View Full Version : Things That Drive You Crazy Redux
Dom Heffner
02-01-2008, 05:25 PM
The stretch of highway on I-275 and I-471 between 5-Mile Rd. and downtown Cincinnati.
There is no convenient place to hop off and get gas if you're running low. You'd think SOMEONE would build a BP or a Speedway right off the interstate.
It was like that when I lived there, and that was 15 years ago. Though, am I imagining a gas station just off of Kellogg? Or is one there, and it's not convenient?
For some reason, when East Coasters move to California they talk of their "east coast edge". What does this mean? I mean where exactly did you pick up this "edge"? In your fraternity at Colgate, at your father's law firm during the summers, at temple?
Please.
pedro
02-01-2008, 06:49 PM
For some reason, when East Coasters move to California they talk of their "east coast edge". What does this mean? I mean where exactly did you pick up this "edge"? In your fraternity at Colgate, at your father's law firm during the summers, at temple?
Please.
where ever they learned to be jerks ;)
Ltlabner
02-01-2008, 06:59 PM
It was like that when I lived there, and that was 15 years ago. Though, am I imagining a gas station just off of Kellogg? Or is one there, and it's not convenient?
I *think* there was/is a BP there. Funny, I drive by that exit fairly often (go north more often than not, but went south by that exit as reciently as this morning & afternoon) and can't remember what is at it at all.
Falls City Beer
02-01-2008, 08:00 PM
For some reason, when East Coasters move to California they talk of their "east coast edge". What does this mean? I mean where exactly did you pick up this "edge"? In your fraternity at Colgate, at your father's law firm during the summers, at temple?
Please.
I'm guessing they picked up this "edge" when they moved there from the Midwest after college. ;)
I don't include you in this Rojo, but San Francisco is by far the rudest city in these here 50 states, so I'd have no "edge" if I were to come out there. I despise San Francisco. But I love LA.
Yachtzee
02-01-2008, 10:52 PM
For some reason, when East Coasters move to California they talk of their "east coast edge". What does this mean? I mean where exactly did you pick up this "edge"? In your fraternity at Colgate, at your father's law firm during the summers, at temple?
Please.
Maybe they're talking about Straight Edge. That started on the east coast. ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_edge
pedro
02-01-2008, 10:52 PM
but San Francisco is by far the rudest city in these here 50 states,
I can see that.
I'll be there for 2 weeks for work this month. I'm ok with it, but I never feel all that comfortable there, despite having gone to high school in the east bay.
you can have LA. I want no part of that mess.
I'm guessing they picked up this "edge" when they moved there from the Midwest after college. ;)
I don't include you in this Rojo, but San Francisco is by far the rudest city in these here 50 states, so I'd have no "edge" if I were to come out there. I despise San Francisco. But I love LA.
None taken. You might be right about SF.
FTR, I like East Coasters, I just think this "edge" thing is a false conciousness.
I also don't dislike LA, at least West LA. The desert sprawl, OTOH, contains some of the worst places on earth.
Yachtzee
02-01-2008, 11:52 PM
I can see that.
I'll be there for 2 weeks for work this month. I'm ok with it, but I never feel all that comfortable there, despite having gone to high school in the east bay.
you can have LA. I want no part of that mess.
Maybe San Franciscans are so rude because people keep reminding them that they built their city on rock and roll. ;)
(Just in case you got that song out of your head after reading that other thread :p: ).
KronoRed
02-02-2008, 01:35 AM
The stretch of highway on I-275 and I-471 between 5-Mile Rd. and downtown Cincinnati.
471 has plenty of gas stations, they just are out of sight of the highway.
275 in Ohio though, good luck if your near E.
CrackerJack
02-02-2008, 03:00 AM
471 has plenty of gas stations, they just are out of sight of the highway.
275 in Ohio though, good luck if your near E.
I dunno, once you pass the 1st two exits at Newport/Bellevue as the highway starts, you have to go to Highlands near NKU or to Beechmont Ave all the way around the loop before you hit a station.
KronoRed
02-02-2008, 03:14 AM
I dunno, once you pass the 1st two exits at Newport/Bellevue as the highway starts, you have to go to Highlands near NKU or to Beechmont Ave all the way around the loop before you hit a station.
All the Kentucky exits have stations within a mile or two, they are just up the road and out of view a bit I know..I live near them :D
OldRightHander
02-02-2008, 10:26 AM
Speaking of highway exits, what I hate are toll roads that only have those @#%$ service plazas. The Pennsylvania turnpike, the New York Thruway, the Ohio turnpike, etc. I don't eat out much but if I'm having a pretty good week and I've kept my expenses down, I like to splurge when I have enough extra time build into a run. I did a run from Albany to Baltimore recently and wanted to stop along the way and get a bite. Forget it. All you get off the highway are service plazas and when occasionally there is a highway exit it's just some small east coast town that looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting and the whole darn town shuts down at 9:00 pm. I like those stretches of highway where most exits will have a couple gas stations, maybe a truck stop, some restaurants, and the occasional grocery store. Good luck finding those kind of exits in the northeast and don't hold your breath if you're looking for a truck stop. I can get to smelling quite ripe after a couple days up there if I can't find someplace to get a shower. Either that or I have to break down and pay for a motel room.
Another thing that gets on my nerves is the person who wants to travel with you down the highway. This happens more at night and I really don't understand the mentality. The other night I was coming across I-70 from Kansas City to Columbus and I think the following happened somewhere in Illinois, but I really can't remember. It was about 1:00 am and there weren't many vehicles on the road, mostly commercial vehicles doing all night runs. I don't like to travel in groups, so I try to get all by myself. There was an SUV that kept staying right with me, whether I sped up or slowed down. He was just constantly right there behind me. At one point I slowed down to about 50 to get him to pass me and he did. I stayed slow for a while and then put my cruise back on 65. Within a couple miles I had caught up to him and he was going slower and I passed him again. After I passed him and got back into the right lane, he got right back behind me and matched my speed. I sped up for a while and tried to lose him, but he sped up and kept up with me. Finally I took an exit and just took a nap for a half hour because I was getting sick of having this guy shadow me down the road.
TeamCasey
02-02-2008, 11:08 AM
Maybe it was someone who has a hard time driving at night.
I have a hard time when the road is wet and it's dark. The glare bothers me. Sometimes it helps to be able to see some taillights ahead.
RFS62
02-02-2008, 11:31 AM
Maybe it was someone who has a hard time driving at night.
I have a hard time when the road is wet and it's dark. The glare bothers me. Sometimes it helps to be able to see some taillights ahead.
I've noticed a pattern among drivers all over the country on the interstates.
It's easier to maintain your speed when you have a pacesetter. People will get on your bumper and finally pass you, only to slow back down 3 to 5 miles per hour once they have the lead.
I've seen it countless times. It's harder to pave the way than it is to ride behind someone, especially at night.
That, plus there are a lot of dumbasses out there.
vaticanplum
02-03-2008, 08:45 PM
It was like that when I lived there, and that was 15 years ago. Though, am I imagining a gas station just off of Kellogg? Or is one there, and it's not convenient?
Yep, there's a BP at old Five Mile and Kellogg. I know this because it's right across the street from this decrepit old house on a hill that I've been obsessed with for about ten years, and I've turned around in that gas station parking lot about a thousand times to try to get a better look at it. Best windows I've ever seen. It has a barn in front that fell apart a few years back, literally just crumbled into a huge pile of boards and stayed there for a few months. My kind of dream, baby.
vaticanplum
02-03-2008, 08:45 PM
double post, sorry
Roy Tucker
02-04-2008, 02:48 PM
I've noticed a pattern among drivers all over the country on the interstates.
It's easier to maintain your speed when you have a pacesetter. People will get on your bumper and finally pass you, only to slow back down 3 to 5 miles per hour once they have the lead.
I've seen it countless times. It's harder to pave the way than it is to ride behind someone, especially at night.
That, plus there are a lot of dumbasses out there.
A derivative of this is when people race you.
For example, I'll be trailing someone that is going 65. I want to go 70. No problem, people all go different speeds. So I pull around into the left lane to pass.
You'd think if I'm going 5 mph faster, I'd get around them in short order. But no, they speed up to match my speed.
OK, I'll speed up a little more. I do that and I'm still not passing. I look at the speedometer and I'm doing 75. And the guy I'm passing is doing 75. ????
So finally, I blast up to 80-85 to get the heck around this guy and get rid of him. After a bit, they slow back down. But sometimes it takes a while.
A derivative of this is when people race you.
For example, I'll be trailing someone that is going 65. I want to go 70. No problem, people all go different speeds. So I pull around into the left lane to pass.
You'd think if I'm going 5 mph faster, I'd get around them in short order. But no, they speed up to match my speed.
OK, I'll speed up a little more. I do that and I'm still not passing. I look at the speedometer and I'm doing 75. And the guy I'm passing is doing 75. ????
So finally, I blast up to 80-85 to get the heck around this guy and get rid of him. After a bit, they slow back down. But sometimes it takes a while.
This drives me nuts and I see it all the time here. It's like they are offended that you want to pass them.
Ltlabner
02-04-2008, 05:22 PM
When someone really tries to make a dramatic and outstanding point during a discussion. However, they overlook little things like (1) having that point make any sense (2) their point having some vague connection to the discussion at hand (3) being able to explain why their bizzare notion makes sense and should overwhem you with it's brilliance.
SunDeck
02-04-2008, 05:32 PM
Those hands free Bluetooth devices in places that require no such utility (like everywhere in the world but one's car). The reason I hate this is because it causes people to walk down the street seeming as though they are talking to themselves. Very annoying.
Me? I'd feel like Ohura wearing one of these things:
http://www.atlantaillustrated.com/blogs/blog02/dude1.gif
Chip R
02-04-2008, 05:33 PM
When someone really tries to make a dramatic and outstanding point during a discussion. However, they overlook little things like (1) having that point make any sense (2) their point having some vague connection to the discussion at hand (3) being able to explain why their bizzare notion makes sense and should overwhem you with it's brilliance.
Why do you hate RedsZone? ;)
Yachtzee
02-04-2008, 06:47 PM
Those hands free Bluetooth devices in places that require no such utility (like everywhere in the world but one's car). The reason I hate this is because it causes people to walk down the street seeming as though they are talking to themselves. Very annoying.
Me? I'd feel like Ohura wearing one of these things:
http://www.atlantaillustrated.com/blogs/blog02/dude1.gif
No kidding. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have some beautiful woman to look straight at you and say "Hi honey," so you think she's talking to you and say "Hi" back? Then she brushes her hair off her ear and she's wearing one of those and says, "Oh wait, I think this guy thinks I was talking to him." Well I do. :eek:
Ltlabner
02-04-2008, 07:53 PM
Why do you hate RedsZone? ;)
Say...now that you mention it.... :D
While they drive me bonkers, it is somewhat amusing when the other person obviously feals they've really pinned you down and nailed you with some fabulous point.....and the rest of the room is thinking, "what the hell is he talking about......."
SunDeck
02-04-2008, 08:21 PM
No kidding. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have some beautiful woman to look straight at you and say "Hi honey," so you think she's talking to you and say "Hi" back? Then she brushes her hair off her ear and she's wearing one of those and says, "Oh wait, I think this guy thinks I was talking to him." Well I do. :eek:
Lucky for me I've never assumed a woman would actually be addressing me, except maybe to ask me if I could stop blocking her sun or to get her another Chivas and soda.
Reds Freak
02-04-2008, 08:31 PM
I bring this up because it happened to me this past weekend. I was at a get together with a good number of people in attendance, most of whom I didn't know that well. I was in line to use the one restroom located at the house and it was obvious the gentleman in front of me was taking care of some #2 business. When suddenly a group of attractive ladies come into line behind me. Well the gentleman is finished, walks out of the bathroom, and I step in. First of all, I have to hold my breath throughout my stay in the bathroom to avoid losing my dinner. Then when I walk out of the bathroom, the good looking woman walks into the bathroom and automatically assumes I was the guilty party. My guess is she tells her friend who tells her friend and before you know it I feel like everyone in attendance believes I was responsible for the stench in the bathroom. It's really an awkward and uncomfortable situation...
Dom Heffner
02-04-2008, 08:35 PM
I wear my hands free device for physical reasons as my back goes all out of whack when I lean my head over to meet the phone. It also is uncomfortable to hold my phone up to my head for long periods of time. Plus, the hands free device allows me to work while I talk on the phone. It's invaluable.
I'm not in some sort of popularity contest, so if I bother people, my likability factor isn't affected at all. :)
BUTLER REDSFAN
02-04-2008, 10:22 PM
Now that I'm in my 40's...Having to go the bathroom twice during the night...
919191
02-05-2008, 12:14 AM
I bring this up because it happened to me this past weekend. I was at a get together with a good number of people in attendance, most of whom I didn't know that well. I was in line to use the one restroom located at the house and it was obvious the gentleman in front of me was taking care of some #2 business. When suddenly a group of attractive ladies come into line behind me. Well the gentleman is finished, walks out of the bathroom, and I step in. First of all, I have to hold my breath throughout my stay in the bathroom to avoid losing my dinner. Then when I walk out of the bathroom, the good looking woman walks into the bathroom and automatically assumes I was the guilty party. My guess is she tells her friend who tells her friend and before you know it I feel like everyone in attendance believes I was responsible for the stench in the bathroom. It's really an awkward and uncomfortable situation...
That should have been a Seinfeld episode!
OldRightHander
02-05-2008, 07:18 AM
Since we've mentioned the bluetooth, here is one thing that irritates the heck out of me. There is an attitude many people have that someone who wears a bluetooth in a public place has some overinflated sense of importance. That's not the case with many people, at least not with me. I first got one because I spend most of my time behind the wheel and there is no way I'm going to hold a phone and drive. After using it for a while, I've gotten to the point where I can't stand to tie up one hand holding a phone, even when I'm not driving. It's a convenience and comfort issue. I never talk on the phone without one, even when I'm home, but it's just that. I don't go around with any of those attitudes that people think bluetooth users have, so maybe it's the people who complain about it that have the attitude.
RFS62
02-05-2008, 07:23 AM
One thing that really bothers me is the lack of civil discourse when people talk politics and religion.
It's like people can't have a conversation with personal attacks and incredible condescension.
OldRightHander
02-05-2008, 07:28 AM
One thing that really bothers me is the lack of civil discourse when people talk politics and religion.
It's like people can't have a conversation with personal attacks and incredible condescension.
It's so much easier to attack the person than debate the point intelligently, but good spirited debate without getting personal is so invigorating. I enjoy that kind of debate with people, but it's getting harder because these days when you dispute a point so many people take it as a personal attack.
vaticanplum
02-05-2008, 12:17 PM
One thing that really bothers me is the lack of civil discourse when people talk politics and religion.
It's like people can't have a conversation with personal attacks and incredible condescension.
I have learned that the solution to this is to have these types of conversations only with people who agree with you.
RedsManRick
02-05-2008, 01:40 PM
One thing that really bothers me is the lack of civil discourse when people talk politics and religion.
It's like people can't have a conversation with personal attacks and incredible condescension.
I'll second that. I personally have a tendency to play devil's advocate. Sure, I'll defend the position I currently hold, but I don't takes attacks on that position as attacks on me personally. For me, the purpose of a discussion/debate is to find the truth of the topic, not to be right or to "win". I'm constantly frustrated by the difficulty many people have in objectively discussing charged topics.
KronoRed
02-05-2008, 03:10 PM
I have learned that the solution to this is to have these types of conversations only with people who agree with you.
Amen.
I have learned that the solution to this is to have these types of conversations only with people who agree with you.
I get bored talking with people who agree with me.
Dom Heffner
02-05-2008, 04:05 PM
I get bored talking with people who agree with me.
Dude, you even argue with people who agree with you. I think you're great; don't change.
Dude, you even argue with people who agree with you.
You couldn't be more wrong.
Dom Heffner
02-05-2008, 07:10 PM
You couldn't be more wrong.
See what I mean?
vaticanplum
02-05-2008, 11:18 PM
I get bored talking with people who agree with me.
It was a joke.
OldRightHander
02-07-2008, 08:16 PM
Another thing that irks me. My van is diesel, but I use the pumps for cars in the front of the truck stops. I can't count the number of times I have found someone pumping regular gas at the one pump that has a diesel hose, when there are other pumps vacant that don't have diesel. Since I can't use any of those other pumps, I have to wait for this inconsiderate person. I asked a woman if she could use another pump because I needed the diesel and she looked at me like I had two heads.
Caveat Emperor
02-07-2008, 08:59 PM
Guys at the gym who wear t-shirts that are cut down the sides with the sleeves out.
We get it - you work out.
Dom Heffner
02-07-2008, 09:06 PM
I may have brought this up before but it still bugs me: National Geographic specials that insist on showing animal violence.
Look- I get it, animals eat other animals. I don't need to see some weak antelope getting mauled by a pack of wildcats.
I classify these as things we can infer happen but I don't need to see. Animals also rid themselves of waste and nobody films that for public broadcast. Enough of the mauling. We get it, animals don't get their food from fast food chains.
Falls City Beer
02-07-2008, 09:11 PM
I may have brought this up before but it still bugs me: National Geographic specials that insist on showing animal violence.
Look- I get it, animals eat other animals. I don't need to see some weak antelope getting mauled by a pack of wildcats.
I classify these as things we can infer happen but I don't need to see. Animals also rid themselves of waste and nobody films that for public broadcast. Enough of the mauling. We get it, animals don't get their food from fast food chains.
My wife calls it "animal violence porn." I hate it too. It's gratuitous and overshadows all other aspects that the show might be talking about vis. animal behavior.
Chip R
02-08-2008, 09:29 AM
Guys at the gym who wear t-shirts that are cut down the sides with the sleeves out.
We get it - you work out.
They're just giving you free tickets to the gun show.
Roy Tucker
02-08-2008, 09:59 AM
One other....
Drivers that drive at dusk/dawn with just their parking lights on. I don't quite understand why people do this. Are they trying to save electricity?
I'm attuned to looking for headlights. Little dim amber lights just don't get my attention as well.
I may have brought this up before but it still bugs me: National Geographic specials that insist on showing animal violence.
Look- I get it, animals eat other animals. I don't need to see some weak antelope getting mauled by a pack of wildcats.
I classify these as things we can infer happen but I don't need to see. Animals also rid themselves of waste and nobody films that for public broadcast. Enough of the mauling. We get it, animals don't get their food from fast food chains.
I have a hard time with this as well. If you haven't seen it, check out the Planet Earth series. It can be heartbreaking at time but never gratuitous.
Dom Heffner
02-08-2008, 06:05 PM
I have a hard time with this as well. If you haven't seen it, check out the Planet Earth series. It can be heartbreaking at time but never gratuitous.
