I READ with apprehension the following study conducted in the United States regarding the dangerous habit of using cell phones while driving.

The American Psychological Association found that “in over 500 drivers studied, talking on a cell phone cut activity in areas of the brain used for driving by half. Drivers focusing on a phone conversation had slower reaction times, were less likely to recall objects on the road, and had a hard time noticing traffic around them. Researchers also noted that hands-free devices in the car posed the same hazards as handheld devices.”

Another study by the University of Utah “tested drivers’ use of hands-free cell phones on the road, and found [to no one’s surprise] that chatty drivers were the main cause of traffic problems. Apparently, drivers talking on a cell phone were less likely to change lanes, and spent more time following slow-moving vehicles.”

The latest one made by Carnegie Mellon University found “brain scans of distracted drivers showed brain activity decreased in areas that process visual and spatial information—functions that are crucial for navigation. Once again, this proved that participating in a conversation is all it took to reduce a driver’s focus on the road.”

Here in Manila, I don’t know the current rules against talking on cell phones while driving since we have so many regulations that are implemented on an almost daily basis but are not strictly enforced.

The above-mentioned studies clearly indicate that talking on the cell phone while driving still poses a danger to the driver and the vehicle’s occupants. Many motorists know this, but why do we still see many of them wantonly using their cell phones while driving?

I like what one writer wrote: “While there may be laws out there that ban the use of hand-held phones behind the wheel, the truth is the road will remain a dangerous place as long as drivers continue to carry phone conversations [even] on hands-free devices.”

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SUMMER vacations can be very exciting if you can save the happy moments with the whole family in pictures or videos.

The flooding of the market with inexpensive digital cameras has given opportunities for almost everybody to own one. Unlike in the good ol’ days when only a few could buy instamatic cameras simply because they had to buy expensive films and have them processed and printed, digital cameras allow anyone to instantly become a photographer or videographer.

But having just your digital cameras with you is not sufficient to cover the whole day of excitement. One must also be prepared with the additional gadgets.

Carrying extra batteries is a must, especially if you can’t conveniently recharge your main batteries. Those digital cameras using nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion batteries are much better since they are rechargeable and last longer. Charging them a day or two before your trip means that they are fresh and fully charged when you need them. If you won’t be using your cameras, remember to take those batteries out.

If you can afford it, buy a portable data storage device that permits you to insert several different types of media cards, and transfer images directly to its hard drive. Meanwhile, a PCMCIA adapter lets you insert either an xD or SmartMedia card into your laptop’s PC card slot. Images (files) can be dragged and dropped off the card just like any other folder on your computer. Additional memory cards should not be forgotten if you don’t want to miss out on key photos simply because you have run out of disk space.

One thing you must not miss is the camera cases that shall protect your camera while conveniently storing small accessories. If possible, try and select a case that’s specifically designed to hold your model.

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ARTPETRON 2008, the nationwide art contest promoting Philippine art, culture, tradition and values to the Filipino youth, has adopted “Alay sa Pistang Pilipino” as its theme this year.

It pays tribute to the Philippine fiesta and focuses on Philippine festivals and celebrations that are at least 10 years old. Some notable examples of Philippine festivals include the Ati-Atihan (Kalibo), Sinulog (Cebu), Dinagyang (Iloilo), MassKara (Bacolod), Kadayawan (Davao), Panagbenga (Baguio), Binatbatan (Vigan), Pahiyas (Lucban/ Sariaya), Pista’y Dayat (Pangasinan), Subli (Bauan), Lantern Parade (UP Diliman), San Juan (nationwide) and All Saints’ Day (nationwide). 

ArtPetron’s 8th National Student Art Competition is open to all students, 15- to 28-years-old, who are enrolled in a regular university or college course or in a museum-based tutorial art class.  Entries may be in the form of oil and watercolor artworks or colored photos. Deadline for the submission of entries is on July 28 at the Petron bulk plants nationwide or at the ArtPetron Secretariat. 

THE Manila International Auto Show (Mias) at the World Trade Center (WTC) has always been a crowd-drawer due to a vast luxury-car presence, interactive driving (test drives or otherwise) and a strong aftermarket presence.

DUSTIN Hoffman was the star in the smash hit film Accidental Hero.

He was a bit of a weird character in the movie, where he happened to be by the scene of a plane crash first.

Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia inaugurated

THE much talked-about Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia, which aims to produce top-quality technicians for Porsche-using countries in the world, was formally inaugurated recently at the PGA Cars Center on Edsa.

Pinoy hits drifting big time in the US

WHILE Filipinos are following the exploits of its current sports hero Manny Pacquiao, perhaps only a handful are aware that another one of their countrymen is rocking the sports world in the US.

Eyes on the road: Talking on the cell phone while driving

I READ with apprehension the following study conducted in the United States regarding the dangerous habit of using cell phones while driving.

Full Tank: Of George, golf and car business

YOU always have that nice feeling stabbing your heart when you see someone you haven’t seen for quite a while—especially if that someone has always had a special spot in your heart of hearts. Not necessarily romantic, huh?