Why Is This Guy Yelling At Me?

When did the world get so hostile? Just today, I'm driving, minding my own business, avoiding parking lots and ignoring the radio, when this old dude standing on the sidewalk starts screaming at me. While it was difficult to make out exactly what he was saying over the roar of my engine (it gets fairly loud at 60 and above) and the earplugs, I'm fairly certain the words "SLOW DOWN" were amongst them.

Who is this guy to tell me to slow down? He wasn't a cop or a hallway monitor so far as I could tell. What concern is it of his? If he's worried about me driving carefully in his precious little section of the city, maybe he should think twice about distracting me with his yelling, unpleasant voice. Also, it must be noted that this man was wearing a bright orange vest, not unlike the kind of vest hunters wear when they head out into the woods to make their kills. I didn't take the time to notice whether or not he was armed, but for the safety of the public, I certainly hope not.

Another thing. People who want to yell and make a scene should consider their surroundings. I don't know if this guy knew it or not, but there was a school right behind the area where he was standing. Not only that, but judging from the bright yellow buses I had to dodge and the polo-shirted kids running about, I think they were being let out for the day. Set an example, wild old man. Set an example.

Radio Commercials

I'm not fond of driving. I think the allure of getting behind the wheel lost its lustre after the third or fourth speeding ticket. But the police aren't the only ones stopping me from fully enjoying my driving experience. The radio shares the blame. No, not because of the terrible music (although ... yeah, that too), but because of the commercials.

May I just say one thing? It should be illegal to give out your company's phone number more than three times during any one radio spot. I was listening to one the other day--half of the commercial's 30 second length was spent giving out the phone number. Again. And again. And again. That's e-damn-nuff! Another thing that should be illegal? Putting traffic sounds such as sirens and car horns into your radio commercials. I'm tired of pulling over into the gravel just because there's some personal injury lawyer who discovered the soundboard.

It's illegal to listen to your iPod while driving, right? Too bad.