My Experience with
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I found selections 1 through 7 using Deja.com. I spent quite a bit of time in a forum under the heading of recreational automobile driving. Some of the posts were simple, like my first selection, while others were more in depth. I had never used Deja.com before and was a little intimidated at first. After a while I got the hang of it and these were the posts that I selected.
Thread: Following Distance?
It's not safe, it's not smart, but to the point; it doesn't get you there any faster.
My Opinions
This brief comment seemed to spark quite a debate on the discussion board. The thread was related to tailgating and I believe Steve was trying to point out that although they may seem to be the norm -- tailgating and weaving through traffic are not safe behaviors. He is simple and to the point with this comment. I believe that Steve is right when he points out that tailgating will not get you there any faster.
Thread: Following Distance?
Date: 02/03/2000
Aw, bull. It's not unusual for my commute to be 50 miles, and 10-20 times I pass up some two-handed CA slowpoke. At as little as 30 seconds of wasted time eliminated from each fool block, I've gained anywhere from 5 to 10 mins.
My Opinions
Kenneth was quick to reply to Steve's comment regarding tailgating and weaving through traffic. He adamantly points out that he firmly believes he is gaining time by passing cars he believes are traveling too slowly. His attitude towards slower drivers is quite negative. His tone implies impatience and irritation due to these slower drivers. By succumbing to these emotions he is more likely to increase his tension level and decrease his ability to be a safe driver. While he may gain as many as 10 minutes, I don't believe that his behavior is safe.
Thread: Following Distance?
Date: 02/04/2000
I have noticed, to my surprise, that the greater my following distance, the slower the motorist behind me thinks I am going. This is entirely independent of my actual speed. If I am tailgating (which I rarely do) the motorist behind me seems to be very happy, even if we are barely moving. But let me maintain a nice 3-second following distance at 85 mph, with everybody ahead of me also moving at 85 mph, and the guy behind me gets really impatient, as if I were not moving at all.
I wonder if there is some evolutionary reason for this? When cavemen stalked their prey, did they instinctively feel they were more likely to eat that night if they stalked it at 10 feet rather than at 100 feet?
My Opinions
This comment was also part of the same thread as the first two selections. Here Rahul comments on a correlation he has noticed during his personal driving experiences. Although I believe that it is not always possible to know what the other driver is feeling often their behavior can be interpreted into an emotion.
Thread: My First Road Rage Experience
I was driving home today from the Chicago auto show on I-55 south in my wonderful little saturn. I was letting a gap open up in front of me and then close when the traffic slowed down again. There was a wonderful guy in a red ford expidition behind me didn't like what I was doing. He flashed his brights for a while, and then continued to pass me on the left on the shoulder. After about 10 miles, traffic cleared up and I went back up to 65 in the middle lane. The expidition was in the left lane ( I guess he was in a hurry to get nowhere), and as I passed him, he pulled in behind me and began to tailgate me. I got on the brakes in hopes that he would go by me and he did. He pulled right back in front of me and he started to slow down. I signaled to pass in the left lane, and he cut over infront of me before I could.
I signaled to pass him on the right and moved over about halfway in between the middle and right lane. He cut all the way over and cut me off, in order not to hit him, I had to drive onto the right shoulder. I swerved back over into the left lane and finally passed him. I got off at my exit in about 1 mile, and guess who followed. I simply pulled off onto the shoulder an waited and hoped that he would pass me. He did and I breathed a sigh of relief, after all I'm only 16. I'm just lucky that there were not a lot of people on the road, and that I didn't hit anyone crossing back over into the left lane. Oh well, another day, at least I and someone else will live to see another. I guess that trying to eliminate traffic jams doesn't make some people happy.
My Opinions
I believe that this could have escalated into a horrible example of road rage. In my opinion, the author of this post, Scott, was driving adaquately in traffic. Apparently, the driver behind Scott felt he was proceeding too slowly in traffic. He showed his aggravation by shining his high beams and then eventually passed Scott in the next lane. The situation became worse when the traffic cleared up and both cars were able to increase their speed. From this point I believe both drivers were wrong. The Ford eventually passed Scott and entered the lane in front of him. Although Scott may have thought he was behaving appropriately, I believe that if he had avoided trying to pass the Ford the situation would not have continued. The other driver was obviously trying to anger and frustrate Scott and to some degree he succeeded. Scott's action of changing lanes and then trying to pass the Ford only aggravated the driver.
I would have to say that Scott's age seems to have been a significant factor. Being only sixteen, Scott lacked the knowledge and experience acquired by older drivers. I would also like to point out that while Scott was involved in such a tension-filled situation he doesn't seem to portray much hostility or rage towards the other driver. That attitude may be something that an older driver may lack. I find that as time has passed I am more likely to believe that others are at fault and find situations rather than see my inadaquacies as the fault. I am quick to jump on others and become aggravated easily on the road, characteristics I didn't possess at sixteen. Hopefully, he will keep this attitude and learn from this situation which could have ended in a heated confrontation instead of how it did.
