James Kirkpatrick's Not-So-Random Keyboard Strokes - Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please

Location: Blogs PaleBlueScot
Posted by: James	12/19/2007 11:48 AM
It’s amazing to me that in this day and age of hands-free devices that are affordable to the public; the majority of people don’t use them, especially in the car. Let’s put aside the obvious caveat that one shouldn’t really be talking on your cell phone in the car if at all possible. It’s simply not a reality anymore so let’s move forward beyond that and save our ranting for other offenses. The people with the “Hang Up And Drive” bumper stickers, while I share that sentiment, really need to realize that’s a lost cause at this point. The spot where I notice most people are still holding their phone to their head instead of having an earpiece is when I’m in the furthest left lane while at a light. When the traffic perpendicular to me is turning left and going the opposite way you are, you always get a good close-up glimpse of people. This is where I see the most violations. Maybe it’s just the times I’m noticing it, but if 5 cars are turning left, 4 people are holding their phone to their head. In this day and age where headsets are cheap and Bluetooth headseats, while expensive, are fun simply because they’re wireless, there’s no reason to be talking on your phone without a headset. Several states have already enacted laws against this and I’m sure more are to follow. Do I think the government should be intervening and making laws regarding what people do with their cell phones in their cars? I’m on the fence about that one. But if it helps reduce traffic accidents, then it does become as helpful a law as mandatory seatbelts help save lives. On an unrelated driving note, I have to add another entry to the “WTF Does Your License Plate Mean?” department. Parked in our work garage yesterday was a new Mercedes with the letters MEANMOM. How could that mean anything other than she’s a ballbuster? Is she a fearless lawyer who is also a mother? Is it one of the stars of Nanny 911? It just seems like an odd plate to display to the public without most people assuming a negative connotation with it; a Cruella de Vil for this decade.

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Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By Deanna on 12/19/2007 1:07 PM
There's a class action law suit in Chicago that was announced today by people that have gotten tickets for being on their phone while driving. http://www.nbc5.com/news/14887517/detail.html

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please

By Muuurph on 12/19/2007 1:34 PM

Deanna: Good, it's a stupid law. The same study that all the "tell you how to live your life" crowd pointed to to get the laws enacted stated there was no difference when it came to whether or not you had a ear piece or held the phone to your ear. With virtually every car having power steering there's not a heck of a lot gained by having 2 hands on the wheel. The danger presented by cell phones comes from having your attention divided. You're concentrating on your conversation instead of driving. For that matter seat belt laws are mucho stupid as well. What difference is it to you if I want to risk my life or not? Stay out of my personal space "we know what's good for you" bastages.

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please

By Erich on 12/19/2007 2:35 PM

"tell you how to live your life" - This reminds me....did anyone else hear the news story about the Mall Santa in Minnesota who was told to say "Hi Hi Hi" instead of "Ho Ho Ho?" That is where I draw the line - I am one more lame PC bullshit story away from going postal on these oversenstive, bicycle helmet wearing, taking the Christ out of Christmas, not keeping score in kids sports games, men hyphenating their last names with their wives names, liberal bastards!

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By James on 12/19/2007 3:01 PM
The "Ho Ho Ho" story was in Australia.

Hands where I can see them, Santa!!!!!

By Syl on 12/19/2007 11:50 PM

As long as she's sitting on his lap, I think he should be able to call a ho whatever he wants - with or without a ...'tip'....at the finish. Don't eat and drive either, people - please - most of you don't have the extra mental strength or acuity to do it properly. Not you, Murrrrrrph, all the idiots and local morons that James is seeing. Hands free or headsets is the law here and I'm okay with it, but then I always buckled up, no law needed.

Want to make something of it?!	By Mean Mom on 12/20/2007 10:01 AM
Eff off. I wouldn't buy my kid a car for her 16th birthday. It's my nickname and I'm keeping it forever.

