"The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory." - Paul Fix

You're not surprised, are you?
Consumer Reports has issued a study that finds that the so-called "eco-models" offered by auto makers aren't worth it. Buyers pay a higher up-front cost because of items like special and more expensive tires, get lower quality because of the extensive use of lightweight plastics, and in return get only modest improvements in mpg. It can take up to 38 years to recover the higher costs through fuel savings. They were particularly critical of the new Prius C, which they said had a cheap interior, bad ride and lousy acceleration.

DOMA goes down. Disappointed, but not surprised, especially after the administration said they wouldn't defend it in court.
It will undoubtedly end up before The Supremes, where I expect the same result.

Lots of people have noticed and commented on the cultural differences between the two coasts and the center section of the country - the "fly-over states." Those differences certainly include the role of government in legislating life, matters that Iowans, for example, consider NOYDB. No better example can be found than NYC Mayor Bloomberg's recommendation that sales of sugared drinks larger than 16 oz. be prohibited. That would include not just soft drinks, but some iced teas and coffees, among others. That Big Gulp from 7-Eleven? Fuhgettaboutit.
The recommendation has to be ratified by a consumer products board, but those members are appointed by the mayor, so NYC residents had better drink up while they can.
It's called social engineering.

Meanwhile, in what has to be considered the ultimate contrast, the U.S. House failed to pass a bill that would have outlawed sex-based abortions. It would have made it a 3-year felony to abort a child because of its sex, and doctors who knowingly performed an abortion for those purposes could get up to one year. (Note: doctors would not have been required to inquire as to the reason for the abortion.) India and China, countries where girl babies are aborted by parents who want sons, have laws prohibiting the practice, but here it is apparently seen as acceptable.
"The government should not intrude in the medical decisions or private family matters in this way," said Jamie Smith, a WH spokesman.
It's going to be illegal to have a Big Gulp because you might be overweight, but not abort a child because it's a girl for fear of intruding on private family matters?

Steve works as a commercial real estate appraiser. He's putting together a report on a business about three miles from our house. He told me that in the area immediately around that business the average age is 76.3 and the average number of people per household is 1.61.
Welcome to our world!
(It is SO nice to go to Pathway each Sunday morning.)

I see a problem.
Regular vigorous exercise pays long term benefits, extending life expectancy. But it also improves the quality of life now. I know that if I push myself physically on a regular basis my attitude is better and I can do tasks requiring exertion easier and longer, whether that's getting up and down off the floor from under a Rambler or loading and unloading the sound equipment from the Kia.
If I stop exercising vigorously.
A strenuous workout - one where I really push myself - leaves me whooped, and I'll probably still feel the pain the next morning.
If I stop working out for a week I feel GREAT and have all kinds of energy.
But by the second week I start to lose conditioning and to fall out of the exercise habit.
Yeah, something's wrong here.