Terri Schiavo, the Pope, and our Dodge Neon.

We are surrounded by death, yes?

The water pump seized, snapping the timing belt and bending the valve stems. Repair estimate at Cueter: $1,800. Estimated resale value of an operating 1995 Dodge Neon: $940, contingent upon finding an idiot with cash to burn. Trade in value of said Neon? Zero.

Julie put the Do Not Resuscitate order on the little green car. Fortunately, this is below the radar of Tom DeLay and his "Christian" Nationalists; they won't force Congress to write a bill to be signed by Dubya in the middle of the night to keep our car alive.

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying riding the bus.

The routes are mostly convenient. I ride the #4 to and from Arborland, which stops about five blocks from my house. I take the #22 between Arborland and North Campus. (The #22 runs every half hour, which is not as convenient as the #4's 15-minute cycle.) And I ride for free when I show my U-M staff i.d.

Even though my commute is now around 50 minutes or so, I like the liberation from my daily drive. I'm free from worrying about arriving someplace on time. I get there when I get there. I'm free to gaze out the window or read instead of looking out for inattentive drivers. I believe I'll ride the bus more often even after we replace the Neon.