The first one. The Maryland State Senate passed a bill that would ban texting while driving. It heads to the House of Delegates soon. While forms of this bill have been killed in committee in recent years, there appears to be a better chance of passing it this time.
I have mixed feelings about this. I will admit, I've read a text message while driving. I have probably written one as well. But it is bad for attention. I do have however think there are a million other things that could be as distracting. Still probably a step in the right direction. Let's hope they don't go the route DC took of banning use of mobile phones without a headset. I know I see it everyday I'm in the city where someone is driving with their phone in one hand. I have even seen a very well known technology writer for a national newspaper do it on the Whitehurst Freeway in afternoon rush hour.
As a holiday gift to myself, I got the 
. If you have not heard, the Kindle is an electronic "book". After just a week of working with it, I'm very satisfied. In the past, I was an avid reader, staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading magazines or books. In recent years, that has changed for many reasons. I have gotten older. I have not visited the library in quite awhile. While I can afford to buy books, I find it tough to justify buying many titles. There are simply many books I want to read, but only once.
by Jeffrey Deaver. I read the book years ago and have not picked it up since. I may read it again some day. With the Kindle, I can do so without taking up space on a shelf or a box.
