Kooky Comments

I think it is way past time for reputable online newspapers like USA Today and The New York Times and even our local Sun Sentinel to start authenticating their readers before allowing them to comment. Currently all you need to post a comment is a valid email address. And all you need for a valid email address is, well, nothing! Anyone can open a Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo account with false credentials. And these reputable online newspapers allow just any idiot to post garbage comments with no accountability. I'm certain many of these commentators are really the same person posting over and over, using different user names and silly avatars - probably from a paid Political Action Group with no regard to facts, ethics or sense. It boils down to a bunch of political garbage attached to what should be a well researched article.

If verifiable, authenticated people were held accountable for what they posted, we might actually get some real and interesting debates. It is time for people to step out from behind their hateful cartoon avatars, and show their real faces. If they then choose to post stupidity, at least we will know who the stupid person is. Oh, and maybe you can give us the option to block those idiots too.

Australian Corn Flakes

I do not understand why the Olympics are a contest between countries. It is, of course, a contest between the best athletes from around the world - as it should be. But does it matter if the best athlete comes from the USA or Australia? The medals should go to the athlete and not the country the athletes are from. I think the counting of the medals by country is silly. And, I don't think it would matter if we had an Australian on the box of corn flakes either.

Should we bomb Austin?

A man from Austin, TX flew his small airplane into the IRS building because he was mad at them. Should we drop a bunch of bombs on Austin to prevent it from happening again. Of course not. It won't solve anything there like it didn't solve anything in Afghanistan (or Iraq).

Granted - I realize this was likely a solo act and the dude died in the crash so not much chance of a repeat from him. But my point is this: an act of an individual - or even a group of people - does not represent the feelings of the entire region. And dropping bombs on an entire region won't likely kill all of the people who MAY be involved. However, it will kill or seriously injure many innocents who would have never been involved.

Dropping bombs is never the answer.

Keep Them Moving

Most of us realize that we can get better gas mileage by keeping our cars tuned up and tires properly inflated and avoiding sudden starts and stops (I say most because Republicans like to joke about common sense proven things like that). But did you know that there are a lot of driving habits that will help other people save gas too? That's not only good for them but good for the environment as well.

Any car that is running but not moving is wasting fuel. You can help by following some simple rules (or even laws).

• If you are on a multi-lane road and are planning to go forward, stay out of the right lane. That way if someone wants to make a right turn on the red light you won't be blocking them.
• Use your turn signal at all times. That way if someone is waiting for you before they can make their turn, they will know they can turn sooner because you won't be passing by.
  
• If you are on a multi-lane road or freeway, don't drive the exact same speed as someone next to you. This causes a road block for people who are going different speeds. Don't cause a DUMB.
• Be nice and let people in.
• At a 4 way stop - don't be nice! Follow the law and let the person on the right go first.
  
• Let the Bus back in. It sucks following a bus but it uses less fuel per person than a single car - unless it isn't moving. You can pass it later.
• Don't stop in traffic before you take your turn. So many people slow down way too much before turning causing everyone behind them to slow or stop too.

In most cases, it is best to be nice, think ahead, and keep the traffic moving. It is good for you, good for them and good for the environment.

Can't they make brakes that don't squeek for garbage trucks??!

Citizens SukZ

I got an 18 page (double sided) document from my Citizens wind storm insurance policy informing me of what they DON'T cover. It would have been a 1 page document (one side) if they listed what they DO cover. This on top of the over $3,000.00 deductible and nearly $2000.00 premium. And, I might mention this is in addition to my outrageous State Farm home owners policy (which they are threatening to drop).

We the people are not pleased and I hope we are Revolting!!!

As I suspected, Supporting Bad Business IS Bad Business

Beware of the D.U.M.B.

They are easy to spot - driving either way too slow or too fast. They eventually get next to you on the freeway and then they just get stuck there. I call them Dialed Unaware Motorized Blocks (or DUMB). The M could also stand for Mesmerized. These are folks who are so involved with their cell phone conversation that they cannot devote the needed concentration to driving - so they unconsciously rely on you to drive for them. You speed up a bit - they match. You slow down a bit - they match. They will unconsciously match you move for move because they figure if you are OK - they are OK. They are driving in a trance. Meanwhile, nobody can get around both of you because they are effectively blocking 2 lanes. But it's OK - these are very important people and that is a very important phone call. F*#K that!

I like to mess with these folks just a bit. First I verify the DUMB by speeding up slightly then slowing slightly. If they match both moves they are DUMB. So after a little while of them right next to me - when it is safe to do so - I slow down fast! Now you will see them panic and look around at what they missed. It is hilarious.

People who talk on the phone while driving are dumb. People who txt and drive are idiots. Neither of those two words are acronyms.