At 06:45 PM 1/14/99 -0600, you wrote:
>It is with some disappointment that I must report my plans
>for creating the most advanced Vanagon drive system in the
>world have been eclipsed.  But now I've
>learned that Robert Alexander has leap frogged well ahead of
>these pedestrian efforts.  An early indication was revealed
>when he said:
>*****copy follows*****
>I've picked up some US Navy surplus handheld searchlights
>that
>should be the answer for folks who are tired of

>>SNIP<<

>He postures himself to be interested in forward facing
>illumination.  That's all just disinformation, intended to
>obfuscate the truth.  But now I've discovered that he's well
>along toward creating the first Vanagon PHOTON DRIVE!   Yes,
>he's planning on mounting an entire matrix bank of these
>horrendous light throwing beasts on the rear of his
>Vanagon.  No more concerns about coefficient of adhesion
>between his tires and the ground except for steering and
>braking.   He's being pretty secretive about the power
>source, but I have a short list of probable technical
>accomplices.   Come clean you tech wizard guys.   We already
>know who you are.
>John
>
Jeez - even with the rather high velocity of the photons (about light
speed, maybe...?) they have no mass, so they can't provide thrust!  Aiming
them *forward*, however, will strip all atomic elements caught in the light
tractor beam down to elemental particles making the nasty air pressure that
is in front of you disappear - & form a VACUUM to suck the Vanagon forward!!!

oops, gotta stop; it's after 12 so it's no longer Friday...

Austin