The Problem with Ontario Roads is Uneducated Drivers

 Our roads are being driven by selfish, arrogant and bad drivers.....In case you didn't already know

I have had just about enough of the pathetic drivers I see on a daily basis on our roads. I have been putting off getting seriously into this topic but the more time goes by, the more ridiculousness I see on the roads and the more I feel the need to vent about just how dangerous our roads are becoming and my belief of why that is. Trust me, you won't necessarily see where I am coming from until the last paragraph.

First, let me start by saying that there are way too many luxury car drivers in the GTA. When you drive a luxury car, at least from what I have noticed, you suddenly develop the mentality that you have the right of way at all times, speed limits do not apply to you, you don't need to use your turn signals and, generally, you can do whatever you want on the road. I have seen more driving errors done by luxury car drivers then anyone else on the road (except for maybe mini-van/SUV drivers).

Don't know if I would trust GTA drivers enough to ride a bike (or even a horse) around town....

Maybe it's the ego that comes along with owning a Mercedes or a Lexus but there just seems to be this attitude for drivers of these cars in this area that they seem to think they are entitled to do and act as they wish on the roads and, seeing as how nothing ever seems to change with regards to this attitude other then it's continued growth among these drivers, I would hazard a guess that they have and continue to get away with their actions.

The main issue I have is that our Police force have been so concerned with raising fines for excessive speeding and, despite the proven fact that highway speeds are not the sole factor in road deaths (just look at the Autobaun in Germany), they are choosing to focus on young drivers of "suped" up lower end cars (like Civics, Neon's, Cavaliers and Lancers) instead of going after the higher end vehicles that can EASILY surpass the 200 Km\h mark. Instead of picking and choosing who they single out, our police force needs to start cracking down on luxury car owners. Hell, they can certainly afford the car so if they want to act like idiots on the road, then they should be able to pay the fines that go with that idiotic behaviour.

 Just another typical day for drivers in Toronto

Unfortunately, that's just one aspect of the problem, or, more directly, one segment of people on the road acting like morons. Changing gears a bit, I want to point out a few of the common things I have seen over and over again. So, in no particular order, here are some of the most infuriating things I continue to see over and over again on our roads (right after I list them, I will delve into my thoughts as to why they keep happening);

-A signal does not mean you have the right to jump into a lane. The rule is you signal to let the other motorists around you know your intention to change lanes, then do so WHEN SAFE. You don't just signal and move right into the lane without looking. Your signal does not automatically make the other drivers stop in their tracks to give you right of way over everyone else. YOU have only indicated you want to move, EVERYONE ELSE does NOT have to slow down or move over because you signalled.

-When make a right turn onto a busy street (like for example when you are exiting from a strip mall onto a street like Mavis Road), it is NOT the responsibility of the car already on Mavis to slow down to YOUR merging slow ass speed but rather YOUR responsibility to merge when safe and get your car up to the speed of traffic as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, expect to get a long ass horn hold from the car you forced to slow down to a snails pace (or, more appropriately, your pace) and some angry gestures or words from that same angry driver now forced to drive behind you. You DO NOT have the right to get angry at the motorist behind you swearing and honking their horn at you because YOU were the one that made the driving error. Just shut up, put your hand up to apologize and move on.

 The pic may say New Jersey on it but all three are pretty much the way things are in the GTA

-The highway seems to bring out some really arrogant morons that act out in so many ways but a few in particular that come to mind. The first is similar to the last point I just made. When merging onto a highway, it is not the responsibility of the cars already on the highway to slow down to let you in. The merging vehicle needs to speed up to the speed of traffic and then merge safely. I had an asshole get mad at me for not letting him slowly merge in front of me on the highway over the weekend, when there was NO ONE behind me. He was going slow, gave me the finger for not letting him in for at least 2 exits on the highway and seemed to honestly think he was in the right when it came to this situation. He was going 90 on the merging lane, I was going 110. Sorry moron, you were not about to cut me off when there was no one behind me.

The second point has to do with the new HOV lanes that are popping up on our highways. There are only certain areas where you can and can't get into and out of these lanes and yet every single time I am on a highway with these types of lanes, people swerve in and out of these lanes as if they are normal lanes. It gets so frustrating seeing people do this that I actually have a suggestion for the Ministry of Transportation; Put up those plastic lane markers every 5 feet along the HOV sections that you don't want people to traverse in order to force people to either stay in or get out of them at the proper places. Since they would be made of plastic, they would last long (unless they are hit by cars) and they would also cause enough damage to the cars of violators that they will think twice about trying to cross the lane markers illegally like they do now.

