Very interesting. In our textbooks in Columbus, OH public school system we were always taught the root cause of the civil war was ideological/humanitarian differences (slavery) between the North and the South but it sounds as if that was only part of the story. Money was the real reason, as it is in every war.

I'm a huge fan of the Corvette too and had no idea about the origins of the name. I remember when I was a boy it was a treat to see one around town. You would see lots of American muscle cars in the 70's but seeing a Corvette was a rarity. They always seemed to be in a class by themselves. The new mid-engine one is an incredible feat of engineering. I hear they're working on a hybrid version that will take advantage of the instant torque of electric motors for launching. Maybe it'll be a worthy contender for that new Tesla roadster with the cold gas thrusters, Tesla could use some competition right about now, it'll keep them honest and innovating.