I got this on blu-ray for Christmas, and sinc my PS3 was one of the first ones off the line, it doesn't play it very well- the picture jumps around. The updates are available online, but I can't get my PS3 to talk with my wireless router. It's pretty frustrating.
Anyway, it's good to know there isn't any gratuitous stuff on there.
Anyway, it's good to know there isn't any gratuitous stuff on there.
Watch the mini "making of" segments after each episode, well worth it. Many of the crew, sworn not to interfere, nevertheless feel a ton of empathy for the prey. I always wondered about that.
SunDeck
02-08-2008, 07:44 PM
I understand why my peanut butter has to have a "freshness seal" to keep some nutjob from injecting cyanide into the jar, but why on earth does my liquid dishwasher detergent need a seal? I emptied a bottle of the stuff and opened a new one. After squeezing for a good ten seconds with nothing coming out it dawned on me, there was a peal away seal under the screw top.
That drives me bonkers.
Dom Heffner
02-08-2008, 10:25 PM
why on earth does my liquid dishwasher detergent need a seal?
To prevent spillage maybe?
I don't care if it's been mentioned or not - I'm going to mention it again! :lol:
People (and I'm sorry women but you're the primary culprits) who love to stand in the aisle ways at grocery stores and talk/gab, either with each other or on a cellphone. I had it happen yesterday when I went with my wife to the grocery store. Something I, most of the time, direly avoid.
And then, when you try to get by them, they turn and look at you like you're the one being rude.... "Look lady! I just want to get to the Cocoa Pebbles, OK?"
How many years would a judge give me for strangling someone on that situation? ;)
redsfanmia
02-10-2008, 12:14 PM
I dont know if its been mentioned but one of my biggest pet peeves is kids who have the stereo's with the loud thumping bass so the whole neighborhood can hear their terrible sounding noise coming out of their car as they drive by. Drives me absolutely crazy, there are two kids in my neighborhood that do this and I just want to blow up thier speakers so we are not forced to hear that thumping garbage.
BoydsOfSummer
02-10-2008, 01:31 PM
Do you shake your cane at them when they drive by?:nono::lol:
redsfanmia
02-10-2008, 03:21 PM
Do you shake your cane at them when they drive by?:nono::lol:
I sure want to and im only 35.
KronoRed
02-10-2008, 03:27 PM
I agree, if I can hear the music from your car in my house you should be arrested.
http://lastperson.suncircle.org/Smileys/default/signs012.gif
I agree, if I can hear the music from your car in my house you should be arrested.
I'm an old fart, yet I at times still like to listen to my music loud when in the car. Groups like the Who must be played at loud decibals.
I wouldn't define loud booming bass as music. ;)
paintmered
02-10-2008, 08:24 PM
Techno. I'm convinced it's a substitute for Chinese water torture.
Razor Shines
03-17-2008, 01:44 AM
I didn't think that I had anything but I found something today.
Guys who are not involved in a pick up basketball game making calls like they are reffing said pick up basketball game.
We're playing your standard game to 12 by 1's and 2's it's 11up and a guy on my team makes a questionable move to the basket. I admit I didn't see the play but no one on the court called anything. Some ****** waiting to play jumps up and says "Oh, that's illegal. He can't do that." Or something to that effect and the other team decides they agree with him and they get the ball. They missed and we won any way, but that's not the point. I was not very nice to the guy who made the call as we walked off the court, I feel bad about that. But I'm not sure that I should feel bad, it's possible that he deserves to be pelted with basketballs until he's unconscious.
I'm glad I got that out.
Gainesville Red
03-17-2008, 08:31 AM
Listening to the people that call in talk shows asking for Billy Donovan's head.
Could have sworn he just came off back-to-back championsihps and lost three lottery players in the same draft. But I guess anyone should be able to replace that right off the bat, right? I guess making the tournament every year since 1999 when your schools has no real history in the sport is no big deal. Hire any schmuck off the street, they should be able to replicate that.
OldRightHander
03-17-2008, 08:36 AM
I know this doesn't apply to most of you here who drive vehicles that have a rear windshield and a rear view mirror, but my vehicle doesn't fit that description and this is something I see a lot. Since I have no rear view mirror, my side mirrors are quite large and have the little blind spot mirror on the bottom, so my field of vision is as good or better than what you have in your car. I don't really have a blind spot to either side, but anything directly behind me and too close will completely disappear. There are quite a few morons on the road who don't understand that little detail and think that tailgating me so close I can't even see them will make me speed up. Actually, when I figure out you're back there, I do the opposite of what you want and I will slow down until you back off or pass me. You also get the people who absolutely can't stand being behind something taller that they can't see around, but they don't want to go fast enough to pass you. Instead they insist on staying just off center behind me. They can't drive directly behind, but must be off a little bit to one side or the other. At night, with my large side mirrors, this can be really annoying because I get the full brunt of the headlights right in one of my mirrors. Or this person decides to go over to the left lane just to avoid being behind the taller vehicle, but won't go fast enough to pass me, instead just hanging out in the left lane next to me and impeding traffic.
pahster
03-17-2008, 11:20 AM
The vast majority of undergrads. No, the readings are not optional. No, I will not give you a copy on an old test nor will I provide you with a detailed study guide. You will be tested on the material that was covered in class and that you were supposed to read about. Just because I don't spend an entire class period talking about something from the readings doesn't mean that you aren't responsible for knowing anything about it. I will also not provide you with lecture outlines; take your own notes. Ugh. I'm not looking forward to teaching them.
CrackerJack
03-17-2008, 11:31 AM
I love to work out 3-4 times a week pretty vigorously, but my goodness some of the people there, I consider myself a pretty normal considerate person there - clean up my machines, put weights away, don't lounge on equipment, and wear a normal t-shirt, and deoderant.
But some people are annoying:
Faux mohawks and dark orange, shiny skin people
Sleeveless shirts with requisite barbed wire arm tattoo
Personal trainers - for some reason they just annoy me, just leave me alone and don't give me your $50 hr advice on something i've known how to do since I was 15.
Narcissitc guy who has to do his entire work out two feet from a mirror and then stares at himself some more in the bathroom.
Very overweight person - You should be commended for just being in the gym and that's respectable - but you need to do more than lounge around on some machines moving your limbs if you want to lose those 10 inches of insulation or see any results at all. Get on the treadmill and stay there before even attempting to "tone up" with weights. You have to sweat for it to even be remotely effective or worthwhile. Also, you can't keep eating or drinking like you always have.
SunDeck
03-17-2008, 12:44 PM
I love to work out 3-4 times a week pretty vigorously, but my goodness some of the people there, I consider myself a pretty normal considerate person there - clean up my machines, put weights away, don't lounge on equipment, and wear a normal t-shirt, and deoderant.
But some people are annoying:
Faux mohawks and dark orange, shiny skin people
Sleeveless shirts with requisite barbed wire arm tattoo
Personal trainers - for some reason they just annoy me, just leave me alone and don't give me your $50 hr advice on something i've known how to do since I was 15.
Narcissitc guy who has to do his entire work out two feet from a mirror and then stares at himself some more in the bathroom.
I hear you.
Been working out on machines and free weights since 1980; I don't need some 19 year old kid telling me how to use the equipment.
Another thing that really annoys me is that so many people work out poorly but act like they know what they are doing. Huge amounts of weight, jerking around, grunting, generally defeating the purpose of the machine they are using. Machines are meant to isolate muscles; it's about form and using the right muscle groups. Not your back to do curls, if you know what I mean.
I am also annoyed by the guys who spend entire workouts on their chests and arms, but who have little bird legs.
Caveat Emperor
03-17-2008, 01:03 PM
Sleeveless shirts with requisite barbed wire arm tattoo
Hate it.
Even worse are the people who take t-shirts and cut them right down the sides, for some reason.
Why bother wearing the shrit at all?
SeeinRed
06-12-2008, 11:07 AM
My rant for today: People who do not take responsibility for thier own actions.
What started this was when I saw a blurb about how people are up in arms over the change in the navigator on the cable boxes from Time Warner. As many of you know, I worked for Time Warner in the past. When I left, they were still testing the new navigator on some boxes in a few homes. All employess had them, and some other customers. To techs they were know as OCAP boxes (or Oh Crap by most).
A little back story on the new systems. Time Warner had to change their navigator according to some federal mandate set out ahead of the big digital conversion. Previously, Pioneer had designed, tested, and produced the navigation system for TWC. They also wanted an arm and a leg for designing the new system, so TW decided to use its own resources to create a new navigator. Cincinnati was one of the test areas for the new system. When they were first rolled out, only employees had the OCAP boxes, and they found a decent amount of glitches, of which some were quickly fixed. Soon after, they were sent out to some customers for trial. Thats when they were dubbed the Oh Crap box. Customers were not happy about them. They had some glitches, some of which would cause them to become nothing more than a glorified brick. Those problems were still there because the federal mandate forced them into circulation before they were ready. Before I left there, the boxes had just a few problems, but were a lot closer to being ready for the general population. My box with then new navigator now works very well and the guide is a lot easier to use. Of course, I was trained on it though. Searching for programs is the big advantage that was enhanced.
Now, I know people tend to like what they are used to. People freak out when things change for the most part. They always assume it is going to be more complicated and that change isn't for the better, but for the sake of change. They see it as another way the cable company is trying to make it harder on them. This is simply not true. The big advantage to making your own system is that TWC was able to tailor it according to what TWC offers. Most of the feature of the old navigator are still there, and even a few more are added. The settings menu is a lot easier to navigate through, and everything is in the same place for the most part.
Back to my point, there were multiple mailing on the new navigator coming out. There was also some pretty comprehensive info on the systems in the monthly circular they send out. I believe it was the one in May that had 2 or three full pages on the new system including FAQ's, and the bills I recieved had info in them. So why are people so up in arms over the switch? Because they didn't read the info? They just through away the stuff without looking at it? That is your fault if you did that, not TWC's. Trust me, I can go on and on about what TWC does wrong, but this isn't one of them.
Read your mail, keep an eye out for things that can affect you and don't just assume things aren't going to happen because you didn't pay any attention to the warnings, and don't blame others for something you are responsible for.
I now work for a credit union in Cincy. We went through a debit card conversion while I was here, and I was in a position where I took the brunt of the customer complaints. The most common thing said was they weren't informed of the conversion. There were signs posted all over inside the credit union, there were multiple mailings, letters in statements and emails. They would constantly argue with me that they didn't recieve them, say I was lying and nothing was ever said. Some even had the audacity to tell me that they threw away the mail and weren't informed so I should give them some money for the stress it caused them (actually happened on several occasions). Many recieved the card but threw it away and then got mad because we had to order them a new one and the actually had to go to a teller to withdrawl money.:confused:
My favorite story is of a guy that was charged a fee that was just started at the beginning of this year. Again, there were multiple mailings, emails, and signs giving notice of the change. First of all, he shouldn't have had my direct line number. I don't know how he got it, but he knew what he was doing by calling me. He knew I was the most likely to be able to get the fee reversed, or at least he thought I was. I answered and the first thing he said is "I got charged a 2 dollar fee and you are going to reverse it right now" in a very nasty tone. I told him I couldn't do that, and he said " you didn't inform me of the fee change, and you can't charge me for it. Thats the law." I told him we sent out multiple mailings and emails. He said, no joke "well I didn't read them, so you can't charge me." :eek: He proceeded his condescending tone and told me in not so few words that I was a nobody. I told him we can't reverse charges just because you didn't read the mail. We argued for a while, then he got frustrated when he asked for a manager and I told him she was busy but I would happily give him her direct number to get in touch with her. He asked for my name, I gave it to him, then he slamed the phone down. Let me tell you, that guy was nasty with my manager also. Not the smartest thing for him to do if he wanted to get me in trouble, which I'm guessing was his intention. He's not a member anymore, and not by his choice.
Moral of the story, take responsibility for what you do, or don't do. Sometimes, it is just your fault.
TeamCasey
06-12-2008, 11:59 AM
My rant for the day ..... getting so much junk mail that important stuff is easily missed. ;)
Cyclone792
06-12-2008, 12:10 PM
Here's something annoying that happened this morning.
It looked like somebody was pulled over and getting arrested this morning on one of the entrance ramps to 75 north. This is on an entrance ramp, not the main highway, nor are any vehicles anywhere near blocking anything on the road or the ramp.
So what were people doing? Just slamming their brakes on the highway trying to look at what was going on, all the while nearly causing who knows how many accidents because people were having to stop suddenly to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them.
Rubber-neckers are awful. If there isn't anything blocking your side of the highway, there's no need to slow down.
RichRed
06-12-2008, 01:18 PM
Here's something annoying that happened this morning.
It looked like somebody was pulled over and getting arrested this morning on one of the entrance ramps to 75 north. This is on an entrance ramp, not the main highway, nor are any vehicles anywhere near blocking anything on the road or the ramp.
So what were people doing? Just slamming their brakes on the highway trying to look at what was going on, all the while nearly causing who knows how many accidents because people were having to stop suddenly to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them.
Rubber-neckers are awful. If there isn't anything blocking your side of the highway, there's no need to slow down.
Absolutely. When driving, my philosophy is be alert but mind my own business. It's amazing to me that people, most of whom are probably in a hurry to get to work on time, will think nothing of grinding to a halt in order to catch a glimpse of someone else's troubles.
Dom Heffner
06-12-2008, 01:53 PM
Moral of the story, take responsibility for what you do, or don't do. Sometimes, it is just your fault.
I realize this is a things that drive you crazy thread so I don't want to take away from your excellent rant, but- if this is what happens everytime a compnay makes a change, shouldn't they take some personal responsibility and find other ways to alert people?
Companies like this sort of have themselves to blame by sending hordes of non-relevant junk mail over the years and then when they finally want us to pay attention to something what do they do? They send a notice, by mail, that looks like junk mail. It's sort of like crying wolf with the junk mail.
I know for me, I want to pay you a monthly fee and I don't want to hear from you again unless it's important. That's not to say these companies don't have a right to market other prodcuts, but geesh, sorry I don't pay attention when Time Warner has a change they want to institute. I've got things in my life that I'm worried about other than what's going on at the cable place.
I've been burned enough with the envelope marked, "Time Sensitive Materials- Open Immediately" and then I open up and it's a credit card offer. They have themseves to blame on this stuff.
Again- great post, this isn't aimed at you at all. It's just the other side. If I worked there, I'd feel the same way as you do. But being a consumer, I get hit with so much mail, sorry if I don't want to take time from my family to read about the latest updates at Time Warner, Bright House, or Best Buy.
Dom Heffner
06-12-2008, 02:03 PM
Rubber-neckers are awful. If there isn't anything blocking your side of the highway, there's no need to slow down.
I often think this sort of thing is something we should institute in public schools.
Just have a Life 101 class, and under the driving topic, drill this into people's heads from the time they are in kindergarden. Make up a cute song like, "When there's trouble in your lane, keep your head forward and don't (honk, honk) slow the &$%# down!!!"
Here in Tampa there's a stretch of traffic that grinds to a halt due to a construction site. It isn't involving any of the lanes, it isn't even on the roadway. People just have to look at the big pretty cranes and plumber's cracks.
Also under this topic is the driver who searches for things under the passenger's seat as he drives down the road.
I got behind a guy like this once and decided to honk everytime he reached. He would straighten up for a bit, and then try again, only to have me honk at him. He would test me, and I kept honking everytime he did it.
Terrific fun.
bucksfan2
06-12-2008, 02:11 PM
Read your mail, keep an eye out for things that can affect you and don't just assume things aren't going to happen because you didn't pay any attention to the warnings, and don't blame others for something you are responsible for.
I don't know if this has to do with Time Warner's change to The Guide but if it does, I don't like the change. I was used to the original guide and had been using it for 9 years. Now I am thrown a new Guide that seems smaller and is a different color than the original. I don't like it.
As for the mail Time Warner should quit sending all that useless junk if they want people to read the important stuff. I probably get 5 mailings a month from Time Warner that are junk. When ever I get a mailing that says Time Warner on it I usually just pitch it.
Roy Tucker
06-12-2008, 02:19 PM
I realize this is a things that drive you crazy thread so I don't want to take away from your excellent rant, but- if this is what happens everytime a compnay makes a change, shouldn't they take some personal responsibility and find other ways to alert people?
Companies like this sort of have themselves to blame by sending hordes of non-relevant junk mail over the years and then when they finally want us to pay attention to something what do they do? They send a notice, by mail, that looks like junk mail. It's sort of like crying wolf with the junk mail.
I know for me, I want to pay you a monthly fee and I don't want to hear from you again unless it's important. That's not to say these companies don't have a right to market other prodcuts, but geesh, sorry I don't pay attention when Time Warner has a change they want to institute. I've got things in my life that I'm worried about other than what's going on at the cable place.
I've been burned enough with the envelope marked, "Time Sensitive Materials- Open Immediately" and then I open up and it's a credit card offer. They have themseves to blame on this stuff.
Again- great post, this isn't aimed at you at all. It's just the other side. If I worked there, I'd feel the same way as you do. But being a consumer, I get hit with so much mail, sorry if I don't want to take time from my family to read about the latest updates at Time Warner, Bright House, or Best Buy.
Nice post, Dom. I was going to say the same thing, only not as well.
As one who has led major software product roll-outs, I know they have to be orchestrated very carefully. You can't just throw your hands up and say "those darn customers, why can't they read?". If they don't, you need to find another way to communicate with them. The onus is on you the provider to do that and not the customer. If not, your phones are going to light up like a Christmas tree.
As Dom said, I'm paying you to provide this service. It's fine that you want to roll out an upgrade that makes *your* life easier, but you better make darn sure it doesn't make mine worse. There is a reason why I'm called the customer and that is because I give money to you. If you don't do what I want, I'll take that money somewhere else.
I've watched this Navigator roll-out from TW with bemusement. I did read the FAQs, etc. and while they were very interesting (I'm a techno-geek and love that stuff), I thought it had disaster written all over it. Mail a 3-page FAQ to my mother-in-law or your average schlub, its going to get tossed sight-unseen into the trash. I'll bet you dollars to donuts that it was a bunch of engineers that put this plan together.
Roy Tucker
06-12-2008, 02:29 PM
Oh, and the Navigator performance stinks compared to what we had before.
Hit the "Guide" button and it takes 30 seconds for the grid to fill in. Enter a new channel and it takes 5-10 seconds for the channel to change. It wreaked havoc with my DVR settings. Took me several days to figure it out.
You make a cut-over like this and you better have thought very completely through all of the use cases and tested them all very thoroughly before unleashing it on real live customers. After all, DirectTV has a nice channel guide. :)
SeeinRed
06-12-2008, 03:43 PM
I realize this is a things that drive you crazy thread so I don't want to take away from your excellent rant, but- if this is what happens everytime a compnay makes a change, shouldn't they take some personal responsibility and find other ways to alert people?
