Rolling Thunder !!!

Rolling Thunder! Once in the Presence, never to be Forgotten!

Memorial Day in the United States of America is a specific day that is set aside for America's fallen heroes from wars past and present, as well as those still living to be  honoured and remembered. Whether those Missing-in-Action; (MIA), Prisoners of War, or permanently injured, regardless of whether the politicians were fully justified in taking the country into a specific conflict, the men and women who were placed in harm's way deserve the nation's respect.

One way that respect is demonstarted is by the motorcyclists of America bringing a great and thunderous noise upon Washington D.C. According to Donna, my daughter, who attended this year's event, it appeared that every Harley Davidson every manufactured desended upon the city, along with every Honda Goldwing, and every other make of bike was represented. In fact, it was estimated that about 700,000 bikes showed up, although it would have been difficult to count them because they never stop moving.

They did a pass around The Washington Mall, flying the American flag and allowing the thunder to roll. It took more than three and a half hours for them all to pass one single point. What a sight that must have been. I am a motorbike petrol head and I would have been in my element if I was riding.

My only hope is that the single point I referred to wasn't a motorist waiting at a stop sign for them all to pass so that he could continue his journey. Whether you were a patriot or not, you would have had your patience severely stretched.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

EMS Emergency

Taken for Granted?

The more I look into emergency services the more complex it becomes, and the more I come to realise how very important it is to everyone who is a potential user.

What is EMS (Emergency Medical Service)?

A service to be found in all civilized countries, providing emergency first-aid response; sometimes known as the First-Aid Squad; The Emrgency Squad; The Rescue Squad; Ambulance Service; Ambulance Corps; or Life Squad.

The primary goals are to provide treatment in situ; in transit, or simply rapid transit to hospital  or clinic.

An ambulance can be requested by an ordinary member of the public, or by authorities. The principal differences are determined by the level of training of personnel in attandance. Those personnel who only provide rapid transit are no better than a taxi or private car, except that they provide a strecther for the patient which may be more comfortable.

 Ambulance personnel, including the driver should be certified in at least basic first-aid. At the other extreme end personnel include a doctor, nurse, and assistant, and driver offering Advanced Life Support and the best chance of survival.

Ambulances are owned and provided by Fire Services; Police services; National Health services; hospitals; and private companies that include large industrial corporations that maintain a fleet to deal with possible industrial accidents.

Ambulance crew titles include, Emergency Medical Technician, Ambulance Technicion, and, in my opinion the most extensively trained is The Paramedic. This person, in the United States and Canada might be certified to carry out a wide range of critical life-saving procedures outside of a hospital setting that no other person, except a doctor is authorised to do. That makes the Paramedic the star of the show.

There is so much potential work for ambulances that I was trying to imagine what an average day in the life of an ambulance might be like. I have concluded that there is no such thing. Presumably they can go for long periods of time without much of interest, then suddenly and without warning they are pressed into using every bit of skill they posses.

The odd thing is how much we take the ambulance service for granted. Even the driver might hold twenty or more certificates, so never again will I undervalue the men and women of our local ambulance.

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

Breaking News! Too many old cars on Spain's Roads.

A Rolls Royce. A car for Life!

I had intended that my blog for today would be a continuation of the story of the all-important role of the ambulance. However, during the week it was reported that the Dirrecion General de Trafico of Spain has deemed that the age of cars on Spain's roads is too old. It seems that the average age is 9.5 years, and the DGT deems 7 to be more acceptable.

I imagine that one reason people are holding on to our cars longer is that the country is firmly stuck in an economic situation unlike any before it, with more than six million people unemployed, and those who are employed unsure of tomorrow. When talking about reducing the age of cars the complexity of such a program is off the scale.

To begin with, the average budget family car will have a normal life cycle of about ten years. After that you will find it will spend about as much time in the garage as on the road. Top of the line cars have about 20 years as a normal life cycle, and after that they start getting familiar with the garage. So, these should not even be considered as old cars until they are about 25 years old. With many top brand names costing close to 200,000 euros, they had better last and last.

If your parents gave you a Rolls Royce and chauffer for your eighteenth birthday, you will have no need to ever change the car. The chauffer yes, but the car will outlive you. 

When the consumer buys a car and just holds on to it forever the impact is felt by the manufacturer and staff, and by the sellers of new cars. I'm not even sure it would be safe to say that we would all probably like to change our car for a newer model every year if we could. I have two old cars: one is a Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign, in mint condition. It is my classic. The other is a Volvo 850 GT that does the heavy lifting every day. It is such a well made machine, and so reliable that I absolutely love it. If I could dump it and buy any new car that I wanted I would still hesitate to do so because it is like my comfortable old slippers.

What Spain needs is a turnaound in its economic fortunes that put people back to work. Managing a country has always been about timing of its growth. There are certain fundamentals that are ignored at peril. The one that was ignored was the runaway building boom that has resulted in the over stock of homes and commercial buildings.  Everybody was so caught up in their own world of commissions and bonuses that no-one said "Hold On!"

The economy has always moved in an up and down cycle. Proper management provides for both cycles to be as short as possible. Spain has committed the ultimate sin by allowing the construction sector to go wild and build into a twenty-year future. That means that the country has so much vacant stock that it does not need to build another thing for about twenty years. Every person, every family that leaves the country in the meantime makes the housing situation worse as they vacate their space. It is construction that usually leads the way out of the downturn, but Spain does not have that ability, so I cannot see how we will get out of this hole.

Sure, if people scrap their old cars for new ones, that would maintain work for the manufacturing sector and their suppliers, and the new car sales industry, but if the DGT simply refuses to relicense old cars where will the money come from to buy new? Needless to say, we need our cars to get around. They are not a luxury!

Some times in this country we come up with ideas without connecting all the dots. I hope this is not another one of those.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

Emergency Medical Services in Spain

One of these in your rearview mirror and you need to make room for it to pass!

I wrote of the design of the funeral hearse in my last blog. Little did I know how close I had come to writing also of the ambulance service as in days gone by, often a funeral director was the operator of both services making multi-use of the same vehicle. After all, if you needed to lie down did you really need two vehicles if you could accomplish the same thing in one?

