This latest study will surprise no one who has watched a Bostonian cross the street. 

But let's be clear, when the AP reports that "most people who multitask are bad at it" we should take into consideration that most people who do anything are bad at it.  Cut 'em some slack.

As a dedicated monotasker — can't walk and chew gum at the same time for real — I'm gratified that my personal experience of multitasking seems to be borne out by scientific studies like this one.  

I have to say, I'm always amazed at people who have enough faith in Massachusetts' motorists to walk into traffic while texting, with earbuds in, no less.  I avoid Central Square myself because of all the jaywalking ipod zombies around there. 

I think iphones are more addictive than smoking, and maybe as bad for you.  There's no doubt multitasking can be dangerous to your health, and socially deletarious, to boot.  I always hate to see young couples out walking their dog on a beautiful day, or pushing a stroller, both of them on their cells.

And people on cells pushing strollers out into traffic — mercy!  I've had some close calls with baby carriages, let me tell you.  And have you ever noticed how it's always the guy who's paying attention who's at fault?  Hey, can't you see I'm on the phone here???  Personally, I think anybody who'd push a baby carriage out into traffic without even looking should be boxed up on the spot and shipped to The Land of The Misfit Toys. 

I imagine that maybe once Google's streetview gets good enough, you'll actually be able to walk down the street in real-time without having to look up from you iphone ever, since everything that's happening around you will be happening on that mesmerizing little screen!  One day maybe we'll be able to be virtually where we actually are at the same time we're actually there! Think of it!

Of course there are things that multitasking is indispensible for: watching porn while listening to Tchaikovsky while reading the newspaper while skyping with an overseas buddy while chatting with potential hook-ups on Manhunt while blogging, to name one. 

Which explains why this post has taken me over four hours to write.