Pet Peeves

[solar]

It's not that hard to merge into a lane when the traffic is free-flowing and you have 2-4 miles notice before it bottlenecks. That's the problem. I have no problem with it in traffic with people coming onto the highway from exits (like 494 during rush hour). I was driving to St. Cloud last weekend and traffic was backed up from Albertville to Rogers because they had road construction on 94. They had notices WELL before Rogers that there was road construction and to merge right. Did people do it? Nope. They waited to merge all the way to the shoulder--the whole road was blocked off for about a mile. I sat in traffic for 8-10 miles (for 30 minutes) for less than 1 mile of road construction because people wanted to fly all the way up to the scene of the construction then merge over. It isn't that difficult to get over early when you have warning that it's going to be slow.

So if everyone had gotten over earlier there would have been no traffic back-up?

[Armadillo]

How can a site like IMDB be so phenomenal and yet so lame about including photos for the cast of movies, t.v. programs etc? Seriously, finding an actor is a snap but at least half the time I have to go to Google Images to see a photo.

#FirstWorldProblems

[Beauner]

It's not that hard to merge into a lane when the traffic is free-flowing and you have 2-4 miles notice before it bottlenecks. That's the problem. I have no problem with it in traffic with people coming onto the highway from exits (like 494 during rush hour). I was driving to St. Cloud last weekend and traffic was backed up from Albertville to Rogers because they had road construction on 94. They had notices WELL before Rogers that there was road construction and to merge right. Did people do it? Nope. They waited to merge all the way to the shoulder--the whole road was blocked off for about a mile. I sat in traffic for 8-10 miles (for 30 minutes) for less than 1 mile of road construction because people wanted to fly all the way up to the scene of the construction then merge over. It isn't that difficult to get over early when you have warning that it's going to be slow.

So if everyone had gotten over earlier there would have been no traffic back-up?

There would have been. But not for 10 miles+ for one tiny stretch of road. As soon as the construction was over I didn't see another car for the rest of my trip to St. Cloud basically.
This was a Saturday afternoon. Not exactly peak driving time.

[Slap Shot]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

[streakygopher]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

This is true...anybody in traffic will tell you this and often there is a sign that reads, "Merge at sign," meaning, merge when you see the merge symbol.

[NYC Gopher fan]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

This is true...anybody in traffic will tell you this and often there is a sign that reads, "Merge at sign," meaning, merge when you see the merge symbol.

Agreed, but if people in MN can't understand why driving the speed limit in the left lane is wrong, they aren't going to understand the zipper merge either.

[Superstar]

A certain couple of posters who continually "break the rules" on this site.

[The Rube]

A certain couple of posters who continually "break the rules" on this site.

Related, and not just here; everywhere:

Politics. I love(d) political discussion. I rarely discuss anything of the sort on the 'net or in real life, because too many people are black/white (not race-related comment, just it's either THIS or THAT). There's no gray anymore, and you need gray to get anything accomplished. It's horrible.

[Chris Eckes]

A certain couple of posters who continually "break the rules" on this site.

Sorry... I honestly wasn't trying to start something, someone asked me a question and I responded with a non-attack, my-own-opinion answer. I've been around here long enough that I should know it always devolves into something against the rules and should have sent PMs to accomplish answering the question.

I'll try to do better!

[Superstar]

A certain couple of posters who continually "break the rules" on this site.

Sorry... I honestly wasn't trying to start something, someone asked me a question and I responded with a non-attack, my-own-opinion answer. I've been around here long enough that I should know it always devolves into something against the rules and should have sent PMs to accomplish answering the question.

I'll try to do better!

I wasn't referring to you, X...I think it's mainly a couple posters who have capital Ts in their names.

And Rube...I agree. It's so frustrating that things have to be black or white with some people. Those people make it impossible to reason or even debate. Facts are never part of the conversation...just what they believe for whatever reason. Kinda like Sioux fans.

[gator]

The way parents treat their kids in public. It could be all show, but it scares me on how they might treat them behind closed doors.

[Handyman]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

This is true...anybody in traffic will tell you this and often there is a sign that reads, "Merge at sign," meaning, merge when you see the merge symbol.

Yeah except for the fact that there is usually a sign miles ahead telling you to merge or move over. Your analogy doesnt work. If a lane is ending and the sign says move over, move over right away. It isnt rocket science.

We have all pulled the move on 394 getting onto 94E where we wait until the end and that is fine. (although by law it is illegal since it is clearly marked not to cross the double white line) If everyone is paying attention it causes no issues because in traffic there will be backup there no matter what. But on an interstate when there is signs miles ahead talking about road work and lane closure (which there usually is when they do work where Beauner is talking about) waiting until the last second to move over is what causes the back up. If people merged naturally for the 2 miles they had warning traffic would move slower but never be near dead stand still like it is every year.

[gopher wes]

The way parents treat their kids in public. It could be all show, but it scares me on how they might treat them behind closed doors.

Good or bad?

[5 O.T.]

A certain couple of posters who continually "break the rules" on this site.

Sorry... I honestly wasn't trying to start something, someone asked me a question and I responded with a non-attack, my-own-opinion answer. I've been around here long enough that I should know it always devolves into something against the rules and should have sent PMs to accomplish answering the question.

I'll try to do better!

