France - The Good (World Cup), and the Ugly (Apple)

As you can tell from my previous postings, (if you have read them), I have a soft spot in my heart for France. My wife is French, my wife's family still lives there, and I have visited several times and love it. Therefore, I tend to comment frequently on France and things French.

Today I read a news report that the French legislature has once again done the stupid and are on the verge of shooting themselves in the figurative foot, especially in the areas of business and collecting taxes.

According to an MSNBC report (www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13630757/), the French legislature has decided that Apple must open up its iTunes music format to allow it to be played on other mp3 players. That basically means that Apple must give up its proprietory information to every other mp3 manufacturer on the block because France thinks that it is unfair that people are choosing iPods and iTunes by the thousands over any other player. What this means for Apple is that they must do one of two things: either give the information out and thus open up their music store for every other mp3 manufacturer on earth (not just France...do you really think that Sony is going to only manufacture such players for France?), or they will simply close up shop in France and stop selling their iPods and allowing iTunes downloads in that country. Guess which one Apple will choose? Which one would you choose? (DUH!)

What does this mean for France? First of all, they are going to have a whole lot of unhappy current iPod owners out there who can no longer download music for their device legally. In addition, France is going to be losing out on a huge amount of sales tax that these downloads and iPod sales generate. And for what? To appear morally superior? To appear to be dedicated to fair business practices? Give us all a break. France is so ridiculously unfair to businesses that they are bailing out of that country in droves. Between obscene taxes, ridiculous laws about hours to be worked, insane vacation requirements, and ludicrous strikes, the French government has made their country one of the least business-friendly countries on earth! The French people need to get a grip on their country and their economy, quit thinking they are entitled to everything they want, quit striking over every perceived slight, and grow up and join the 21st century economy. As for Apple, they have no choice. They will leave France if this law is signed. As well they should. They will simply be joining the exodus out of that quagmire of economic quicksand.

On a lighter note: To all those people who thought that Spain would destroy France in the group of 16 matches at the World Cup....nyah, nyah, nyah! And that includes my FRENCH brother-in-law who didn't give them a chance. It's pretty sad that an American citizen living in California had more insight into the French team than a French football fan. Now the French citizens are jumping, nay, stampeding onto the bandwagon! After a dismal 2002 World Cup performance followed by a dismal Europe 2004 performance, Les Bleus are challenging again. It goes to show that experience still counts for something, and I, for one, am more convinced than ever that Zinedine Zidane belongs on the same platform with men like Pele as one of the greatest footballers ever.

As for the quarter-final match against Brazil, I have seen many predictions at various sports websites. A good ninety percent are predicting a walkover for Brazil. These are probably the same people who saw Spain crushing France. Let's admit one thing: as good as Brazil is, they have looked very beatable in their previous matches. My prediction: France 3, Brazil 1. (Looks familiar? France 3, Spain 1 you say? Yep.) World Cup 98 rematch here, same result with different score. I sincerely hope I'm right, because I LOOOVE saying "nyah nyah nyah"!

Cell Phone Safety

Today's Sacramento Bee posted an editorial about cell phone safety.

http://www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/story/14272361p-15082704c.html

Now, I'm not opposed to people being safe on cell phones while driving. I, myself, use a Bluetooth earpiece and voice-activated dialing while driving. That's especially important as I use a stick shift! But to get back to the commentary, the editorial stated the following:

"Researchers have found that it is not just the act of pushing a key pad or answering the phone that causes distractions that lead to accidents. A person conversing on the phone while driving loses cognitive awareness, which impairs his ability to drive. And that happens whether the driver holds the cell phone in his hands or uses some kind of hands-free device."

The editorial is basically condemning all forms of cell phone communication while driving. It is stating that the act of talking itself is a large part of the danger of cell phone use. Well, let's take this one step further. Since talking while driving is a distraction, let's make it illegal to drive with a passenger. Rarely do drivers and passengers proceed to their destination in silence, unless a husband is in the doghouse with his wife. Therefore, since this conversation is a hazard, let's ban passengers. If that's the case, then let's get rid of all cars with more than one seat! And don't bring your baby or children in the car with you, as we all know that these little distractions are even worse than cell phones!

My point is this: driving while using a hands free set and voice dialing is no more dangerous than speaking with passengers in a car. Let's keep our eye on the ball, Sacramento Bee. There are so many more dangerous behaviors out there. Frankly, I'd like to see cops really ticket those who: 1) speak on cell phones without a hands-free device while driving, 2) blast their stereos so loud that they rattle the windows on 2nd floor apartments across the street, 3) speed through neighborhoods at 55 when the limit is 25, and 4) put on makeup, drive, and drink coffee at the same time.

Anyone for sanity?