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By Ian on 12/20/2007 11:52 AM
Actually, with today's airbags, 2 and 10 are not always advocated- with one hand at 12 being the most dangerous<br>And I agree with Syl- eating and driving, cell phone use and driving, not wearing seatbelts; they account for accidents- we all pay for it through our insurance premiums- People can do what they want with this, God bless them, so long as they are not infringing on others-

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By Ian on 12/20/2007 2:44 PM
Erich's comment is quoted verbatim on CNN:<br><br>http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/20/roland.martin/index.html

Re: Hands together, pray and hope

By Syl on 12/21/2007 10:41 AM

Ian - motorcycle helmets, too... That article - put the meaning back in Christmas?! That is overly American and harks back to our founding fathers - you know- the Puritans. Give others something besides money? Wow, next we'll all be happy for what we have and miss the meaning of Thanksgiving too. We might learn something about the Golden Rule, horrors! The worst part of the article is where he says he sounds like a 'flower child'?! - Just make your statement and don't soften it with needless SF (liberal? democratic? hippy? old person?) references - the guy sounds like a good person with a lot on his mind. Caring for and about others (that may or may not be less fortunate than yourself) is the meaning of life, not just the season. Empathy is a critical human gift - don't train your kids off of it. Heeee-eey - let's blame heinous/godless advertising!! Wallowing in excess is especially prevalent this time of year. (And here is your new Lexus as a little gift between spouses, here is *your* much-needed multiple diamond new-shape-this-year necklace.) At least the Christmas cartoon shows are all against greed. I just wish we as a nation would feed our own hungry children first. I'm a flower child. Liberal. Hippy. Wish we all were.

Hands up, this has been a hijacked thread!	By Syl on 12/21/2007 10:45 AM
So..happy holidays - I know what it means. It's an inclusive wish for a better and more grateful world.

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By Ian on 12/21/2007 11:12 AM
Well, all I was saying is that Erich mentioned "take the Christ out of Christmas," and the following day, wow- that article appeared-seems that others are echoing Erich's sentiment- wasn't saying I agreed or disagreed-just that Erich brought it up- and the next day, that same line was used in the media- Erich can write his own blog:)<br>

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please

By KB's on 12/21/2007 11:57 AM

Thank you Syl for ranting about the CNN article. I wasn't going to read it, but I need to comment on the "Jesus is the reason for the season". Actually, in honor of today being the solstice and the days getting longer, this IS the "original reason for the season". Ever notice how many religious holidays are within a week or two of a solstice or equinox. This entry started out on driving, how did we come to this. :)

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please	By Ian on 12/21/2007 12:48 PM
It came to this because it's all linked to PC:)

Re: Hands at the "2 and 10" position, please

By Muuurph on 12/21/2007 6:05 PM

Ah what the Hell I'll jump back in here and also join the tangent. First of all Syl: I wear a seat belt all the time too. I just don't think someone should have the right to fine me if I don't. I also don't like the thought of getting a ticket because I'm using my cell without a head set (which is FUBAR at the moment) when studies have shown it doesn't make any different safety-wise. To much legislation being passed for the overly righteous/under educated groups. As far as Christmas goes, KBS right for Christ's sake, no one knows when he was born. Seeing as how the modern calendars are based upon his death and the lunar cycles how could he have been born on a certain date? Yep, long time ago the christian rulers declared that the pagan ritual celebrating the solstice would from then on be a celebration of Christ's birth. There were major celebrations around the time of the winter solstice before the chubby kid in the manger and there would likely be celebrations today around this time whether he ever came along or not. So Jesus is not the reason for the season, the darkest day of the year is the reason for the season. Stick that in your incense burners and smoke it!

Hands. Holding hands. Touching me touching youuuuuuuuuuuu

By Syl on 12/22/2007 1:00 PM

Uh. You may have misinterpreted me? Christmas as a day of celebration is clearly just as pagan as the tree and the stockings...the yule log. Easter bunnies, too. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you was a concept long before the bible stories were written. That in no way diminishes the thought that greed is both misplaced and yet prevalent this time of year. And I think there is no need for dumbing down anything about one's opinion and the author saying that he wonders what 'seasons greetings' means is ludicrous. The season transcends any one holiday, you (one) shouldn't have to secularize to 'get' the meaning, that seems condescending just as much as making it all about religion when it is so much more. The rhythms of nature and life itself. As far as the seatbelt? Driving is not a right it is a privilege granted and licensed by (yes, sorry) the state... if it is legal driving. The Man is always poised to hassle -- and also to overly legislate for the more idiotic amongst us. The lowest denominator if you will are the ones who push the laws forward. Them and the people who will sue for any old thing.

Pagans need love, too.	By Syl on 12/22/2007 1:03 PM
So...seasons greetings!

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