One more thought re: telecommuting. My company just merged with three others scattered around the country, pretty much necessitating work-by-conference call type situations. And frankly, it's frustrating. I'm pretty introverted by nature, but man, that lack of face time and even casual socializing makes it really hard…

Telecommuting? Seriously?

@rickerbr: agreed...and I really believe the Microbus could have reinvigorated the whole minivan category, making it potentially more significant than all the too-hot-for-product supercar concepts floating around here.

Can we drop the whole "Americans don't like diesels because GM failed at them in the 80s" mantra? It's as tired as the "Americans don't like hatchbacks" line...

@atomicrabbit: So, in your view, sending a quick text to let the babysitter know dinner's running long and you'll be a half hour later getting home is inexcusable?

My wife and I used text messages to keep tabs on our 14-month-old boy if one of us is out and the other's at home with him, or if we're both out and he's with a sitter, his grandparents, etc. In those instances, I don't think texting is any more a distraction that leaving the table to call and check in.

Too bad there's no "pull from URL" option for grabbing pics on Flickr or somesuch. File upload from the PC is taking FOREVER.

@Buffalopundit: I rode in a Flex two or so weeks ago, and I'd put the interior up there with anything in the class. And the 2010 Taurus interior looks pretty damn slick.

For jotting notes in a meeting, I'll take just about anything, though I generally disdain ballpoint pens.