Whoosh! Hold on to your hats for this one. According to a story on NPR's Morning Edition, a California lawyer is asking the California Supreme Court to rule that all roller coasters should be classified as common carriers. Then, like airplanes and trains, as carriers they would be subject to a higher standard of care.

Hmmm...Somehow I don't think people get on roller coasters for the same reason they get on planes and trains. But you never know what the California courts may do. (For all I know, the California Supreme Court may share the same water fountain with the 9th Circuit!)

Anyway, my (unfortunate) prediction is that the California Supreme Court will decide whether roller coasters should be classified as common carriers before the FCC decides whether broadband should be classified as common carriage, although that issue has been pending at the agency now for going on two years. Here's another (unfortunate) prediction: By the time you get through watching the twists and turns the FCC takes in deciding how to classify VoIP, you will feel like you've been on a roller coaster. (Message to FCC: I hope you prove me wrong.)

Well, here's wishing all your coasting may be safe in 2004.....as we roll into another year!