Make Sure You See Seis de Mayo!
On this day of excess, a little reminder. It's not ok to drink and drive. Ever. Period. The end. There's no excuse. Of course putting other peoples' lives in danger is unconscionable; work to care enough about your own life that it also becomes unconscionable for you to risk your well being over something so easily avoided. So don't drink and drive tonight, or ever, and don't get in a car with someone else who has been drinking, ever.
So I know you are wondering, But Dr Blaine, how I am supposed to go out and get tanked tonight? Don't harsh my buzz before I've even got one!
The solution is simple. Plan ahead. Either get a hotel room near your venue, or take a cab to and from the bar. Just imagine you're Nick and Nora Charles. It's really quite glamorous that way. You can also rely on a designated driver if you truly know someone who doesn't drink, but generally binge drinkers flock together--won't go into why just now--just do look realistically at your own behavior and take some precautions.
I know it's weird to cab in L.A., but it is absolutely manageable. We've done it for years. You call them, they show up, you get in, they drive you home, and the best part is, you wake up the next morning in your own bed in one piece, not in jail, the hospital, or the morgue (where the waking up part gets a bit tricky).
Listen to words of wisdom from your elder: make plans that include not driving, and then go party hearty!
That way you can live to harass me again tomorrow.
Comments
Thank you for the should-be-obvious but regularly ignored advice. The advantage of being a designated driver is that with the right attitude, you can usually enjoy quite the show courtesy of your drunk friends!
Posted by: Zel | May 5, 2006 09:20 AM
Nick and Nora! How glamorous.
Posted by: Liz | May 5, 2006 07:26 PM
Dr. Blaine,
So proud to say I am one of your students. I love reading all your posts. PURE GENIUS!
A girl friend called me and said she had seen the story link on msnbc.com and said she recognized the name (because I bragged about how fabulous you are to her). You are so witty, funny, classy, and fabulous!!! Much love!!!
Kellee
Posted by: kellee | May 9, 2006 03:53 PM
I thought I was the only one who enrolled in the University of California at the age of 15. Keep looking for that ram in the bush.
Posted by: tariq | May 9, 2006 07:20 PM
Dr Diana, I very much appreciate your position and sincerity. Keep the faith, but remember whatever it was that Shakespeare implied by "he (she?) protests too much". I am a retired high school physics teacher who got curious to see what all of the fuss was about. It's pretty much a no brainer, but my only concern is that you are hopefully tenured, and consequently insulated from potential academic reprisal. It appears that USC is responding appropriately. One of the few things I have painfully learned though, is not to lead with your jaw. I keep trying to remind myself of that policy but to limited avail. Have fun, keep up the good work, but consider moving on with all of this. You certainly have alot to offer your students and USC is very fortunate to have you as a professor. This message is meant as a personal reply and is not necessarily intended for posting. However, you may do so if you think it will be helpful to you.
Best Wishes,
AA
Posted by: Arthur Altshiller | May 9, 2006 11:39 PM
Thank you. Self-preservation is the first virtue; drinking and driving is contrary to that idea.
Posted by: Ned Harrison | May 11, 2006 06:41 AM
Good idea mate, great article as well.I have a question, Just wondering ... If the tories take over in the next general election, do you think our education system will get more efficient ?Thanks
Posted by: Private tutor | September 10, 2006 07:44 AM