Road rage becoming more common?

I am not surprised by the findings in the survey done by insurer AAMI, that indicate road rage is becoming more common.

My own experiences of road rage include; often being tailgated while at the speed limit on freeways, in suburban streets with 50 km/h speed limits, being cut off when entering roundabouts or roads with slip lanes, as well as being the recipient of various rude gestures from other drivers when in shopping centre car parks.

Looking for answers as to why road rage is increasing, it could be that road courtesy is disappearing as driver impatience grows.

Without wanting to sound too self righteous, it seems that this is a trend across society as a whole, since it is clear that aggressive behaviours and language are not confined only to driving.

One suspects many in our community are finding life stressful at the moment, and that some are choosing to vent their feelings of frustration while they are in their cars.

Choking on a red meat message

Thanks for Jill Singer's critique of the latest Meat and Livestock Association advertisement, starring actor Sam Neill.

I have yet to see the new commercials, but I remember the previous Meat and Livestock Association, campaign in which Neill spouted some science linking consumption of red meat to human evolution.

He stood in some library, next to some 'ascent of man' poster, charting the evolution of man from apes to today, found in school text books, as if to say, "Hey, trust me on what I'm saying to you, I played a scientist in Jurassic Park", as he spoke in a tone of voice that reminded me of a university lecturer.

I do eat meat regularly. Yet, this article reminded me of how important it is to be an ethical consumer for the sake of the future of the planet, and my responsibility to check carefully the messages that advertisers convey to us.

The Lion Hotel

Last night, my brother and I met up with a long time schoolfriend for a meal and a chat.

This was at The Lion Hotel, an English style pub located in the Melbourne Central shopping complex in the heart of the City of Melbourne.

It's always good to catch up with people I grew up with.

The night was pleasant enough, but for the presence of a bunch of men, who judging from their amount of alcohol they consumed, their behavior and language, I'm sure were members of a sports team.

Some of the people seated near us changed tables, but we just stayed where we were.

One of them kept looking over in our direction, and started to call me McLovin (after a character in the teen comedy, Superbad.)

I think next time I meet with old school friends, we are going to choose a more family friendly venue.

The Late Show fan forum

http://www.champagnecomedy.com/forum/

Re: A Young Single Man's story of stroke

This is an article I wrote and had published a while ago;


http://home.vicnet.net.au/~stroke/ScottMcPhee.htm