Photo by Paul Frederiksen

We spent most of the week wondering if the large storm parked over North Carolina and parts of Virginia would extend far enough north to hit the District. It’s not looking too likely. At best we’ll get an inch of snow, but even that’s not a sure bet. Could the winter that came in with a roar be exiting with a whimper? I really, really hope so.

Cell Phone Ban Doesn’t Accomplish Much: The Post, the Examiner and WTOP are reporting on a study that finds that the number of reported accidents in states with cell phone bans is on par with those that do not have the bans. The study also found that hands-free cell phone talking doesn’t distract drivers any less than traditional cell phone use while driving. In 2008, the District gave 7,519 warnings and issued 12,936 tickets for cell phone use while driving.

Want a Divorce in Maryland? Don’t Have Sex for a Year: WTOP writes that a Maryland legislator is trying to change the state’s divorce laws so that a couple that doesn’t have sex for a year can qualify for an uncontested divorce. In Maryland, most couples seeking an uncontested divorce must live apart for a full year, but Montgomery County Delegate Luiz Simmons argues that it’s a burden some couples can’t afford. As an alternative, couples should be able to stay in the same home provided they don’t have sex during the year-long wait. The obvious question is how the state would check to make sure their not actually having sex. Chastity belts? In-home cameras? Periodic check-ins by police, especially on evenings prone to romance?

District Installs Tricky New Meters: We reported on the District’s new credit card-accepting parking meters last week, but today the Post tips us off to something drivers should look out for. “The new meters are fairly simple to operate, but there is a trick to them. When a credit card is inserted, the window flashes to 45 minutes. If you press the green ‘okay’ button and walk away, you’ll be charged $1.50. That’s great if you plan to be there for 45 minutes, but if you’re just grabbing the dry cleaning or picking up a pizza, look to the two little blue buttons on the left. Just like a Metro Farecard machine, one allows you to add time to the meter (and more money to your credit card bill), and the other allows you to subtract.” We’re going to guess this wasn’t just an honest mistake by the District.

Briefly Noted: Fairfax Search and Rescue Team returns from Haiti … Virginia gets $75 million for high-speed rail between D.C. and Richmond … Computers hacked at Maryland high school.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2009, The Daily Show visited possible First Family churches and Congress tried to deal with the Purple Ticket Tunnel of Doom inauguration scandal. In 2008, we said goodbye to Dr. Dremo’s.