Companies like this sort of have themselves to blame by sending hordes of non-relevant junk mail over the years and then when they finally want us to pay attention to something what do they do? They send a notice, by mail, that looks like junk mail. It's sort of like crying wolf with the junk mail.
I know for me, I want to pay you a monthly fee and I don't want to hear from you again unless it's important. That's not to say these companies don't have a right to market other prodcuts, but geesh, sorry I don't pay attention when Time Warner has a change they want to institute. I've got things in my life that I'm worried about other than what's going on at the cable place.
I've been burned enough with the envelope marked, "Time Sensitive Materials- Open Immediately" and then I open up and it's a credit card offer. They have themseves to blame on this stuff.
Again- great post, this isn't aimed at you at all. It's just the other side. If I worked there, I'd feel the same way as you do. But being a consumer, I get hit with so much mail, sorry if I don't want to take time from my family to read about the latest updates at Time Warner, Bright House, or Best Buy.
I hear ya, but the marketing dynamic of todays world almost forces a big business to send out regular mailings. It would also be different if it wasn't included in some of the bills. When you choose to tune something out, you run the risk of missing something like this. I at least look over everything from my cable company, electric company, bank, etc. Ignoring things that aren't from companies you do business with is extremely understandable. Ignoring things form utility companies, your bank, or things like that just isn't advisable. Still, you have a very, very valid point.
Thanks for the props on the rant though. I've been holding it in for a while. That news blurb just sent me over the edge though.
Roy, I understand the frustration, but there is something wrong with your box or possibly your cable. I don't have those problems. Usually slow response means box or cable problem, most likely cable, however the changes in your DVR signal a box problem. The new navigator is designed to run faster and smoother. Sometimes cable problems or box problems don't show up until something like a downlad happens.
On the software not being ready, for the most part it was for the big rollout. Very few customers had the OCAP boxes. The reason it wasn't more ready had nothing to do with TW just throwing it out there and saying its good enough. They had to because the only way you find most of the bugs in the timeframe is to run a large scale test. You have to try every aspect of the operation of the box to find them. The government put them in a very small timeframe and they even had to get it extended once to make it possible when it did. As I'm sure you know, there is no such thing as a flawless rollout. Thats just a fact of life, especially when pressed by a deadline. When they researched the change they saw it as a 2 year process. To give you an idea of the lack of time, the boxes were rolled out for the first time at the end of May 2007 and were given to employess in July before being put in some customers houses starting in late July. Ideally, they wouldn't have even been rolled out to employees until this month according to those who headed the project.
Dom Heffner
06-12-2008, 04:08 PM
I hear ya, but the marketing dynamic of todays world almost forces a big business to send out regular mailings. It would also be different if it wasn't included in some of the bills. When you choose to tune something out, you run the risk of missing something like this.
If dynamics force this, then the company should be understanding when nobody gets it.
Again, none of this is aimed at you, my friend, but if most people aren't understanding what's going on, it's not their fault.
I understand your point about bill inserts, but again, that seems to be a place where they find it necessary to put the junk advertising. I take the coupon and return envelope out and I mail the check in.
I don't have the answer, I'm not offering any solutions- I'm just saying that if all these poeple aren't getting your method, it's your method, not them.
Yachtzee
06-12-2008, 05:07 PM
If dynamics force this, then the company should be understanding when nobody gets it.
Again, none of this is aimed at you, my friend, but if most people aren't understanding what's going on, it's not their fault.
I understand your point about bill inserts, but again, that seems to be a place where they find it necessary to put the junk advertising. I take the coupon and return envelope out and I mail the check in.
I don't have the answer, I'm not offering any solutions- I'm just saying that if all these poeple aren't getting your method, it's your method, not them.
I'm curious as to whether it might not be intentional on the part of some companies. I've noticed that bills come in one type of envelope and other communications, especially junk offers, come in another type of envelope. With some companies, I've noticed rate increases and other notices come in the envelopes that look like junk mail. I can't help but think they do that intentionally, hoping to slip the rate increase by without people raising too much of a stink about it until it's in place.
SeeinRed
06-12-2008, 05:51 PM
Again, none of this is aimed at you, my friend, but if most people aren't understanding what's going on, it's not their fault.
Trust me, I understand none of this is aimed at me. This is a thread to rant in so keep right on goin. :thumbup: The thing that bugs me is that most people do get the gist of what is going on. Its that minority that is the loudest. In the grand scheme of things, how big of a deal is the new navigation system in the boxes? Its not going to turn many away and it isn't going to convience many to switch to TWC. It affected some people's DVRs, but is that really that big of a problem? I mean, what did we do before DVRs? The information was out there, wether read or not. It was put out in multiple ways, and I honestly don't know what other way there would have been to notify the consumers.
You may get railed by bulk mail and ads from TWC, but you choose individually wether or not to take a look at it. You decide wether the benifit of not having to look at it outweighs the possibility that you may miss something that affects you. That is where your responsibility kicks in. You know you are getting that mail wether you want it or not. If you choose not to look at it, you better be able to take the concequences. You can pass the blame all you want, but you are the only one who stopped yourself from reading that information when it comes right down to it. That is where your personal responsibility lies.
TWC probably should take its share of the responsibility also, but you know that won't happen. I don't enjoy any of that mail any more than any of you. The fact is that there is always a price for convenience. People can sit around all day and keep blaming others, but that isn't going to get you anywhere. In the end, I still don't see how not reading your mail is not a choice that you make.
(The you in this particular rant is pointed at nobody. It is a rant that I am aiming at I've dealt with in my personal experiences.)
Dom Heffner
06-13-2008, 12:08 PM
You may get railed by bulk mail and ads from TWC, but you choose individually wether or not to take a look at it. You decide wether the benifit of not having to look at it outweighs the possibility that you may miss something that affects you. That is where your responsibility kicks in. You know you are getting that mail wether you want it or not. If you choose not to look at it, you better be able to take the concequences. You can pass the blame all you want, but you are the only one who stopped yourself from reading that information when it comes right down to it. That is where your personal responsibility lies.
Nicely stated.
You make a valid point, though when you look at the choice we are given, it's almost our personal responsibility to ignore it all.
They aren't making any more time as far as I know, and mine started running the day I was born. I'm not spending a minute on it with the junk mail.
That's just me, and yes, you are right I miss things sometimes. But what I gain is worth far more to me.
Well put, though!!!
KittyDuran
06-13-2008, 12:28 PM
I don't know if this has to do with Time Warner's change to The Guide but if it does, I don't like the change. I was used to the original guide and had been using it for 9 years. Now I am thrown a new Guide that seems smaller and is a different color than the original. I don't like it.
As for the mail Time Warner should quit sending all that useless junk if they want people to read the important stuff. I probably get 5 mailings a month from Time Warner that are junk. When ever I get a mailing that says Time Warner on it I usually just pitch it.It' seems to be a lighter, more transparent color - sort of like going from Windows XP to Vista. BTW, my Mom hated it at first but now likes it - it really was very different. What I did like was that it eliminated the annoying option of changing the recording time whenever you wanted to record a show or event - whether you wanted to or not (usually, unless it's the actual Reds game it's not).
Roy, I understand the frustration, but there is something wrong with your box or possibly your cable. I don't have those problems. Usually slow response means box or cable problem, most likely cable, however the changes in your DVR signal a box problem. The new navigator is designed to run faster and smoother. Sometimes cable problems or box problems don't show up until something like a downlad happens.It's been pretty fast at our house.
Roy Tucker
06-13-2008, 12:38 PM
You may get railed by bulk mail and ads from TWC, but you choose individually wether or not to take a look at it. You decide wether the benifit of not having to look at it outweighs the possibility that you may miss something that affects you. That is where your responsibility kicks in. You know you are getting that mail wether you want it or not. If you choose not to look at it, you better be able to take the concequences. You can pass the blame all you want, but you are the only one who stopped yourself from reading that information when it comes right down to it. That is where your personal responsibility lies.
Well-put, but you are making the assumption the world is a fair place. ;)
The business world is a Darwinian place. You can place all the blame you want on the customer. But fairly or not, if they decide to walk away, you lose.
Ltlabner
06-13-2008, 03:06 PM
The emphisis on self-esteme, fairness and avoiding any hardship whatsoever especially when related to the precious children.
Dom Heffner
06-13-2008, 03:26 PM
The emphasis on self-esteme, fairness and avoiding any hardship whatsoever especially when related to the precious children.
Wow, what a terrific one.
In the effort to make things more comfortable, we've made it so some people can't tolerate anything at all.
I went to back to college as a 31 year old freshman, and I could see the effect on some of the kids there. Nobody was wrong, logic be damned.
I tend to be a moderate on this issue. While I don't like cutthroat methods in a classroom, I also don't like a world where nobody is wrong or loses.
There has to be a happy medium.
I took freshman English one year for the heck of it (I could have easily tested out of it), and we uised to read each other's papers. I read papers that were barely comprehendable. How does someone like that get out of high school, yet alone get into college?
Yachtzee
06-13-2008, 03:42 PM
Wow, what a terrific one.
In the effort to make things more comfortable, we've made it so some people can't tolerate anything at all.
I went to back to college as a 31 year old freshman, and I could see the effect on some of the kids there. Nobody was wrong, logic be damned.
I tend to be a moderate on this issue. While I don't like cutthroat methods in a classroom, I also don't like a world where nobody is wrong or loses.
There has to be a happy medium.
I took freshman English one year for the heck of it (I could have easily tested out of it), and we uised to read each other's papers. I read papers that were barely comprehendable. How does someone like that get out of high school, yet alone get into college?
When I was an instructor, I had students complain to the Dean that I wouldn't give them my class notes. I told them I do give them my class notes, orally, and they are free to copy them down.
SeeinRed
06-13-2008, 04:17 PM
Well-put, but you are making the assumption the world is a fair place. ;)
The business world is a Darwinian place. You can place all the blame you want on the customer. But fairly or not, if they decide to walk away, you lose.
Which is what my rant is about. The people like me and you are constantly reminded that we don't matter as much as the loud minority. Because people can't do for themselves what I have to do. We have to make sure we don't leave anybody behind at whatever expense that comes at, even if the person wants to make no effort to do so for themselves. I see what you are saying though.
SeeinRed
06-13-2008, 04:39 PM
Nicely stated.
You make a valid point, though when you look at the choice we are given, it's almost our personal responsibility to ignore it all.
They aren't making any more time as far as I know, and mine started running the day I was born. I'm not spending a minute on it with the junk mail.
That's just me, and yes, you are right I miss things sometimes. But what I gain is worth far more to me.
Well put, though!!!
Thanks. You and Roy also made very valid points. This thread has done its job well. I feel better just ranting and getting the feedback everyone has provided. I've really enjoyed this conversation.
I don't know if this has to do with Time Warner's change to The Guide but if it does, I don't like the change. I was used to the original guide and had been using it for 9 years. Now I am thrown a new Guide that seems smaller and is a different color than the original. I don't like it.
As for the mail Time Warner should quit sending all that useless junk if they want people to read the important stuff. I probably get 5 mailings a month from Time Warner that are junk. When ever I get a mailing that says Time Warner on it I usually just pitch it.
Just curious bucksfan, do you think your opinion will change as you become used to the new system as Kitty's mom did? I haven't noticed anything about it being small. Maybe slightly, but not anything that made me think, hey thats smaller. I don't have the best eyesight either, so thats the first thing I'm gonna look at when I get back from work and the game tonight.
That said. I wasn't much on the old navigator. It was harder to navigate through, the buttons and locations of some things just didn't make much sense. I'm sure not everyone navigates it as much as I do though. The color is a change. Stuff like that doesn't bug me, but I know from experience that it does really bug some people. A lot of people liked the mocha color option of the old navigator. When I installed the new OCAP boxes in a few homes there were some really upset people because blue was the only option. I kinda like the blue. More of a modern feel, but then again I like change because its something else I get to toy around with. I think the new navigator is more user friendly, but getting used to something else then switching is a harder transition. I'll tell you that the older people who didn't have TWC before caught on a lot quicker to the new navigator than the old one. But its all a personal preference.
Roy Tucker
06-13-2008, 04:55 PM
I think the new navigator is more user friendly, but getting used to something else then switching is a harder transition.
You're just messin' with people's TV and that serious business.
As Howard Beale said in the movie "Network", "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."
Personally, on a scale of 1 to 100 (with 1 being "who cares" and 100 being "send in the B-52's"), it's about a 3 to me. People just like having something to carp about.
SeeinRed
06-13-2008, 05:24 PM
You're just messin' with people's TV and that serious business.
As Howard Beale said in the movie "Network", "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."
Personally, on a scale of 1 to 100 (with 1 being "who cares" and 100 being "send in the B-52's"), it's about a 3 to me. People just like having something to carp about.
Funny you say that.
Serious stories:
One tech went to diconnect a person's cable because he was behind on his bill. He told the tech that he could either pay his electric or his cable bill. He thought for a second and said, "Well at least I'll be able to watch TV until my electric goes out, let me get you the money.":laugh:
I had been threatened, cursed, had dogs let loose to get me, seen guns brandished, and even had people try to shake me off ladders along with the normal crying and begging to convince me to leave their cable on. It isn't uncommon to have to request police assistance to disconnect cable. It doesn't happen very often, but some techs would come back in their regular cars after work and cut the lines going into the house and cut them shoulder high hanging down from the pole so the people couldn't reconnect their cable. The reasoning is that techs can be immediately terminated for leaving a person connected who shouldn't be. They can even charge you with theft if they felt you did it on purpose.
Danny Serafini
06-13-2008, 09:38 PM
I took freshman English one year for the heck of it (I could have easily tested out of it), and we uised to read each other's papers. I read papers that were barely comprehendable. How does someone like that get out of high school, yet alone get into college?
When I went to college the only math course I had to take was a very basic one because my major wasn't math related. There were a few people in that class who, and I'm not making this up, had to have the professor help them use their calculator. I'm not talking about the extra-fancy keys on a scientific calculator, it was fairly basic. I believe it was the radical key that was so puzzling. Apparently getting into college isn't the most difficult thing (though I doubt these few managed to last four years).
KittyDuran
06-13-2008, 10:31 PM
Just curious bucksfan, do you think your opinion will change as you become used to the new system as Kitty's mom did? I haven't noticed anything about it being small. Maybe slightly, but not anything that made me think, hey thats smaller. I don't have the best eyesight either, so thats the first thing I'm gonna look at when I get back from work and the game tonight.
It might be a little smaller - but what I've notice is that is more defined or sharper (not so fuzzy which might have made it look larger). Sort of like going from a medium to a fine point pen.
bucksfan2
06-14-2008, 11:02 AM
Thanks. You and Roy also made very valid points. This thread has done its job well. I feel better just ranting and getting the feedback everyone has provided. I've really enjoyed this conversation.
Just curious bucksfan, do you think your opinion will change as you become used to the new system as Kitty's mom did? I haven't noticed anything about it being small. Maybe slightly, but not anything that made me think, hey thats smaller. I don't have the best eyesight either, so thats the first thing I'm gonna look at when I get back from work and the game tonight.
That said. I wasn't much on the old navigator. It was harder to navigate through, the buttons and locations of some things just didn't make much sense. I'm sure not everyone navigates it as much as I do though. The color is a change. Stuff like that doesn't bug me, but I know from experience that it does really bug some people. A lot of people liked the mocha color option of the old navigator. When I installed the new OCAP boxes in a few homes there were some really upset people because blue was the only option. I kinda like the blue. More of a modern feel, but then again I like change because its something else I get to toy around with. I think the new navigator is more user friendly, but getting used to something else then switching is a harder transition. I'll tell you that the older people who didn't have TWC before caught on a lot quicker to the new navigator than the old one. But its all a personal preference.
Good question I am sure I will get used to it. I am not a techno geek rather more of a practical customer. I don't like all the tech stuff I like to hit the guide and play around with it from there. I really don't care about the features and what the original guide gave me was fine. I could scan to see what was on, record shows, and record series. I am sure I will get used to it but after 8 years of the other guide its going to be different.
SeeinRed
06-14-2008, 11:48 AM
It might be a little smaller - but what I've notice is that is more defined or sharper (not so fuzzy which might have made it look larger). Sort of like going from a medium to a fine point pen.
I'm guessing you or your mom has a bigger tv or possibly a high def tv. The old navigator was made just for regular definition tvs. The new one was made with complaints in mind that the old navigator looked like crap on HDTVs. Looked like you were playing a SNES game after playin PS3 for a while. I think thats one of the reasons I like the new look.
Highlifeman21
06-14-2008, 12:13 PM
Things that drive me crazy?
Horrible encores at a DMB concert that up to that point had been outstanding.
KittyDuran
06-14-2008, 12:55 PM
I'm guessing you or your mom has a bigger tv or possibly a high def tv. The old navigator was made just for regular definition tvs. The new one was made with complaints in mind that the old navigator looked like crap on HDTVs. Looked like you were playing a SNES game after playin PS3 for a while. I think thats one of the reasons I like the new look.Hmmm... you're probably right. My parents have a Pioneer plasma HDTV. I have a old but large screen Magnovox.
Caveat Emperor
06-15-2008, 06:54 PM
Things that drive me crazy?
Horrible encores at a DMB concert that up to that point had been outstanding.
:lol:
You must've been at that show in Hartford last night; Cornbread and #27 don't exactly strike me as great nightcaps for a show. Reminds me of the year in Cincy where, due to curfew rules, they only had time for 1 encore song and played "Everyday" -- I wanted to go assault someone when the band left stage after that.
I think they've played "Cornbread" at every show for a year running now -- you had to know it was going to be in the encore if they didn't play it during the show.
BTW, I saw they played "Can't Stop" too. That's, without a doubt, my least favorite DMB song from the past 8 years. Has it improved at all, or is it still just a boring bassline with the words "But I Can't Stop" repeated every other phrase? I'd kinda hoped that song would stay dead.
Roy Tucker
06-16-2008, 10:41 AM
John Kieswetter's column from Saturday's Enquirer. The quote at the end of the column from a TW spokesman made me snort...
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/ENT/806140353/-1/all
Cable users lament 'Navigator'
BY JOHN KIESEWETTER | JKIESEWETTER@ENQUIRER.COM
Time Warner customers have been quick to criticize the new "Navigator" on-screen guide for being too slow and too different from the old "Passport" system.
"In our house, we hate it. It's too slow," says Todd Osborne of Loveland about the new interactive program used for digital video recording (DVR).
"It's much slower to change channels, or bring up information about a show. The movie listings have less detail, and don't show the true running time, or list as many stars and the director," complains Jim Woods of Deerfield Township.
Time Warner cable officially launched Navigator this week, after a slow roll-out. The new software "will provide more inter-active control, improve the efficiency, and provide other things in the future," says Pam McDonald, Time Warner Cincinnati vice president for government and public affairs.