Now that I have gone over some of the things I have had the misfortune of seeing, let me get to why think they tend to continue to happen; plain and simple, it's arrogance. It all goes back to something I have mentioned repeatedly over the last few months about how we are raising our kids to think that they can do no wrong. The Soccer mom mentality. We are seeing the first real wave of these types of kids just now joining the workforce and/or dealing with people trying to say no to them (as in the student protests in Quebec).

 I really don't see bikes and cyclists gaining a real foot hold in the GTA any time soon

Not to say that I disagree with the protests in Quebec, I fully support them actually (especially when you think of the social and political ramifications of continuing to increase post-secondary education in this country), but the way everyone else is reacting in the Government around them reminds me of parents who are fed up with their OWN kids basically getting everything they want and instead, the Quebec government is simply acting like completely frustrated parents who, despite being the cause of the problem, have shifted the blame to the kids and refuse to acknowledge their own role in the situation.

That was a long winded way of saying that we are raising arrogant and self-centered kids who don't seem to understand when something is their own fault and can't accept responsibility for the mistakes they make, especially on our roads. But that doesn't explain the adults who were NOT raised that way developing such poor driving skills? Well, the easy way to explain that is to realize that people are copycats in nature. When we see something that works, we try to emulate it. Along the same lines, when we see people getting away with doing something that they shouldn't, the vast majority of us do the same thing until finally someone is caught and punished (and of course we all think that the person who will be caught will not be us).

 Now just imagine that kid has no insurance on top of that....

I could go into a couple of other personal reasons I believe effect the driving situation (way too many foreign born and trained drivers who have been allowed to "exchange" their foreign licenses for Ontario ones, Piss poor driver examiners who allow personal feelings to effect them in their evaluations both positively and negatively, insurance rates being ridiculously unfair thus making it actually a bad thing to put in a claim for something which then gives people the idea that not claiming something is better, resulting in sometimes unsafe vehicles on the roads) but each of those topics deserve way more attention then I have time to get into today.

One quick tangent before I wrap this blog up about auto insurance. Isn't it about time that either the  Provincial or Federal Government stepped up in the name of all Canadians and forced insurance companies to make the mandatory insurance coverage that we are all required to have by law affordable? Isn't it time that the government stepped up to the plate for Canadians and stopped the gauging that insurance companies are getting away with and using in order to pocket billions of dollars off of each and every one of us? Insurance companies are being allowed to rape each of us with their ridiculous and unfair charges based upon where we live, our sex, marital status (all things that everyone agrees are prejudicial and illegal in just about every other area of our lives yet used against us each and everyday by these multinational corporations) as well as how many traffic tickets we have (which should not matter nearly as much as it does) and how many times we have put in an insurance claim (which should instead count as the most important aspect of insurance claims, the actual number of accidents we have).

 These two need to stop playing Rock, Paper, Scissors and protect Canadian 

motorists from Big Insurance companies

Our governments sit back and  allow these corrupt companies to rob us blind and then when we need them, they throw a million and one reasons at us as to why we are not entitled to coverage we paid for. This is yet another reason why we have seen a recent increase in hit and run drivers. There are way more non-insured drivers out there then anyone realizes. I should know as I was one of them when I was younger. I drove my parents insured minivan for 5 years without coverage of my own in order to avoid paying the nearly $5000 they wanted to get out of me since I was among the last group of fully licensed 16 year olds in 1994. By not paying their insane fees, I saved my family $25000. I can assure you that I'm not the only one who has tried or is currently doing something along these lines. When you add the fact that being caught without insurance is a criminal offense, you start to understand why so many hit and runs are starting to occur more often.

Getting back on topic, suffice it to say that the way our roads are being used right now and the level of driver education on the road is down right frightening. We are seeing countless errors on our roads each and every day leading to many more accidents and taking us to the point where there are driver errors being committed each and every moment of the day. With the way our streets are being used and poorly watched over as well, it can be downright scary to drive in a place like downtown Toronto or even Mississauga. I would offer some suggestions on how to improve our roads but realistically, the state they are in right now is a direct by-product of how our society has shifted into a me-first, selfish, do whatever you want society that until the social aspects of our society change, our roads will continue to be a free for all.

Until that changes, we need to keep our eyes open, follow the rules of the road as best as we can and hope for the best. Or basically do your best to survive in the midst of the crap that is the general state of our roads today.