Sorry X but the above mea culpa doesn't pass the reality test. Go back and read your post. You jump in with both feet to defend President Obama and his record. You then speculate about the possibility of Biden being dumped from the dem. ticket in favor of Hillary Clinton. You then solicit other peoples opinions. As a matter of fact you were just as responsible for that discussion as I was or any of the others despite your ridiculous comment here.

It certainly isn't the first time you've done this sort of thing. You'll make some sort of political statement and then act shocked that it engendered a response or discussion.

[gator]

The way parents treat their kids in public. It could be all show, but it scares me on how they might treat them behind closed doors.

Good or bad?

Bad. The parents who jerk their kid around, yelling at them, telling them what is going to happen to them when they get home.

[gopher wes]

The way parents treat their kids in public. It could be all show, but it scares me on how they might treat them behind closed doors.

Good or bad?

Bad. The parents who jerk their kid around, yelling at them, telling them what is going to happen to them when they get home.

This could open a whole convo that doesn't really need to happen, but I'm going to say it anyway. Some of the stuff that kids get away with these days, I woulda gotten my a$$ kicked when I got home if I acted like that when I was younger. I don't mind seeing parents that actually discipline their children. All I'm saying is sometimes I wonder who is really running the show because a lot of times it sure doesn't look like the parents are.

Now, If you are legitimately nervous for the child's safety, then I can understand why you would say that. Otherwise I don't mind seeing parents that actually discipline their children for bad behavior...

[Tee09]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

[Kelly Red]

I try not to judge other people because I usually have no idea what's going on.

FYP I'm sorry but that was just too easy and too delicious to pass up.

[Zwak]

I try not to judge other parenting either but sometimes its hard not to. For example, I have a 14 year old niece that my brother-in-law (her dad) recently found was drinking underage. My BIL found text messages on her cell phone to and from certain friends talking about who was bringing the booze and where they were meeting. My BIL went to the parents of the friends to let them know about the situation. Some of the parents immediately got defensive and stated their child would never be involved in that, even though there were text messages from said child stating he/she was bringing the booze.

[Tee09]

I try not to judge other parenting either but sometimes its hard not to. For example, I have a 14 year old niece that my brother-in-law (her dad) recently found was drinking underage. My BIL found text messages on her cell phone to and from certain friends talking about who was bringing the booze and where they were meeting. My BIL went to the parents of the friends to let them know about the situation. Some of the parents immediately got defensive and stated their child would never be involved in that, even though there were text messages from said child stating he/she was bringing the booze.

Well, in that case you know enough to get an idea that the "adults" in the situation are morons (my default assumption that I have to try to temper a bit). But a mom yelling at her kids in the store? Not my business.

[Tee09]

I try not to judge other people because I usually have no idea what's going on.

FYP I'm sorry but that was just too easy and too delicious to pass up.

Not true though. Parenting is one of the few areas that people get a Tee09 judgement pass. I judge the rest of you all the time. Especially when you suck at driving.

[psych]

No longer having internet in my apartment, which has forced me to use the computers in the "business center" of my apartment complex. I am blocked from perusing the "Simple Pleasures" thread because of "Drugs/Alcohol" related content, the NFL News thread because of "Hate/Violence" related content, and the Twins 2012 Season thread because of "Pain/Heartache" related content. Only the last one is a joke, but COME ON. Somehow I am allowed to view the Headline News 2012 thread...

[Armadillo]

I judged parents all the time when I was not a parent myself.

Now that I am one, I'm a much harsher critic of those boneheads.

[Bertogliat]

I love people who drive slow as hell then gun it through yellow lights. I wish bad things on them daily.

People who drive slow as hell on a two lane highway then suddenly remember to speed up when you reach a passing lane.

[gator]

Now, If you are legitimately nervous for the child's safety, then I can understand why you would say that. Otherwise I don't mind seeing parents that actually discipline their children for bad behavior...

Not to drag this topic out, but this is pretty much what I was getting at. In one hand you have discipline and the other hand you have abuse. I don't have a problem with discipline.

[Slap Shot]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

This is true...anybody in traffic will tell you this and often there is a sign that reads, "Merge at sign," meaning, merge when you see the merge symbol.

Yeah except for the fact that there is usually a sign miles ahead telling you to merge or move over. Your analogy doesnt work. If a lane is ending and the sign says move over, move over right away. It isnt rocket science.

The sign doesn't say, "MERGE RIGHT FRICKING NOW!!" and the concept of not bottling up one lane for hundreds of yards by not forcing everyone over before the other lane ends isn't rocket science.

[g_manpucker]

Now, If you are legitimately nervous for the child's safety, then I can understand why you would say that. Otherwise I don't mind seeing parents that actually discipline their children for bad behavior...

Not to drag this topic out, but this is pretty much what I was getting at. In one hand you have discipline and the other hand you have abuse. I don't have a problem with discipline.

The problem with modern day parenting is that discipline is way to subjective. I am not a parent who spanks but I do raise my voice to get my children's attention. To some that would be verbal abuse. There is a line with everything that a person can see it one way or the other. By today's standards my parents were abusive, but I don't feel they did a bad job of raising me and my sisters.

[streakygopher]

People merging over earlier is what forces people to wait, people merging at the end when they are supposed to reduces delay - that is unless there are dinks trying to play traffic cop and force them out.

This is true...anybody in traffic will tell you this and often there is a sign that reads, "Merge at sign," meaning, merge when you see the merge symbol.