Among the improvements, Navigator continues to record a channel when viewers switch to another, unlike Passport. So someone watching a Reds game, who flips to another channel, can come back to the Reds game and rewind to see missed action with the new "Start Over" function, McDonald says.
It also tells customers what percentage of their DVR space is filled.
Navigator eventually will allow fantasy football and baseball players to check statistics on their TVs; let subscribers play arcade, puzzle, card or children's games; and check "quick clips" highlights from Comedy Central, ESPN, CNN, Disney and other channels.
"Photo Show TV" soon will let digital cable customers upload their photos to display on TV, she says.
Since the transition, Time Warner customers have discovered several new wrinkles. Some subscribers said they lost DVR episodes of their favorite shows. McDonald recommends that all digital customers reprogram their DVR program selections.
Tony Palmisano of Monfort Heights found that his recording settings for "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" had been changed to "Law & Order: SVU."
"The new interface is all bright and shiny, but less useful. As poor as the old software was, it was much better than the new software, and certainly not worth the aggravation," he says.
Customers also said Navigator will not record all episodes of a series on all channels. So people wanting to catch all "Seinfeld" episodes, for example, must set Navigator to record the show on WXIX, then on Dayton's WKEF-TV, then on TBS.
Asked about Navigator's information delays, McDonald says: "It's different software and doing more things. When something is new, it always will get better - at least I'd like to think so."
Highlifeman21
06-16-2008, 11:58 AM
:lol:
You must've been at that show in Hartford last night; Cornbread and #27 don't exactly strike me as great nightcaps for a show. Reminds me of the year in Cincy where, due to curfew rules, they only had time for 1 encore song and played "Everyday" -- I wanted to go assault someone when the band left stage after that.
I think they've played "Cornbread" at every show for a year running now -- you had to know it was going to be in the encore if they didn't play it during the show.
BTW, I saw they played "Can't Stop" too. That's, without a doubt, my least favorite DMB song from the past 8 years. Has it improved at all, or is it still just a boring bassline with the words "But I Can't Stop" repeated every other phrase? I'd kinda hoped that song would stay dead.
I was at Friday night's show.
The encores were Sister, and then they played a couple bars of All Along the Watchtower, transitioned into Hey Hey My My, and then just did some extended jam after that with no vocals. The last song we heard as we were walking back to the car was Louisiana Bayou. Horrible freakin' encores.
The setlist, to my best memory was:
Don’t Drink the Water
So Damn Lucky
Corn Bread
Old Dirt Hill
Everyday
Rhyme And Reason
Proudest Monkey
Satellite
You Might Die Trying
Out Of My Hands
Two Step
Dreaming Tree
The Idea Of You
Crush
Ants Marching
I had tickets for Saturday's show, but had a prior engagement, so unloaded them. I'm surprised they'd encore with Cornbread after playing it the night before not as an encore.
I definitely enjoyed the set list on Friday, and I thought ending with Ants Marching was a pleasant surprise. Then they dropped the ball with the encores.....
Good job, DMB...
OldRightHander
06-16-2008, 12:32 PM
Add on prices for items that you can't skip. Example. You go for an oil change and there is a certain price advertised. Then they add on a couple bucks for the oil disposal fee. Since I gather that you can't choose not to dispose of your oil, there's probably no way around that. Why not just include that in the price and list the price $2 higher?
Caveat Emperor
06-16-2008, 02:00 PM
I definitely enjoyed the set list on Friday, and I thought ending with Ants Marching was a pleasant surprise. Then they dropped the ball with the encores.....
Good job, DMB...
Tons of good songs on that set -- hell, it'd have been amazing show just for Dreaming Tree, Crush, DDTW, So Damn Lucky, Proudest Monkey and Two Step.
I've got tickets to both nights in Indianapolis and the show in Cincinnati. The Cincy shows have been kinda crap since 2004, but last year in Indy was absolutely amazing (I only went 1 of the 2 nights). I'm hoping it'll be the same way this year.
My "goal songs" to hear this year (of the ones already played this tour) are You Never Know, Recently, and What You Are.
Highlifeman21
06-16-2008, 03:13 PM
Tons of good songs on that set -- hell, it'd have been amazing show just for Dreaming Tree, Crush, DDTW, So Damn Lucky, Proudest Monkey and Two Step.
I've got tickets to both nights in Indianapolis and the show in Cincinnati. The Cincy shows have been kinda crap since 2004, but last year in Indy was absolutely amazing (I only went 1 of the 2 nights). I'm hoping it'll be the same way this year.
My "goal songs" to hear this year (of the ones already played this tour) are You Never Know, Recently, and What You Are.
They've added a guy on electric guitar to this year's ensemble.
Works great for some songs. Others, not so much.
That was another thing that drives me crazy about DMB. Unnecessary electric guitar solos.
Caveat Emperor
06-16-2008, 04:38 PM
They've added a guy on electric guitar to this year's ensemble.
Works great for some songs. Others, not so much.
That was another thing that drives me crazy about DMB. Unnecessary electric guitar solos.
That somebody is Tim Reynolds -- he's been a friend and collaborator w/ Dave Matthews for a long time. He was basically an unofficial member of the band through their first 3 albums and toured with them fairly regularly until around 1999.
I'm excited as hell to see him back with the band.
Dom Heffner
06-16-2008, 05:19 PM
I'm going to get things thrown at me here.
I've become a fan of DMB, but I tell ya, I could do without seeing them live.
I just can't take endless instrumental solos- there was one that was so long when I saw them here in Tampa that I literally forgot what song it went with.
People are like, "Whoa, that solo was awesome," and I keep thinking, how can you tell?
It's all improvised and you're high as a kite. :)
Highlifeman21
06-16-2008, 06:59 PM
That somebody is Tim Reynolds -- he's been a friend and collaborator w/ Dave Matthews for a long time. He was basically an unofficial member of the band through their first 3 albums and toured with them fairly regularly until around 1999.
I'm excited as hell to see him back with the band.
Ah, makes sense now.
When he introduced the band, he just said "we got Tim on the electric geeetar" (spelled phonetically to emphasize how stupidly Dave pronounces words at times).
I should have guessed that Tim was Tim Reynolds. I really enjoyed his collaboration with Dave on Live at Luther College.
Caveat Emperor
06-16-2008, 10:41 PM
It's all improvised and you're high as a kite. :)
Yeah, but if you never saw them live, you'd never get the great Davespeak™ between songs.
Nobody can talk drunk/high nonsense quite like Dave. :)
Gainesville Red
06-16-2008, 10:47 PM
On my nerves today:
The "It's in the hole!" guy.
Dude, he's laying up. He's 250 out and hitting a 8-iron. It's not in the hole.
Happy Gilmore's sitting this one out, wouldn't you be more comfortable at a Padres game?
OSUredsFAN
06-16-2008, 11:52 PM
when bikers don't use the bike path, instead they ride on the road and I have to go around them. They made the bike path for a reason!!
Caveat Emperor
06-17-2008, 12:55 AM
when bikers don't use the bike path, instead they ride on the road and I have to go around them. They made the bike path for a reason!!
People riding bicycles on public roads are a HUGE pet peeve of mine. There are tons out during the summer in the Milford / Indiana Hill / Terrace Park area, they usually ride in clumps, and good luck getting around them on two-lane high traffic roads like Roundbottom, South Milford and Shawnee Run (the main connector from Milford / Terrace Park to Kenwood).
It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so damn inconsiderate. They ride at a below speed pace and they ride two and three across so that you have to go into the oncoming lane to pass them.
If you're riding a bike to get somewhere that's cool -- more power to you for doing your part to save the environment. If you're riding a bicycle for recreational purposes, do all of us a favor and go to a bike trail and/or pick a road that people don't rely on to get from Point A to Point B. If you simply must be on the road, go single file and stay as far to the side as you can so that traffic can pass.
Oh yeah, and lose the Lance Armstrong getups. You look ridiculous.
Yachtzee
06-17-2008, 08:42 AM
People riding bicycles on public roads are a HUGE pet peeve of mine. There are tons out during the summer in the Milford / Indiana Hill / Terrace Park area, they usually ride in clumps, and good luck getting around them on two-lane high traffic roads like Roundbottom, South Milford and Shawnee Run (the main connector from Milford / Terrace Park to Kenwood).
It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so damn inconsiderate. They ride at a below speed pace and they ride two and three across so that you have to go into the oncoming lane to pass them.
If you're riding a bike to get somewhere that's cool -- more power to you for doing your part to save the environment. If you're riding a bicycle for recreational purposes, do all of us a favor and go to a bike trail and/or pick a road that people don't rely on to get from Point A to Point B. If you simply must be on the road, go single file and stay as far to the side as you can so that traffic can pass.
Oh yeah, and lose the Lance Armstrong getups. You look ridiculous.
I have to admit the Lance Armstrong getups crack me up. I keep waiting for Dave Stoller to make an appearance. We have extensive bike trails, but the problem is that many of them are gravel and crushed rock, fine for mountain bikes but the latest craze involves road bikes. So now they're trying to pave the bike trails to encourage people to get back on the bike trails.
OldRightHander
06-17-2008, 10:18 AM
When I'm home and want to ride around my neighborhood (Forest Park) I don't have any choice but to use the road. There are no bike trails, unless you count the sidewalks, and people walk on those. I try to stick to less driven roads though. I almost got creamed on Kemper once, and I was going as fast as the auto speed limit. No biker shorts for me though. Just a regular pair of shorts and a golf shirt.
OSUredsFAN
06-17-2008, 10:31 AM
When I'm home and want to ride around my neighborhood (Forest Park) I don't have any choice but to use the road. There are no bike trails, unless you count the sidewalks, and people walk on those. I try to stick to less driven roads though. I almost got creamed on Kemper once, and I was going as fast as the auto speed limit. No biker shorts for me though. Just a regular pair of shorts and a golf shirt.
Thats fine if you have no bike paths, but when there are nice paved paths 10 feet from the road and they continue to ride on the street, that is the problem.
SeeinRed
06-17-2008, 12:26 PM
I have to admit the Lance Armstrong getups crack me up. I keep waiting for Dave Stoller to make an appearance. We have extensive bike trails, but the problem is that many of them are gravel and crushed rock, fine for mountain bikes but the latest craze involves road bikes. So now they're trying to pave the bike trails to encourage people to get back on the bike trails.
I'll tell you what, my GF lived in Hyde Park for about a year. I've never been around a group of people quite as odd. Almost everyone walks/runs or rides a bike. You never see a person just out running or biking in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. They all have the full, most expensive get up you can find. They even run at times of the day where they can show off what they do. The girls wear makeup when they run and most have their I-pod on their arms. They act like they are training for marathons. The funny thing is when you see them running and talking on their blue-tooth headsets.
My GF always gets mad at me when I say most of them run to look cool. I'm always quick to point out flaws in their approach and technique. Most of them are "noisy runners" as I call them. Their arms are moving around erraticly, they have no rythym when they run, and they are visibly laboring when they breath. The most telling is when they wait for a crosswalk sign to change. You see a lot of people stop and put their hands on their hips. You should never stop your legs.
That said, the biggest danger for runners is anything with headphones. Taking away one of your senses is never a good idea when dealing with traffic. Most don't even stop to think about that. That is the first thing that caught me off guard when I ran cross country in school. A lot of people wanted to run with radios/mp3 players to "distract them" from the pain and exhaustion. Besides the obvious dangers of traffic, it throws off any rythym you may have. Rythym is perhaps the most important part of running.
Anyway, I guess thats my rant for today. I'm by no means a serious runner, but I hate posers. I guess its not about how you do something, but how good you look while doing it.
SunDeck
06-17-2008, 12:57 PM
People riding bicycles on public roads are a HUGE pet peeve of mine. There are tons out during the summer in the Milford / Indiana Hill / Terrace Park area, they usually ride in clumps, and good luck getting around them on two-lane high traffic roads like Roundbottom, South Milford and Shawnee Run (the main connector from Milford / Terrace Park to Kenwood).
It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so damn inconsiderate. They ride at a below speed pace and they ride two and three across so that you have to go into the oncoming lane to pass them.
If you're riding a bike to get somewhere that's cool -- more power to you for doing your part to save the environment. If you're riding a bicycle for recreational purposes, do all of us a favor and go to a bike trail and/or pick a road that people don't rely on to get from Point A to Point B. If you simply must be on the road, go single file and stay as far to the side as you can so that traffic can pass.
Oh yeah, and lose the Lance Armstrong getups. You look ridiculous.
Good point, except that for someone who wants to ride more than twenty miles, there aren't many alternatives to the roadways.
I have ridden a bike to work for 15 years now. I have been hit a few times, grazed more than I can remember and can't even begin to count the amount of times people cut me off, don't give me the right of way, and generally ignore my rights as a user of the public road.
But I don't blame them. Bikes are easy to not see, despite bright colors and lights and I don't expect motorists to give me the time of day. The problem is not the motorists, necessarily. It's the fact that bikes are not provided enough of their own spaces. Instead, bikes are basically treated like cars without motors, which really has the result of putting riders in the position of having to act as though every motorist on the road is trying to run them over. Honestly, who on earth thinks it makes sense to tell motorists to share the road with bikes? Not me, but there it is.
When I was going to school in Germany, I rode my bike everywhere and not once did I have to be on the road. They have special lanes on the sidewalks dedicated to bikes. In the US, we paint a bike lane on a road, effectively reducing the car lanes by three feet. Brilliant.
OldRightHander
06-17-2008, 02:58 PM
and generally ignore my rights as a user of the public road.
That's my beef. You're supposed to be treated the same as any vehicle on the road, with the same rights. The last time I was home I went for a ride around my neighborhood in Forest Park. I wanted to go to the library on Hamilton Ave and I left my house off W. Kemper. I rode up Kemper, right on Mill Rd, right on Waycross, and then down to Hamilton to the library. Not the most direct route, but I didn't want to mess with the heavier traffic on Hamilton. I came back home the same way. For those familiar with Forest Park, you know that Kemper goes downhill if you're going west from Mill Rd. To get home, I have to turn left on Elkwood, which is down where the road starts to level off for a while. The speed limit there is 40 and I was doing at least that coming down Kemper after I turned left off Mill. I needed to make the left turn on Elkwood and there was no way I was going to make that turn without slowing down, so I made a hand signal with my left hand and then started braking with my right, preparing for the turn. Then, as I'm starting into the turn, I heard a car approaching fast from behind and the idiot just swerved around my left side without slowing down, while I was already starting a left turn. He missed me by less than a foot. I didn't take any more time than a car would have taken making that turn and I was certainly not going slower than the posted speed limit prior to that, so what's the problem?
I don't think cyclists using the roads is as much of a problem as people in cars not treating them like they have the same right to be there.
Caveat Emperor
06-17-2008, 03:11 PM
That's my beef. You're supposed to be treated the same as any vehicle on the road, with the same rights.
If you want to claim the same rights, I'd counter that you have the same responsibilities.
A cyclist blocking a lane of transit at 15 MPH in a 35 or 45 zone is just as much an impediment to traffic and road hazard as a car doing 15 MPH in the same place.
And, FWIW, a motorist doing that kind of low speed would get pulled in a second.
Highlifeman21
06-17-2008, 04:57 PM
People riding bicycles on public roads are a HUGE pet peeve of mine. There are tons out during the summer in the Milford / Indiana Hill / Terrace Park area, they usually ride in clumps, and good luck getting around them on two-lane high traffic roads like Roundbottom, South Milford and Shawnee Run (the main connector from Milford / Terrace Park to Kenwood).
It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so damn inconsiderate. They ride at a below speed pace and they ride two and three across so that you have to go into the oncoming lane to pass them.
If you're riding a bike to get somewhere that's cool -- more power to you for doing your part to save the environment. If you're riding a bicycle for recreational purposes, do all of us a favor and go to a bike trail and/or pick a road that people don't rely on to get from Point A to Point B. If you simply must be on the road, go single file and stay as far to the side as you can so that traffic can pass.
Oh yeah, and lose the Lance Armstrong getups. You look ridiculous.
You mean you don't like the amateur peletons that grace the presence of the eastern suburbs?
Worst one I ever got stuck behind was coming from Dilly Deli in Mariemont, and b/c of oncoming traffic couldn't pass them until I turned off to head to my buddy's place off of Demar in Indian Hill.
Must have been at least 25 of them, all in their full Lance Armstrong regala.
Most excruciating car ride of my life.
SunDeck
06-17-2008, 05:45 PM
If you want to claim the same rights, I'd counter that you have the same responsibilities.
A cyclist blocking a lane of transit at 15 MPH in a 35 or 45 zone is just as much an impediment to traffic and road hazard as a car doing 15 MPH in the same place.
And, FWIW, a motorist doing that kind of low speed would get pulled in a second.
I don't know about Ohio, but the law pretty clearly states in Indiana that bikes are not allowed to do that. I violate a few laws daily, mainly because it's about survival. One thing I do at three places along my route to and from work is blow through stop signs, which I do to keep a motorist from hitting me when I try to take my rightful turn with them. For some reason, these three spots are really bad- drivers either don't see me there or just ignore me. So, after nearly getting hit a few times my defense is to just go through before they have the chance.
And this is what bothers me about bike/car policy. It's just asinine to put them in the same place and expect that they are the same thing.
OldRightHander
06-17-2008, 05:56 PM
I don't know about Ohio, but the law pretty clearly states in Indiana that bikes are not allowed to do that. I violate a few laws daily, mainly because it's about survival. One thing I do at three places along my route to and from work is blow through stop signs, which I do to keep a motorist from hitting me when I try to take my rightful turn with them. For some reason, these three spots are really bad- drivers either don't see me there or just ignore me. So, after nearly getting hit a few times my defense is to just go through before they have the chance.
And this is what bothers me about bike/car policy. It's just asinine to put them in the same place and expect that they are the same thing.
I don't ride streets that often, but when I do I've noticed the same thing. You stop and then even if you have right of way, it's like you don't exist. I like to go to parks where they have paved paths anyway. It's usually more scenic. Occasionally I will ride around my neighborhood, but I try to keep as far right as possible so cars can get around easier.
OldRightHander
06-17-2008, 06:00 PM
To get off bikes now, here are a couple more peeves of mine.
1. Cashiers who put the coins on top of the paper money and then hand the whole thing to you. I make a point of "accidentally" spilling the coins all over the counter, just to force them to put the coins in my hand separately.
2. People in cars who do anything possible to get around the taller vehicle they don't want to be behind, but upon passing the tall vehicle, slow back down to a speed slower than what the tall vehicle was doing. I wish I could just plow right into the back of the next person who does that.
SunDeck
06-17-2008, 06:53 PM
I don't ride streets that often, but when I do I've noticed the same thing. You stop and then even if you have right of way, it's like you don't exist. I like to go to parks where they have paved paths anyway. It's usually more scenic. Occasionally I will ride around my neighborhood, but I try to keep as far right as possible so cars can get around easier.
