Get you staying or going: Research shows that the percentage of teens with driver’s licenses is dropping. In 1983, 87.3 percent of 19-year-olds had licenses. As of 2010, that figured had dropped to 69.5 percent. Researchers attribute the decline to smartphone-armed youths who no longer need a vehicle to stay in contact with friends.
But before parents get too excited: What you’re saving in gas and car insurance isn’t nearly enough to cover what you’re paying for text messages and data plans.
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Goats in the mist: Utah wildlife officers are expressing concern about a man who is dressing in a suit of white fur and mingling with the mountain goats in the high desert of northern Utah. The wildlife officials maintain that as long as “goat man” understands the risks, what he is doing is not illegal.
Helpful information for those planning a trip to Utah: It’s tough to get a decent gin and tonic there, but you’re in the clear if you’re itching to strap on goat horns and frolic with your ungulate friends.
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Separating the sheep from the goats: The Westboro Baptist Church, which has made a name for itself in rejoicing in tragedy as God’s vengeful wrath, is promising to picket five Snohomish County churches later this month, including St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Everett. Greg Magnoni, a spokesman for the archdiocese in Seattle said it was “ironic” that Westboro planned to picket a Catholic church when state Catholic churches had worked so diligently to gather signatures to repeal the state law allowing gay marriage.
Don’t despair, Mr. Magnoni. I imagine that if you grab a picket and join in, the Phelps family will forgive you and welcome you with open arms.
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