Yeah except for the fact that there is usually a sign miles ahead telling you to merge or move over. Your analogy doesnt work. If a lane is ending and the sign says move over, move over right away. It isnt rocket science.

The sign doesn't say, "MERGE RIGHT FRICKING NOW!!" and the concept of not bottling up one lane for hundreds of yards by not forcing everyone over before the other lane ends isn't rocket science.

Turns out it practically is rocket science. For situations where traffic is stopped or nearly stopped, zippering is recommended. For situations where traffic is free flowing, early merge okay (which really is obvious on the face of it and most people would do this naturally).

Sorry Handy.....

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09037/principles.htm

Scenario 1:
In at-speed, or nearly free-flow conditions, it is best to merge upstream of the constriction

Motorists in the thru-lane: Allow gaps. By allowing gaps you allow the merging vehicle the opportunity to adjust his/her speed to fill a gap.

Motorists in the dropped lane: Keep up speed and fill gaps at-speed. Use the dropped lane as an acceleration lane; i.e., as an opportunity to match speed with upstream traffic and merge at-speed at earliest and best opportunity.

Benefits: Traffic is safest when all vehicles travel at or near the same speed.

Potential pitfalls: 1) When a vehicle in the dropped lane can't or won't move into the through lane in time, then the dropped lane ends, forcing the vehicle to suddenly slow or stop. This will invariably cause a dangerous ripple as the stopped vehicle now must join moving traffic from nearly a dead stop; at risk of causing a through vehicle to slow to allow it in. 2) Pitfall #1 above also has the potential to cause following vehicles to queue behind the "stopped" vehicle due to an increasingly shortening merge lane. Motorists now forced to slow in the dropped lane become anxious to merge and may cause further ripples. If not allowed to remediate itself, pitfall #2 will morph into "Scenario 2" below. 3) Motorists in the thru lane won't yield (usually by way of speeding up).

Bottom line: Relax. Allow motorists to merge at-speed or fill gaps as opportunity allows.



Scenario 2:
In heavy congestion (stop-and-go conditions) it is more efficient to fill both lanes and zipper-merge at the point of constriction

Benefits: Drivers experience less stress when they understand that each in-turn will have a chance to get past the point of constriction. The zipper merge is orderly and fair.

Potential pitfalls: 1) Queue jumping. This can occur in a number of ways; a) by bypassing cars in line, the "jumper" infuriates others because he is out of turn; or b) by having a second or third vehicle try to fill a single gap, this frustrates altruistic motorists who now feel they are being taken advantage of. 2) Lane blocking. This occurs when a motorist in the continuous lane fails to fairly permit his neighbor to zipper ahead. 3) Line jumping back and forth, as it recalls the old axiom "the other line is always moving fastest." This only serves to disrupt the continuity of the merge ahead.

Bottom line: Remain orderly and fair. Do not line jump.

[rowshkex]

The real problem isn't the merge itself, it's people being asshatted, selfish jerks who feel entitled to the lane before everybody else. Sure, zippering might work in theory, but if no one does it, it doesn't work, and someone taking advantage of that fact makes them asshatted jerks rather than traffic flow-savvy drivers.

This is the case on the east 394-to-east 94 interchange--that, and the state needs to figure out how to rectify that whole mess anyway, haha...

[streakygopher]

The real problem isn't the merge itself, it's people being asshatted, selfish jerks who feel entitled to the lane before everybody else. Sure, zippering might work in theory, but if no one does it, it doesn't work, and someone taking advantage of that fact makes them asshatted jerks rather than traffic flow-savvy drivers.

This is the case on the east 394-to-east 94 interchange--that, and the state needs to figure out how to rectify that whole mess anyway, haha...

So, we can never put the theory that works to the test because the first ones to try it are asshatted jerks? Maybe I'll post on sign on the side of my car that reads, "I'm not an asshatted entitled jerk but rather a subscriber to the zipper theory of merging."

[rowshkex]

The real problem isn't the merge itself, it's people being asshatted, selfish jerks who feel entitled to the lane before everybody else. Sure, zippering might work in theory, but if no one does it, it doesn't work, and someone taking advantage of that fact makes them asshatted jerks rather than traffic flow-savvy drivers.

This is the case on the east 394-to-east 94 interchange--that, and the state needs to figure out how to rectify that whole mess anyway, haha...

So, we can never put the theory that works to the test because the first ones to try it are asshatted jerks? Maybe I'll post on sign on the side of my car that reads, "I'm not an asshatted entitled jerk but rather a subscriber to the zipper theory of merging."

(So maybe I was exaggerating a bit...)

I feel your pain, but the reality is that a few people doing it won't help. I'm trying not to be pessimistic or cynical, but that's just how it is, and because no one else does it, it only makes it worse when people try to take advantage of it.

[solar]

The real problem isn't the merge itself, it's people being asshatted, selfish jerks who feel entitled to the lane before everybody else. Sure, zippering might work in theory, but if no one does it, it doesn't work, and someone taking advantage of that fact makes them asshatted jerks rather than traffic flow-savvy drivers.

This is the case on the east 394-to-east 94 interchange--that, and the state needs to figure out how to rectify that whole mess anyway, haha...

So, we can never put the theory that works to the test because the first ones to try it are asshatted jerks? Maybe I'll post on sign on the side of my car that reads, "I'm not an asshatted entitled jerk but rather a subscriber to the zipper theory of merging."

