As anyone who has lived in less-warm climes will tell you, driving in snow can be quite the adventure. If you get it right, it can be quite enjoyable, actually. There's nothing quite like (intentionally) making cookies in an empty parking lot. If you're careful and responsible, there are a good many ways to make driving in snow a completely normal experience for you and your loved ones.

Traction devices are chief among a motorist's tools for cold weather. When used properly, they provide much needed traction on an otherwise near-frictionless surface. While they can potentially damage a road, they are sometimes the only option and are even required by law at times.

When used improperly, or at the incorrect time, traction devices like studded tires and tire chains do more damage than good. Installing chains when you're going to be driving on a road with little or no ice (see also: wet pavement) can actually make driving more difficult. Studded tires similarly reduce friction on wet pavement. Using studded tires or chains on wet pavement actually damage both the road and the traction device and makes them less effective when you *have* to drive on snow or ice.

Right now, even on the west side of the river, most major roads are free of ice enough to drive without the aid of chains or studded tires. If you have a side street or other area you absolutely have to traverse with chains or snow tires, put your chains on while you cross that area and then take them off. A good rule of thumb is that if your wheels have *no* contact with pavement over half the time, put the chains on. If you're driving on wet highway where you're in contact with the road most of the time, leave 'em off.

I've never received a phishing e-mail before. Twice, within the last week, I've received two separate e-mails from two separate companies. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for this.

( Full Message Header -- minus my e-mail )

Towels used to mop up nuke spill

07/26/2007