God Bless America, Disney-style; Slowing the Maine Brain Drain; The Mayor and the 'Relationship'; E-ZPass...E-Z PayMore; Return of the Giant Slugger
The likely reason, she says, is that the technology allows people to think less about the fact that they are forking over money to the government, which makes it easier for politicians to raise the price. "Because the driver need no longer actively count out and hand over cash for the toll, the toll rate is arguably less visible," she writes. Finkelstein found tolls increased by 20 to 40 percent following the installation and adoption of electronic toll collection systems.
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, an industry group, points out that toll increases are well disclosed and subject to public debate.
Return of the Giant Slugger
Revered or reviled? Fans will vote with their voices at Major League Baseball's All-Star Game in San Francisco this week. With all the bad press from allegations of steroid use, home-run giant Barry Bonds came from behind in the polls to snag the final outfield spot on the National League All-Star team despite controversy over whether he belonged on the roster at all. At 42, he will be the oldest player to start in the All-Star Game. To sweeten the deal, this year's game takes place at a home plate even closer to home: Bonds's own AT&T Park. The lone Giant to make the team, he is a 14-time All-Star. But this will be his first appearance since 2004 and his first in an All-Star Game held in the city known for its cable cars. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the fan festivities (not including the game) hosted by sponsors like XM Radio, Chevrolet, and Taco Bell. But as Ken Griffey Jr. remarked, "One guy will be a lot bigger than everybody else."
With Liz Halloran, Kimberly Palmer and Christina Mueller
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