(So maybe I was exaggerating a bit...)

I feel your pain, but the reality is that a few people doing it won't help. I'm trying not to be pessimistic or cynical, but that's just how it is, and because no one else does it, it only makes it worse when people try to take advantage of it.

Over time, the Hwy 5/212 to 62 east junction in Eden Prairie has gotten much better. I have driven this stretch of road daily for about 15 years now. Most of the drivers on this stretch of road fill the left lane all the way up to the point where you must merge. Now, occasionally there is someone who won't let cars merge in, but that is rare. The reality seems to be that there is no way to keep all of those cars from merging, so essentially the drivers who "can't stand" the zipper merge on this section of road have slowly gotten over it. You just keep your life so much less stressful if you just get over it (and feel free to use the merge lane).

[rowshkex]

The real problem isn't the merge itself, it's people being asshatted, selfish jerks who feel entitled to the lane before everybody else. Sure, zippering might work in theory, but if no one does it, it doesn't work, and someone taking advantage of that fact makes them asshatted jerks rather than traffic flow-savvy drivers.

This is the case on the east 394-to-east 94 interchange--that, and the state needs to figure out how to rectify that whole mess anyway, haha...

So, we can never put the theory that works to the test because the first ones to try it are asshatted jerks? Maybe I'll post on sign on the side of my car that reads, "I'm not an asshatted entitled jerk but rather a subscriber to the zipper theory of merging."

(So maybe I was exaggerating a bit...)

I feel your pain, but the reality is that a few people doing it won't help. I'm trying not to be pessimistic or cynical, but that's just how it is, and because no one else does it, it only makes it worse when people try to take advantage of it.

Over time, the Hwy 5/212 to 62 east junction in Eden Prairie has gotten much better. I have driven this stretch of road daily for about 15 years now. Most of the drivers on this stretch of road fill the left lane all the way up to the point where you must merge. Now, occasionally there is someone who won't let cars merge in, but that is rare. The reality seems to be that there is no way to keep all of those cars from merging, so essentially the drivers who "can't stand" the zipper merge on this section of road have slowly gotten over it. You just keep your life so much less stressful if you just get over it (and feel free to use the merge lane).

Let's just clarify though: the 394/94 interchange is NOT a merge lane--it's indicated as an exit to a different direction on 94, and contains a double-white line that is illegal to cross.

To address your greater point: I have now done something similar--I never touch 394 east after 3:00 p.m. on a weekday anymore, and instead just take Excelsior over to 28th. Much less stress, even if it does take me more time.

[dxmnkd316]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

I do. This, for example, is terrible parenting.

[Hammy]

Unfortunately, I am more surprised when a parent disciplines their child these days. I see too many instances where it is clear the kid is running the show a little too much.

[The Rube]

Unfortunately, I am more surprised when a parent disciplines their child these days. I see too many instances where it is clear the kid is running the show a little too much.

This.

Timeouts? I hang my head and cry.

My great-grandma threatened us (brother and I) with a switch (willow tree branch). Never really believed her until she went out to cut one. we retreated then. Never misbehaved again, either. With the parents? Never a belt, but that wooden spoon put a fright into us.

Either way, I'm for that sort of punishment (obviously to an extent). Timeouts or the like are worthless, IMO.

[WPoS]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

I do. This, for example, is terrible parenting.

When I first saw this I was SOOO disturbed. That is just SOOO wrong. I could crack a joke, but it's just too sad how f'd up that kid is gonna be.

W

[Tee09]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

I do. This, for example, is terrible parenting.

When I first saw this I was SOOO disturbed. That is just SOOO wrong. I could crack a joke, but it's just too sad how f'd up that kid is gonna be.

W

The dude who advocates that kind of parenting claimed "no kid brought up this way ever became a bully." Well, no sh!t Sherlock. The kids who latch on to their mom until they're 6 are the ones who get bullied.

[gopher wes]

Unfortunately, I am more surprised when a parent disciplines their child these days. I see too many instances where it is clear the kid is running the show a little too much.

This.

Timeouts? I hang my head and cry.

My great-grandma threatened us (brother and I) with a switch (willow tree branch). Never really believed her until she went out to cut one. we retreated then. Never misbehaved again, either. With the parents? Never a belt, but that wooden spoon put a fright into us.

Either way, I'm for that sort of punishment (obviously to an extent). Timeouts or the like are worthless, IMO.

Hammy, that is pretty much how I feel. It really makes you wonder who is really running the show.

Rube, timeouts are about the same as counting down from 10 when a child is doing something wrong in an attempt to get them to stop. If you have ever heard parents that do that then you know what I'm talking about.

[g_manpucker]

My wife and I watch some neighbor kids because the dad goes to work before the mom gets home from work. During that time we watch them I am always amazed how little respect they have for adults. This two kids talk back constantly to their parents and every other adult...but me, but I have a scary demeanor towards kids that I rarely let down. My wife, who is the child whisperer, even gets frustrated with these two. These two run their household and their parents, but it's just a sign of the times right now in the world of modern parenting.

[solar]

Let's just clarify though: the 394/94 interchange is NOT a merge lane--it's indicated as an exit to a different direction on 94, and contains a double-white line that is illegal to cross.

To address your greater point: I have now done something similar--I never touch 394 east after 3:00 p.m. on a weekday anymore, and instead just take Excelsior over to 28th. Much less stress, even if it does take me more time.

