Bad losers make worse winners.

NBC Nightly News did a story tonight about the problem of cell phone use while driving. They had some pretty impressive statistics that, if they're accurate, make a powerful case against talking - never mind texting - on a phone while driving. The use of a hands free device doesn't improve things at all. If I remember correctly, they said 28% of all accidents in 2008 involved a driver distracted by cell phone use, and 6,000 deaths were attributable to that behavior. The Transportation Sect., Ray LaHood, is going to push for a national ban on the use of cell phones while driving.

The commercial break after that segment included an ad for a new car that includes a built-in phone allowing you to make and receive calls while you drive.

I've recently traveled in two states - CA and WA - that prohibit talking on a cell phone while driving. WA allows the use of a hands free device; I don't know about CA. Those experiences shifted my thinking on the issue and I now support that kind of legislation.
I have sensed my own distraction as I talk on the phone while driving, but I feel guilty if my phone rings and I ignore it. I know; it doesn't make any sense, but it's like I'm being rude to whoever is on the other end. That's one of the problems with cell phones; you can't claim you weren't home.
But if the law says I can't answer the phone I don't have to feel guilty. Win-win. I'm not distracted and I have a built-in excuse. In fact, at any time I can look at my cell phone, see that it's my mother-in-law calling, and run out to my car.
"Sorry, mom. I was in the car when you called."

I chopped up the two downed cacti this afternoon. I have two trash cans - the 30-gallon plastic type - and filled each about 1/3 full. More than that would have exceeded weight limits.
I still have 80% of the pieces left.

We may be getting rid of speed cameras on the freeways of AZ! When then-governor Janet Napolitano approved their use she predicted they would generate $90 million for state coffers. Aside from the real issue of using law enforcement to raise state revenue, the last audit shows that the cameras only brought in $37 million. Legislators will have a tough time bucking strongly negative public opinion on the cameras with revenues that much lower than predicted.

The Colts win. Good!
The Vikes lose. Better!

The game goes into overtime, a real thriller. But it ends just in time for me to go over to NBC and watch the figure skating championships!!
(right)