I don't ride much for the fun of it. Maybe when my kids are bigger. I've always been a utilitarian biker, which puts me on the street most of the time.
Perhaps the high price of gas will change things by putting more bikes on the street. My guess is that Europeans really aren't that much more progressive than Americans, it's just that the costs of fuel powered urban transportation have made bikes a viable alternative there.
SunDeck
06-17-2008, 06:56 PM
To get off bikes now, here are a couple more peeves of mine.
1. Cashiers who put the coins on top of the paper money and then hand the whole thing to you. I make a point of "accidentally" spilling the coins all over the counter, just to force them to put the coins in my hand separately.
Same people don't know how to properly count backwards while giving your change back. I showed that to a clerk once at a convenience store and she looked at me like I was using Chisanbop or something.
Slyder
06-17-2008, 08:45 PM
Duhhsty Baker's overall managerial job drives me crazy.
LoganBuck
06-17-2008, 10:16 PM
Ringback Tones, if you are over the age of 18 and have a ringback tone, you should be slapped in the face. I don't need to hear your crappy song while the phone connects, furthermore, you get one warning. If it happens again I will not call you back.
TeamCasey
06-18-2008, 12:17 PM
I don't know about Ohio, but the law pretty clearly states in Indiana that bikes are not allowed to do that. I violate a few laws daily, mainly because it's about survival. One thing I do at three places along my route to and from work is blow through stop signs, which I do to keep a motorist from hitting me when I try to take my rightful turn with them. For some reason, these three spots are really bad- drivers either don't see me there or just ignore me. So, after nearly getting hit a few times my defense is to just go through before they have the chance.
And this is what bothers me about bike/car policy. It's just asinine to put them in the same place and expect that they are the same thing.
I was going to say that this was my pet peeve with cyclists - blowing through stop signs. My heart is in my throat when they do it. I think I'm going to watch them get creamed right in front of me.
Roy Tucker
06-18-2008, 12:25 PM
I just stick to separate paved bicycle paths and don't interact with cars. I got hit by a Columbus city bus back in the day at OSU and after that, I have a very healthy respect for motorized vehicles while biking.
And while I'm here, I'll reiterate how much I hate people talking on cell phones while driving. I continue to see them do very dumb, distracted, and dangerous things while driving. I just give them a wide berth now because I know something stupid is coming. Why it isn't made illegal, I'll never know.
SunDeck
06-18-2008, 01:17 PM
I was going to say that this was my pet peeve with cyclists - blowing through stop signs. My heart is in my throat when they do it. I think I'm going to watch them get creamed right in front of me.
I should probably restate that- I don't stop at those three places, but I probably don't "blow through" them. And I know what you mean about people who do blow through a stop sign without looking or even knowing what's approaching.
When I can't see what's approaching, I stop. It's a no brainer.
RichRed
06-18-2008, 01:18 PM
And while I'm here, I'll reiterate how much I hate people talking on cell phones while driving. I continue to see them do very dumb, distracted, and dangerous things while driving. I just give them a wide berth now because I know something stupid is coming. Why it isn't made illegal, I'll never know.
And now people send text messages while driving. I don't appreciate having my life endangered because someone can't wait until they get home to tell their best friend, "OMG that makes me LOL."
vaticanplum
06-18-2008, 03:41 PM
And while I'm here, I'll reiterate how much I hate people talking on cell phones while driving. I continue to see them do very dumb, distracted, and dangerous things while driving. I just give them a wide berth now because I know something stupid is coming. Why it isn't made illegal, I'll never know.
A few times a week, I spot a car on the road where it's clear to me that the driver is drunk -- weaving lanes, moving at especially slow and erratic speeds, that kind of thing. 10 times out of 10, I pass the car and the driver has a phone attached to his or her hand.
I totally agree, it should be illegal. Many states have instituted a bluetooth law, but I think you still have to dial with a bluetooth. Some people are great at multitasking, but the majority put all of us at risk.
cincyinco
06-21-2008, 08:55 AM
Things that drive me crazy.
Being an insomniac. I have slept about 3 hours in 3 days. I'm tired as all hell, its 7am and I have a feeling it will be going on day 4.
Also, when I can't seem to isolate the cause of my computer freezing and restarting at its own discretion. Mind you, its a freebie POS that's fairly archaic, but I had no problems last week and have made no system changes that would cause such a thing.
Its all combined to drive me absolutely mad.
OldRightHander
06-21-2008, 09:28 AM
I totally agree, it should be illegal. Many states have instituted a bluetooth law, but I think you still have to dial with a bluetooth. Some people are great at multitasking, but the majority put all of us at risk.
Voice activated dialing is great.
Ltlabner
06-21-2008, 03:04 PM
If they make talking on a cellphone illegal while driving, does that mean a law to ban conversations between the driver and other passengers in the car is close behind? If talking on the phone is bad, talking to the person next to you must be just as bad, no? Heck, with a passenger the tendency is for the driver to turn their head occasionally while talking. Hideously unsafe.
How about getting rid of radios since you have to glance down to turn the channel and have to devide your attention to listen and drive at the same time? That can't possibly be safe.
While the safety-nuts are at it, you better get rid of cup-holders and ban eating food in the car. There's no way on earth a human is able to manage the complex funcitions of sipping on a Pepsi and driving a car down the highway.
Pretty much we need cars with no eating or talking, no radios and people sitting at full attention, hands 10 & 2 and staring unblinkingly straight ahead.
Oh yea, don't forget your helmet.
EDIT: While we are banning things, parents with children in the house should not have TV's. It could distract them for just a second and the child could get into trouble. How many times has an accident with a child happened and the devistated parent says, "I just turned my head for a second" ?
Yea, no TV's in households with children. It's just too darn unsafe.
NJReds
06-21-2008, 05:03 PM
If they make talking on a cellphone illegal while driving, does that mean a law to ban conversations between the driver and other passengers in the car is close behind? If talking on the phone is bad, talking to the person next to you must be just as bad, no? Heck, with a passenger the tendency is for the driver to turn their head occasionally while talking. Hideously unsafe.
I think the problem with the phone is that I've encountered many drivers who slow down unexpectedly or weave around while looking down and dialing.
You don't have to dial and look down to talk to the person next to you.
Also, you don't have to take your hands off the wheel to hold the person next to you next to your ear.
KittyDuran
06-21-2008, 05:17 PM
If they make talking on a cellphone illegal while driving, does that mean a law to ban conversations between the driver and other passengers in the car is close behind? If talking on the phone is bad, talking to the person next to you must be just as bad, no? Heck, with a passenger the tendency is for the driver to turn their head occasionally while talking. Hideously unsafe.
How about getting rid of radios since you have to glance down to turn the channel and have to devide your attention to listen and drive at the same time? That can't possibly be safe.
While the safety-nuts are at it, you better get rid of cup-holders and ban eating food in the car. There's no way on earth a human is able to manage the complex funcitions of sipping on a Pepsi and driving a car down the highway.
Pretty much we need cars with no eating or talking, no radios and people sitting at full attention, hands 10 & 2 and staring unblinkingly straight ahead.
Oh yea, don't forget your helmet.
EDIT: While we are banning things, parents with children in the house should not have TV's. It could distract them for just a second and the child could get into trouble. How many times has an accident with a child happened and the devistated parent says, "I just turned my head for a second" ?
Yea, no TV's in households with children. It's just too darn unsafe.I think it has a lot to do with the amount of cases of cell phone use causing car crashes or at least that what you frequently hear. It's also (in a sinister way) someone that can be regulated and fined - just like seatbelt usage.
That's not to say that in the past or even now that talking to a person, repremanding the kids in the backseat, changing channels on the radio, eating, or drinking causes accidents. There have been near accidents not only with me but with my family as well. Your mind is not on the road.
Look at my accident last Saturday - was the guy who made an illegal left turn in front of me on his cell phone? The police report (which I'm looking at right now) is #17-Driver Inattention. Hmmm... Of course, you can be inattentive talking to someone, repremanding the kids in the backseat, changing channels on the radio, eating, or drinking, etc. That could also be #13-Operating Vehicle in Erratic, Reckless, Careless, Neglient or Agressive Manner. And to be honest, 9 times out of 10 when I'm in back of someone going very slow, or in a erratic manner, they are on a cell phone - and they get the hairy eyeball from me.
I don't think cell phones should be banned (too many people rely on them) but there has to be some responsibility and common sense. I'm all for fines, though...:thumbup:
KittyDuran
06-21-2008, 05:19 PM
I think the problem with the phone is that I've encountered many drivers who slow down unexpectedly or weave around while looking down and dialing.
You don't have to dial and look down to talk to the person next to you.
Also, you don't have to take your hands off the wheel to hold the person next to you next to your ear.But you do to change channels on the radio, get a drink or sometimes scream at the kids in the backseat. But that's a good point.
OldRightHander
06-21-2008, 06:10 PM
My phone has voice activated dialing and I use a bluetooth. I send and receive calls all day while driving without ever taking my eyes off the road or my hands off the wheel. How about they just make phones without speakers that can't be used without a hands free device? I've been using a bluetooth for a couple years now and I can't imagine going back to actually holding a phone to my ear.
Now if we're going to remove all distractions from driving, here are the following things that need to be removed.
cup holders
radios
phones
fast food drive throughs
eating
the mirror on the inside of the visor
heating and AC controls
seats that are too comfortable
all passengers
roadside billboards
cops in the median
air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror
mud flaps with naked lady silhouettes
pretty scenery
That should pretty much get rid of distractions.
SunDeck
06-21-2008, 07:23 PM
I think it's hyperbole to suggest that adjusting the radio is as "distracting" as dialing a cell phone. The problem is that the things aren't integrated into the car the way a radio or the cruise control is. Fix that, and this form of distracted driving, which happens to be the worst aside from, say, trying to shave while driving, will fade away as a problem.
But generally I am all for people shutting their cakeholes and keeping their eyes on the road. In fact, I am all for fewer cell phones, period.
Color me cranky and old.
Ltlabner
06-21-2008, 07:52 PM
I think it's hyperbole to suggest that adjusting the radio is as "distracting" as dialing a cell phone.
So it's levels of distraction?
Where is the line drawn and how is it enforced?
Someone crashes because they are so ignorant as to not be able to manage to talk and drive at the same time? Hit them with reckless opp, distracted driving or whatever other charge you want to come up with. No argument from me there.
But the "lets ban __________" movement is tireseome and old. Face it folks, we can't ban and legistlate our way into a irritation free nirvana. If someone is distracted by glancing down for .003 seconds to press send and it causes a wreck hit them with whatever fines and charges are apporpirate. But a ban on cellphones because some lugnuts aren't able to handle the responisbility is overkill.
It is just the same as if you are glancing at a map and sideswipe the car next to you.
Or should we ban maps too?
SunDeck
06-21-2008, 08:05 PM
I didn't say to ban talking on cellphones in cars. I don't think it's enforceable.
But to suggest that pulling out a cellphone and dialing it, or texting on it is somehow as much of a distraction as hitting a button on the radio (the dang things are programmable), is just inaccurate.
Ltlabner
06-21-2008, 08:20 PM
I didn't say to ban talking on cellphones in cars. I don't think it's enforceable.
But to suggest that pulling out a cellphone and dialing it, or texting on it is somehow as much of a distraction as hitting a button on the radio (the dang things are programmable), is just inaccurate.
And again I ask, what is the dividing line between acceptable levels of distraction and unacceptable levels?
Obviously things like power windows are acceptable distractions while cooking fajitas would be unacceptable. But as you get closer to the line things get more fuzzy. How about putting in a CD? How about fiddling around with a GPS? How about checking the station lineup card for XM Radio? What about a screaming baby that barfs in your back seat? Putting on makeup? Trying to advance a song on your ipod? It's not as if the cellphone is the first in-car distraction faced by the American driver.
Bans for disputable items are either revenue enhancement as Kitty pointed out, or a knee-jerk responce from the safety-marms.
By the way, cellphones are programmable too (I prefer one-touch dialing over voice). Check out the owners manual sometime or take it to Circuit City and have them explain it to you. :p:
OldRightHander
06-21-2008, 08:51 PM
I was doing some reading on the subject recently. It turns out that cell phones might not really be the cause in as many accidents as people think. Sure, they are a distraction, but there have been distractions as long as there have been cars. The fellow who wrote the article I read (still looking for it again, but I can't find it) mentioned some fuzzy statistics used by the people who want to turn us into a nanny state. Here's the gist of it.
Numbers are thrown out showing all accidents that involved someone who was talking on a phone, without regard to how many of those accidents were the fault of the person who was on the phone. A closer look at the accident reports showed that in many cases one party was on the phone but the other party was cited. That fact is ignored by people trying to make a case against the phones.
These statistics showing the number of accidents involving people talking on phones are compared to accident rates from periods where not as many people owned cell phones, therefore not as many people were likely to have one in the car. Of course there are going to be more wrecks involving people talking on cell phones than there were ten years ago because there are more people who have phones. That alone doesn't prove causation. Using that logic, we could say that CD players are dangerous and then show statistics showing that there are more accidents involving cars with CD players than there were in 1982. Therefore, the CD player must be the problem.
Some people are responsible drivers and some aren't. As technology constantly advances, we're always going to be seeing all sorts of new things in cars. The responsible drivers will figure out how to safely use those things while driving, or which things not to use while driving, while the irresponsible people will always be tinkering with something and taking their eyes off the road. It doesn't matter what the distraction is.
OldRightHander
06-21-2008, 08:54 PM
By the way, cellphones are programmable too (I prefer one-touch dialing over voice). Check out the owners manual sometime or take it to Circuit City and have them explain it to you. :p:
I like the voice myself but that's because I put my phone in a windshield mounted cradle and I can't reach it easily when I'm driving. The windshield isn't as close in my van as it is in a car. Using the voice feature with the bluetooth works great. I also program a one touch number for everyone as well and I will use that when I'm sitting still.
cincyinco
06-22-2008, 03:00 AM
Numbers are thrown out showing all accidents that involved someone who was talking on a phone, without regard to how many of those accidents were the fault of the person who was on the phone. A closer look at the accident reports showed that in many cases one party was on the phone but the other party was cited. That fact is ignored by people trying to make a case against the phones.
Numbers are thrown around all the time, being "cooked" to state whatever case is trying to be made.
For example, the police will tell you nearly all criminals(i dont have an exact number, I think they stated it was in the high 80's) test positive for marijuana when they are tested for drugs(when warranted) after committing a crime. They will spin it that Marijuana was the reason they committed the crime, to make their case, and try to get people to not use drugs. However, its fairly common knowledge that THC stays in your system upwards of 30 days. The criminal could very well have smoked weeks before committing the crime, and it had no bearing on their decision to commit said crime. But the police/gov will sure as hell use that to spin their message.
Shoot, and lots of us do it around here when talkin about baseball all the time, talkin up players or tearing them down. Drew Stubbs comes to mind. ;) But I guess thats the minor league forum.
Anyway, didn't mean to get off the exact topic at hand, but the above is a prime example of how numbers are used to "spin" the case you want to make. So it comes as no surprise that they would gloss over the fact that sometimes it wasn't the cell phone user who was at fault... pretty typical really.
KittyDuran
06-22-2008, 10:31 AM
And again I ask, what is the dividing line between acceptable levels of distraction and unacceptable levels?
Obviously things like power windows are acceptable distractions while cooking fajitas would be unacceptable. But as you get closer to the line things get more fuzzy. How about putting in a CD? How about fiddling around with a GPS? How about checking the station lineup card for XM Radio? What about a screaming baby that barfs in your back seat? Putting on makeup? Trying to advance a song on your ipod? It's not as if the cellphone is the first in-car distraction faced by the American driver.
Bans for disputable items are either revenue enhancement as Kitty pointed out, or a knee-jerk responce from the safety-marms.
By the way, cellphones are programmable too (I prefer one-touch dialing over voice). Check out the owners manual sometime or take it to Circuit City and have them explain it to you. :p:The more I think about it - it might have to do with the irritation level of cell phones in general. The usage, not just in cars, but in everyday life. The taking of calls everywhere, restaurants, cars, bathroom stalls, etc. Most people have stories of annoying cell phone talkers. When the bluetooths came out - I thought the users where nuts because it sounded like they were talking to themselves. Or better yet, you didn't know if they were talking to you.
Just a thought...:)
RedlegJake
06-22-2008, 12:10 PM
Didn't mean to start a flameout on bikers. I'm one, but I understand why people don't like bikes; we get in your way and make it hard to pass us. The problem is that in this country bikes are not seen as a mode of transportation. If they were, there would be bike lanes everywhere. Instead bikers are treated no differently than motorists. It's idiotic.
Amen amen amen. After heart surgery I began riding a bike regularly as a form of rehab. There are some nice bike trails but no sidewalks, or solid shoulders, or anyway to get to them except to pedal like crazy down the main streets hoping you're visible and not about to be targeted by some crazy teenagers who think its cool to bomb the biker with cups of Coke (yep happened to me). If I wanted to hike my bike up on a bike rack on my car, then drive to the trailhead (which conveniently begins at a four way intersection of major streets) then try to find nearby parking which doesn't exist, before unloading said bike from said rack, locking my car and then pedaling through said major intersection to be able to actually ride the trail, I would find I had already had sufficent exercise and could just return home.
When streets have a wide enough lane to allow cyclists to ride near the edge and cars to pass, invariably they also allow parking which forces you out into traffic. And for those who find cyclists irritating - well I find YOU irritating believing as you do that you own the streets. There. That's off my chest.
Roy Tucker
06-22-2008, 09:30 PM
Its the frequency of cell phone incidents is what irks me.
Hardly a day goes by that I don't see someone talking on a cell phone while driving that does something stupid. Maybe all the other stuff happens too (change radio station, etc), but I just don't see it with the same frequency.
I don't give a darn if they're talking, all I want is for them to be careful.
redhawkfish
06-23-2008, 01:24 PM
People driving with their dogs on their laps drives me crazy. The only thing worse is someone talking on their cell phone with a dog on their lap!:eek:
CrackerJack
06-23-2008, 02:51 PM
Its the frequency of cell phone incidents is what irks me.
Hardly a day goes by that I don't see someone talking on a cell phone while driving that does something stupid. Maybe all the other stuff happens too (change radio station, etc), but I just don't see it with the same frequency.
I don't give a darn if they're talking, all I want is for them to be careful.
I can atest to this, just the other day a woman in a Mercedes talking on her cell coming the other way, blew the red light at the intersection I was at, while I had the green arrow to turn left. Two cars in front of me had already made their turn through the light in front of me.
I saw this cell phone talking corporate maniac coming and I could see she wasn't slowing down...at all...I did the defensive thing and sat there to see what she was going to do before I turned head-on into her path.
Low and behold - she went right through the light without even a blink or care in the world.
I guess the only way some people will learn, is when they see themselves, or one of their family members or friends, on the hood of a car in pieces.
That lady would've possibly killed me (was going 35-40 mph) had I not been as aware that day. And it's one reason why I absolutely cannot stand driving in urban, populated areas.
RedsManRick
06-23-2008, 03:08 PM
FWIW regarding cells, the data I've seen suggests that it's the fact that the driver is talking with somebody, not the medium of the conversation, that causes the problem. Using a hands-free device or talking to a fellow passenger are similarly distracting. Though I guess you might posit that having another person in the car provides another set of eyes to alert the driver of trouble.
Dom Heffner
06-23-2008, 05:25 PM
I have a few I'd like to add.
One- girlfriends who insist on telling you about every single dude that hits on them.
To add to that- women who get sexually harassed at work and who don't do anything at all about it but want to gripe about it anyway. It's called opening your mouth and telling someone or quitting. Yeah, jobs are tough to come by, but if somebody is kissing you on the job and you don't want him to, then those are the choices. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but so is going to work in those conditions.
Not sure if I'll be able to articulate this one- but I have very little patience with things that fit when you put them in something but are impossible to take out. For example, I put a knife in the dishwasher the other day and it slid right in. I go to pull it out a few seconds later andf you'd think I was trying to break into Ft. Knox. Same with rings that go on easy but won't come off for anything. I know there are explanations for these things but geesh, I'm not asking for much here. Similarly, can't stand how extension cords get tangled up. Why is it that to undo the cord I have to pull the one end all the way through the knot, but to get it all tangled I just had to lay the cord down?
RichRed
06-23-2008, 09:36 PM
Not sure if I'll be able to articulate this one- but I have very little patience with things that fit when you put them in something but are impossible to take out. For example, I put a knife in the dishwasher the other day and it slid right in. I go to pull it out a few seconds later andf you'd think I was trying to break into Ft. Knox. Same with rings that go on easy but won't come off for anything. I know there are explanations for these things but geesh, I'm not asking for much here. Similarly, can't stand how extension cords get tangled up. Why is it that to undo the cord I have to pull the one end all the way through the knot, but to get it all tangled I just had to lay the cord down?
I feel your pain here, Dom. I'm convinced there's a conspiracy among all inanimate objects to make my life miserable. I had to unleash a much-deserved verbal assault on our dishwasher just the other day. Pretty sure the wife thinks I'm a loon.
RosieRed
06-25-2008, 12:49 AM
Wedding registries.
People are completely insane with some of this stuff.
Caveat Emperor
06-25-2008, 02:01 PM
Wedding registries.
People are completely insane with some of this stuff.
If I ever get married, the registry will include only the following 2 words:
"Gift Cards"
Gainesville Red
06-25-2008, 02:22 PM
Here's something that drives me crazy.
I've got a birthday coming up. So both my mom and dad have called me today and asked what I want.
-Nothing really.
-We have to get you something. What do you need?
I'm fresh out of college, haven't found a job. I'm poor. Gas is expensive.
How about some cash? That's really all I need. Could make life a lot easier.
-"Money is tackey, do you need some clothes?"
Nope. Got plenty of clothes. What I don't have is food, or gas, or money to cover the rent next month. Or the utility bill. Or the cable bill.
Why is it, if all I need is some money to help me get by until I learn how to be an adult, that money as a gift is tackey?
Is that how you even spell tackey? Tacky? Whatever.
SunDeck
06-25-2008, 02:51 PM
Here's something that drives me crazy.
I've got a birthday coming up. So both my mom and dad have called me today and asked what I want.
-Nothing really.
-We have to get you something. What do you need?
I'm fresh out of college, haven't found a job. I'm poor. Gas is expensive.
How about some cash? That's really all I need. Could make life a lot easier.
-"Money is tackey, do you need some clothes?"
Nope. Got plenty of clothes. What I don't have is food, or gas, or money to cover the rent next month. Or the utility bill. Or the cable bill.
Why is it, if all I need is some money to help me get by until I learn how to be an adult, that money as a gift is tackey?
Is that how you even spell tackey? Tacky? Whatever.
We have the same parents.
Interesting.
Do your parents do this?
Once they finally wear me down and I give them something to buy me, they make sure to buy the cheapest imitation of it they can find. One year, I gave them the catalog number for a nice, LL Bean canvass jacket. Nothing outrageous- it wasn't a $500 wool blazer.
What I got was what my wife now fondly calls "the puffy coat" from TJ Maxx. These things do not resemble each other in any way shape or form, except that both are mens' outer wear. So, what is the connection? As far as I can tell the name of the retailer for both coats has the same number of letters, grouped similarly, two initials and a name.
I love ya mom, but why do you ask what I want when you won't even buy it?
Gainesville Red
06-25-2008, 03:41 PM
We have the same parents.
Interesting.
TJ Maxx.
It's funny, you had me at we have the same parents.
I knew you were going to say TJ Maxx before you did. They wear me down until I tell them something to get me. Then they go to TJ Maxx and find something that's similar.
By similar I mean all shirts have sleeves.
Or the shoes I asked for have shoelaces. So do these ones.
I don't have anything against TJ Maxx, but damn, you're the one that insisted on getting me something. I said I don't really want anything unless you're opening the checkbook. You wore me down until I told you something I kind of liked, and then you got me something else that I probably won't use.
It's just weird.
Now I feel ungreatful for complaining about gifts, but we've danced this dance so much that I know it's better off just saying I don't want anything. I know how this story ends. With me looking ungreatful and sounding like some kind of brat. (Maybe I am, who knows.)
I'm going to have to go do something nice. Stupid birthdays. (And Christmas)
WebScorpion
07-01-2008, 03:52 PM
Amen amen amen. After heart surgery I began riding a bike regularly as a form of rehab. There are some nice bike trails but no sidewalks, or solid shoulders, or anyway to get to them except to pedal like crazy down the main streets hoping you're visible and not about to be targeted by some crazy teenagers who think its cool to bomb the biker with cups of Coke (yep happened to me). If I wanted to hike my bike up on a bike rack on my car, then drive to the trailhead (which conveniently begins at a four way intersection of major streets) then try to find nearby parking which doesn't exist, before unloading said bike from said rack, locking my car and then pedaling through said major intersection to be able to actually ride the trail, I would find I had already had sufficent exercise and could just return home.
When streets have a wide enough lane to allow cyclists to ride near the edge and cars to pass, invariably they also allow parking which forces you out into traffic. And for those who find cyclists irritating - well I find YOU irritating believing as you do that you own the streets. There. That's off my chest.
I recently read a paper where the engineer proposed that bike lanes be moved to the outside of parking lanes versus the traditional placement between traffic lanes and parking lanes. I didn't get to spend a lot of time analyzing it, but it seemed logical to me to utilize the parked cars as a buffer between the automobile traffic and the bike traffic. IMO, this country really needs to spend a lot more time and effort making it conveninent to use alternative transportation methods.
FWIW regarding cells, the data I've seen suggests that it's the fact that the driver is talking with somebody, not the medium of the conversation, that causes the problem. Using a hands-free device or talking to a fellow passenger are similarly distracting. Though I guess you might posit that having another person in the car provides another set of eyes to alert the driver of trouble.
I'll agree that carrying on a conversation at all can be a distraction. It seems to me, however, that the cell phone talker/drivers without headsets have their left arm on the door holding the phone up to their ear. They NEVER turn their head and never give a signal. As though talking on the phone means you can pilot your 2-ton car at 70 mph as though no one was around you. Drives me batty.
RosieRed
07-02-2008, 01:43 AM
To top it all, I saw a guy yesterday riding a bike while talking on a cell phone.
Not even kidding.
cincinnati chili
07-02-2008, 01:49 AM
To top it all, I saw a guy yesterday riding a bike while talking on a cell phone.
Not even kidding.
Common occurrence to see Boston bike curriers weaving through traffic downtown talking on their c.b/cell phones.
Nuts.
Roy Tucker
07-02-2008, 08:36 AM
To top it all, I saw a guy yesterday riding a bike while talking on a cell phone.
Not even kidding.
I've seen a guy on a motorcycle try to talk on one.
SeeinRed
07-02-2008, 10:01 AM
Something really funny happened to me today. I was at a traffic light ready to turn left and looking to see where the cars on the other side were signaling so I knew if I would have to wait to turn when the light turned green. If one of the first few cars isn't signaling, I stay back and wait instead of pulling in the middle and waiting as some people do. Anyway, Everyone was signaling to turn left except the second driver. When the light turns green, I wait for that car to go straight but it turned left without a signal. I know its a small thing, but signaling takes little to no effort. It is one of the things that annoys me to no end when a person doesn't signal. Its 7 in the morning, so I'm not happy to be awake to begin with, but I raised my hands as to say, "whats going on here." Those aren't the words I would have chosen, but it was early and the emphasis wasn't behind the gesture to make it seem more profane. The driver sees me, turns and points to her cell phone as if to say, "I'm talking on my phone, I can't signal because I'm holding my phone." Being morning I translated that into, "what I'm doing is stupid and irresponsible, but I don't care because I look more important than you." I just had to laugh.
My girlfriend is one of those people that doesn't signal or waits until the very last moment to signal. Drives me absolutely bonkers. I'm always saying something to her, but she says, "well nobody else signals." How do you argue with that logic?:rolleyes: I don't know, I am always looking out for that stuff when driving though. It reminds me of when I delivered ice. They always said that when you get comfortable is when you end up having and accident. With some of the drivers on the roads, I don't see how I will ever get comfortable.
OldRightHander
07-02-2008, 11:15 AM
Turn signals are my biggest pet peeve on the road. Not only people who don't signal, but people who don't acknowledge when others are signaling. If I put my signal on to make a lane change, I expect people who are in that lane to see my signal and react to it, but most people just continue on like nothing is happening. When I see someone with a signal on to come into my lane, I will either slow down to let that person over, or I will speed up and get around faster so he will be able to come over. In short, I acknowledge when other people are signaling. I expect others to do the same.
Fon Duc Tow
07-02-2008, 04:57 PM
1. People who ride your (butt) on the highway, but without the intent of being mean. They just drive that way all the time.
2. Trucks in the fast lane.
3. People who signal in the middle of their lane change. HELLO??? If you wait to signal until you are already changing lanes, then it isn't really much of a SIGNAL is it?!?!
4. People who pass on the right.
5. If I leave any more than a car length in front of me, you can bet some SUV will squeeze right in, thus blinding me and putting me at the mercy of their reaction time and brake lights.
6. I am doing 82 in the fast lane, going with the flow of traffic, but idiot is riding my (butt) "because 82 is still not fast enough for him and we should all just get out of his way."
Man I could go on and on and on. I am developing a pretty big hatred for I-275. But I'll tell you what I do when someone is riding me. Some people put on their brakes. But that could create an even more dangerous traffic situation and could get you cited. What I do is just spray wiper fluid until they back off. Going that fast, if someone is following that close behind, if you spit that at them, after a while they will get the message. I've had to do it for over a minute once.
I won't flip off an idiot driver, but I will spit on them. Makes me angry because if they rear end me, I'd be the one most likely to get injured, not them. So they are playing with my life, just because they are being jerks. That gets them spit on every time.
TeamCasey
07-02-2008, 09:45 PM
I really don't care for the peanuts in CrackerJacks. I'm all about the pocorn.
RFS62
07-02-2008, 09:53 PM
I really don't care for the peanuts in CrackerJacks. I'm all about the pocorn.
That's just crazy talk.
:p:
OldRightHander
07-02-2008, 09:54 PM
I really don't care for the peanuts in CrackerJacks. I'm all about the pocorn.
I've always thought they didn't have enough peanuts.
MaineRed
07-02-2008, 10:39 PM
1. People who ride your (butt) on the highway, but without the intent of being mean. They just drive that way all the time.
5. If I leave any more than a car length in front of me, you can bet some SUV will squeeze right in, thus blinding me and putting me at the mercy of their reaction time and brake lights.
You are right, people aren't being mean. Just stupid. I drive faster than most everyone on the road. I'm not the guy who flies by you on the interstate going 110 but I like to travel at a decent clip and I can't drive on a busy road without some clown riding my bumper. I feel like I am the only person in the country who learned ANYTHING about reaction time at drivers ed. What were the rest of you doing that day in class?
And for those of us who don't tailgate we get the pinheads who insist on turning us into tailgaters. You try to leave a safe, reasonable distance, you know more than 6 feet and the next thing you know someone has pulled out in front of you or passed you and taken up that extra space you had created which forces you to then tailgate them or slow down to the point that the clown behind you is now on your butt.
NorrisHopper30
07-02-2008, 10:56 PM
I've seen a guy on a motorcycle try to talk on one.
I just saw a guy on a motorcycle texting on my way to the movie theater tonight.
I almost crashed
Caveat Emperor
07-03-2008, 08:05 AM
2. Trucks in the fast lane.
I used to make the drive up I-75 from Cincy to Toledo quite frequently when I was in school.
Nothing made my day like spending 15 minutes waiting for Truck A (doing 60 MPH) to pass Truck B (doing 55 MPH) on a 2 lane road w/ a 65 MPH speed limit.
Roy Tucker
07-03-2008, 08:38 AM
Brown M&Ms.
I can't tell if they just forgot to put the candy coating on or if they are actually brown. Confusion ensues.
I prefer the yellow ones.
OldRightHander
07-03-2008, 09:06 AM
I used to make the drive up I-75 from Cincy to Toledo quite frequently when I was in school.
Nothing made my day like spending 15 minutes waiting for Truck A (doing 60 MPH) to pass Truck B (doing 55 MPH) on a 2 lane road w/ a 65 MPH speed limit.
Speed limiters on trucks. That's your culprit. So many of them are governed and can't go that fast. Often you have one passing the other and he just can't go any faster. The split speed limits have something to do with that as well. The speed limit for trucks is 55 in Ohio. I don't blame the trucker, but the stupid law that makes them go 10 mph slower than the rest of us.
OldRightHander
07-03-2008, 09:13 AM
2. Trucks in the fast lane.
4. People who pass on the right.
Both of these things irritate me as well, but if we don't want people passing on the right, then we need to let the trucks use the left lane to pass slower vehicles as well, and we need to be patient with them when it takes a little longer for them to complete the pass and get back over.
As for the passing on the right thing, I've taken to playing a little game lately, and I know I shouldn't be doing it but I can't resist. I will plant myself in the middle lane and put my cruise on about 65 and then keep a close eye on my mirrors. Every time someone comes up behind me and starts to go right, I will cut over to the right lane to block him. Then when the idiot goes to the left to pass me, I will wait until he's past and then get back to the middle lane and wait for the next moron. I doubt that I'm actually reforming them, but it feels good. Or sometimes I will just get up next to someone in the right lane and force the person to go to the left lane to get around. My wife says I need to stop "policing" everyone else on the road.
oneupper
07-03-2008, 09:18 AM
My wife says I need to stop "policing" everyone else on the road.
Your wife is very wise. It's really not worth the aggravation and in extreme cases can be dangerous.
OldRightHander
07-03-2008, 09:24 AM
Your wife is very wise. It's really not worth the aggravation and in extreme cases can be dangerous.
Yeah, it's a real moth to the flame scenario.
Fon Duc Tow
07-03-2008, 09:38 AM
I've taken to playing a little game lately, and I know I shouldn't be doing it but I can't resist.
:D Good stuff.
Yes yes your wife is probably right and I know it isn't the smartest thing to do but it is hard to resist.
Really makes you wonder how there aren't more accidents, with the way people drive.
gonelong
07-03-2008, 12:44 PM
I much prefer the speeders, tailgaiter, and right lane passers to the people who think they need to police them. The "policers" are every bit as dangerous IMO.
GL
TeamCasey
07-03-2008, 04:41 PM
I used to make the drive up I-75 from Cincy to Toledo quite frequently when I was in school.
Nothing made my day like spending 15 minutes waiting for Truck A (doing 60 MPH) to pass Truck B (doing 55 MPH) on a 2 lane road w/ a 65 MPH speed limit.
I-71 from Cincy to Cleveland is the worst.
TeamCasey
07-03-2008, 04:44 PM
Speaking of I-71 - does anyone else have trouble staying on I-71 through Columbus? I do O.K. going North, but I always screw up the split coming south. Drives me nuts.
TeamCasey
07-03-2008, 04:45 PM
Brown M&Ms.
I can't tell if they just forgot to put the candy coating on or if they are actually brown. Confusion ensues.
I prefer the yellow ones.
I'm a blue girl, myself. :)
OldRightHander
07-03-2008, 05:06 PM
Speaking of I-71 - does anyone else have trouble staying on I-71 through Columbus? I do O.K. going North, but I always screw up the split coming south. Drives me nuts.
Practice makes perfect. I've been through there so many times I hardly even notice. You really have to pay attention to the signs though.
Foggy people. Its to the point where I'd prefer someone who's just intentionally rude to the folks I see all the time who don't seem to know where they are, who's around them, that other people exist.
Today I watched a young woman walk across the street against the light, realize what she had done and then stop. Cars are honking and she's just frozen.
Then this guy's done with the ATM and decides to call his sister or someone on his phone. He's just standing there talking on the phone in front of the ATM. I'm convinced he wasn't trying to be rude, he just had no clue that OTHER PEOPLE ARE WAITING.
KittyDuran
07-03-2008, 07:44 PM
Speaking of I-71 - does anyone else have trouble staying on I-71 through Columbus? I do O.K. going North, but I always screw up the split coming south. Drives me nuts.I have trouble going BOTH ways - but northbound seems to be more of a problem for me - either way its a lot of switching lanes with not that much time.
RFS62
07-04-2008, 01:41 PM
I much prefer the speeders, tailgaiter, and right lane passers to the people who think they need to police them. The "policers" are every bit as dangerous IMO.
GL
I'd love to see the police deal with the "policers". Playing games on the highway is beyond childish and downright dangerous.
No offense, Oldrighthander, but you brought it up.
Highlifeman21
07-07-2008, 10:26 PM
The speed of the greens at The Links at Grand Victoria. A course like that shouldn't have greens that sloooooooooooooooooooooow. Great track, quite possibly my favorite public in the Tri-State area, but man do they need to speed up their carpet.
Didn't matter how hard I hammered my putts on Saturday, I was consistently a couple rotations short. 31 putts was unacceptable for how well I was hitting it (except on the freakin' Par 3s... Bogeyed all 4... ridiculous...) I hit 13 greens, and rowed the boat home for a 7 over 78, and lost by 1 to my Dad, since I had to give him 18. I've never seen a man fight so hard for a 95 before.... But I digress....
On a side note, swirling wind on a golf course drives me crazy as well... Nothing like watching the wind switch directions while your ball is in the air and take it to a place you didn't want... Or, when you're hitting into the wind, and it's a steady 1/2 club wind, and then immediately after impact it gusts up to at least a 2 club wind until your ball lands.... I'm convinced the wind is against me on the golf course....
paintmered
07-07-2008, 10:38 PM
Speed limiters on trucks. That's your culprit. So many of them are governed and can't go that fast. Often you have one passing the other and he just can't go any faster. The split speed limits have something to do with that as well. The speed limit for trucks is 55 in Ohio. I don't blame the trucker, but the stupid law that makes them go 10 mph slower than the rest of us.
This very thing happened to me this past weekend on I-70 between Dayton and Springfield. The "passing" semi inched ahead for three miles (I kept track) before being able to merge back in the right lane. By this time, a stack of over 20 cars formed in the left lane.
The really annoying ones are when the velocity difference is 1 MPH. There needs to be some courtesy to not impede traffic for three miles just so the truck driver can run at his governed speed.
BTW, if it takes a semi three miles to pass another semi at 60 MPH, the slower truck is doing 59.3 MPH. Over 1000 miles, that's a whopping 12 minutes saved. That's not reason enough to pass IMO, especially when there is only two lanes.
kaldaniels
07-07-2008, 11:59 PM
This very thing happened to me this past weekend on I-70 between Dayton and Springfield. The "passing" semi inched ahead for three miles (I kept track) before being able to merge back in the right lane. By this time, a stack of over 20 cars formed in the left lane.
The really annoying ones are when the velocity difference is 1 MPH. There needs to be some courtesy to not impede traffic for three miles just so the truck driver can run at his governed speed.
BTW, if it takes a semi three miles to pass another semi at 60 MPH, the slower truck is doing 59.3 MPH. Over 1000 miles, that's a whopping 12 minutes saved. That's not reason enough to pass IMO, especially when there is only two lanes.
If I'm driving a truck for a living and you tell me I'll get a few extra minutes rest if I pass Truck B which takes 2 minutes to do...sign me up.
Caveat Emperor
07-08-2008, 02:11 AM
If I'm driving a truck for a living and you tell me I'll get a few extra minutes rest if I pass Truck B which takes 2 minutes to do...sign me up.
Though, I imagine you'd be kinda hacked off if you stood waiting on line at a Mickey D's in front of an empty counter because all the people wanted an extra 5 minutes for break (and be damned if it inconvenienced anyone waiting).
paintmered
07-08-2008, 07:24 AM
If I'm driving a truck for a living and you tell me I'll get a few extra minutes rest if I pass Truck B which takes 2 minutes to do...sign me up.
Chances are no truck is going to follow another for 1000 miles. That's over 16 hours of driving. I just chose that distance to highlight how small a difference .7 MPH is.
SeeinRed
07-08-2008, 12:19 PM
The thing is that it is easier when you have a governer to hold the gas in and pass than to try to let off just enough to keep your distance. You waste gas for one thing, and it can be quite tiring over a substantial distance. Sounds like something small, but having driven a truck with a governer, it is something I take into account that others might not. Just from the year or so I drove that truck, it changed the way I drive around trucks in my car. The way people drive makes it very difficult on truck drivers. You constantly get pulled out in front of because people are too impatient to get stuck behind a truck, and people constantly drive in your blind spots because they tailgate everyone. As mentioned previously in this thread, they don't signal. That little bit of warning makes a huge difference on wether a truck driver is able to react in time. People cut in front of them to make turns also. Its just crazy.
Not to say truck drivers aren't at fault though. I've known my share of bad truck drivers who think they can do what they want because their truck is bigger than your car.
Other people on the road that annoy me: Motorcyclists, SUV drivers, and old people.
Motorcyclists are usually very careful because they are on the edge of death anyway. However, the ones that are usually stupid are on the "Crotch Rockets" as they are called. They drive in between cars on the white lines and everywhere else and they fly.
SUV drivers... Well most shouldn't be driving them. The especially bad offenders appear to be women for the ones who don't seem to know how to handle big vehicles. If you don't feel comfortable driving it, its probably not for you. I know it "feels safe" but it is especially dangerous for others. Men tend to be the ones driving aggresively and acting like they are driving sports cars. Both are equally as annoying.
These old people I speak of aren't any certain age. They are the ones who drive 25 in a 45 mph zone. They can barely keep the car in the lane, and they have no business on the road. Should there be an age where seniors no longer have liscenses? I don't know, but if they can't pass a driving test, they shoudn't be driving. Maybe everyone should be retested after 65 and everytime after that when they need their liscense renewed. If they have and accident or a cop has to pull them over for whatever reason, they should be required to take the test again. Maybe thats a bad idea, maybe not.
NJReds
07-08-2008, 12:54 PM
SUV drivers... Well most shouldn't be driving them. The especially bad offenders appear to be women for the ones who don't seem to know how to handle big vehicles. If you don't feel comfortable driving it, its probably not for you. I know it "feels safe" but it is especially dangerous for others.
That's Bergen County (where I live) in a nutshell. Executive's wives driving around in Escalades, Navigators and other huge SUVs with no clue how to manuver vehicles of that size. Stay far away from them in parking lots!
NJReds
07-08-2008, 12:57 PM
Now that rec softball leagues are in full swing, I'd like to add that the guys who think that are playing like it's Game 7 of the World Series really bug me.
I'm not talking about the Ryan Freel wannabes. I'm talking about the one's that argue every call, that yell at teammates after baserunning mistakes or errors in the field, nitpick on every rule ... you get the picture. These are the guys that are leading the wave in their dugout when they win, but won't shake the opponents' hands when they lose.
Things/products that are "X-TREME!!!"
Wiping out the "E" at the beginning makes something that much more exciting? Or should I say "x-citing?"
SeeinRed
07-08-2008, 05:32 PM
Things/products that are "X-TREME!!!"
Wiping out the "E" at the beginning makes something that much more exciting? Or should I say "x-citing?"
X-actly... Sorry, couldn't resist.:D
Gainesville Red
07-08-2008, 05:37 PM
All the driving/traffic things reminded me of something.
When you're on a road with more than one lane and due to construction or an accident or whatever, they're funneling traffic into one lane.
There's always someone that speeds past everyone like it's the Daytona 500, all the way to the front and tries to cut into the lane.
Nothing makes me happier than no one letting him/her in, although someone always does.
I'm the kind of driver that always lets someone in, but this is my exception. I hate that guy.
KittyDuran
07-08-2008, 09:00 PM
Things/products that are "X-TREME!!!"
Wiping out the "E" at the beginning makes something that much more exciting? Or should I say "x-citing?"You want to put a little X-tra emphasis on this, durl??? :D
improbus
07-08-2008, 09:04 PM
Now that rec softball leagues are in full swing, I'd like to add that the guys who think that are playing like it's Game 7 of the World Series really bug me.
I'm not talking about the Ryan Freel wannabes. I'm talking about the one's that argue every call, that yell at teammates after baserunning mistakes or errors in the field, nitpick on every rule ... you get the picture. These are the guys that are leading the wave in their dugout when they win, but won't shake the opponents' hands when they lose.
He's called "softball guy". He's the guy that, playing in a coed non-competitive league, goes after the girl down the right field line while up 12 runs. I love those guys.
improbus
07-08-2008, 09:07 PM
This is going to prove that I might be the biggest nerd on this board, but here is my big pet peeve: words like quadrilogy. You should never mix your Latin and Greek based words, and being someone who is well versed in both languages, it drives me crazy. As an aside, what is the correct form of "quadrilogy"?
KittyDuran
07-08-2008, 09:07 PM
All the driving/traffic things reminded me of something.
When you're on a road with more than one lane and due to construction or an accident or whatever, they're funneling traffic into one lane.
There's always someone that speeds past everyone like it's the Daytona 500, all the way to the front and tries to cut into the lane.
Nothing makes me happier than no one letting him/her in, although someone always does.
I'm the kind of driver that always lets someone in, but this is my exception. I hate that guy.I got an even better scenario (sp?). Some places around the area have two dedicated lanes going up a ramp onto another road. But the two lanes go in opposite directions on the road at the end. So you have cars wanting to jump into one lane. At first I'd would let them - but now I don't... I had to wait two lights in this one dedicated lane - I'm not letting you in because you're too much in a hurry. [Now, I can understand if a person had never been on this ramp and didn't know better - but this happens every day going to work before 8am] I always vow to make note to see if it is the same people every day.
BTW, this is the ramp from Reed Hartman onto East Kemper Road right off of I-275 Eastbound...:)
kaldaniels
07-08-2008, 09:38 PM
Though, I imagine you'd be kinda hacked off if you stood waiting on line at a Mickey D's in front of an empty counter because all the people wanted an extra 5 minutes for break (and be damned if it inconvenienced anyone waiting).
Apples and oranges my friend. Spin it how you like.
gonelong
07-08-2008, 10:21 PM
When you're on a road with more than one lane and due to construction or an accident or whatever, they're funneling traffic into one lane.
In Europe they have done a handful of studies on this. The way to get the most people through the single lane in the least amount of time is for both lanes to be fully utilized and then take turns from each lane when it goes down to single.
Had a truck burning on I-75 North today, all lanes closed. A trucker decided that if she couldn't move, nobody could, and blocked the shoulder so that nobody could pass and get off the highway on the exit that was 1/4 mile up. Next car I am buying the optional missle package. After a minute or two I went down into the grass and passed her.
GL
SeeinRed
07-09-2008, 09:51 AM
In Europe they have done a handful of studies on this. The way to get the most people through the single lane in the least amount of time is for both lanes to be fully utilized and then take turns from each lane when it goes down to single.
Had a truck burning on I-75 North today, all lanes closed. A trucker decided that if she couldn't move, nobody could, and blocked the shoulder so that nobody could pass and get off the highway on the exit that was 1/4 mile up. Next car I am buying the optional missle package. After a minute or two I went down into the grass and passed her.
GL
Oh... So you are one of THOSE people....;)
Couldn't wait and suffer like everyone else huh? I'm kidding of course. I have seen instances where people drive down the shoulder in traffic for a while to try to merge back in ahead of somebody. Now that is crazy. I've also been passed on the right shoulder by some idiot on a motorcycle before. Liked to have swerved a little and scared the crap outta him, but I'm a nice guy. Thats why I have to turn to a message board and rant.
I do have one story about traffic that make me feel good. I once had a person tailgating me through a construction zone because I was "only doing the speed limit. What I knew that she didn't was there was a cop sitting at the end of the construction zone. I continued doing the speed limit and I could see here making gestures and getting upset, which actually made it even more fun for me. It widened to two lanes and I got over to let her pass because I knew she didn't see the cop. She flew up next to me a little bit before we got next to the cop and flipped me off. I laughed and pointed in the direction of the cop. Of course she slammed on the breaks and got right back behind me. It was too late for her though. You couldn't have taken that smile off my face if you wanted to. I waved as she got pulled over. Don't know if she saw me, but I like to think she did.
KittyDuran
07-09-2008, 10:08 AM
I got an even better scenario (sp?). Some places around the area have two dedicated lanes going up a ramp onto another road. But the two lanes go in opposite directions on the road at the end. So you have cars wanting to jump into one lane. At first I'd would let them - but now I don't... I had to wait two lights in this one dedicated lane - I'm not letting you in because you're too much in a hurry. [Now, I can understand if a person had never been on this ramp and didn't know better - but this happens every day going to work before 8am] I always vow to make note to see if it is the same people every day.
BTW, this is the ramp from Reed Hartman onto East Kemper Road right off of I-275 Eastbound...:)Ha! This morning a cop was waiting to catch someone who was turning right in the left turning lane going onto East Kemper!!!:thumbup:
Dom Heffner
07-09-2008, 10:30 AM
Speaking of traffic. Can't stand people who miss their turn and then want to either stop in traffic to go across three lanes to try and make it or who just come across, world be darned, without even looking.
It's like look: you missed the turn, so either go do a U-Turn or turn your car around in a driveway and come back. Everyone's life does not have to be in danger becuase of your error. You'll be 1 minute late getting there now. Big deal.
RUBBERNECKERS!!!
Especially when there's a wreck on the OTHER side of the interstate and people on the clear side slow traffic down to a crawl just so they can try to stare over the barrier to see what's happened. Keep it moving, people.
OldRightHander
07-09-2008, 11:38 AM
I do have one story about traffic that make me feel good. I once had a person tailgating me through a construction zone because I was "only doing the speed limit. What I knew that she didn't was there was a cop sitting at the end of the construction zone. I continued doing the speed limit and I could see here making gestures and getting upset, which actually made it even more fun for me. It widened to two lanes and I got over to let her pass because I knew she didn't see the cop. She flew up next to me a little bit before we got next to the cop and flipped me off. I laughed and pointed in the direction of the cop. Of course she slammed on the breaks and got right back behind me. It was too late for her though. You couldn't have taken that smile off my face if you wanted to. I waved as she got pulled over. Don't know if she saw me, but I like to think she did.
I had almost the same scenario. I drive a Sprinter van, but it's tall enough that someone following too close can't see around. I was following a cop through the construction zone and when the road widened, the impatient car zoomed around me like I was sitting still. Sucker didn't notice the cop until he was almost past me and then it was too late. I was grinning for miles after.
Driving in LA was absolutely nuts. People were passing on exit ramps and then cutting back onto the highway. At one point I got into the right lane and then starting going slow, just because I was sick of people passing on the right and two people used the shoulder, when there were lanes free to the left of me. Sometimes I think people insist on passing on the right because they want to make some aggressive show.
One place in Cincinnati that always gets on my nerves is the Hamilton Avenue exit off 275. If you go north on Hamilton you have two lanes until you get to that traffic light where you would turn into Wendy's and BP, and there is a right lane ends sign well in advance. Most people will line up in the left lane like they should, but there's always a moron who will get in the right lane and try to get around everyone and then cut back in. The other day when I was home I was taking that exit and there was a lot of traffic. I went straight to the right lane and then started creeping along really slow with my flashers on. I forced at least three people into the left lane who were going to try to do that. Then when everything was clear I got over to the left lane and continued on. I probably didn't accomplish much, but it felt good. Another driver figured out what was going on and gave me a thumbs up and smiled.
TeamCasey
07-09-2008, 11:45 AM
"SAFETY" PACKING TAPE DISPENSERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will go through a window or monitor by day's end.
TeamCasey
07-09-2008, 11:48 AM
All the driving/traffic things reminded me of something.
When you're on a road with more than one lane and due to construction or an accident or whatever, they're funneling traffic into one lane.
There's always someone that speeds past everyone like it's the Daytona 500, all the way to the front and tries to cut into the lane.
Nothing makes me happier than no one letting him/her in, although someone always does.
I'm the kind of driver that always lets someone in, but this is my exception. I hate that guy.
I hate that guy too!
I think I have a pretty good sense of who did it on purpose and who just goofed up. I'd like to believe that.
OldRightHander
07-09-2008, 11:50 AM
I'm sitting in a truck stop and every table in the restaurant has a telephone. This was a nice feature back in the Dark Ages when most drivers didn't have cell phones. Only two tables in the entire dining area have a power outlet nearby and at any given time there are half a dozen drivers looking for a table with an outlet to plug in a laptop. I waited my time and I have one of those tables now. The phones are going unused for the most part, but you will go into a brand new truck stop and find phones at all the tables and no power outlets. It's like they can't figure out that most drivers have cell phones now, and also computers that they'd like to plug in and use at the table.
Ltlabner
09-18-2008, 07:18 AM
People who make zero effort to prepare for a storm/power outage and then procede to completely freakout because of a storm/power outage.
If you have insulin that has to stay cold so you can live, or you need power for your breathing aparatus you are exempt from this gripe. I'm just talking about folks who aren't dependent on electricity to survive in the short term.
How hard is it to buy some candles, a small radio and a flashlight? Have a gallon or two of gas in the shed (appartment dwellers obviouslly exempt). If you really want to get nutty you could check out a generator.
I guess I'm just a wild Rambo survialist nut, but we have a small plastic tub in the front closet with candles, batteries, flashlights and a hand-crank radio. There's also some first aide supplies and copies of all our important papers. I think we have about $50 and a single trip to Wall-Mart invested in the whole schmear.
Sorry, but I have little patience for people who can't think far enough ahead to do basic things to prepare for not having power for up to 3 whole whopping days.
SunDeck
09-18-2008, 12:46 PM
The right handedness of the world drives me crazy. These two, in particular:
My office phone
The handset is on the left side, the buttons on the right. So, I pick it up and hold it in my right hand, the cord then is across the buttons. I have to push it away with my left elbow so I can dial the phone.
Computers
Oh sure, you can set up the mouse to be "left handed", but that only changes the mouse buttons. Everything else is still oriented for the right hander. The toolbars, the way icons appear on the desktop, the way the menus cascade...it's all for righties.
Ltlabner
09-19-2008, 09:50 AM
People who are really, really excited to stay in a hotel and find the experience new and wonderfull.
Dom Heffner
09-19-2008, 10:11 AM
There's always someone that speeds past everyone like it's the Daytona 500, all the way to the front and tries to cut into the lane.
Nothing makes me happier than no one letting him/her in, although someone always does.
It is a sad thing, indeed, but I found this to be much more efficient than taking my place in line 30 cars back and being the guy riding my brake until I get passed the construction.
One of those very sad truths.
Another sad truth is rubber-neckers. I don't know how you stop it.
Ltlabner
09-19-2008, 09:29 PM
People who yap non-stop on airline flights. Especially when sitting directly behind me...for 90 non-stop, excruitating minutes.
Forgive me if I overlooked this in another post...
Using the letter "i" in front of products simply because of iPods being so wildly popular. I can't remember the exact name but I believe there's an "iSofa" store near me.
I'm guessing Ltlabner has the most posts in this thread. And it's probably not close.
Roy Tucker
09-22-2008, 09:57 AM
Forgive me if I overlooked this in another post...
Using the letter "i" in front of products simply because of iPods being so wildly popular. I can't remember the exact name but I believe there's an "iSofa" store near me.
It took over the letter "e". For the longest time, everything was e-something.
We used to order dog food over the net. I called our dog the iDog.
Ltlabner
09-22-2008, 10:54 AM
I'm guessing Ltlabner has the most posts in this thread. And it's probably not close.
Ltlabner is a crabby sort.
Ltlabner is a crabby sort.
That was my take. ;)
Ltlabner
09-22-2008, 11:20 AM
Continuing on the airline travel theme.
I am odd (no kidding) and usually check my baggage. I only fly for work about 3 to 6 times a year so I don't feel a need to carry every last thing onto the airplane.
When I get to the baggage claim area I usually go to the part of the carrosel that is the farthest from where the bags come out. I know all the tourists and rookies will go right to where the bags emerge and drop onto the the carrosel and I want to avoid that furball frenzy.
Envaribly someone feels the need to either stand directly next to me, or find a way to get between me and the carrosel unit. And this is with me starting out as far away from the main action as is possible. It's almost as if they think I know some secret info and they are trying to glom onto it. Very weird.