I hear you! Thanks for the clarification. I figured some of us might be talking about slightly different situations as well.

This reminds me of a new problem situation that has come up since the new 35W/62 construction has completed. When you try to go through on 62 east, there is an entrance from Lyndale Avenue that is almost impossible for people to use, as those drivers have to merge across lanes that are already completely backed up, and cut through the traffic in the right lane that wants to exit onto Portland Avenue. It is a complete mess, a no win situation for those drivers. They are literally forced to stop in the middle of traffic and put their left turn signal on until someone will let them in.

[Kelly Red]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

I do. This, for example, is terrible parenting.

When I first saw this I was SOOO disturbed. That is just SOOO wrong. I could crack a joke, but it's just too sad how f'd up that kid is gonna be.

W

The dude who advocates that kind of parenting claimed "no kid brought up this way ever became a bully." Well, no sh!t Sherlock. The kids who latch on to their mom until they're 6 are the ones who get bullied.

I got this in the mail and my husband took one look at it and went WTF? My feeling is if the kid can drag a stool over and stand on it they're too old Oh and by the way, the caption says that kid is THREE, not six. THREE?! Maybe breast milk for 3 years makes you extra big? NBA, calling for research.

[Zwak]

I try not to judge other people's parenting, because I usually have no idea what's going on in each situation.

I do. This, for example, is terrible parenting.

When I first saw this I was SOOO disturbed. That is just SOOO wrong. I could crack a joke, but it's just too sad how f'd up that kid is gonna be.

W

The dude who advocates that kind of parenting claimed "no kid brought up this way ever became a bully." Well, no sh!t Sherlock. The kids who latch on to their mom until they're 6 are the ones who get bullied.

I got this in the mail and my husband took one look at it and went WTF? My feeling is if the kid can drag a stool over and stand on it they're too old Oh and by the way, the caption says that kid is THREE, not six. THREE?! Maybe breast milk for 3 years makes you extra big? NBA, calling for research.

SNL had a good line in Weekend Update this last weekend. Paraphrasing, "If they really wanted an impactful cover they should use the same picture but without the chair."

[Handyman]

Sorry Handy.....

No one is saying not to do the zipper method...I do the zipper method when I drive it keeps traffic moving. That isnt the problem. The problem is when everyone is in a lane and a couple guys gun it past all of us to move over and completely stop the traffic. If they just signaled and moved over before that there is no issue, traffic keeps flowing and everyone wins. When they push it to the sign and then force themselves in it pretty much stops everyone. There is no need for it, the guy just wants to be a couple of car lengths ahead for no reason.

These things are different. Hell we can use one stretch of road to show you the difference. On 394 headed east when 100 merges on it slows to a crawl because no one lets anyone in so it is a free for all. If they zippered it would go twice as fast (still slow mind you but moving) since people are jumping on and off all the way down. The zipper method employed correctly would cause no issues at Dunwoody and no need to cross the double white line onto 94E. (which you almost need to do in traffic if you dont want to sit for 30 minutes at Penn or Dunwoody) One spot that is actually pretty decent at the zipper is 94E where 35 merges on...people seem to slowly be grasping it.

Now back up a bit to where the entrance to the carpool lane is on 394E. We all know when the lane is open, and even if we dont there are signs all over the place that tell us. Now even in rush hour headed east over there it still is moving but inevitably there will be some schmuck in the lane who rides it all the way to the end (where it is of course closed) and then forces himself into the left lane, stopping traffic on the left side. Once numbnuts gets in everything moves again. That isnt the zipper method, that is the "I am a douche and my time is more valuable than yours" method.

(I think) Beauner and I are talking more about scenario 2 as opposed to scenario 1. In normal traffic I am all for the zipper, if everyone lets one person in we all win. When there is construction or a closed lane though and it is just one car trying to get ahead of the pack screw them.

[team22tank]

Sorry Handy.....

No one is saying not to do the zipper method...I do the zipper method when I drive it keeps traffic moving. That isnt the problem. The problem is when everyone is in a lane and a couple guys gun it past all of us to move over and completely stop the traffic. If they just signaled and moved over before that there is no issue, traffic keeps flowing and everyone wins. When they push it to the sign and then force themselves in it pretty much stops everyone. There is no need for it, the guy just wants to be a couple of car lengths ahead for no reason.

These things are different. Hell we can use one stretch of road to show you the difference. On 394 headed east when 100 merges on it slows to a crawl because no one lets anyone in so it is a free for all. If they zippered it would go twice as fast (still slow mind you but moving) since people are jumping on and off all the way down. The zipper method employed correctly would cause no issues at Dunwoody and no need to cross the double white line onto 94E. (which you almost need to do in traffic if you dont want to sit for 30 minutes at Penn or Dunwoody) One spot that is actually pretty decent at the zipper is 94E where 35 merges on...people seem to slowly be grasping it.

Now back up a bit to where the entrance to the carpool lane is on 394E. We all know when the lane is open, and even if we dont there are signs all over the place that tell us. Now even in rush hour headed east over there it still is moving but inevitably there will be some schmuck in the lane who rides it all the way to the end (where it is of course closed) and then forces himself into the left lane, stopping traffic on the left side. Once numbnuts gets in everything moves again. That isnt the zipper method, that is the "I am a douche and my time is more valuable than yours" method.

