Dear Mahatma: An addition to the "things to do if you get pulled over" list -- turn off your engine. If your windows are down, interior lights are on (after dark), hands are on the wheel AND your car is not running, you have put the police at ease as much as is in your power. Turning the vehicle off lets the officer know you're not about to hit the gas and turn into a rabbit. -- Your Fan Kevin
Dear Kevin: We need all the fans we can get. Especially ones with good advice such as this.
Dear Mahatma: I saw the contractor on the Interstate 430/Arkansas 10 on-ramp is laying native stone on the Arkansas 10 side. But around the corner on I-430 they're using precast panels. Why is this? Does it have something to do with the rich people who live in the houses above the wall? -- Watch Dog
Dear Dog: Wealth is relative. Hopefully, some relative will leave us some.
We're told by the Arkansas Department of Transportation, overseer of this $22 million project, that curvature is the answer. Both are concrete retaining walls. The wall on the Cantrell Road side is curved and so is built with a veneer of individual stone. On the I-430 side, the wall is nicely straight, hence the masonry patterned forms, or precast panels.
Mr. Drivetime: When I read that people won't be able to enter federal buildings starting Oct. 1, 2020, without an enhanced security driver's license, does that mean people can't go to their local post offices, which are federal buildings? Or does it mean they won't be allowed into the courtrooms or federal offices part of the building? Mostly, am I overthinking this? -- Rhonda
Dear Rhonda: We are never accused of overthinking. Our girl often notes we aren't thinking enough. It's true. We are, instead, a man of action.
Scott Hardin speaks for the state Department of Finance and Administration, the agency responsible for issuing the Voluntary Enhanced Security License, or Real ID, around the state. He has patiently answered many questions about this. Poor guy.
He says any place where an ID is not currently required will not require a Real ID card in 2020. A commercial airliner and a federal courthouse that currently has a security check where ID is required are the two key areas where the public will be affected. Post offices are safe, in other words.
Dear Mahatma: I was driving south of Searcy on U.S. 67/167 and saw trees had been trimmed from the bottom up along the roadway for several miles. Why? -- Frequent Traveler
Dear Frequent: The Arkansas Department of Transportation says it's cutting brush and trees on the right of way to facilitate mowing and help ditches to drain properly. Trees in some locations were getting a little close to highway signs, too.
Vanity plate: SHRNR, meaning Shriner, on a 2000 Cadillac El Dorado convertible, a parade car.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 10/28/2017