Marshallz10 - I drive 10 - 40 miles daily in large metro area. Callers pulled over to cell-talk? Yes, indeed - starting August 1, 2004, Washington DC began to fine drivers who were on cell phone while driving. Amazingly, within a couple months even local Virginians were pulling over to yak! Wish I knew if the number of accidents occurring while on c-phone has decreased in the area. I've watched so many vehicles weaving (sometimes completely out of their lane), speed up/down with no relation to surrounding traffic speeds, slam on brakes to avoid rear-ending, and nearly side-swipe numerous other cars... used to be I thought 'drunk or doped-up?', then I decided to keep count: of the last 500 vehicles I've seen being driven in such a way as to imply driver impairment: 2= who knows? (ah, before you ask: one aged about 30, and one about 70); 3= reading maps (kid you not, open and propped over the steering wheel); 1= applying something to face while looking in rearview mirror (dunno what, male driver) and 490+ = cell phone held to ear! BTW, those were observed during my usual 6a/4p commute, September, October, and November '04. I've quit counting - and try to leave *lots* of space between my car and those cell phone yakkers. However, last Friday I was victim of rear-ender - male in mid-twenties was on phone and didn't stop for red light quite in time. No damage, but that's no thanks to his stupidity. And, guess what? we agreed there were no damages and then he drove off - with phone to ear!

Not sure about if they will pay for an accident of that sort, but it's worth asking. The worse they can say is no, which I have a feeling they might. I hope your daughter is better soon- I totally feel for you. Mine was practicing gymnastics in her room one day and fell off her bed, slamming her forehead into a huge ceramic piggy bank that was beside her bed on the floor. Nothing more alarming than seeing your baby with blood on her face and not being totally sure if they're ok or not....I almost had a heart attack and cried as much as she did. Good luck with everything.

bookworm - great. first step in changing a problem is to recognize the problem, many people write about issues with their dogs and then dont want to look at the real issues, Kudos to you for really looking at your relationship with your dog. First thingws first. If your respond to your dog with frustration, you lose. You always want to be calm and assertive, if you lose your cool, your dog wont respect you, in other words you might as well not try... a firm voice, and keep up the command, no matter how stupid you feel. Taking him out, mid day is a great idea. He does not always need to poop. So dont expect it, so go out for a walk and the rest will take care of itself. You wrote: "I could stand there for 20-30 mins sometimes and nothing." This is the part that has to change, you need to have him walking, actively walking not sniffing. Boy he really did take control of you didnt he. You need to know he will resist walking. He will make you stop at a bush and he will be adamant in his body language, like he absolutely MUST stop at this bush to go, YOUR DOG WILL BE LYING TO YOU, so dont believe him, just command him to keep on walking. You wrote: "He only does it when I am away and usually after I have just brought him from trying to get him to potty." This is because being out side IS stimulating to him, but he is not walking enough to encourage his bowels to work, the walking without stippping should help. Some dogs hate crates, some dogs feel save in crates - just like people they are all different. Okay, so try and not be so frustrated. This is going to be the hard part. You might want to see if there is a dog training class at your local humane society. Make certain the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer. Next try and find yourself a dog park where your dog can play with some other dogs, this might help alot, your dog is not stimulated enough, he needs more interaction with people and dogs. It is important for themto socialize. Your dog is flat out bored. This is why he is giving you so much trouble. I wont deny it, you have some work on your hands. I suspect you dog is going to resist basic training if you try and start it yourself, So I would suggest some other form of activity you can do together, walking is good, but he needs some other form of stimulation as well. So socialization, stimulation and start training and you will find your dog to be more obedient and easier to handle. Remember, your dog thinks it is the boss right now, he is going to resist change for awhile...try not to get frustrated. if you do find yourself getting frustrated or mad, walk away and take a time out. reapproach your dog when you feel more calm. Good luck

I know Sher...we have so many squirrels here, I had to build a fortress around my tomato patch the last couple of years just to ensure that I get a few of my fruits. It just killed me however, to hear one dying in such a cruel way. Micke, you are not the only one to have these sentiments, either. A few folks at my gym were worried about any retaliatory actions this guy might take. They wanted me to go straight to the cops, but as these folks are my neighbors, I figured I would give them a chance. By the end of the day, no more squirrels ventured into the trap. In fact, I only saw one lone squirrel all day...perhaps the survivors warned their squirrelly brethren of the threat next door. Neighbor dude packed up his trap for the night (something he has not done before)and I hope he is heading back home to Duluth tomorrow. I don't even think any squirrels have gotten back into her attic. I volunteered to remove my tree last spring and did so...I haven't seen any of them running around on her house like I used to. That's what sucks so much about this...I feel like he just saw how many varmints are running around out here and decided to dispatch a few for the hell of it. I hope he doesn't come back.