This rant, unlike others, actually offers a solution. Read up on my plight and what pisses me off this time:
You can guess on any number of occasions as to just how many traffic lights you actually are stopped by on any given day doing your everyday mundane activities. Plenty; and at times, way too many. Usually when you are in a hurry, every traffic light that adorns that particular path that is required for you to reach your destination in a timeliest of manners, turns red 200 feet before you get to it, causing you to stop and wait for that 1 car to cross the intersection; meanwhile holding most of the inner city traffic hostage. I don't know about anyone else, but I am damn tired of paying for the amount of gas we use for just going to work and the like. Yes, sure I would love to have an electric car, but have you priced one of those? Buying one doesn't justify the money you would save on gas. The extra cost is absorbed by the price of the car. It's a conspiracy I tell you. It's to keep us energy dependent on the big corporations that are currently in control and will likely be for a long time to come. The distance I would drive to work would enable me to never buy gas again; unless I was going on a trip out of town (Chevy Volt at this time gets around 90 miles on a single charge). While this is awesome, they start off (in my area anyways) for the 2013 model runs on average $38,000 USD. in the 5 year auto loan, versus my current car a 2012 Honda Civic coupe,; the Volt would cost me an extra $3,399 a year to own, not counting the higher electric bill from charging the Volt every day I used it. I currently burn 2 tanks a month (about 24 gallons) for a cost yearly of a tad over $1000. So to drive a Chevy Volt, I would pay an EXTRA $2,399 per year just so I didn't have to buy gas. Batteries don't last forever and I would have to buy replacement batteries for the Volt eventually. etc etc etc. Electric? Nice! but no thanks at this point.
Everyone that owns a car, bus, van, or motorcycle already knows that gas mileage is best when cruising at a respectable speed such as 55-65mph (in most vehicles). Starting and stopping is not only the hardest part of travel on your vehicle, but also uses the most gas (petrol elsewhere). Traffic signals inhibit the best gas performance from your vehicle by causing stops and starts unnecessarily. This starting and stopping is hard on your brakes, your engine, and your wallet from the extra cost associations.
Traffic lights are necessary to avoid accidents and allow turns into lanes of traffic otherwise deemed hazardous. Bullshit. Traffic lights are there so that your car not only has to idle and burn gas doing it, but it is causing your engine and other car systems to fail prematurely. The oil companies are gaining a huge source of income simply from your car not running optimally. The car companies gain from the extra parts that will need to be replaced earlier such as brakes wearing out, rotors warping from being too thin to hold the heat etc. Vehicles are known to overheat sitting still from not getting any fresh air through their radiators to cool the engine off with; this can be extremely expensive to repair. This does not even cover car accidents from people forgetting to stop at an intersection and read-ending someone else that was stopped for that traffic signal.
Most of this can be alleviated by simply removing the traffic signals and replacing them with passways. By passways, I mean over or underpasses that essentially bypass the need for traffic signals. For instance, if you wanted to go straight at a 4-way intersection, they could build and overpass or underpass so that you can continue without having to stop or even slow down. On that note, you can simply build the whole road in the air or underground. east-west roads could go on the ground while north-south roads could be passways. When wanting to get on to one of the cross streets, there is simply a ramp that leads into the travel lanes just like on interstates.
I know, you are thinking that the cost of building these passways will be a considerable burden to the taxpayers. Not necessarily. If we take into consideration the police, road crews, towing services, fire department personnel, and ambulance personnel that are required every time there is an auto accident, the passways would pay for themselves in short order and be a money saver int the long run. While I have no concrete numbers to shove down your throat, doesn't matter. It makes sense. We save money from gas and car repairs, government saves money from personnel and equipment costs that are no longer needed and can be cut back.
How do we build these passways in already built cities? They do not have the room available to put in turn lanes and the like. Look at other cities up north in the U.S. They have built roads above roads and roads underground. Why not now? In the intersections that are there now, you could have a mini cloverleaf off/on ramp system using that real estate for getting on and off the passways.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Big Bang Theory
This isn't so much a rant as it is more of a self-realization.
The more I watch Big Bang Theory (one of my favorites), I ralize more and more that I am close to what Sheldon is; a huge geek (though he is a nerd by definition), that seems to over-explain himself on many occasions that do not require that type of narration.
Other than the lack of a vocabulary as Sheldon's, the basic thought processes are roughly the same, well, that and I don't have the huge problem with inter-personal conversations.
I am starting to amass collectible figures such as the bobble-head Spock http://amzn.to/HQK3lb we just purchased for my girlfriend, potato-head star wars characters http://amzn.to/A5iug5 not to mention the jack sparrow figures. That's all ok though, I like my figurines.
All is fine for collectibles, but when I find myself wanting and original Optimus Prime, I have to start wondering when the aging of my mind will finally catch up with my body. Yes, I have grown up a bit in the last few years, but not to the degree I think that I should have. Some of us grow up to be real men, others of us are eternal children with "real men" tendencies.
