Fed up with horrible train service (it only runs once a week and at speed not much more than walking pace!), Cambodians have created their own rail service using trains made from bamboo:
A tiny electric generator engine provides the power, and the passenger accommodation is a bamboo platform that rests on top of two sets of wheels. A dried-grass mat to sit on counts as a luxury.
It would be a white-knuckle ride - if there were actually anything to hold on to.
The bamboo trains reach about 40km/h (25mph), with the track just a couple of inches below the passengers. Warped and broken rails make for a bone-shaking journey.
But the drivers insist it is a safe form of transport.
"We're very careful," said 18-year-old Sok Kimhor, a 10-year veteran of the bamboo trains. "We look out for children and animals running across the lines, and we have to slow down when other trains come along."
I have been a long time fan of Zippy Chippy, but he decided to retire at the top of his game after losing a straight 100 races and being banned from several tracks (one of them due to refusing to leave the starting gate).
Kudos to Bob for mentioning Zippy Chippy. He's a bit of a local hero in Western NY!
As for the Japanese and how they treat most old racehorses, we should remember what happened to 1986 Kenticky Derby Champion "Ferdinand" who was sold to Japan for stud in 1994. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_%28horse%29
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But on the other extreme - if someone is a record winner like Ken Jennings - they will root for it to keep growing.
That's beautiful story
As for the Japanese and how they treat most old racehorses, we should remember what happened to 1986 Kenticky Derby Champion "Ferdinand" who was sold to Japan for stud in 1994.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_%28horse%29