iPhones and iPads would be wonderful devices for trip-planning on the go if AT&T's coverage in the wide-open spaces between cities were adequate. But it isn't, and they're not. Much of the time, the experience feels worse than dial-up.

Full marks for Pauli's, a fine dining restaurant in Madison AL near Huntsville. Delicious steak, seafood, soups, salads, and sides, nicely presented with excellent service. Entrees in the 30-40 range. Wine bottles half price on Mondays. Use Open Table to make reservations painlessly.

Remember "The Miracle Worker"? You can visit the beautifully-maintained birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia AL. We were too early for the tours, which start at 8:30 am, but had a nice walk around the grounds.

A sign along US 72 west of Tuscumbia pointed to the Coon Dog Cemetery. We wanted to check it out, but no time.

The youngster and I took in a matinee screening of "Predators" this afternoon. It's a visually decent specimen of the summer SF/Horror flick, but it never draws you out of your seat into the action. You never have the sense that you're accompanying the characters through the jungle to their fate. Remember how you felt during "Aliens" when Hudson poured out his "That's it man, game over man, game over!" There's no point in "Predators" when you feel that way. It's visually slick, but emotionally sterile, hobbled by so-so writing and by an absence of any memorable performances. Is it worth a couple of matinee tickets. Sure. I guess. Is it James Cameron? No way. Not even close.