(I think) Beauner and I are talking more about scenario 2 as opposed to scenario 1. In normal traffic I am all for the zipper, if everyone lets one person in we all win. When there is construction or a closed lane though and it is just one car trying to get ahead of the pack screw them.

Way to long of a post, get it together.

[skiier32]

To the idiot bicyclist who was riding on the edge of the road this morning, during rush hour on Pilot Knob, there is a perfectly good bike path right next to you that goes all the way to at least 494! USE IT!! You almost caused an accident as I passed you and had to swerve to miss you!

[Bertogliat]

Unfortunately, I am more surprised when a parent disciplines their child these days. I see too many instances where it is clear the kid is running the show a little too much.

This.

Timeouts? I hang my head and cry.

My great-grandma threatened us (brother and I) with a switch (willow tree branch). Never really believed her until she went out to cut one. we retreated then. Never misbehaved again, either. With the parents? Never a belt, but that wooden spoon put a fright into us.

Either way, I'm for that sort of punishment (obviously to an extent). Timeouts or the like are worthless, IMO.

We'll see how you feel about this when you have kids. I promise you, if you do it right, a time out terrifies a 2 or 3 year old. And if you are consistent, the kid will change their behavior. The problem is you cannot always escalate things in public quite like you can at home, so if it appears my kids is getting away with something at the family reunion, it's because I am choosing to let things slide, a little, for the benefit of those around me. The kids aren't so lucky when I have the time and privacy to do a propper "breaking" of attitude. And this can be done with time outs and removal of priveledges (toys, juice treats).

I have never had to discipline either of my kids in a store. They know they will pay for it when we get home.

I won't say I have never spanked my kid. I have a few times. I cannot tell you how much more difficult it is to do than to say. You cannot take that back and you then have to worry about learned behavior.

Parenting is always easier for those who do not have kids. Try not to be judgemental.

[Handyman]

To the idiot bicyclist who was riding on the edge of the road this morning, during rush hour on Pilot Knob, there is a perfectly good bike path right next to you that goes all the way to at least 494! USE IT!! You almost caused an accident as I passed you and had to swerve to miss you!

Here in Minneapolis the bicyclist problem is getting out of control. Last night I almost hit one (next time I wont miss ) when he blew the 4 way stop. (at 9pm!!) It is bad enough the streets were ruined by making that stupid bike lane crap (which causes issues on some of the more narrow roads around here) but the majority of the ones I see nowadays follow none of the rules of the road. You want us to respect you and look out for you, fine I can do that it is only fair. In return you start following the rules or by god it is going to get ugly out here.

That isnt a threat btw, that is a serious comment. Too many bikers are riding around like they are on a bike path in some park where there is little danger. If you are on the road with cars and you arent following traffic laws you are going to get hurt or cause someone else to. No offense but my Impala will survive if you blow through a 4 way...your Schwinn wont and neither will your neck. Get it together and pay some friggin attention.

[rowshkex]

To the idiot bicyclist who was riding on the edge of the road this morning, during rush hour on Pilot Knob, there is a perfectly good bike path right next to you that goes all the way to at least 494! USE IT!! You almost caused an accident as I passed you and had to swerve to miss you!

Here in Minneapolis the bicyclist problem is getting out of control. Last night I almost hit one (next time I wont miss ) when he blew the 4 way stop. (at 9pm!!) It is bad enough the streets were ruined by making that stupid bike lane crap (which causes issues on some of the more narrow roads around here) but the majority of the ones I see nowadays follow none of the rules of the road. You want us to respect you and look out for you, fine I can do that it is only fair. In return you start following the rules or by god it is going to get ugly out here.

That isnt a threat btw, that is a serious comment. Too many bikers are riding around like they are on a bike path in some park where there is little danger. If you are on the road with cars and you arent following traffic laws you are going to get hurt or cause someone else to. No offense but my Impala will survive if you blow through a 4 way...your Schwinn wont and neither will your neck. Get it together and pay some friggin attention.

Totally agree. This is half the reason we see dead cyclists in the news--the last kid that was hit and killed in Minneapolis last month wasn't wearing a helmet, riding the WRONG WAY on the road, and was riding at night without a headlight. He was following NONE of the laws of the road.

The problem isn't adding bike lanes, it's police officers not enforcing the laws. Bicyclists are under the same rules as motorists: headlights required, ride the correct direction, use your signals, and follow traffic lights/signs. In addition, they are required to ride on the FAR RIGHT SIDE of the road. I saw a police officer just let a cyclist run a red light on a busy street a few weeks ago. I yelled at the officer, but he apparently didn't understand what I was getting at... It's infuriating when I get stopped by a police officer for not COMPLETELY stopping at a BENIGN stop sign in the middle of a neighborhood because I have to follow the letter of the law, but those same officers don't do a damn thing about cyclists.

I'm a HUGE cyclist, but I absolutely cannot stand them as a whole.

[dxmnkd316]

All it takes is a cyclist or two getting splattered by a bus. Maybe then they'll get the idea that they DON'T have the right of way.

I'm with Handy. If a biker decides to run a red and I'm about to enter the intersection, I might decide it's not safe to violently swerve to avoid them.

[davescharf]

Delta Airlines...if you're going to enforce the oversized bag rule then please do two gets

1. Get a 'size box' that actually reflects the size of a bag that can fit in your overhead bins
2. Enforce the rule consistently.

