I laughed, I cried, I ate too, too much pork. And that was just in one day while watching the Vikings.

Having returned from my annual voyage back to Minnesota (literally a 26 hour around-the-clock voyage by car) it's time to get the NXT Desk in order for 2009.

While I'm shuffling papers, let's take a look at some of the things you may have missed in the last 72 hours.

Also, I want to give a big thanks to Kathryn Hawkins, Rob Landry, Videoport Jones and Jenna Vendil for subbing in while I was out last week.

ITEM 1: TXT or TKT?

- Maine is looking to join a number of states to ban text messaging while driving. This law would mean the double whammy for teens, who are already prohibited by law from using their cells while driving. It doesn't seem like something that should really be open to debate, or that really needs a law on the books. But I guess common sense does not come with a license.

ITEM 2: T and D in Vassalboro

- A man plans a little "economic development" for Vassalboro, with a proposed topless doughnut shop. Portlanders may already be familiar with the concept (OK, maybe more specifically guys), which is exactly what it sounds like. I've never been, but I've always wondered, is combining that much bare skin and hot coffee safe?

ITEM 3: A "Junk of Pork"

- You may be as surprised as me to find out Maine has at least three "Junks of Pork." You may also be as disappointed as me to find out that there is no real pork involved, and thus, no bacon. Over at All Things Maine they point out at least three "Junks of Pork," in the state. The term apparently refers to a dangerous formation of rocks in the sea.

ITEM 4: Insert "foot traffic" joke here

- Traffic was stalled for hours in Miami late last week as thousands of shoes were dumped on the highway. But apparently no one knows who did it. Someone dumps thousands of shoes in the middle of the road and escapes? Get Crockett and Tubbs on the case.

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