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OregonSean's comments:
on Driven to Distraction?
At least in the case of the cell phone permit, you'd need some sort of tag on your car, so that you wouldn't be pulled over and so other people wouldn't build up resentment towards those they see talking on the phone. Unfortunately, another complication that simply doesn't make it worth the while.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
Veldaquende and Bob88Salem,
The sticking point with this (as with many other things) is politics and money. It would probably be expensive to test drivers to determine their limit. People seem to like it when the law is the same for everyone. Whether that is rational or not, for some it feels better.
In a sense, cell phone are no different. I would love it if we simply put some of these resources toward a public education campaign (using research based methods for maximum effectiveness) along the same lines are drunk driving, not just for cell phone use, but for all kinds of distractions, to help keep people mindful. At the same time, just like with people who drive badly due to drink, ticket the people who drive badly due to distraction.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
I find that this is one of the reasons why it is good to practice defensive driving.
Also, when I am riding my bike anywhere that cars will be I have my front and rear light on and flashing, day or night. It makes it really easy for cars to notice me and react accordingly. It is also the law to have the front light on and flashing after dusk.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
Jewels,
Hands free devices cost money. If studies show it doesn't make us safer than it's a waste of money lining the cell companies pockets and the insurance companies could potentially raise rates if you get a "cell phone" ticket.
posted 4 years ago
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on Filmed in Oregon
Wouldn't it be nice if those who are critical of the level of professionalism of the film industry in Oregon took a proactive role in using their experience to mentor those who are genuinely interested in improving there craft? Not everyone here can be a bad apple.
Also, making a comparison between a film industry with a size and history of L.A. with the film industry in Portland is not constructive. I can understand the frustration professionals from bigger cities might experience as they adjust, but it's not helpful to behave like a victim. Be the change you want to see.
posted 4 years ago
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on April Show Ideas
Are there any planned shows on the 2009 state legislative session?
posted 4 years ago
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on April Show Ideas
I agree. Living rationally based on our needs rather than adverstisement driven consumerism would be a wonderful thing to highlight. Taken a step further, it would be great to explore the movement to clean up our "mental environments" through the restriction of advertising in public spaces.
posted 4 years ago
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on The Efficiency Factor
I'm sorry to contradict you, because I believe your heart is in the right place, but many of your points simply faulty.
A Prius does not cost $15K more than a Civic. In the context of a carbon tax, the cost of a Civic would increase, narrowing the gap with the cost of a Prius.
Having light bulbs generate heat at the ceiling of a room is not an efficient way of heating it, forget the summertime when no heat is desired.
The amount of carbon a person produces through metabolizing food is negligible compared to what is generated by any internal combustion engine, even a lawn mower. Studies have shown that people who exercise more actually tend to eat less food.
I've found that avoiding the feeling of being victimized by the system is helpful in focusing on the facts as they are and practical solutions.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
Having some background on the statistical signifance of accidents caused by cell phone distraction would really add a lot to this discussion.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
While it's possible that the Police reserve some sort of special training that the rest of us don't, it does give the impression of a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.
posted 4 years ago
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on Driven to Distraction?
I admit that sometimes I do this and I feel conflicted about holding the phone out in front of me, so that the road is also in my field of view, and not wanting to be obvious about it to other drivers. I've found that pre-programming templates into my phone helps a bit. Examples being: "On my way!", "Running late", or "Call me".
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
That is a shame. I hope that the Democratic lead congress will revoke it for something better. Things are looking potentially more hopeful with a near filibuster proof majority in the Senate--Arlen Specter converting over and the, seemingly, eventual seating of Al Franken.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
Is "no child left behind" still in effect?? Wikipedia is not clear on this fact.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
According to my state legislators the vast majority of state spending is on education, healthcare, and public safety (prisons) aka medicate, educate, incarcerate. All three of these areas are too critical to allow for a system that repeatedly underfunds them when times are bad, which is inevitable from time to time. A long term solution needs to continue to be developed. The most promising I've heard is the future increased diversion of revenue to the rainy day fund, so that we have savings when we need it. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods.
I believe that reducing funding on education is possibly the least practical of the three choices because it is an investment in the future. Educated and well rounded students become educated and well rounded citizens and can contribute more to our society, not just socially, but economically as well.
In the short run, I think that giving control to local school districts make the most sense because it is easier for parents to organize on that level to influence their local *elected* school board members, and allows each school district to tailor it's decisions to the will of the parents.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
A good point this makes is that we need to educate our own youth, not just rely on the continuing influx of talent from out of state. Our we making Oregon good for our children or good for people from other states that don't care to do the hard work of making it a wonderful place to live.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
Fully agreed. Please see my reply to cubilist above.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
Libraries are definitely an under-utilized resource. I would advocate a study or additional resources devoted to helping educate this students in a way which is meaningful to them.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
I agree that schools could do more to socialize youth. Parents just don't seem to have the time for it these days. It would be wonderful if some basic principles of behavioral science could be introduced to help students understand the societal value (as opposed to moral) of treating others with respect and appreciating (as opposed to merely tolerating) diversity. Just these two would do a lot to make society more livable.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
I'm assumming that by entertainment you mean sports, and I agree that there are far more fundamental aspects to education. Unfortunately, I think this is an issue that will take much reeducation of the parents in order to reverse the tide of public opinion.
posted 4 years ago
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on Cutting the Budget
Unfortunately, the research needed to determine which kinds of changes might be worth trying costs money, as well as the cost of restructuring the system, and money is what we are short of at this time. When times are better I would say this is an excellent idea and that greater innovation in education, possibly a paradigm shift, is long overdue.
posted 4 years ago
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