I guess we all became a little squemish, but I can understand that. I imagine having had a bad accident and being collected in the dual use vehicle. If you woke up along the way you could be forgiven for panicking. Am I dead?
Am I on the way to hospital or mortuary? It is quite enough to have to worry about how the hell am I going to pay for this?

We take our Emergency Medical Services for granted because whenever we need them they are there for us. However, a lot of thought has gone into making the service what it is today. In the past often the means of taking someone to hospital was in an available car. A passenger waved a white cloth out the window and the driver lay permanently on the horn. Many of  today's ambulances offer only transportation to hospital with no first aid enroute. These are called : "Ambulancia no-assistancial." They are generally crewed by one driver, or perhaps with an assistant as well.

From June, 2012, the crew of these ambulances must hold an EMT-B certificate, or a Professional Ceretificate of Proficiency for emergency Technicians. Although they do not promise to offer assistance along the way, should the need arise they might intervene to try and get the patient to the hospital alive.

The next step up from that are those ambulances noted as "Ambulancia de SVB." That means that they do provide basic life support, and are generally crewed by two or three personnel.

At the top of the chain is the "Ambulancia de SVA/UVI Movil." If this service is available to respond to really complicated emergencies patients have a better chance of survival to hospital as the service includes a doctor, a nurse, an assistant and a driver. This is the most advanced system in Spain and approximates the EMS service in The United States of America.

I have grown very interested in these types of assistance and rescue services, so I will study more on the most extreme services with a view to writing about a day in the life of such a crew.

More next week!!!!

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

The Undertaker's Hearse

Why do we need all that window space when we can't see out?


I recently found myself to be the first car following a hearse. It was not a funeral, just that he was driving along with me following. That is a much better situation than to have a hearse following me, as happened many years ago. On that occasion he followed me for such a long distance I had the feeling he was sending me a message that said, "We're ready when you are!"

I know, this is a bit of a downer topic, but its just that I got to wondering why a hearse has so much glass. The one that I was following had curtains that were closed, so presumably he had been to collect someone who had died, and having put that person in a body bag the driver thought it best to close the curtains.

When they are taking the body to the cemetary the curtains are open, displaying a coffin. People along the street couldn't give a fig's leaf, as long as it's not them, and even if they did give a glance all that they see is a box. Whoopie!

Normally, the only people who care and are drawn to the event taking place are family and friends. The rest of the world have no need to view the box because it is an unnecessary reminder that our time is coming, and probably all too soon. That leaves me wondering about the design of the hearse, and what was in the mind of the designers. What do they think is being accomplished?

Just one of those everyday things that we generally don't give a thought to.


Copyright (c) 2013    Eugene Carmichael

The Great Motorcycle Taxi Service

A motorcycle taxi for two!

I have been down this road before, but a friend has just come back from Africa and the thing that she found most difficult to adjust to was being taken on the back of a motorcycle every time she had to get somewhere.

We go about our daily business in such comfort and security that we never spare a thought for travel options in other countries. Here in Spain, a taxi ride usually means in a saloon car with seat belts. In my own country they use mainly seven-seater cars that are kept immaculate as a matter of pride for the driver who also is dressed for the part. In New York we have heard some horror stories about the yellow cabs that are sometimes driven by people who have no idea of how to get to where you want to go. It is also in New York where you can choose to call for a Town Car service, and you will find that this is the extreme opposite to a possible yellow cab ride.

The developing world is another story. If you're lucky, getting there by a tuck tuck could be a luxury way to go, but in so many other countries the only option is to go by motorcycle. In my country you can actually hire a moped, but for some Americans it proves too much to adapt to riding on the left side of the road. There have been some deaths because this type of mistake is unforgiving, although most people do get it right.

My own experience of riding pillion passenger in Africa was unnerving because I could not afford a stay in hospital due to a crash. Most of the guys do ride carefully, but the one time one of them did go down he was at least moving at a slow pace and I was able to hop off and I even helped him. It was perhaps because I have been a motorcycle rider all my life, but sometimes things happen due to slippery wet conditions or patches of sand that are difficult to avoid.

What drove me crazy was to see bikes with two adults and three children, with shopping. I would cringe thinking of that accident just waiting to happen, and of course, the children would pay the highest price.

Having said that, since time began my fellow countrymen have carted all manner of things on their bikes, including the family Christmas tree. I guess it's about making do with what you have, but as a tourist I do sympathise with the young lady. A taxi to us means at least something that has four sides.

 Room for one more!

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

Dream time at Ricardo Tormo Race Circuit!

Special Race Day at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Cheste, Valencia, Spain

Sunday, May 5th, 2013 the racing circuit at Ricardo Tormo, in Cheste, Valencia opened the course to all those Wanna Be's who have dreamt of being a Hamilton or a Vettel or an Alonzo. You were permitted to bring your private car to the course, and after paying an entry fee of 250 euros, plus incidentals like insurance, etc, you got to go out on the course and do your thing.

I had considered taking my Jag along, but I'm not so sure I should be racing my classic car around the course. That would be pushing the car to, and probably beyond its limits, which would be a terrible thing to do to an 18-year old. So, I went to watch the action. The first thing I noticed was that there was not one Jaguar in the place. A wise choice on my part! I got there about 11am, and the only action that was taking place was with three Formula 3 cars that were doing the course, then coming in to the pit stop for a change of driver. That gave me the impression that I had misunderstood. It seemed that you could only go around the course in one of those.

I was beginning to have second thoughts. That would have been different. Perhaps I should sign up. However, at noonday, (12o'clock) out came the procession of private cars. They were 24 in all. One car was allowed to go around on its own. It fished tailed all the way, seeming never to gain control. Everybody stood and watched in awe and horror. Why was this happening? The answer was simple. The car was being driven by a stunt driver, but he succeeded in freaking out all the novices who were ready to go.

The line up included a Porshe, several BMW's, a couple of Mercedes, and a red Ferrari. They were supposed to be able to do four laps of the course, but in the end they were allowed to do about double that. They all began nicely enough as they got the feel of the course, with several coming in to change drivers. As they got into the swing of things they began to relax and the competition became fierce with a whole lot of overtaking going on, just like on the motorway. The Ferrari came in for a change of driver, and as the new driver was making his second lap, he skidded and spun three times, ending safely off the track. The car was not damaged although it took them a long time to return to the pits, mostly I think, because the drivers were so shook up. I'm fairly certain the driver must have tightened his butt muscles.

