It is rumored the Torquemada generously provided his torture victims with chamber music as he drove hot pokers into their intestines. Honoring that tradition, the city of New York is introducing taxicab TV so that you can watch the weather and the news as you navigate your knees in your mouth.
Unless you're the diminutive sister of Calista Flockhart, climbing into most New York City cabs is like a bear crawling into a rabbit hole. And even if you manage to contort your way into the back seat without banging your head or dislocating a hip, you then have to manage the onerous task of bending your ankles in inhuman ways while engaging in a conversation with someone who thinks East 70th Street and Lexington Avenue sounds like Washington Heights before the Zombies awake.
Nonetheless, starting in January, once you're merrily on your way and folded into your seat, you'll be able to enjoy the news and weather, check restaurant reviews and track the cab's progress on an electronic map. These new high tech devices will also include credit card swipes so that you can settle your fare without having to endure germ-infested human contact (that part I like.)
The map tracking system will also allow the city to monitor the locations of taxis providing yet another joyous tool for homeland security.
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