Two Wishes

Dogs on Trains

From the June issue of Harper's:

...a Russian zoologist found that stray Muscovite dogs had adjusted to post-Soviet urban life by commuting from the suburbs on trains. The dogs, who prefer the front- and rearmost cars and occasionally miss their stops when they fall asleep, have also learned to obey traffic lights in spite of their color blindness.

To an extent, I desperately want to know why the dogs commute in the first place. But I fear context might disturb the fanciful images this strange little snippet leaves in my mind.**

** (In my head, many of the dogs have briefcases. And bowler hats.)

Drive Carefully on Election Day

Tuesday is Election Day in the US, and I urge everyone to go vote.  However, please be extra careful in traffic on your way to the polls!

(image source)

According to a study published in October's Journal of the American Medical Association, car crashes are significantly more likely on Election Day as compared to an ordinary Tuesday in October or November. Nationwide, Election Tuesdays logged an average of 24 more traffic deaths and 800 additional disabling injuries as compared to similar non-election dates. Incredibly, the 18% increase in fatalities is larger than even notorious "drinking and driving" dates like New Year's Day and Super Bowl Sunday.

Why the increase? Researchers speculate results are due to a combination of people rushing to fit voting into a hectic workday and taking unfamiliar routes to reach their designated polling place. Overall, there's an extra degree of emotion and distraction. Police may be busy elsewhere and have less time to focus on traffic enforcement. And trips to the polls may mean people drive more, period. 

So, whatever the outcome, here's hoping you have a SAFE and happy Election Day. 

Are Elephants Truly Afraid of Mice?

Welcome to a new topic series: "The Most Interesting Thing I Learned Recently."  Can't wait to share some glorious, fascinating randomness with you all!

First up:

We watch a lot of Mythbusters around this house.  (Nothing planned, plus remote in Mr T's possession = Mythbusters.)  And part of this weekend's marathon included a test of whether elephants really are afraid of tiny mice.  Can't describe, must show ... enjoy!