Good luck

Kings Crowned, Jays Uncertainty, Euro Round Up and More

All this whining about the hit that Steve Bernier (the idiot) threw on Rob Scuderi last night (that essentially sealed the deal for the Kings as they went up 3 zip on that same 5 minute powerplay) needs to be put to rest. Yes it was THE turning point in the 6th game of the Finals but you can't just stop playing the way that the Devils seemed to just roll over after that call, giving up 3 power play goals in 3 minutes.

The Kings were Crowned Champs Last night....LA has never seen such a polite party crowd before

No Riots in LA after winning a Championship? Even the Cops are stunned 

You have to realize that this series was over when the Kings went up 3-0. Sure, the Devils seemed to have fought back and were (in their minds) about to pull off a great comeback but even when they did "win" their two games, either of those results could have gone the other way (just like the first 2 games having gone to OT could have been split or gone in favour of the Devils). They didn't however and all those 2 losses did was galvanize a team even moreso then they had been. And really, their loss in Game 4 was more about nervousness and jitters then anything the Devils did overly well and Game 5 went to the Devils because of a lucky bounce off of Voyonov's shoulder. So even in "getting back into the series" the Devils were not outplaying the Kings at any point. It was just a matter of time and the right team won. That's all that matters.

The Jays are at the 1/3 mark of the season and are still hanging around in the incredibly tight AL East. At 31-30, they are only 4.5 games behind the division leader (but only 2 games up on last place Boston) so they have some work to do if they want to finally break that 19 year Playoff drought. It won;t be easy and now, with the release of Vladimir Guerrero (who tried to force his way up to the team when they felt he wasn't ready) and the loss of Brandon Morrow to an Oblique strain, that job could be that much more difficult.

If he is out for an extended period of time, then the Jays need to make a move....NOW!

Morrow was having an all-star caliber season, having reeled of 7 wins in his last 8 starts and a sub 2.50 ERA before he injured himself last night. His loss could be the catalyst for a trade which would possibly give the Jays a much need boost to make that leap and push themselves over the hump. The 2 big arms available right now (at least in the rumour mill) are both Chicago Cubs; Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster. Just to throw some fuel on the fire, here is my prediction on this. If Morrow is gone for 6-8 weeks, look for the Jays to push hard for a trade for both of these starters and here is what the package SHOULD include;

To the Cubs:
-1st Baseman Adam Lind
-Outfielder Travis Snyder
-Starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez
-Relief Pitcher Joel Correno
-Relief pitcher Francisco Cordero

To the Jays;
-Starting Pitcher Matt Garza
-Starting Pitcher Ryan Dempster

These 2 would look great in Blue Jays Jerseys....

If you were the Cubs, who are in DESPERATE need to revamp their team and getting younger as quickly as possible (both in the field and on the mound with Correno and Alvarez), wouldn't you do this? The Jays would get 2 quality starters directly into your starting rotation which would give them a REAL shot at securing themselves a Wild Card spot this year and some veteran savy to help Romero calm his ass down (he is just losing it WAY too often) as well as Hutchison and Drabek. Their starting rotation would be among the most solid in the league (once Morrow returns of course) but by adding these two veterans now, they would have a solid chance to stay in the hunt. Could we see some meaningful games in September?

There have been some great games so far in Euro 2012, including today's match between Russia and co-host Poland. The fan violence before the game was just retarded. People will take any opportunity they see fit to try and cause shit whether for a real reason or for perceived slights from years gone by but it didn't detract from the game, which was one of the best of the tournament to this point.

I have an issue with some of the ridiculous questions being asked of the players by the media during the tournament so far. Portuguese players were being asked why they didn't stick around after they lost to sign autographs, specifically Ronaldo (because that's the first thing players want to do after they lose, hang around the pitch after losing and sign autographs!?!?! ) and now Italian striker Antonio Cassano is "being criticized" over comments he made to an Italian reporter on Italian TV about not thinking there are any "queer" players (he used an Italian word for queer) in the tournament and he hopes there aren't any on the national team.

Why are soccer players being asked such stupid questions during an international tournament? It's bad enough when players are asked the standard questions about the game and their replies usually consist of the typical cliches we always hear about giving 100%, blah blah blah, but why would you venture into an area like that which has absolutely no bearing on the game whatsoever? Now he and his teammates will have to deal with this contrived controversy on top of the pressure of trying to win their next game. All to sell more newspapers, get more ratings back home, this idiot reporter may have just ruined his national teams' chances of moving on.

 Love him or hate him, we don't pay to watch him give an opinion....