In both Orlando and Atlanta I watched the gate agents pull certain people out and told them they had to gate check their bags. Meanwhile, other people with similarly sized bags were allowed to go through. My co-worker I was travelling with got screwed over on it when her bag had to be checked on the 2nd leg (but not the first) and mine was the same size. She was a lot nicer about it than I would have been had the roles been reversed.

[The Rube]

Delta Airlines...if you're going to enforce the oversized bag rule then please do two gets

1. Get a 'size box' that actually reflects the size of a bag that can fit in your overhead bins
2. Enforce the rule consistently.

In both Orlando and Atlanta I watched the gate agents pull certain people out and told them they had to gate check their bags. Meanwhile, other people with similarly sized bags were allowed to go through. My co-worker I was travelling with got screwed over on it when her bag had to be checked on the 2nd leg (but not the first) and mine was the same size. She was a lot nicer about it than I would have been had the roles been reversed.

Related: those whose bags are obviously oversized, and when they get to the gate, are informed that the bags are oversized and will be checked. For free. I'm not talking huge suitcases, but any idiot can see it won't fit.

[streakygopher]

Unfortunately, I am more surprised when a parent disciplines their child these days. I see too many instances where it is clear the kid is running the show a little too much.

This.

Timeouts? I hang my head and cry.

My great-grandma threatened us (brother and I) with a switch (willow tree branch). Never really believed her until she went out to cut one. we retreated then. Never misbehaved again, either. With the parents? Never a belt, but that wooden spoon put a fright into us.

Either way, I'm for that sort of punishment (obviously to an extent). Timeouts or the like are worthless, IMO.

We'll see how you feel about this when you have kids. I promise you, if you do it right, a time out terrifies a 2 or 3 year old. And if you are consistent, the kid will change their behavior. The problem is you cannot always escalate things in public quite like you can at home, so if it appears my kids is getting away with something at the family reunion, it's because I am choosing to let things slide, a little, for the benefit of those around me. The kids aren't so lucky when I have the time and privacy to do a propper "breaking" of attitude. And this can be done with time outs and removal of priveledges (toys, juice treats).

I have never had to discipline either of my kids in a store. They know they will pay for it when we get home.

I won't say I have never spanked my kid. I have a few times. I cannot tell you how much more difficult it is to do than to say. You cannot take that back and you then have to worry about learned behavior.

Parenting is always easier for those who do not have kids. Try not to be judgemental.

Well stated. I decided early on that the thought of my children fearing me physically was a bad thing. I did not spank. Now, I will say that there were a couple times I wanted a piece of them - and that my son wasn't all that sure that I may not flip out on him - but that was okay with me. When I got really steamed by his behavior I would give him a good squeeze on the back of the neck. I remember more than once he would go running down the hall screaming, "your choking me!" and "I'm dialing 911!" I thought, "good lord, what are they teaching you in that school?"

Your comments related to discipline in public are pretty solid. Honestly, the only way to handle a disruption by your child is to stand up and remove him from the scene. If that means leave Sunday mass, a school activity or a sizzling T-Bone just as you sit for dinner, that's the way it goes. It does ZERO good to whack him up side the head. It just humiliates him and escalates the chaos.

For us it was simple. Establish rules, enforce rules...PERIOD. And then there are the "non negotiable" ones, such as curfew. I used "non negotiable" from the time they were babies and seriously when they got into the teen years, the term stopped them in their tracks. Just last Christmas my 20 year old daughter asked if she could have a glass of wine at dinner, a mere 30 days short of her 21st birthday. I said, "no, I don't think so." She went into some drama about how I know she drinks anyway etc. etc. I said, "No, and it's non-negotiable." End of discussion.

I've always felt that being a dad is a tough job, but it is a job. So I do my job.

[The Rube]

I will admit, public is a whole different scenario. When I was too young to remember now, I threw a tantrum once, maybe twice from what I was told. Parents just walked away. Didn't give the "attention" I desired when I threw the tantrum. I learned quickly. In private, that's when the switch/wooden spoon came in. It was mainly "you have one shot to not do that anymore, or it's the switch/spoon."

I learned that VERY quickly.

Listen, I'm not saying it is an easy job. Not at all. But sitting in a specified space for a set amount of time would not deter me at all from future devious behavior, and most of my friends were the same way. I dunno why. It's what is was.

[dxmnkd316]

Hold up a closed fist and say "Unfortunately for you, the tooth fairy doesn't have any more silver dollars this month..."

[The Rube]

Hold up a closed fist and say "Unfortunately for you, the tooth fairy doesn't have any more silver dollars this month..."

[Handyman]

The problem isn't adding bike lanes, it's police officers not enforcing the laws. Bicyclists are under the same rules as motorists: headlights required, ride the correct direction, use your signals, and follow traffic lights/signs. In addition, they are required to ride on the FAR RIGHT SIDE of the road. I saw a police officer just let a cyclist run a red light on a busy street a few weeks ago. I yelled at the officer, but he apparently didn't understand what I was getting at... It's infuriating when I get stopped by a police officer for not COMPLETELY stopping at a BENIGN stop sign in the middle of a neighborhood because I have to follow the letter of the law, but those same officers don't do a damn thing about cyclists.

I'm a HUGE cyclist, but I absolutely cannot stand them as a whole.

Yeah I normally dont rip cops but the ones in Minneapolis are way too lenient with bikers.