I think everybody must have had fun. They certainly drove their cars hard. At least two came in to say that they had no brakes because of overheating. They were lucky to have had a perfect day, weather-wise, although the moderately hot conditions would not have helped with tyre temperatures. Fortunately there were no accidents that involved damage to cars, nor injuries.

Closer to Christmas there will be Classic Car Day at the track that will allow me to take the Jag to the course and to drive children from some care homes to fulfill a wish for them. It will also fulfill a wish for me as well, so I will definitely look forward to that. It''s in my diary so I will report on that experience with pleasure.

So, you want to be a race car driver? Private cars on the race track at Cheste.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

The Mean Police!

Watch your Speed!

Sure! The traffic police have a job to do to maintain law and order on our highways. They enforce proper documentation and our observence of speed laws. I respect them when they warn us that speed checks are being carried out by using radar. They don't have to do that as drivers should always assume that our speed is being monitored. It is in our interest that we are being kept in check because it is usually an excess of speed that leads to car crashes. I prefer to go through my day accident-free.

There are places where the radar trap is set which is at the point that a higher speed changes to a lower one. As we pass the sign we should be driving no faster than the posted speed. Some of the signs are posted so close together I would have to stand on my brakes to comply. That is neither fair or reasonable.

During the past two weeks I have passed a particular spot where the police have set up their radar so that drivers will blindly blunder across it. I have tried to determine from posted speed signs what the limit for that stretch is, but there are no signs. When driving into the city the last signs lower the speed from 120 to 80. We drive over a bridge, and around two sets of roundabouts before driving across the radar.

On driving from the city, although there are no signs to say so, we should have been travelling at 50 kph when passing the radar. So, 80 one way and 50 the other? This can't be right. I drove through the first time at 60 without problem, so my guess is 80 must be correct, but surely, this is not the way to treat drivers.

This seems to me to be just another way to rip off soft targets. It also seems to be using the police as though they are highwaymen, and that is not in accordance with their station. I want to continue to respect what I usually consider the most professional police service in the world. Tricking drivers in this manner does not help my perception.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

Some Badass Rides!

Ambulance Anyone?

This was the scene in Boston following the Marathon Bombings on the 15th April, 2013. There are more ambulances in this picture than taxis.

Once I became aware of what was happening I spent entirely too much time in front of the television as CNN brought us Breaking News. I know this was not intended as coverage to entertain us, but it was riveting. What could possibly be worth the death and destruction that was caused by two young men from Chechyna, who were given asylum by The United States? How cold do you have to be to even conceive of something so evil. I feel certain that the older brother was the mastermind who brought his younger brother on board. The question now is: who or what  terror group were they acting for?

As coverage unfolded one thing became clear: American law enforcement have some pretty snazzy rides up their garages. Especially S.W.A.T! However, I can't show you any because if you go to any of the pages with their equipment shown, forget taking a copy. Those images are stuck in concrete on the pages, which I suppose makes sense as they will likely consider it a security issue if we get to know too much about their vehicles.

Never before has a major American city and its suburbs been completely locked down, with a full scale operation putting live rounds and bombs in play. Most homes are built of wood, so that's nothing to stop bullets entering the house. Indeed, those living in firefight zones have much to show in the way of stray bullets. Fortunately, there were no deaths or injuries from friendly fire, there was just terror and panic. In that regard, the brothers were entirely successful.

It took such a full scale event such as this to put on full display the massive armoury and rolling stock of all the agencies involved. At one time there were almost ten thousand men and women looking for this one misguided teenager. It's one thing to be a pain in the ass teen, but this guy takes the cake.

I'm glad he was captured alive because the American people need some answers. He was so young. Seeing that he and his brother had so much more explosives one can only wonder what they were thinking of doing next?

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

A Marvellous Invitation!

I, like many owners of classic cars, am invited to attend a meet at the Cheste Racing Circuit, on Sunday May 6th, to take our cars around the race course to show off our darlings. Later in the year we can do this again, but for charity, although I think this time it will all be about strutting our stuff and puffing out our chests.

As I'm a neighbour of the town of Cheste, you might think that I would spend all of my time there, not missing an event. However, I rarely go there as I'm not interested in motorcycle racing, and after a few laps of cars going round and round I might as well be in downtown Valencia.

However, this will be exciting, and so I'm looking forward to it. A full report will follow..

I will have to be careful round the corners.

Copyright (c) 2013 Eugene Carmichael

When driving is no longer a pleasent experience.

This MAY have been caused by the driver sending a text message!

During the Easter week celebrations it is estimated that more than three million journeys were undertaken that would not have otherwise been done. That raised the level of danger on the roads to the maximum level. As a result of so much more traffic underway, twenty-one people, who only wanted to enjoy time with each other and relatives, actually lost their lives. They will never see another Easter, and that was too high a price to pay for simply leaving home.

My own response to statistics like these is to stay off the roads during such peak times. If I don't have to add to the problem, I would rather not. What contributes to spikes in road deaths during these times? Probably every possible situation that one can think of. Take for instance one very simple situation that happened to me. I was at the exit from my estate when a car approached from my left, swas ignalling that he was going to turn to the right. In other words it appeared that he was coming into the road from which I was leaving. However, there was another estate turning to my right, and as a consequence I am always on alert that the car indicating a turn to the right might mean the road to my right. (Hope that was not too confusing.)

This man gave every indication that he would turn into my road, so I began to move on out, but I took one more glance to the left and noticed that he had changed his mind and wanted the next exit. He was travelling too fast, and had I not braked hard he would have broadsided me, a slam that could well have placed me in the hospital. This is one of the most common causes for accidents.

Other people drink alcohol or partake of drugs that will likely impair their driving and end up killing either friends and/or family members travelling with them, as well as others in traffic.

That can be avoided by simply not drinking or doing drugs then driving, but there is another menace that should know better. That is the person who insists on text-ting while driving.  Talking on the phone while driving, hands-free is bad enough, but text-ting is the ultimate form of insanity. When the crash comes it cannot be called an accident because text-ting quite naturally leads to a collision, sooner or later.

None of these things add to driving pleasure, and the weather problems of high winds and lashing rain that caused a tail-back that extended for 160 miles between Madrid and Alicante city, that also caused a three hour delay must have been the things that nightmares are made of.

