FWIW, I used to write self modifying code in Rocky Mountain Basic. The editor was the user interface on HP200 computers. My programs interfaced with spectrum analyzers, multi channel data recorders, programmable tracking filters, and a matrix switch to shuffle all the signals. You actually can use basic for very useful work. There are a number of Basics available for unix if you look for them. My most recent programs have all been in perl, but I am just a language slut.

Remember your propulsion system is mounted on the outside, so you have to come up with a drive system that can take the heat and pressure.

More importantly, it makes it impossible for anyone to dispute their results. After all, no one else has exactly the same system so no one is better qualified to evaluate their conclusions. "No, we made the best possible choice at the time. You would know that if you had OUR analytic engine, but since you don't your speculations are baseless."

Just about everyone that has safely avoided an accident with me by driving as they should has also been talking on the phone. Your point?

"Following too closely will result in a ticket."
I have never seen or heard of anyone being so ticketed.

Hmmm. Maybe we DO need a new law. Maybe something like reckless/negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Na, nobody would ever stand for that.

Na, the pilots have iPads now.

That is the subset that also owns cars.

They did say that driving while phoning is as dangerous as driving drunk. Since 80%+ of the drivers I see on the road are using one it is clear we need to repeal the drunk driving laws because it is relatively safe. Those 80% don't die every day, I would have noticed the decline in congestion on the roads by now.

I find there is substantial difference in a cell conversation and talking with my passenger. First, the passenger is in the same environment and has a stake in us not crashing, and his warnings might even avoid calamity. But more important, listening on a cell seems to require far more concentration then listening to a companion. People in the grocery store can't walk and cell talk at the same time, of course they can't do it and drive. That said, I value my freedom too much to suggest that any law like this should be adopted. Safety isn't everything. And maybe all we need is better sound quality.

You have radiation emission records to back that up? They don't.

It might have been a "noble ambition" but it was never a good idea.

Well, they have caught a few people, most of whom we talked into aspiring to hurt us and gave them pretend means so they could be arrested and thus justify the effort.

The Cuyahoga doesn't burn any more because there isn't and industry left in Cleveland. Crime drove out the nightlife that developed around the now clean water and all that's left is a scenic park. Progress?

While I agree with this in principle I can't support it. With 50 states we now have far too many voices for any to be heard above the roar, this country worked much better when there were 13 states and even then it took years to amend the constitution. With the 50 we now have it is impossible, so government has abandoned the amendment process and instituted bureaucratic decree. The existing states should band together in regional clusters and those clusters should be governed by the national government. I can't support that happening though because I would end up living in Jesusland.