Meanwhile, In Utah

With apologies to my LDS friends (if I have any left).

Grumble, Bitch, Hating on UDOT

Twelve miles of I-70 in Eastern Utah. Both directions. Nobody working. Utah Department of Transportation does this constantly. When they finally get around to the paving, they manage to slow traffic to about 10 mph. Lots of fun on a motorcycle in 110 degree heat, I bet.

A few years ago, was Westbound in a pickup, at night, with an "Elk Killer" bumper. Barrels only, no pavement work started. Relocated about five miles of barrels. Very satisfying drive.

This gets real old when you are stuck behind an over sized load doing 45 mph. My work involves meeting a close schedule (think Instrument Flight Plan). Speeding is not allowed and the vehicles are all recorder equipped. Damn inconsiderate of UDOT to the traveling public.

New Fool Story

Recently, a comment was made that the blog hasn’t had a FOOL story in a long time. How about a Utah stripper story?

Utah has a long history of wierd liquor laws. During the early 1970’s the action was mainly in “private” clubs.

One bright afternoon my procrastination in replacing a car battery caught up with me. The Mustang died but I was able to roll into a parking lot a few miles from home. Looking for a pay phone, I entered a private club.

Transitioning from harsh sunlight to a dim bar, my eyes took time to adjust. Standing just inside the entrance, nearly blind, I could vaguely seen a light colored form moving around in front of me. When the eyes finally focused, I was staring at a naked woman doing a dance. This wasn’t the first naked woman I had ever seen, but: Utah, afternoon, mind focused on finding a phone, it was a shock.

I assume my expression was the reason she, and most of her spectators, were laughing and making crude remarks (think “turnip truck” was mentioned).

While they were having their fun I found a pay phone and called the wife. After discussing which vehicle to bring and my location, she wanted to know where I was calling from, what was the background noise? My totally honest answer, in a bar watching a stripper, wasn’t well received.

UTAH, You're OK!

Driving South on Utah I-15 from I-70, the speed limit has been raised to 80 mph in places. Why not? Cars are much safer now.

Bet this knots the knickers of the nanny crowd who “know what’s best for us” and have forced car manufacturers to incorporate many features in cars few people want. Unintended consequences?

In 1990, it took 31 weeks of the median US income to buy the average priced new car. In 2008-2009, it took 39 weeks of the median US income to buy the average priced new car. In dollars, about $6,000 before adjusting to constant dollars (and I’m not willing to make the effort).

The same crowd pushing the “safety” agenda are natural allies with the greenhouse gas gang and fellow travelers. Their mindset is slower, not faster, speeds.

Bravo to the Utah folks who are giving their citizens what THEY want, and a stick in the eye to the intellectual “elite”.

On a more pleasant note, sunrise in the Rockies is a treat to the eyes and spirit.