The message seems to be clear: perhaps you should not do as so many other drivers did and all travel at the same time if you would prefer to avoid such stressful situations.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

The Most Expensive Car in the World!

The rear view of The Venom. The only view most of us will ever see! 

My previous blog dealt with President Barack Obama's cool wheels, "The Beast" which carries Mr. Obama himself with four guests, plus the driver and chief of security. The cost for the super cool Beast was $1,500,000. He has two.

This blog I want to focus on the most costly car anywhere in the world. This is a car so over the top that most zillionaires wouldn't even covet one. That is just as well as only four have ever been built: one in all black for the museum, (that is called Car Zero) and three for sale. One is all red; one is white, and the remaining one is green, although in reality they should be seen as all green because that is what you need a lot of to pay for each one.

The sales price was 3,120,000 euros, which is just about $4million at today's exchange rate.

So, what's so special about this model of car? It was built by Lamborghini who created the Aventador to celebrate their 50th anniversary on which the Veneno (The Venom) is designed. They took a really great sports car in the form of The Aventador and refined it to the ultimate degree and gave the world the Venom.

The specs of The Venom are as follows:
It has a 6,498 cc engine
It develops maximum 740 bhp at 8,250 rpms.
Fuel consumption is a surprising 17.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
The engine is a 6.5 litres V-12
0 to 62mph is achieved in 2.9 secs, but equally important it will go from 60 to 0 in 100 feet.
Top speed is set at 354mph.
It carries one driver and one passenger and only two overnight bags.

There is not much else that can be said about this car except you and I can't have one, and if I had one I have no idea what I would do with it. They have all been sold. The interesting thing is one was bought as a gift to one very lucky recipient.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

See it and weep! The Lamborghini Veneno.

The Presidential Beast

The Fabulous Beast!

The Inside story of The Beast

As cars go, this has to be one of the coolest on the planet. President Obama may be preoccupied with matters of State for most of his days, but when he steps into the Beast he has to be suitably impressed with his wheels. Other countries can afford to provide their heads of state with cars of this caliber but it seems that only the U.S. president has at his disposal transport along these lines.

The FactFile notes the various features, but the only person I can think of who possibly needs all that protection is the U.S. president himself. But why? Politics is a contentious issue but other leaders seem to get along with so much less. I suspect that the high level of protection is against his fellow Americans who many are totally mesmerized by the need to hold and rely on guns to solve their percieved problems.

Be that as it may, when the President travels by road he presents a formiable show. There is the Beast, and a substitute Beast, (is this necessary?), plus an entourage that could include up to 45 vehicles. Wow!

There are no two ways about it. You definately know when the leader of the largest free-nation is in town. This is Shock and Awe at its best. Price tag:$1,500,000 each.

However............

Sometimes, even the Beast needs a lift as a result of mechanical problems. This time, in spite of the best maintenance program that any car could wish for, this Beast could go no farther on its own because of a very basic mistake: gasoline was used to fill the tank, but this is a diesal motor car. Many people make this mistake, but you wouldn't expect such a security concious group to fall prey to something so basic.

Now I don't feel so bad when my Jag gets hoisted on the tow truck.

This may be impressive, but don't get me started on the President's travel by air.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene  Carmichael

  

Modifications to the Speed Limits!

Slowing Down!

The DGT of Spain have asked that the present speed limit code should be modified, but the only thing the press headlines blared was that the limit was likely to be raised from a maximum of 120 to 130. My immediate reaction was, please leave things as they are. The death toll has been steadily falling over many years, so why would anyone want to mess with that?

In fact, once we get past those headlines we see that in fact some real thought has gone into the proposed changes. Yes, there is a proposal that an increase be made, but only on the motorway, and even then only along selected straights. For the most part proposals will actually lower speeds along many roadways that are becoming too crowded for present limits.

Secondary roads that at present allow travel at 100kph would be lowered to 90, and along other roads we could find ourselves moving at 70, 50, and even 20kph. However, it is human nature to feel bottled up from time to time, so, as is the case on Germany's autobahn, drivers are given stretches of road to blow off steam. Bear in mind that 120 oftens means 140, so 130 will mean 150 when road and weather conditions allow.

I personally don't like speed. Too much of it is always present in crashes, even though the car may be moving at a fairly slow pace. By lowering the limits along places where the legal limit is too high we stand a chance of dropping the death toll even more. We simply have to be careful of not overdoing things on those areas where we are given our reward for otherwise obeying the law.

I often hear people say that they drive fast, but with skill, care, and safety in mind. They really do need to add the element of very good luck to that. I think it's better to drive within the legal limits, with all those other things as well. I also have to add the element of good luck.

Let's keep up the good work and continue to drive with care and caution.

Copyright (c) 2013    Eugene Carmichael

Crazy Time is Here, at Last!

The Mascletá in Full Roar!

There is no way you could hope to drive through this mob. 

Alcohol and driving don't mix, and neither does Fallas and driving. They are things to be avoided, and Fallas and parking is worse, so leave your cars at home, or well outside the city, and try to enjoy a break in the monotony of austerity cuts and Angela Merkel breathing down our necks. I know, she's right, but gimme a break.

Spain is considering raising the speed limit to 130, just when the numbers of deaths on the roads is falling close to "only" 1000, so I guess the authorities see driving as a way to thin the herd, but I don't feel like getting heavy now because the mood is light, the sun has actually put in an appearence today, so I will leave that for another time.

We have visitors for Fallas so I am going to go out and entertain them to our way of doing things because I want to see how many times they drop their mouths open.

If you are here, I hope you enjoy the events, and if you are not, I firmly suggest that you make it one of the things on your "Bucket List."

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

It's Fallas time in Valencia again. What's new?

The daily 2pm mascletá. All sound and tremendous fury that has to be heard to be believed!

It has been a year of difficult austerity that has moved things from bad to worse. How on earth did this country get itself in such a bind? When we first came here things were more or less standing still. The image of a restaurant in the north advertising for one waiter, that attracted a line of hopefuls stretching all the way to the south was popular. Then came the change from pesatas to the euro and all the secret savings came out from under the mattress and was converted into building projects that became out of control.