Continuing on the airline travel theme.
I am odd (no kidding) and usually check my baggage. I only fly for work about 3 to 6 times a year so I don't feel a need to carry every last thing onto the airplane.
When I get to the baggage claim area I usually go to the part of the carrosel that is the farthest from where the bags come out. I know all the tourists and rookies will go right to where the bags emerge and drop onto the the carrosel and I want to avoid that furball frenzy.
Envaribly someone feels the need to either stand directly next to me, or find a way to get between me and the carrosel unit. And this is with me starting out as far away from the main action as is possible. It's almost as if they think I know some secret info and they are trying to glom onto it. Very weird.
I get a bit aggravated at baggage carousels, too.
What bothers me is when I find a spot, not too close to others, and I stand back 4-5 feet away so that others can see luggage coming around and step forward and grab their bags without fighting through a crowd. It never fails that people will come and stand RIGHT in front of me, blocking my view, and forcing people to fight through them just to pull their bag off.
Dom Heffner
09-22-2008, 01:03 PM
Envaribly someone feels the need to either stand directly next to me, or find a way to get between me and the carrosel unit. And this is with me starting out as far away from the main action as is possible. It's almost as if they think I know some secret info and they are trying to glom onto it. Very weird.
This happens to me all the time. Drives me crazy.
Strikes Out Looking
09-22-2008, 07:50 PM
I'm sitting in a truck stop and every table in the restaurant has a telephone. This was a nice feature back in the Dark Ages when most drivers didn't have cell phones. Only two tables in the entire dining area have a power outlet nearby and at any given time there are half a dozen drivers looking for a table with an outlet to plug in a laptop. I waited my time and I have one of those tables now. The phones are going unused for the most part, but you will go into a brand new truck stop and find phones at all the tables and no power outlets. It's like they can't figure out that most drivers have cell phones now, and also computers that they'd like to plug in and use at the table.
Since when did Max and Erma's have a truck stop?
remdog
09-22-2008, 09:22 PM
In regards to what Lil'Abner, durl and Dom have said, I concur completely. I've averaged about 25-30 RT's for the past eight years and I'm still at a loss to explain this lemming approach. Surely, some of these people have picked up baggage at an airport before!
Since I mostly fly Southwest (which has open seating) I usually sit in the back of the plane. If the flight isn't full it usually gives me an unfilled seat next to me plus I have to go to baggage anyway so I'm in no hurry. It always amazes me the number of people that are sitting in, say, row 25 that jump up out of their seats and grab their stuff out of the bin above. Dude! You're not going anywhere until the 24 rows in front of you get off so sit back and relax! :rolleyes:
Rem
Caveat Emperor
09-23-2008, 12:53 AM
I flew to DC this weekend to visit a friend -- actually had a pleasant travel experience with AirTran (a first for me) with no major complaints whatsoever.
I did notice a one thing that amused me greatly though:
They made me take my shoes off, put any drop of liquid out for separate searching, walk through a metal detector, and then have a random bag screen to make sure I wasn't carrying any weapons.
I then walked past security and sat down at a "sports bar" type place inside the terminal, only to notice they had steak knives just sitting out on the bar for people to eat with (and presumably stick in their pocket for future stabbings).
Good stuff. At least they stopped me from carrying a saline-solution WMD on board.
cincyinco
10-01-2008, 03:41 AM
My wife...
Nuff said... Am I right? ;)
Dom Heffner
10-04-2008, 09:40 AM
If any of you read GQ, Vanity Fair, Details, etc., you will know what I am talking about with #2:
1) Magazines stuffed so full of ads that you can't find the table of contents.
2) That creepy Paul Mitchell ad where he is posing with his prepubescent shirtless son, who has a snake wrapped around his neck. I don't get it.
SunDeck
10-04-2008, 09:51 AM
My wife...
Nuff said... Am I right? ;)
I hear you, man. She bugs me too.
:D
OldRightHander
10-06-2008, 11:21 PM
1. Forklift drivers that insist on hitting your rear bumper. The first one who breaks my step bumper is paying for it.
2. Employees who go outside on smoke break and then stand right by the door so you have to walk through a cloud to get in the building.
3. Playing leap frog on the highway. This is common when you drive something taller than most of the other things on the road. The person in the car doesn't want to be behind you, so he will pass you, get in front of you, and then slow down again, forcing you to either slow down or pass the person who just passed you. Earlier this evening I had a running game of leap frog with some idiot in a Prius that went for about 15 miles. I'm a cruise control freak. I set my cruise on 68 and this guy didn't want to be behind me but he didn't want to go fast enough to stay ahead of me. Finally I got around him and just put the hammer down until I was about 2 miles ahead of him. That probably made him happy anyway.
4. People talking with food in their mouths.
5. When a runner gets to third with no outs and doesn't score.
6. Trying to explain objectivism to a relativist.
7. Truck stop parking lots close to railroad tracks.
8. Little yappy dogs.
9. The cashier girl the other day who was listening to her ipod while ringing up my order.
10. The tendency I have when posting any sort of list on an internet forum to think I need to have an even ten items in my list. What would you call that, Letterman syndrome?
SunDeck
10-07-2008, 06:36 AM
3. Playing leap frog on the highway. This is common when you drive something taller than most of the other things on the road. The person in the car doesn't want to be behind you, so he will pass you, get in front of you, and then slow down again, forcing you to either slow down or pass the person who just passed you. Earlier this evening I had a running game of leap frog with some idiot in a Prius that went for about 15 miles. I'm a cruise control freak. I set my cruise on 68 and this guy didn't want to be behind me but he didn't want to go fast enough to stay ahead of me. Finally I got around him and just put the hammer down until I was about 2 miles ahead of him. That probably made him happy anyway.
Or the flip side of this, truckers who drive 80 mph down a hill then 50 uphill. This happens to me every time I am on I-75 in Kentucky.
Ltlabner
10-07-2008, 07:15 AM
If any of you read GQ, Vanity Fair, Details, etc., you will know what I am talking about with #2:
Actually, no I don't read those.
I'm a man.
:p:
Cyclone792
10-07-2008, 08:17 AM
I was tailed on the highway again this morning coming into work (by an SUV, surprise surprise!). Then the person whipped around and tried to cut me off, but no chance ... wasn't going to happen.
You've gotta love good ole I-75 in morning rush hour in the dark. I've noticed that when it's dark outside, the idiots seem to come out in full numbers on that highway and in general. It's almost as if they have a right to be an idiot because they can't be seen.
It's mind boggling why people tail other people on the highway, especially in pretty thick traffic. I can only go as fast as the car in front of me, and no matter how much the person behind me rides my bumper, I can't just go through the car in front of me. I understand if a person doesn't want a car from another lane cutting them off, but it's not necessary to ride someone's bumper three feet away to prevent that.
SunDeck
10-07-2008, 09:33 AM
I was tailed on the highway again this morning coming into work (by an SUV, surprise surprise!). Then the person whipped around and tried to cut me off, but no chance ... wasn't going to happen.
You've gotta love good ole I-75 in morning rush hour in the dark. I've noticed that when it's dark outside, the idiots seem to come out in full numbers on that highway and in general. It's almost as if they have a right to be an idiot because they can't be seen.
It's mind boggling why people tail other people on the highway, especially in pretty thick traffic. I can only go as fast as the car in front of me, and no matter how much the person behind me rides my bumper, I can't just go through the car in front of me. I understand if a person doesn't want a car from another lane cutting them off, but it's not necessary to ride someone's bumper three feet away to prevent that.
Welcome to driving in Cincinnati- all time worst rush hour drivers on the planet. Here are their failings:
1) Cincinnati drivers think getting passed is the same as being insulted, no matter if they are in the left lane driving 50.
2) No collective understanding of the fact that everyone needs to go the same speed. I've driven in rush hour in LA, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and I find the collective acceptance of speed to be refreshing. Everyone drives as fast as they can, whether that is 25 or 80. In Cincinnati you still have people who refuse to accept the necessity of doing one's part for the group, so they are going 50 when everyone else wants to go 70. And then they get mad because some punk passes them on the right. At the very least, they need to be in the correct lane, which they often are not. Get out of the left and center lanes and stick to the buggy lane.
Dom Heffner
10-07-2008, 10:59 AM
I'm a man.
(Cues up dueling banjos)
Yeah, you won't see Paul Mitchell ads in hunting and fishing magazines.
I guess there's no sense in conditioning your hair when you're about to kill something like only a real man could.
;)
Cyclone792
10-07-2008, 12:02 PM
Welcome to driving in Cincinnati- all time worst rush hour drivers on the planet. Here are their failings:
1) Cincinnati drivers think getting passed is the same as being insulted, no matter if they are in the left lane driving 50.
2) No collective understanding of the fact that everyone needs to go the same speed. I've driven in rush hour in LA, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and I find the collective acceptance of speed to be refreshing. Everyone drives as fast as they can, whether that is 25 or 80. In Cincinnati you still have people who refuse to accept the necessity of doing one's part for the group, so they are going 50 when everyone else wants to go 70. And then they get mad because some punk passes them on the right. At the very least, they need to be in the correct lane, which they often are not. Get out of the left and center lanes and stick to the buggy lane.
Yep, just plain stupidity.
I drive in rush hour traffic every day during the week. Most times I skip over to the fast lane to go with the flow of that lane's traffic, and what I like to see is that the flow be slightly faster than the other lanes. And if the flow is 55, then I'll do 55. If it's 80, then I'll do 80. I wish other people would do the same. If a person wants to go slower than the fast lane flow, get out of the fast lane. This applies to trucks as well, because they love to just camp out in the fast lane and rarely pass anybody.
On the flip side, on those rare days when the flow is moving nicely in the fast lane - and faster than the other lanes - there is no point to tail the person in front of you. If the flow is going 70 and the person in front of you is doing 70, then do 70 and get off their bumper. This is what happened this morning.
What's also frustrating is being behind a person who tails the person in front of them in rush hour traffic. Because what always happens it the person doing the tailing is constantly hitting their brakes - sometimes rather hard - and that just screws up all the traffic behind them. It's like a domino effect, one person hits their brakes so the next 10 cars hit their brakes. And it all begins because somebody is tailing somebody else. If the flow is doing 55, do 55 and give some room. There's no need to hit the gas to 65, then slam on the brakes, then hit the gas again to 65, slam on the brakes, repeat, repeat, repeat.
The only thing I can think of is people must love buying gas and paying for brake jobs, because all that does is reduce gas mileage and wear out the pads quicker.
freestyle55
10-07-2008, 02:32 PM
What's also frustrating is being behind a person who tails the person in front of them in rush hour traffic. Because what always happens it the person doing the tailing is constantly hitting their brakes - sometimes rather hard - and that just screws up all the traffic behind them. It's like a domino effect, one person hits their brakes so the next 10 cars hit their brakes. And it all begins because somebody is tailing somebody else. If the flow is doing 55, do 55 and give some room. There's no need to hit the gas to 65, then slam on the brakes, then hit the gas again to 65, slam on the brakes, repeat, repeat, repeat.
What's really frustrating is people who just don't understand a roundabout. They put one in a little while ago in West Chester behind one of the Lakota HS (can't remember which one it is) and it simultaneously makes me laugh and scream when people go in, then stop and wait for the cars that are waiting to go in to go. I know they're not very common, but for cryin' out loud, you would think someone could explain it to them. I guess I should be more frustrated at the city planners who don't make it clear what to do in them (other than put a sign with a website to learn more), but since I'm better than every other driver (in my mind at least) it's more easy to be mad at the driver...
LoganBuck
10-07-2008, 10:05 PM
Assured clear distance thieves. I absolutely hate the jerks that notice that you are not tailgating so they must squeeze into that area. Then almost without exception you must hit your brakes, which leads to the same situation that Cyclone just mentioned.
Yachtzee
10-07-2008, 10:19 PM
People who insist on backing into a parking space in the middle of a busy parking lot. I find this particularly annoying when I am backing out of my spot. It's very hard to see brake lights when you aren't behind them, so you see them drive by quickly and get ready to pull out, only to see them stop and start backing up into your path so they can back into a spot. A few times I've almost backed into one of them because I check my blind spot, see no one there and then start backing up only to check my mirror and see some jerk stopping in my blind spot.
*BaseClogger*
10-07-2008, 10:21 PM
Calculus...
paintmered
10-07-2008, 10:22 PM
What's really frustrating is people who just don't understand a roundabout. They put one in a little while ago in West Chester behind one of the Lakota HS (can't remember which one it is) and it simultaneously makes me laugh and scream when people go in, then stop and wait for the cars that are waiting to go in to go. I know they're not very common, but for cryin' out loud, you would think someone could explain it to them. I guess I should be more frustrated at the city planners who don't make it clear what to do in them (other than put a sign with a website to learn more), but since I'm better than every other driver (in my mind at least) it's more easy to be mad at the driver...
The roundabout in the center of Troy used to make cars already in the circle yield to traffic entering the circle (with two lanes in the circle itself). Apparently they didn't want high school kids to spend all night driving around the fountain so they'd make you stop every 90 feet to yield to inbound traffic. Of course, it was also counter to every other roundabout out there and prone to traffic backups. It also was an adventure anytime anyone unfamiliar with the traffic pattern would try to navigate it. An instance like this is the only time I've been in an auto accident (not my fault). A year later, the city reversed the traffic pattern and now it flows like any other roundabout: wait your turn to enter and then get to where you need to go without stopping.
gonelong
10-08-2008, 08:50 AM
People who insist on backing into a parking space in the middle of a busy parking lot. I find this particularly annoying when I am backing out of my spot. It's very hard to see brake lights when you aren't behind them, so you see them drive by quickly and get ready to pull out, only to see them stop and start backing up into your path so they can back into a spot. A few times I've almost backed into one of them because I check my blind spot, see no one there and then start backing up only to check my mirror and see some jerk stopping in my blind spot.
I back in pretty much everywhere I go, whenever possible. I guess it depends on how busy it is, but you'll likely be waiting on me to back into a spot and I won't be apologizing for it.
I'd much rather be backing into the parking spot, a spot I know not to contain a car, a child, etc. than to be backing up into the area where people will be driving and walking.
I back into my own garage to avoid backing over the sidewalk in the morning because we have so many children in our neighborhood. I am going to need to backup once in this situation no matter what, but I'd rather back into my drive on returning home since I have been able to scan the entire street and can decide if it's safe to do so. My wife and child know to stay at a safe distance while I am backing in, unlike the rest of the kids in the neighborhood.
GL
Dom Heffner
10-08-2008, 03:09 PM
I back in pretty much everywhere I go, whenever possible.
Just out of curiosity- What is the point of backing in?
Roy Tucker
10-08-2008, 03:26 PM
I'll back into parking spaces when I think getting out will be a problem.
Like Reds games or any other event where getting in isn't such a problem, but when everyone leaves at the same time, backing out into lines of traffic is harder than just nosing your way out.
In most parking lots, I'll try to pull through parking spaces so I'm heading out nose first instead of butt-first. Which actually reminds me of a gripe of mine.
Often times, I'm parked between 2 big SUVs or vans at the grocery store. Backing out is a little problematic because I really just can't see if anyone is coming because of the large vehicles that seem so prevalent. So I scope it out as best as I can and start to inch out hoping to be able to see better once I'm out a little ways.
So here I am, backed half-way out, backup lights on, moving out and it's very obvious I'm backing out. And some bozo comes blasting down the parking lot aisle at warp speed, cuts me off, lays on his horn. and gives me a finger salute.
Thanks for being so courteous, bub. Like, what else am I supposed to do?
Just out of curiosity- What is the point of backing in?
Faster getaway.
freestyle55
10-08-2008, 03:36 PM
The roundabout in the center of Troy used to make cars already in the circle yield to traffic entering the circle (with two lanes in the circle itself). Apparently they didn't want high school kids to spend all night driving around the fountain so they'd make you stop every 90 feet to yield to inbound traffic. Of course, it was also counter to every other roundabout out there and prone to traffic backups. It also was an adventure anytime anyone unfamiliar with the traffic pattern would try to navigate it. An instance like this is the only time I've been in an auto accident (not my fault). A year later, the city reversed the traffic pattern and now it flows like any other roundabout: wait your turn to enter and then get to where you need to go without stopping.
That's crazy...that really is counter-intuitive if you've ever seen one before...although the thought of hs kids circling forever like Clark Griswold in European Vacation (hey kids, there's Big Ben) makes me chuckle...
freestyle55
10-08-2008, 03:38 PM
While we seem to be on the road/driving kick...
Service roads...I believe I've seen them mostly in Texas and Michigan, but the idea of having to go up an extra exit just to turn around and go back the way you came to get to something on the other side of the road annoys me.
BoydsOfSummer
10-08-2008, 03:53 PM
While we seem to be on the road/driving kick...
Service roads...I believe I've seen them mostly in Texas and Michigan, but the idea of having to go up an extra exit just to turn around and go back the way you came to get to something on the other side of the road annoys me.
Speaking of Michigan, those "Michigan left turns" are a real pain in the ass.
vaticanplum
10-08-2008, 03:56 PM
Cell phone companies.
gonelong
10-08-2008, 04:59 PM
Just out of curiosity- What is the point of backing in?
IMO safety. Backing into a spot where there is generally nothing is pretty easy. Backing out of a spot into places where people and cars are generally moving around is more difficult and prone to error IMO. I'd rather not run into ... or over you.
I'd much rather be backing into the parking spot, a spot I know not to contain a car, a child, etc. than to be backing up into the area where people will be driving and walking.
GL
Stephenk29
10-08-2008, 05:10 PM
High School Students
Yachtzee
10-08-2008, 06:13 PM
IMO safety. Backing into a spot where there is generally nothing is pretty easy. Backing out of a spot into places where people and cars are generally moving around is more difficult and prone to error IMO. I'd rather not run into ... or over you.
GL
Actually, either way, you have to back up in an area with people and cars. The problem is that people backing into a space often only look at the space they are backing into and forget to check for other traffic. I've seen countless people pull ahead of a spot in an attempt to back in, only to almost cause an accident because the person behind them didn't realize that was their intention until it was too late. I can tell someone is backing out of a spot before they do it because their brake lights come on first before they start their intended action. With backing into a spot, no one sees the brake lights come on until the driver has already taken an action (driving past the spot) that indicates different intent. In that way, it's confusing and dangerous. Safety is more than just making sure you have a safer exit. It's communicating your intent and giving others the opportunity to avoid you.
OldRightHander
10-08-2008, 06:21 PM
Here's what I do, primarily because I'm driving a rather large van and I should minimize backing as much as possible. I just look for two parking spaces facing each other that are both empty and I pull into one space and then through to the one on the other side so that when it's time to leave I just pull out. Solves that backing problem, and there are always spaces like that farther from the door. You just have to do a bit more walking, which isn't a bad thing for most of us.
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