Cruise control is such an odd automotive feature. I never use it, even when driving on interstates, as I was all day today. Perhaps if I was out in the wilds of Texas or Oklahoma, where you can drive for dozens of miles and never see another car, it would make more sense, but in a driving environment in which minute changes in speed are essential for keeping up with traffic and maintaining your space in the flow, turning on an automated speed control device seems foolhardy. Of course, there are those who know me who would claim that this might have something to do with my own small issue with control and the need to personally direct every small detail of my life and that even on the Sea of Tranquility I would never engage this option. What I actually want is the real cruise control - the kind that will allow you to take a nap while driving. Even the Jetsons didn't have that.

On my drive to northern New Jersey today (to one of The Oranges - I don't remember precisely which one, there are so many of them, just like The Amboys - New Jersey seems to have a penchant for lazy town naming - just add a North or East or Perth and you have a whole new town) I saw both another hot air balloon and an ultralight - the economy will be booming soon!

Music: One of the advantages of driving by yourself for long distances is the ability sing along, completely off-key, with your CDs.

Movies: Why was Zoolander made? Did Ben Stiller really need a job *that* badly?