The very recently announced Flexcar, which allows UCSB students to rent one of two cars for $5.50/hour or $60 a day, seems like just a good way to get to places in town where the buses won't take you, especially during the weekends when some of the bus lines aren't operating.

However, I predict a seedy, dark underbelly to this Flexcar availability. Is your roommate being a prude when it comes to hookups in your tiny dorm room or miniscule apartment? I'm sure those hybrid Honda Civic backseats could be much more comfortable than having to deal with sand in the nether regions after a beach rendezvous. And with an hourly rate of only $5.50, that's cheaper than even the grungiest Goleta motels.