My discussion with a cabbie in Edmonton went like this yesterday:

Hello Sir, can I take your bag?

Thanks. Sure.

Can I have the other bag too (pointing at my laptop bag), it is a lethal weapon.

Pardon?

Your bag, it is potentially lethal. If we crash, it could turn into a projectile weapon and kill me. I will not drive with it in the back seat.

(I look around. Rod, Rod Serling, are you there?)  What if I put it on the floor?

Nope. Still could kill me.

Seriously? Hundreds of thousands of people travel with them in cabs every day. I have never heard of a taxi cab laptop related death yet. Not even in the Inquirer.

I will not take your laptop bag inside the car. Want me to call you another cab?

(I got the sense that he had said that many times before). Yes please.

(Turning to the net guy, he starts over). Can I take your bag and the projectile weapon on your shoulder?

This of course lead me to a whole new business venture. A copyright on the sticker below. Expect to see it on a cab near you …. I can see the money rolling in already …