A Cpd Blue Crash Course In Acronym Selection

Apparently, Coeur d’Alene police have learned to choose the name for a traffic-enforcement program CAREfully. The latest incarnation is called Community Accident Reduction through Education. Or CARE. CPD Blue veterans recall with a shudder how unhappy motorists mocked them by using the acronym for Coeur d’Alene’s first citywide speed crackdown, Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. Opponents of the unpopular program, started in Coeur d’Alene in 1987, wore T-shirts with the motto, “I’ve been STEPPED On.” Eventually, city officials tried to derail criticism by changing the name to Accident Reduction Team, or ART. Residents responded mischievously by suggesting that “Fatal” be added to the front of the new name. They still thought the program stunk. But STEP, or ART, succeeded in cutting accidents by 40 percent over its first three years. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to like it. Any suggestions on how we can abuse the new acronym?

I am first lady; read me roar

So, Hillary Rodham Clinton is going to write a newspaper column a la Eleanor Roosevelt about the trials and tribulations of being the nation’s first lady? Er, first partner? Would you believe, first co-president? She plans to share “some of the funny stories and some of the momentous events” of White House life. I can imagine her topics now: “10 Easy Ways to Manipulate a Fawning Press,” “Sticks and Stones May Break my Bones, but Nasty Ol’ Newtie Will Never Hurt Me” and “How to Marry a President.” Frankly, I’d prefer a few tips about the commodities market. A working stiff like me wouldn’t mind turning 1,000 bucks into $100,000, pronto.

‘Hot Potatoes,’ ‘Huckleberries’ join 21st century

I don’t know how I lived until now without voice mail. But, judging by your calls, you readers have mixed emotions about the new mechanical device at our Coeur d’Alene office. Internet surfer John Rook said bluntly the first time he encountered my disembodied voice: “I hate voice mail.” Originally, I frowned on it, too. Call me a reluctant convert. The device is handy when I need to write uninterrupted. I also prefer getting messages straight from the horse’s mouth, rather than trying to decipher a receptionist’s scribbles. You can get straight through to my Coeur d’Alene desk - or my voice mail - by calling (208) 765-7125. Long-distance callers should dial (800) 344-6718.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Hot Potatoes” is a feature of the Tuesday and Thursday Opinion pages.