Thread: My first road rage experience
Date: 02/19/2000
I understand what you mean. It looks like you tried to stay away from the car in front of you on the outbound Stevie, and some twit didn't like the fact that traffic couldn't go any faster than about 15-20mph, right? In other words, he didn't care who it was in front of him, he was going to be an asshole to whomever it was. This twit you had to deal with is probably one of the idiots I see shoulder riding around the area.
My Opinions
Brandon was replying to Scott's post. It is quite apparent that he firmly believes Scott was right and the other driver was wrong. He fails to take into account the other driver's motivation and state of mind. He is quick to jump on the other driver's faults and his impulsive nature is similar to the driver of the Ford. The driver of the Ford was easily angered and it seems so is Brandon. It makes me assume that if placed in a similar situation, he too, would become aggravated and possibly react similarly to the Ford's driver. I believe that the author of this post could benefit from behavior modification. Perhaps if he learned to pause and think about the situation rather than immediately formulating a conclusion he could reduce his anger and increase his attention level on the road.
Thread: Ok, another Q4U (tailgating)
Just reading the thread on tailgating. Now, let me see if I can get you to examine your logic a bit. But first let me say very clearly I am *not* advocating tailgating. Here's the Q:
If you are bothered by someone 6 feet off your rear bumper at 65 mph, but not if that same car is beside you, 6 feet off your driver's door, why is that? What is the difference? Think about your answer, provide concise logic to support it. If you are going to make any claims of risk or "what ifs?", make sure you apply them to both cases. Have fun....
My Opinions
To be perfectly honest, I think this question is rather stupid. I understand that the idea here was to launch a debate, and it succeeded in doing that, but did the author even take the time to re-read his own question?
Thread: Ok, another Q4U (tailgating)
Date: 02/22/2000
I would personally prefer to drive with no one immediately beside me, but the guy behind me bothers me a hell of a lot more. Should something happen ahead of us and traffic slow dramatically, the guy beside me can brake quickly or slowly, I don't care. The guy behind me is limiting my options though. If I need to brake hard, I need to limit my braking so that he doesn't run me over, which could conceivably leave me with not enough room to avoid a front impact without incurring a rear impact. If he doesn't brake hard enough or brakes too late, I have no options.
My Opinions
I agree with what Brandon says in this post. I think that his argument is clear and concise. He presents his points in easy-to-understand terms. The only problem I can see with this post is the first line where he shows he might possibly lack the ability to control his temper. He comment that "the guy behind me bothers me a hell of a lot more" does indicate to me that he has strong beliefs regarding this topic. And while I believe he is right in this situation, if he were to transfer that determination to another situation a negative result may occur.
The following 3 posts were found on Becky's Discussion Page. This site was created for discussion relating to the collection of Disney Mini Bean Bags. This was a hobby of mine for over a year and I read messages and posted almost on a daily basis. In comparison to the driving forum, I prefer this set up. The messages are posted to a board and replies are seen right below the original post. I think it is much easier to read and reply when all posts are in plain sight and on the same page. Following a thread can get rather frustrating and time consuming -- especially when there are many replies and you are forced to click onto a new link to read each one.
Tuesday, 07-Mar-2000
22:35:30
Okay... I have to give my opinion. What is up with the moderation on Beckys Hot Sightings Board? It is as if someone is trying to sabatosh this board. I have been reading that board faithfully for over 2 years and it has been the best for questions, answers and HOT Sightings. I got some news for whoever is in charge of all of this.... If people do not post other things like questions we all want to know on this board then there will be nothing to read. If there is nothing to read then no one will continue to go to this board. I used to read this board at least twice a day and always find an answer to a question that I would have not even thought to ask. I don't get what all the craze is over people posting things that are informative and not just a DISNEY BEANIE Sighting. We are losing all the people that post to that board. What a shame it all is.... :o( Okay..I've said enough. I appologize in advance to all those who disagree, but I would just love to see Beckys Hot Sighting doing what it was so good at... keeping us informed. Michelle G.
Replies:
I agree... I am not sure but someone is losing site of the boards. I have started to go to other boards that have started to pop up... maybe this is the peoples response to the moderation at this board! (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 22:59:17)
I agree as well!!! I started collecting beanies when Snowflafe Pooh came out and I needed lots of information to play catch up...had it not been for this board I would have never found all the information that helped my collection grow...As long as we aren't posting sales or trades and aren't bashing anyone...why can't the posts remain as they have been...The above poster is correct...there will be nothing to read and people will stop coming to this site...it is getting BORING HERE!!!! (n/t) (08-Mar-2000 00:25:06)
I think you all have lost sight. Becky set up two boards. One (this one) to discuss matters, and the other to post Alerts. What's wrong with using both boards. Now, why keep the Alert board to alerts? Many people now use PDAs and wireless Internet applications. Think about it for a minute. If you are trying to find out what just hit the DS today, do you want to wait and wait and have to read through all the discussions, just to find the one item you wanted just sold out while you were waiting for the page to load? Why does this bother you so much to have two boards. (n/t) (08-Mar-2000 00:53:38)
My Opinions
I feel that some explanation is needed in order for readers to understand the previous post. Bascially there are two boards -- the Hot Sightings Board, which is used to post sightings of new bean bags with the phone number of the Disney Store and the Discussion Board which is open for discussion on any topic pertaining to Disney, primarily the collection of bean bags. Previously both boards were unmoderated, meaning the posts were available immediately for viewing, but now the sightings board is being moderated. This has angered many collectors and is the reason for Michelle's post. She is angry with the situation and voices her opinions regarding the new policy of moderation. Following her post are posts of other collectors who agree with Michelle as well as one who doesn't. The posts against the moderation of the board are written with calm attitudes and undertones. I have seen many posts were the authors become extremely angry and nasty. Fortunately, that isn't the case here. The authors are simply voicing their opinions and disappointment in the new system. She and the others maintain their composure and express their feelings without much hostility.