It's a real shame that normal steps were not exercised to control new building starts instead of concentrating all of Spain's new buildings for the next 20 years over a very short period of time. Now we are finding the country's wealth is tied up in unwanted and unused buildings that can't be sold.

Banks that financed the projects no longer have money to lend, and the government that overspent on many of the projects no longer have cash flow to support very basic social programmes. However, we Spanish are social creatures and somethings are sacred, such as fiestas. We have to party and that means the show must go on.

Somehow the city of Valencia are finding the money to stage the daily mascletá at 2pm in the plaza, and the monuments will take their places in the many crossroads that will effectively close some 600 streets. You have to be a real glutton for punishment to drive into Valencia between the 14th and 20th of March while the monuments are in place.

There are some changes this year from the 'ealf 'n safety crowd. No longer will small children be allowed to walk about with a lighter setting off crackers and blowing off fingers. In addition, children between the ages of eight and twelve have to carry with them an official copy of parental permission  to handle fireworks. Perhaps most important of all is that restrictions have been placed on where the setting off of fireworks can take place.

In the past the mischievious would throw loud crackers close to the elderly, or under the chairs of ladies sitting having a cup of coffee to see their reaction. The size and effect of the large boomers compare favourably with munitions on the war front. That was never funny, so now they must use the dry riverbed or approved park areas. About time!

The thing to remember is that Valencia becomes a very unfriendly place for cars. It's time to wear comfortable shoes and to pack your sense of humour, unless the crisis has killed it.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

Things have definately Improved!

Drive carefully! Big Brother is watching you!

 When I first came to Spain fourteen years ago and started writing this blog, I found myself constantly commenting of the awful behaviour of drivers. How could I not? Everywhere you looked someone was doing something absolutely stupid and they were paying for it with their lives.

It suddenly occurred to me that now I can do a round trip without someone doing something that attracts my attention for its outrageous action. On the odd occasion when some boy racer cuts up the traffic everybody is shocked and sickened by such irresponsible behaviour. This is good! It is very good that we have all grown up to a point where bad behaviour is not taken for granted with a shrug of the shoulders. It is seen as something that is out of the ordinary and is to be condemned. It also places a heavy burden on me to avoid being the won who attracts attention.

The other thing that is a little more subtle is that drinking alcohol before driving has taken a change for the better within the Spanish culture. Many of us foreigners came from communities where the campaign against driving while drunk had been effective. I am not a big drinker but when the DGT began its crack down I was easily persuaded to simply stop all alcohol if I needed to drive.

It was difficult at first because my hosts could not understand how I could enjoy myself if I didn't have a real drink in hand. Eventually they have come to acept that this is possible and now, if I asked for alcohol I believe that they wouldn't comply. I knew that something was happening when I heard more than one Spanaird say that he was driving and would not take alcohol.

So, good for us, we are on the way to living longer because we are less likely to be killed by some lunatic driving while drunk.

I don't mind if such people have to kill themselves, I just mind that they feel they have to take some innocent with them.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael  

Parking! Say no more!

Take this Seriously!

I have written before about parking in Spain. How could I not!  Here in Spain, especially in the over crowded cities we don't so much park as abandon our vehicles. There have been times when the trip into the city took twenty minutes, but finding a place to park took longer, much longer.

I am motivated to return to the subject because I observed a peculiar recurring event in the town of Lliria. At one of the parking black spots which is narrow, on one side parking is allowed only for loading and unloading. Parking on the other side is prohibited because to do so effectively blocks the road. So what happens is that as soon as someone drives in and parks and blocks the road the tow truck and a policeman appear and off they take the errant car. Very often, as the truck is pulling away another car drives in and parks in the same spot. The policeman then has to speak to the driver to clear the road.

There is another spot where the road narrows and parking is not allowed. A sign stands in place with the "No Parking" sign and another sign shows a picture of the tow truck taking away a car. Many people have pictures of the drawing on the sign being replicated by the taking away of an illegally parked car. I'm sure all those pictures are captioned "Told you so!"

Some people have a hard time learning, and others never learn.

Ah well!

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

More Good Traffic News!

2012! A year without as many of these. We are making steady progress!

The results for 2012 are in and they make stunning reading. The trend continues with less people to lose their lives on our roads in 2012 than in 2011. In fact 180 people are still with us because the total loss was 1,304, down by 12% from the losses of 2011 of 1,484.

We are learning to live! We are less accepting of the assumption that this might very well be our day to die just because we have to go out to get bread. The improvement in driver's attitudes on Spanish roads since the high of 7,877 deaths in one year is just staggering and shows what can be achieved when we all sign onto a good idea. The trend had started before the introduction of the points system, but from it's launch every year has seen a  dramatic decline.

The bottom line results are more substantial than at first appears, because while less people are dying prematurely, and less families are having to endure the extreme loss of a sudden death, in many cases of young people, the real story lies in the fact that we are now many more people in so many more vehicles, but still we are conducting ourselves in such a manner as to bring down the death toll. Consider the fact that at the height of the loss there were only about one million vehicles on the roads driven by some two point two million drivers. Today that has changed to be 31.4 million vehicles, some of immense size, driven by 26.2 million drivers.

Our death toll today has returned to 1960 levels when 1300 people lost their lives. Those people are not around today to witness the transformation that Spain has undergone. With all its problems Spain is a whole new wonderful country that I feel certain many of those who lost their lives unnecessarily would have loved to have experienced.

Since the change of the Millennium we are saying goodbye to eight fewer people per day. Instead of eleven each day, we are now losing only three, which is still three too many, but when we add to that fact that Spain's Summer death toll is down to a 50-year low, that is really something to be celebrated.

So, indeed let us celebrate, but somehow I don't think that anyone needs to say that we need to be careful in our celebrations, and choose a designated driver who gets to drink alcohol free beer.

Well done, friends of the road. Keep up the good work!

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael 

Trapped in the Snow!

Winter Wonderland! Only if you are Prepared.

Recently it was reported that in the height of heavy snow conditions, motorists travelling along a motorway were brought to a halt as a result of accidents caused by the adverse weather conditions, and that they were trapped in their vehicles for more than eight hours. Just think about that for a minute. If you or I were one of those people how well might we have coped?

I may have done fairly well because before starting a journey, no matter how short, I usually think ahead and prepare. For instance there are at least four things that I always carry: they are, (1) a first-aid kit; (2) a blanket that is well wrapped in a plastic bag; (3) a sleeping bag; and (4) and an extra pair of eye glasses.

The first is in case a passenger or myself should become injured, either as a result of an accident in the car or on foot, or in case I come upon a situation that requires first aid, I will be ready.

The second is partly for the same reasons as first aid, to keep the person warm, but it can also be used if I am trapped in the snow. The fourth is demanded by law, but is also a very good idea.

The most important is the sleeping bag in the Winter. Once you turn the motor off the car loses heat very rapidly. I cannot think of anything more uncomfortable than being stuck on the open road in the dead of Winter,  far removed from buildings for an extended period of time without any way to keep yourself warm. Proper planning is so essential, especially when carrying children as passengers. A sleeping bag, preferably one for each person would be thought of as more valuable than diamonds under such circumstances.

In the Summer I add a six pack of water. Then there is the matter of food. Summer or Winter, when I am setting off on one of my normal runs I don't give a thought to food because, although I habitually travel along the autovia, I am never very far from civilization where I can walk to some place to get sustenance. However, if I intend a journey that takes me out of that comfort zone, then I have to sit myself down and do a full contingency plan.  That includes packing food and drink, including hot drinks to be carried in a thermos.

One of those contingencies to think about is the fact that whether you get stuck in the elevator or on the road, the first thing to occur to everybody is, I have to answer the call of nature. How should you plan to deal with this problem? At night matters are made a little easier because of the blanket of darkness. During the day, in the openness of the countryside, and the fencing that does not allow you to wander off over the hill, a real problem is presented, especially for women.

I suggest the following: First the blanket is brought into play. Open both the front and passenger doors and drape the blanket to provide a sort of tent. Men or women can then sit on the car door step, but keeping in mind that flesh will stick to bare metal when freezing. Then you can answer the call and make yourself comfortable without embarrassing yourself or those next door.

Everyone I know thinks I am a worry wart. Frankly, I think they may be right. However, there have been those times when I was the only one who was right, so I will continue to think and do what I believe is the right thing.

As always I wish you safe driving, and be prepared. One reason I insist on being prepared is because my family crest, the Carmichael crest reads "Toujour Prest" which I understand mean Always Ready.

Isn't that nice?

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael 

Be Seen to be Safe!

BE SEEN IF YOU WANT TO BE SAFE FROM DRIVERS OF CARS AND TRUCKS!

I return to an old and dear subject of mine that I promoted for many years in the name of motorcyclists.

My campaign was for motorcyclists to wear reflectve vests, especially the lime green colour that are worn by all workers who are active on road projects, and are also worn by the police. I have noticed lately that there seems to be a trend among cyclists to make sure that they are seen by drivers. There is nothing quite so sad to hear a driver say that he just didn't see the cyclist that he killed.

So. stay safe this year by making certain that you are seen on your cycle, motor or pedal. The life you save may be your own.

Copyright (c) 2013  Eugene Carmichael

One Promise!

Please don't make me pull what little hair out that I have left!

I have one promise to make to you, my fellow members of the motoring public, and one promise to ask that you make of me. That is that during this year we promise to each other that when we are approaching our exit, that we won't speed up to overtake the person in front of us, only to immediately slow down to make our exit.

Unless there are very extenuating circumstances, to do such a thing can be considered unfunny, dangerous, and the most violent of the stupid things that a person can do, as to mark the person who did it as one having shit where his brain is supposed to be.

What might be an extenuating circumstance?  There was one time when I was travelling along the A7 motorway with a line of trucks nose-to-tail, thereby making a solid fence that blocked any traffic that was in the middle lane from turning off. My exit was coming up, so I had to put my foot down to get ahead of those fools so that I could make my turnoff the motorway. I was just barely able to make the move, but ever since it has re-played over again in my mind. It was about five years ago that I did that, and I only did it because my choice was to go on to the next exit and then come back.

Normally we know when we are approaching our turnoff, so we get in line behind the car that is in front of us. To do otherwise is to subject the other driver to unnecessary risk. So, please, don't do that. It's just not funny.

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

The Positive Aspects of Death on the Road

Cool Driving in 2013

Welcome 2013!

Even as I look at the title that I have given this piece I feel uncomfortable in thinking that there is such a thing as a positive side to road deaths. I am really writing this in the hope that it will encourage some people who are reckless in their driving habits to think again. If you are one of those people who are intent on ending your own life on the road, you should know that it will not be a complete loss.

As a reckless person, once you have killed yourself, the roads become a little safer without you. If you had a job, a great number of people will be interested in taking your place. Someone may even be interested in taking over your apartment. If you were a wealthy person with lots of savings, your next of kin may weep for you, for a little while, but then they have to think what to do with your savings.

Were you married to a particularly beautiful woman?  What is to become of her? The line of men who will try to help her decide what to do next might stretch all the way around the block, especially if you left her a wealthy widow.

This is all just to say that we would prefer to have you alive to occupy your rightful place in society, and in the life of your beautiful woman, but, if you insist on taking an early exit, so be it. You may be remembered fondly, perhaps too fondly. It's all up to you.

Drive safely throughout this brand new year that we have been given, and remember that the life that you save might be yours.

Happy New Year!

Copyright (c) 2013   Eugene Carmichael

Will you Survive New Year's Eve?

Be a safe and responsible driver this New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is the most peculiar time of the year for drivers. It's a time when we celebrate because the Old Year is behind us, and we look forward with great expectations to the New Year. As optimists we are full of hope and joy that we have our lives, our hope and love and dreams of building upon our survival of the year past, and our determination to make the year that is coming count for something significant.

We go out to dinner, and we dance and drink our way into the early hours of the next day. Then, we get in our cars and drive home. Far too many just don't make it. They crash into oncoming traffic driven by people who are just as drunk, or into trees and over embankments, ending not only our own lives but those of our partner and even others who have not had a thing to drink.

I won't bother you with statistics because even one such calamity is too many. I always point with pride to the program in my own country of Bermuda that has been long established. Between 3am and 6am on the first day of January, all taxi journeys are free to the passengers travelling to their homes. The country had reached a stage where waking up to the New Year's list of those who died the night before was simply too much to bear. The first year the free taxi program was introduced resulted in one fatal crash, and that was a single vehicle driven by a stupid drunk taxi driver.

Since then the record has been clear of fatal car crashes on this first morning of the year. The combined practise of free taxis and a designated driver who drinks free soft drinks has saved so many lives that it is a prime example of what can be achieved when common sense prevails.

So, drivers, when you leave home tomorrow night to celebrate you may want to remember to take with you a couple of things: Your debit/credit cards, your smart phone, and most importantly, your sense of responsibility and  also your common sense.

Drive safely, because the most important thing of all is to return home to those who love and need you.

Have a Happy, Prosperous and Safe 2013!


Copyright (c) 2012   Eugene Carmichael

Time to be extra Careful!

The Happy open Road Awaits!

It's that time of year to celebrate the end of the year in your own style. Generally, its a time for goodwill and family happiness, so if you are the driver in the family you perhaps should keep in mind that your family are looking to you to be the bearer of good and happy news. You can do that by conducting yourself with responsibility and by avoiding hurting yourself, and especially not harming anyone else.

Stay sober, stay alert, stay alive. If you don't want to stay sober then convince someone else to stay free of alcohol and to do the driving.

Have a Happy holiday driving experience, and help to lower those awful road statisics to even lower levels during 2013.

Merry Christmas and an even Merrier 2013!

Copyright (c) 2012   Eugene Carmichael

Christmas Time! Be safe!

Merry Christmas!

When I first came to Spain there were two things I thought would never change. Smoking, and Drinking and driving. Smoking indoors has been challenged and banished, but smoking outdoors is as prevalent as always, but at least non-smokers have no objection to that.

Driving after drinking alcohol has been a major problem in a country where lovely wines are produced, and the custom has been to mix whiskey or brandy with coffee, several times a day. People have had to be retrained to be responsible. It has been a slow process but it is working. Spain's annual death toll has fallen from a high of between 7000 and 8000 thousand to around one thousand, four hundred over less than 20 years.

At the moment the police are out in force actively looking for people who have attended their company's annual dinner and dance, demanding that if they intend to drink alcohol they must designate a driver who will abstain from alcohol. Many people see the police as trying to spoil their fun, but no, the police are content that they have their fun, but they want them to continue to live, and to let other people live.

Some time ago I decided that my driving permit was too important, as was my life, of course, so I decided that I would grow up and face the fact that I, and I alone was responsible. I began refusing alcohol and was amazed at the hostility of some of my hosts, but gradually they came to understand that I would refuse, so they stopped offering.  One day I got a shot of encouragement from a bartender who said that he did not blame me for drinking something soft as I had to drive.

Christmas time is the worst time of all to deliberately inflict the sadness of a funeral upon one's family. Sometimes we need to think outside the envelope to avoid the risk of hurting others and ourselves. Recently my wife and I attended a dinner and dance, but we took a hotel room next door. However, there still existed the need to drink in moderation because the next day the alcohol is still in the system and the police are still looking for me.

Be careful, enjoy yourself, and stay alive!

Copyright (c) 2012   Eugene Carmichael

Keep Your Distance !

I have dealt with this topic before, but we have very recently witnessed a road crash that involved thirty-five vehicles. In spite of that we still observe truck drivers, in convoy, nose-to-tail, so close to one another that they effectively cut off exits from traffic in the left lane, and their actions are the set-up for the next major crash.

On the motorway that passes Valencia city, we still remember such a crash where the lead truck slammed into another vehicle trying to enter the motorway and get ahead of the huge road train that was a dozen or more trucks, and that started an incident that took more than six hours to clean up and resulted in massive property losses. Amazingly there were no deaths from that, but the inconvenience was inexcusable considering that had everyone kept their recommended distance a major incident might have been restricted to something minor.

What is the recommended separation. As a rule of thumb choose a point ahead, and when the vehicle in front passes it count as follows: "one, one thousand, two, one thousand." Should you pass the same point before finishing two, one thousand, you are too close. This holds good for any speed.

Remember also, that the vehicle that is behind that runs into the vehicle in front is at fault. No argument, that is the law.

Drive carefully, and keep your eyes on the road!

Copyright (c) 2012  Eugene Carmichael

Moto Racing in Cheste

Biker's Glory

As I write this, the population of the small town of Cheste has swelled by a grand factor. In trying to determine how many people view the racing, I have found that in 2009, a disappointing year, 175,000 attended, but in 2010 that number dropped by 20,000 to 155,000. I can find no numbers for 2011, and for 2012, I can only tell you that I can hear the noise from my house.

Saturday, (yesterday) was a very good day from the weather, as it was sunny, warm and dry. Ideal for racing, but today it is cold and wet. The rain started last night, and considering that the majority of the attendees camp out, it is not the most pleasant experience. However, when you are young enough to have ridden your bike from far afield just to get here, a little inclement weather is no big deal.

I can still remember my days on the bike. My greatest experience was on the Honda Goldwing, when you feel like an absolute king. Such bikes are so huge, those who do not understand suggest that you should just buy a car. But no, there is nothing quite like riding a motorcycle with the elements in your face.

Today, all the big names are racing: Marc Marquez, Pol Espargaró, Andrea Iannone, Thomas Luthi, and a host of others from across Europe, as well as Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Finland, Thailand, and of course, England. This is a young person's sport that requires a hardy fortitude and the willingness to experience some hardship in following your favourites. I can hear from where I am that a great many people are having a good time.

Ah! I wish I were young again,........... sometimes.

Copyright (c) 2012   Eugene Carmichael



JAGUAR! What a Brand.

The car in which to be mistaken for a celebrity!

I promised to look into the Jaguar brand with the objective of finding out how many models have been manufactured down through the years because the problem is that, while some people grow tired of their cars and consign them to the undergrowth, others come behind them and rebuild the cars to their former glory. Consequently, trying to keep up with the Jaguar line is hard work because there is probably a representative from all the models still functioning today.

As best I can tell, there have been sixty-six models created, and these are spread between saloons, company executive types, concept models, and racing and the competition range. Jaguar loves to use an alphabet soup of car descriptions, so trying to keep track of what is what becomes a full time occupation.

For instance, the first Jag that I owned was the car shown above, which is the XK 120. For the longest time I thought it was an XJ 120. There is no such thing. This car was manufactured during 1948 to 1954, and is a classic in today's market. Updated models appeared during 1954 to 1957 as the XK 140, then from 1957 to 1960 there was the XK 150. These were concept sports models.

There were a number of saloons with the insignia of Mark V to Mark X over the period 1948 to 1966, but this line was competition with Rolls Royce, and beyond the grasp of ordinary plebes like myself. Then the XJ6 models appeared, which for the ordinary person was the definitive Jaguar of its time. It regularly made an appearance with royals in the back seat, or at film premieres.

Jaguar recognized that it had a winner on its hands and has stayed with the XJ series from their introduction in 1968 to the present. However, being Jaguar, there have been many variations on this theme including the 6, 8, and 12 cylinder engines. My six-cylinder swallows more than enough fuel, so I wouldn't even like to start up the 12-cylinder.

As a concept car, perhaps the most successful model of all time was, and remains the E-Type. This is a two-seater car that women found made their panties inexplicably roll down. I have to admit that it is a lovely car, but it just doesn't do a thing for me. In spite of its stylish lines and sporty motif it has often been used for racing. I don't think I would place mine in the scrum with all those others where it might get scratched.

Finally, leave it to James Bond to recognize a top of the line car in "Skyfall" as they use the latest model XF saloon. Again, this is one super car, both to look at, and I'm sure also to drive, although I have not had that pleasure. As I am 73 years of age,if I had the money this is the Jag that I am supposed to want. I would not have this car if you gave it to me, because to begin with it should come complete with its own driver. I must admit that I do not enjoy driving as I once did, but I am not ready to give up the controls just yet. Even if I were behind the wheel, the car just feels as though it were made for someone older than I am, but that's probably because I only feel aged 55.

It feels nice to have a Jag parked in my garage that I take out once in a long while. It has to be sunny and I have to be in the mood. There are two of us who own Jaguars in my little town. He has an S-type that he purchased as new, because he can actually afford to own a Jag, and I have my XJ6 Sovereign that I bought from someone at NATO who said it had been used to transport VIPs, and that no-one, not even the mechanic had got into that car with dirty shoes.

What else can I say?

Copyright (c) 2012  Eugene Carmichael  

There is Nothing quite like a Jaguar!

A Jaguar XK120

I am a Jaguar Enthusiast, so naturally I am a member of The Jaguar Enthusiast Club. I really do not know whether other brands bring out the love in the same way that Jaguar does. I own a Volvo, and a Seat, and I owned a Chrysler, but none of those brands had anything going for them as does the Jaguar.

I do believe that MGB have a strong following where members get together for racing and touring, but even that does not stand up to the passion that Jaguars drive in their members. I consider myself out on the periphy of the club, both geographically and psychologically, mainly because I am not located near to the Spanish club. However, back in England, and even here in Spain where our club is quite young, the pride that members take in their cars frightens me.

They do the usual sorts of things by getting together for runs and lunch, but perhaps the thing about Jaguar is that there are so many different types and classes of the name. For instance, the E-Type was one of the most popular models, but I personally never got a feel for it. During the height of its popularity, to have been seen in an E-Type with the top down was the bee's knees. Even today, among the classics it stands very proud, except that it still doesn't appeal to me.

Back in the U.K., I owned an XJ120 convertible, British Racing Green, which is the two-seater model with a long front end. This is the car in which I was mistaken to be Lenny Henry. It was a wonderful car that made me feel as though I was a Somebody. When I returned to Bermuda I had to sell it for a mere pittance, but anyone you still has one in fairly good condition can ask something reasonably substantial.

The trouble with Jaguar is that there are so many models in circulation it is really a confusing thing to be able to keep oneself  fully informed. As an example, the model I own is an XJ6, 3.2 litre Sovereign, and that is possibly the exact same thing as a Daimler. The XJ series were made in the 6, 8 and 12 cyclinder models. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to own a 12-cyclinder model with today's petrol prices.

I think it might be interesting to make a study of just how many models there are under the Jaguar heading. I will do that and return in the near future with my findings. Meanwhile, I must admit that being the only black man in Spain to drive a Jaguar is a lot of fun. Whenever I drive up I am greeted with an expletive, which just gives me the giggles.

Come on guys, its just a car!

Copyright (c)  2012  Eugene Carmichael

Dopey Things people do while driving!

There is nothing quite as riveting as two very nice boobs.

But, with these coming your way, you really have to concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing!

I have seen this before, (not the above), but the other day a man passed me driving with a cigarette stuck between two fingers of the hand that was holding the steering wheel. This is a very common thing to do among smokers, and I know many of you will question me with a, so what? It just seems like a risky thing because if you have a sudden turn to make the cigarette will probably go flying, right in your lap. I know it looks cool, but anything to do with cigarettes while driving is, well, frankly dopey.

Take the example of the man who was lighting his cigarette from the car's lighter. You have to divert your gaze for at least a couple of seconds, otherwise you light your nose. During those precious seconds the man was headed for a head-on collision with me, on a corner. Another coat of paint between us and we would not have made it. I was not amused!

I drove behind a young guy who was so preoccupied with his hair that he was constantly looking in the mirror while tossing it this way and that.

I got hit from behind because a family car allowed their small daughter to roam around without being strapped in. I had come to a stop when the mother driver realised, and slammed on her brakes. Needless to say the little girl was slammed into the windscreen, which must have been really glued in well. Fortunately, it resulted in just a little bump to me because my car is automatic and my foot came off the brake pedal and off I went.

It amazes me the things that people do that will lead to the hospital, or worse, but yet they do these things quite deliberately. Things like read a book with one hand, and smoke with the other while driving at speed. Even on a straight road you still need to maintain control. I don't even like to look at the radio while changing channels. I agree that driving long distances along straight roads is uber boring, but you really are taking your life in your hands, or rather her hands or mouth, to choose that time to play sex games. If it all goes wrong it will end in tears, lots of tears.

The worst are the ones who are sex exhibitionists who do it for the show. Some time ago, while driving along a two lane highway in the same direction, a car pulled alongside me and matched my speed. The lady passenger had her top off revealing two wonderful breasts, and the male driver was massaging them and looking over at me. I must admit it gave me a woody, but how the hell is anybody supposed to concentrate with all that going on?

Copyright (c) 2012  Eugene Carmichael