?