[g_manpucker]

The amount of my FB friends that have been blabbering on about Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church for the last couple of days! I know that I can just ignore it and go on with my life but that is all they talk about, even off of FB. My real pet peeve is then they give me all sorts of crap because I don't even know who the hell they are! Most of these people have known me for almost a decade and know that I DON'T LISTEN TO COUNTRY MUSIC!! It's just not my cup of tea. I know that I have blabbered on about my bands before but I don't, for one second, try to tell someone who likes country that they should like a band like Sevendust when they aren't even a country band.

I am too old and set in my ways to change what type of music I like. I don't like country music, never really have and probably never will. Now, that said I am not one of those people who says that country music is crap. Oh...there is crappy country music but I am enough of a music fan to say that there is some talented country music artists.

The gist of this rant is that I am a hard rock and heavy metal music fan...I don't know much about country music these days. Leave me to like my music and don't try and force something I don't even care for...okay?

[gopher wes]

I will admit, public is a whole different scenario. When I was too young to remember now, I threw a tantrum once, maybe twice from what I was told. Parents just walked away. Didn't give the "attention" I desired when I threw the tantrum. I learned quickly. In private, that's when the switch/wooden spoon came in. It was mainly "you have one shot to not do that anymore, or it's the switch/spoon."

I learned that VERY quickly.

Listen, I'm not saying it is an easy job. Not at all. But sitting in a specified space for a set amount of time would not deter me at all from future devious behavior, and most of my friends were the same way. I dunno why. It's what is was.

Exactly. When my brother and I were younger, we would act up when my mom took us to the grocery store or places like that sometimes. She would scold us but all it took was a threat to tell my dad when we got home to make that crap end. And I can guarantee you it wasn't the thought of a time out that made us stop misbehaving....just sayin'.

[sunbone]

My parents never hit us and never threatened to. The worst punishment for us was when we knew that they were disappointed in us. That was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been. And way more effective long term.

[Luckygirl#13]

Guys who wear white sunglasses. You look like a jackwagon.

[Jupiter]

Guys who wear white sunglasses. You look like a jackwagon.

Girls that wear huge sunglasses.... You look like a jackiewagon.

[Luckygirl#13]

The amount of my FB friends that have been blabbering on about Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church for the last couple of days! I know that I can just ignore it and go on with my life but that is all they talk about, even off of FB. My real pet peeve is then they give me all sorts of crap because I don't even know who the hell they are! Most of these people have known me for almost a decade and know that I DON'T LISTEN TO COUNTRY MUSIC!! It's just not my cup of tea. I know that I have blabbered on about my bands before but I don't, for one second, try to tell someone who likes country that they should like a band like Sevendust when they aren't even a country band.

I am too old and set in my ways to change what type of music I like. I don't like country music, never really have and probably never will. Now, that said I am not one of those people who says that country music is crap. Oh...there is crappy country music but I am enough of a music fan to say that there is some talented country music artists.

The gist of this rant is that I am a hard rock and heavy metal music fan...I don't know much about country music these days. Leave me to like my music and don't try and force something I don't even care for...okay?

Maybe your friends think you might actually like the music of Eric Church and they want to take a listen to it. What's wrong with that? Open your mind a little bit. I am a fan of alot of different music including heavy metal and country. And I can honestly say.....Eric Church is pretty damn good.

[Luckygirl#13]

Guys who wear white sunglasses. You look like a jackwagon.

Girls that wear huge sunglasses.... You look like a jackiewagon.

Fair statement!!! And I totally agree.

[Handyman]

My parents never hit us and never threatened to. The worst punishment for us was when we knew that they were disappointed in us. That was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been. And way more effective long term.

Which explains why you suck now

[sunbone]

My parents never hit us and never threatened to. The worst punishment for us was when we knew that they were disappointed in us. That was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been. And way more effective long term.

Which explains why you suck now

I'm disappointed in you for saying something like that.

[PrideOnIce]

My parents never hit us and never threatened to. The worst punishment for us was when we knew that they were disappointed in us. That was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been. And way more effective long term.

If they never hit you or even threatened to, how would you know that disappointing them was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been, much less, way more effective long term?

[sunbone]

My parents never hit us and never threatened to. The worst punishment for us was when we knew that they were disappointed in us. That was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been. And way more effective long term.

If they never hit you or even threatened to, how would you know that disappointing them was way more of a deterrent than a smack ever would have been, much less, way more effective long term?

Trust me, when I disappointed my Dad and could see it in his face for 2 weeks, I wished like hell he would just smack me and get it over with. And it isn't like I had never been hit, had plenty of fights and knew what getting hit felt like.

[g_manpucker]

Guys who wear white sunglasses. You look like a jackwagon.

One of my employees who is a guy wears a pair...he now known as Paris.

This is also an example of what Jup said...

[Jupiter]

Close...

I was thinking more like this:

[5 O.T.]

Close...

I was thinking more like this:

I think those things are called "Sunbones".

[sunbone]

Close...

I was thinking more like this:

I think those things are called "Sunbones".

Your jokes are as funny as your political posts are entertaining.

[5 O.T.]

Close...

I was thinking more like this:

I think those things are called "Sunbones".

Your jokes are as funny as your political posts are entertaining.

Thanks, I knew you'd like that.

[Tee09]

When you need to replace one bad part in a machine, but the machine is built so that you have to take the whole thing apart just to get to that one problem.

[solar]

Close...

I was thinking more like this: