Ari Gold's Lament

Posted by: David Welch on June 18

Even if you’ve never been to Los Angeles, it’s not hard to picture an endless line of Californians queued up in their cars on Interstate 405 or California 101. They driving five miles an hour while yacking on their cell phones. If you can’t conjure up that image, watch obnoxious workaholic talent agent Ari Gold, played by actor Jeremy Piven, on HBO’s series “Entourage” berating someone via his mobile and speeding in his Lexus. It’s a California scene. But only for a couple more weeks.

On July 1, California will enact a law that prohibits cell phone use while driving. The first offense will warrant a $76 fine and the second one will cost $190. What’s a body to do? Buy stock in makers of blue tooth technology. Terry Miller, the general sales manager of Galpin Motors, the nation’s largest Ford dealer, says his dealership has ramped up sales of blue tooth aftermarket devices and other hands-free talking technology so Californians can keep on gabbing at the wheel. They range from $150 to $600, depending on which bells and whistles one orders with it. The dealership is also pushing Ford’s Sync system, which allows drivers to make calls, search for music and use a few other functions on voice command. Someone better call Ari Gold. He’s going to rack up some fines.

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