Wednesday, 08-Mar-2000 12:54:42
Here is an exerpt from Mary Beth's Bean Bag World News:
* Man Pleads Guilty in Beanieú Internet Scam * A Mission Beach man has pleaded guilty to defrauding customers from across the country by advertising rare Beanie Babies¨ on the Internet and failing to deliver the toys. According to the Sacramento Bee, James R. Denlinger Jr. was charged with receiving $46,701 from more than 200 customers from North Carolina to California and not providing the beanbag toys. http://www.sacbee.com/news/calreport/calrep_story.cgi?N222.HTML I remembered Alerts about him... [Mary ]
Replies:
I remember the alerts... He seemed to willing to trade anything for my Britannia... then I read the alerts and backed out. It was about 12 to 18 months ago and the name has come up several times since then. I was fortunate not to lose out and my sympathies go to those that did. Execellent post, thanks for the little piece of reassurance that things do catch up with people... eventually. (n/t) (08-Mar-2000 12:55:44)
CherylQ: Boy, this guy goes way back. My friend lost $500.00 from him some time ago. Glad he's been charged! (n/t) (08-Mar-2000 22:15:24)
My Opinions
This seems to have been posted with the intent to help other collectors. The poster, Mary, is trying to alert others to the possible scams online. The replies provide suport to the claim against this man. They provide self reports and further strengthen the charges. It is my perception that these people are trying to reduce fear and doubt by proving that people who commit fraud are caught.
Aussie Pooh Shipment arrival. How long
does it take?
Tuesday, 07-Mar-2000 18:23:22
I'm hoping someone knows the answer to this. I ordered them from an Australian DS on 2/6/00, my credit card has been debited, my phone bill has come, but the Pooh's have not. How long does it take for them to come? I paid $25.78 for them (incl shipping), but dummy me, I forgot to ask them approx delivery time and I don't want to spend another $8.76 to call them. Please help!
Replies:
Brandi: I know it took mine well over a month to get to me, seems like it was about 6-8 weeks. (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:26:29)
Sandra: My Aussie Pooh's took quite a while to get. They mailed them out in a big envelope so I hope yours arrive with good tags. (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:27:16)
Barbara: I ordered about the same time and got the bill also and no Poohs yet, glad to hear that I'm not the only one and that there is still hope that they will arrive. I was about to call the credit card company to tell them not to pay as I hadn't received anything. The CM told me it would only take about 3 weeks when I placed the order. (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:28:27)
Mary H: I ordered mine the last time someone posted them on this alert, and they showed up today! So, yours should be coming soon. (They had told me it would be about 3 weeks.) (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:31:36)
Jasmine: We all must've saw the same post! I called 2/7, got billed on credit card and on phone bill but no Pooh yet. I had remembered speaking with Damien and he had asked if I wanted air express or the more economical shipping with would take about 3 weeks. Oh well, it's been over 3 weeks, but I'm giving it another week and then I will call. Keeping fingers crossed since Mary H. received hers today. (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:34:06)
UCLA-Kathi: I ordered mine about the same time and got mine yesterday! I asked for the "regular" delivery. Oh yes, I live in South California! (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 18:36:13)
JANICE: This is JANICE, the original poster of the above message. Well, they arrived today! I ordered one set, they came in a small box and someone was nice enought to even wrap the tags in bubble wrap, so they are 99% mint! They are quite cute, too, I must add! Especially the pink one! I just wanted to let everyone know, and thanks for all the help and private E-mails. Now I will know where to go if/when I have a problem or question again! (n/t) (07-Mar-2000 19:59:58)
My Opinions
This was posted by a collector needing information concerning an international purchase. The original post asks people what the typical time table is with Australian purchases. There are many people coming to the aid of this collector and sharing their experiences with the Aussie Disney Stores. This is one of the main reasons this board was created -- for collectors to help other collectors. The information provided by others offers Janice reassurance in her purchase. At the end of the replies, Janice once again posts, this time stating she has received her beanies and all is well. She is quite pleased with all the help the others have offered and comments that she will return again when she needs any info.
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