Touching back on the geekiness I have fallen in to, I own a scooter now. Yes, a grown man riding a scooter isn't likely the most manly thing, but, when you pass a muscle car at 60mph, you have to laugh a bit and wonder if the driver of said muscle car is belittled just a tad. I can tell you that the scooter will beat a ford focus off the line to 40mph. After that the Focus overtakes it, but that's likely a factor of gearing in the scooter.
The more I watch Big Bang Theory (one of my favorites), I ralize more and more that I am close to what Sheldon is; a huge geek (though he is a nerd by definition), that seems to over-explain himself on many occasions that do not require that type of narration.
Other than the lack of a vocabulary as Sheldon's, the basic thought processes are roughly the same, well, that and I don't have the huge problem with inter-personal conversations.
I am starting to amass collectible figures such as the bobble-head Spock http://amzn.to/HQK3lb we just purchased for my girlfriend, potato-head star wars characters http://amzn.to/A5iug5 not to mention the jack sparrow figures. That's all ok though, I like my figurines.
All is fine for collectibles, but when I find myself wanting and original Optimus Prime, I have to start wondering when the aging of my mind will finally catch up with my body. Yes, I have grown up a bit in the last few years, but not to the degree I think that I should have. Some of us grow up to be real men, others of us are eternal children with "real men" tendencies.
Touching back on the geekiness I have fallen in to, I own a scooter now. Yes, a grown man riding a scooter isn't likely the most manly thing, but, when you pass a muscle car at 60mph, you have to laugh a bit and wonder if the driver of said muscle car is belittled just a tad. I can tell you that the scooter will beat a ford focus off the line to 40mph. After that the Focus overtakes it, but that's likely a factor of gearing in the scooter.
Patience vs Maintenance
When living in an apartment complex, there are certain things tenants and facility should be aware of.
Tenants:
1.) Do not break things. If accidental or not, man up to it and pay to have it fixed. Most facilities won't bitch too bad if you just grow a set of balls and pay for the damage. Most of the time you won't even have to move unless it has something to do with the main office building being flattened by a bulldozer; but I digress.
2.) Put your trash where it belongs. If you own a red chair that looks more like a lazy-boy, do you think it is prudent to set it on top of the dumpster rather than disposing of it as you should?
3.) Follow common courtesy to the staff and other patrons.Turn your damned radio off before I shove it up your ass. I listen to all kinds of music, even the whored-out Rihanna once in awhile; but honestly, if I wanted to listen to what you are listening to, I would be over there listening to it with you with a cold beer in one hand and my lady in the other. Am I over there? Nope, what does that tell you. I don't want to listen to whatever the hell you are listening to at his point in time so please turn your shit down!
Facility:
1.) When something breaks, fix it in a timely manner. Especially if it has to do with safety. Don't wait until the stove starts to spark before you come fix it. Don't wait until we can't cook on the burner until you come fix it. Don't wait to come fix the screened in porch b/c the holes in the screen let it fresh air. Don't get the pest control people out here because I own my own bug spray from Ortho; bad ass stuff therefore we don't need your mass produced commercial chemicals that make the place smell like shit for the next week; t hen the bugs come back anyways.
2.) Clean the Trash up. Can't say how many mattresses and old chairs I have seen sitting beside the dumpsters. Come on, you have a forklift thing, use it! Pick the crap up, throw it in there.
3.) Courtesy and politeness to the customers. While walking in to pay my rent (with a money order I might add because it takes them 2 full weeks to cash a check), all I got from teh office staff was, "Hi, oh ok, bye!". I love being dismissed before even opening my mouth. Guess my mohawk and black motorcycle jacket is a bit much for them ;)
Here's a bit of background:
June2011: GF and I decided we want to move in together, so we start apartment shopping. Everything all fine and dandy so far. We find this place, The Preserves in Lake Wales, FL. Everything looks great from the tour, to the floor plan etc. So we agree that when her lease runs out at the end of august we will move over there. All still fine..until...The end of August comes. The apartment was not ready for us to move in. The carpets hadn't been cleaned, walls hadn't been painted, nothing was done. Looked like a disaster area just like it did back in June. This place had a full 2 month notice of intent that come the end of August / beginning of September we were going to move in.
So here we are, money in hand, paid the entire move in cost to the complex which amounted somewhere close to $1500 or so, I think, and no apartment. Within 24 hours they had the carpets cleaned, and the walls painted..or so it looked. The walls may have been painted, The floors may have been cleaned, but whoever did them sucked hairy balls. Here's a short list:
Summary: This complex looks nice until you live here. Maintenance is a joke. Office people don't care. It was a step up from where we were, but not by a long step.
Tenants:
1.) Do not break things. If accidental or not, man up to it and pay to have it fixed. Most facilities won't bitch too bad if you just grow a set of balls and pay for the damage. Most of the time you won't even have to move unless it has something to do with the main office building being flattened by a bulldozer; but I digress.
2.) Put your trash where it belongs. If you own a red chair that looks more like a lazy-boy, do you think it is prudent to set it on top of the dumpster rather than disposing of it as you should?
