Random Items to Leave On

Since I'm leaving SC and my internet connection for a temporary paid position in Connecticut, I leave you these few things to ponder:

1. Given the current political and social culture, what would be a realistic first step to pare back government? Would it even be possible? Is this required to be done within the two major parties or another party? Would a new party need to be born or an exisiting "fringe" party needed?
   
2. South Carolina is beginning primary enforcement of seat belt laws in four days. Of course, this is more federal meddling in state and local affairs, but what can be done about it, if anything? Again, in a realistic frame of mind. And does any passenger include someone who's sleeping in the backseat of a car? When will animals be included in this? (Don't laugh, it's just a high-profile death and a PETA campaign away). Does this really matter in the long-run?
   
3. Does anyone know of any ACADEMIC studies of differences between Gasoline brands? I don't care about anecdotal evidence. Nor reports by ABC, CBS or any news source unless it's cited (good luck with that). Apparently Consumer Reports did something a while ago, but I haven't seen anything yet. Please email me a link or three, or put it in the comments.
   
4. If not for the convenience factor, why doesn't everyone just buy their drugs online. They're at a minimum 20% cheaper, except you pay for it in higher convenience problems and less (possible) reliability problems. Of course, this is just for uninsured people. Insured people wouldn't give a crap, but why wouldn't insurance companies encourage this in that case.
   
5. On that note, can anyone score me some Effexor XR? Like now and for less than $1.50 a tablet? I think I'm getting some withdrawal problems.

So that should be enough to keep you kiddies busy, at least until I come up with something else. I don't know if my corporate masters will allow blogging, but we'll see. But at least I'll get paid, considering my gross net worth is about $60.