Don't drive and talk, them philly cops will get you.

As reported by philly.com

That's right, Mayor Nutter signed a law yesterday that banned talking on a cell phone while driving in Philadelphia. It's not going to be "enforced" until November 1, and it's only going to cost Philly 90 mil a year!

The move comes on the same day that a mini-van driving woman who was talking on her cell phone crashed into a Septa bus, injuring 16.

"Police said that the dramatic scene unfolded about 3 p.m. when the driver of the Plymouth minivan - who was talking on her cell phone - drove through a red light on Hunting Park Avenue near Kensington, and slammed into the No. 3 bus."

Oh yea, because I always run red lights when I talk on my cell phone. Unfortunately, drivers will still be able to smoke a cigarette, change CDs, look in their glove box, shift gears, apply makeup, talk to a person in the passenger seat, or do one of another thousand things while driving.

Not only is the law illogical and dumb, it also might be expensive as hell. Philly.com reported that state legislators in Harrisburg basically stated that vehicle code is their business, and if philly passed this law they would strip us of gas tax and highway and bridge funding to the tune of 90 MILLION DOLLARS. And we all know philly has that kind of money laying around.

So what to do, what to do?

Well first of all, in the philly.com article they quoted critic Philip J. Berg, an attorney, stating he will help anyone who gets citations for free. So we're gonna keep him in the Rolodex.

Also, it probably wouldn't hurt to e-mail mayor nutter's office and let him know you aren't happy. Here is the e-mail address: mayor.nutter@phila.gov.

We even drafted this letter for you, just to make it easier.

Dear Mayor Nutter,

I was recently informed of the law you signed banning drivers from using their cell phones. I think the law is ineffective and is just a feel-good law, as the real difference just comes down to responsible drivers vs. irresponsible drivers. Responsible drivers will be hurt by this law, while irresponsible drivers can still be distracted by many other things such as applying make-up, smoking a cigarette, or changing music.

Furthermore, the law is irresponsible as it could possibly cost the city up to $90 million in funds from the state government. During this time of economic recession, the city of Philadelphia cannot afford such a cut.

As a citizen and taxpayer of Philadelphia, I ask that you represent me in repealing this law.

Sincerely,

Take 30 seconds to paste that into your e-mail and fight the man!

Temple experts ready to kick some swine flu ass.

The Temple Times had a nice story today that has your back on the swine flu jawn. Check it out to be informed by a number of Temple faculty members on all aspects of the disease. Want their numbers? Check out the listings provided by the article below. Are their numbers real? We wanna find out. Post a comment to this story about which person we should call and what question we should ask, and we'll pick the most interesting one and do it tomorrow and post the results.

"Laszlo Otvos, research professor in biology at Temple University and an expert in vaccine development, can discuss the basic science behind vaccines.Otvos is currently in Hungary, but can be reached by cell phone; call Eryn Jelesiewicz at 215-294-8878 for contact information."

"Thomas Fekete, M.D., section chief of infectious diseases at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital, can break down the minute-by-minute information coming out on swine flu. Fekete can be reached at 215-707-1982. He is unavailable noon to 1 p.m. EST." Apparently, even doctors eat.

"Alice Hausman, Ph.D., directs the Center for Preparedness Research, Education and Practice, a multi-disciplinary center that brings faculty from across the university to address emergency preparedness. Hausman can be reached via the news office at 215-707-1583."

"Deborah Nelson, Ph.D., directs the master's program in epidemiology at the College of Health Professions, and studies the distribution of disease and injury in human populations. Nelson can talk about the influenza virus, how it's spread, who is most vulnerable, and can offer observations/suggestions/reactions from a public health standpoint. Nelson can be reached at 215-204-9659."

"Sarah Bass, Ph.D., associate professor of public health and director of the undergraduate program in public health, has expertise is in risk communication, how information is disseminated during a pandemic, and the public's attitudes towards such information, particularly as it applies to vaccinations and quarantines. She can talk about how information has been given to the public thus far, and health information and its relationship to feelings of self efficacy and patient behavior. Bass can be reached at 215-204-5110."

"Several antiviral drugs, which had been stockpiled for avian flu, are available as possible treatments for swine flu, said Albert Wertheimer, professor of pharmacy administration, but no one knows with 100 percent certainty if they’ll be effective. Wertheimer, an international authority in pharmacoeconomics and the pharmaceutical industry, can comment on the availability and effectiveness of therapies for swine flu as well as the impact of the current outbreak on pharmaceutical business. He can be reached by phone at 215-707-1291 or by e-mail at albert.wertheimer@temple.edu."

Oh yea by the way that shit's in Jersey.

Monday night

So the big story tonight was that today was the last day of classes. Students were rewarded with sunny, 80 degree weather and many laid out on Beury Beach to relax and take a breath of fresh air. Oh wait, no it actually rained all day and everyone got soaked. Oh well, at least classes are over with.

Study days(stupor days) are Tuesday and Wednesday, which means if you're not reading this, you're probably out drinking right now.

In other news students and administrators had a good-bye party for Dean Carry, who is heading to Auburn as previously reported on the C&W. We shall miss you.

Also, for the scholarly among you, you must be lost. No but seriously, this article in the Temple Times says that administrators are basically combing for students to apply for prestigious scholarships, so if you "have interesting ideas and experiences that they can share with the world" and a good GPA, might wanna check that out.

In philly news, check out this website for some "democratic art." In other words, you get to help pick which mural will be painted in the city. Prettty cooool.


In sports Temple baseball was cancelled, while the Phils won 6-1 against the cardinals.

Oh, and for some reason the Temple News website was down, we're guessing operatives from Harrisburg shut 'em down after their BAC post today criticized the state senate for threatening to cut 90 mil in funds over the new cell phone law.

See ya in the morning!