3.) Follow common courtesy to the staff and other patrons.Turn your damned radio off before I shove it up your ass. I listen to all kinds of music, even the whored-out Rihanna once in awhile; but honestly, if I wanted to listen to what you are listening to, I would be over there listening to it with you with a cold beer in one hand and my lady in the other. Am I over there? Nope, what does that tell you. I don't want to listen to whatever the hell you are listening to at his point in time so please turn your shit down!
Facility:
1.) When something breaks, fix it in a timely manner. Especially if it has to do with safety. Don't wait until the stove starts to spark before you come fix it. Don't wait until we can't cook on the burner until you come fix it. Don't wait to come fix the screened in porch b/c the holes in the screen let it fresh air. Don't get the pest control people out here because I own my own bug spray from Ortho; bad ass stuff therefore we don't need your mass produced commercial chemicals that make the place smell like shit for the next week; t hen the bugs come back anyways.
2.) Clean the Trash up. Can't say how many mattresses and old chairs I have seen sitting beside the dumpsters. Come on, you have a forklift thing, use it! Pick the crap up, throw it in there.
3.) Courtesy and politeness to the customers. While walking in to pay my rent (with a money order I might add because it takes them 2 full weeks to cash a check), all I got from teh office staff was, "Hi, oh ok, bye!". I love being dismissed before even opening my mouth. Guess my mohawk and black motorcycle jacket is a bit much for them ;)
Here's a bit of background:
June2011: GF and I decided we want to move in together, so we start apartment shopping. Everything all fine and dandy so far. We find this place, The Preserves in Lake Wales, FL. Everything looks great from the tour, to the floor plan etc. So we agree that when her lease runs out at the end of august we will move over there. All still fine..until...The end of August comes. The apartment was not ready for us to move in. The carpets hadn't been cleaned, walls hadn't been painted, nothing was done. Looked like a disaster area just like it did back in June. This place had a full 2 month notice of intent that come the end of August / beginning of September we were going to move in.
So here we are, money in hand, paid the entire move in cost to the complex which amounted somewhere close to $1500 or so, I think, and no apartment. Within 24 hours they had the carpets cleaned, and the walls painted..or so it looked. The walls may have been painted, The floors may have been cleaned, but whoever did them sucked hairy balls. Here's a short list:
- Baseboards in the bathroom are a joke, not cleaned, not even painted.
- Bathtub is not sealed as it should be on outer surface on bottom to prevent splash-overs from ruining bathroom floor
- hand railing on stairs was never painted, looks like crap
- front door molding is rotting.
- front left burner on stove does not work (socket that element fits into is shot, needs replaced)
- dishwasher was not leveled and flushed to counter surface (it is tilted and not centered properly)
- 3 different wattage light bulbs were in the kitchen fixtures, we took them out and replaced them all with the same wattage CFL bulbs
- screening on the back porch has mulitple holes (ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches) that have been there since we moved in
Summary: This complex looks nice until you live here. Maintenance is a joke. Office people don't care. It was a step up from where we were, but not by a long step.
Computers vs Critical Mass
If you own a computer, and I am almost positive you do since you are reading this; do me and yourself a favor. If you do not know where the start button is on Windows, go buy a book, take a class, something. As a technician, I am tired of calling it the "little flag thingy in the bottom left corner". This is just like calling a mechanic and asking where the gas pedal is when you are already going down the interstate.
If ya don't feckin know, don't drive! ... or go get lessons.
My dogs know not to chew on power cords after the first one gave them a bit of it. Does that stop people from clicking on things they know they are not supposed to? You guessed it! No.
Setting one of many occurrences of same scene which is not likely to be the last:
Cruising the web, runs across a webpage that just has a look to it, like a shady man walking in the shadows, Do you leave? Nope. Your antivirus has a popup warning, blocks the page, tells you, blatantly I might add, that there is ... and I quote: MALICIOUS :end quote software that WILL damage your computer if you continue to this site.
You click the link to ignore the warning, 2nd popup asking if you are really sure you want to do this, yep. Congratulations short-bus rider, you just qualified for some sort of award I will be thinking up at a later date; something akin to the "Here's your sign" but dynamite would be inclusive.
That was/is just one example. But seriously, get a book, ask friends, take a class at your local community college. SOMETHING. Quit asking your mechanic how to drive!
If ya don't feckin know, don't drive! ... or go get lessons.
My dogs know not to chew on power cords after the first one gave them a bit of it. Does that stop people from clicking on things they know they are not supposed to? You guessed it! No.
Setting one of many occurrences of same scene which is not likely to be the last:
Cruising the web, runs across a webpage that just has a look to it, like a shady man walking in the shadows, Do you leave? Nope. Your antivirus has a popup warning, blocks the page, tells you, blatantly I might add, that there is ... and I quote: MALICIOUS :end quote software that WILL damage your computer if you continue to this site.
You click the link to ignore the warning, 2nd popup asking if you are really sure you want to do this, yep. Congratulations short-bus rider, you just qualified for some sort of award I will be thinking up at a later date; something akin to the "Here's your sign" but dynamite would be inclusive.
That was/is just one example. But seriously, get a book, ask friends, take a class at your local community college. SOMETHING. Quit asking your mechanic how to drive!
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