That is just the start of it. This shouldn't be a controversy at all, at least not to me. If you have an opinion, and someone asks you for it, what's wrong with expressing it? Cassano wasn't bashing anyone. He wasn't saying he agreed or disagreed with anything about being "Queer" as he put it. He simply said that it's their business and that was it. There is nothing wrong with telling people what you think. The reporter asked him his opinion and he expressed it. Athletes are not paid to use their brains and give out political opinions, they are in the positions they are in because of their physical prowess. You shouldn't be asking an athlete a political question in the height of their competition. That's like asking a surgeon in the middle of surgery if he can tell you about the political issues going on in Europe and see what kind of response you would get.

I know that was a bit of stretch but you see my point. Athletes should stick to their sport and the journalists who cover those sports should stick to questions that are appropriate to that sport in which they play/excel. Period. End of point....

Dallas returns to the air tomorrow night and from the few TV spots I have seen on it so far, it looks like it picks up almost as it had never left. All the major players are back including JR Ewing (Larry Hagman), Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and Sue Ellen (is that her name?). Now it will be more about their kids and grand kids and how they interact but the central theme of Oil tycoons and the relationship problems they have to deal with will be the same as the original series. It will be fun to see how this series plays out and whether it will be like the redux of Melrose Place (which bombed) or 90210 (which survived for at least 2+ seasons) or something entirely different. Only time will tell.

Spartacus certainly has a way with the ladies...Most tend to die after being with him

They have announced that this upcoming season of Spartacus will be the final season and that truly is a huge disappointment for me. It will return to air in January of 2013 on the Movie Network and according to creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight, Spartacus: War of the Damned will be the "Epic Conclusion" of the Spartacus story. Personally, I think they really could have drawn it out over at least another 2 or even 3 seasons, which would have been great to see new characters being developed, older ones being allowed a chance to grow into more then what they have been so far, maybe see Crixus and Naevia have a family, possibly see how Ilithyia survived (if she did, I think she did) and her recovery, possibly even see if Spartacus himself will now try to find a woman to move on with since his wife is dead (and avenged) and his play toy or rebound sex-buddy (Mira) is also now dead and avenged as well.

<<SPOILER ALERT: Game of Thrones: Season 2>>

The 2nd season of Game of Thrones concluded a couple of weeks ago and the last 2 episodes were possibly the best 2 of the series so far. The battle episode in the 2nd to last episode of the year was spectacular in how it played out. Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage) is the heart of the show and has turned himself into a true leading man. He has had a masterful season displaying not only his ruthlessness and cunning in dealing with all the pressure of being the "Acting" Hand of the King but also his heart and compassion in how he has clearly fallen in love with Shae, placing her in mortal danger if she were to ever be discovered.

 His character has had the biggest leap in terms of importance in Season 2

There have been plenty of plot lines developing but 2 of the best have been Jon Snow and his transformation from shy member of the "Watch", referred to by the people north of the gate as "The Crows" into their somewhat defacto leader and now (possible) defector and how Robb Stark , now the "King of the North" has grown into the role left to him by his father and taken it to new heights. As we start looking ahead to Season 3, I wonder (having not read the books) where this story will go next.

When last we left off, the "Wildlings" seemed to have their army marching towards the gate and yet another battle about to begin, Stannis Baratheon has had a crushing defeat and is home licking his wounds, Theon Greyjoy (who had taken Winterfell, home of the Stark family) has been given up by his own people to Robb Stark and will most likely be executed for his actions (including burning Winterfell to the ground) and Daenerys Targaryen  taking over control of her fortune by getting back her dragons and killing the kidnappers. Season 3 promises to be even more compelling as there are so many different ways that the story can go.

Last but not least, I feel the need to throw a few disparaging words towards TFC and their inept management team. They fired/let go/relieved their coach of his duties a few days ago when Aron Winter was replaced by Paul Mariner as Head coach of the team. It wasn't a big shock given the fact that they are now 1-9 on the season, setting records along the way for longest losing streak to start a year and longest goalless streak to start a season. The team has been around for 6 seasons and this is now their 7th coach in that same time. Truly pathetic. Yet somehow, the man who has made every single one of these changes, Tom Anselmi, is still (STILL!!!) in charge of making these decisions.

WTF does he have to do wrong to get relieved of HIS duties?!?! I mean could you imagine getting 7 chances in 6 years to pick someone for a job? I think after the 2nd or 3rd person is replaced, your bosses would have a sit down conversation with you and ask you what the fuck is going on, wouldn't they? Is everyone asleep at the wheel at MLSE right now? Only the Raptors seem to be heading in the right re-building direction. The Leafs are all over the place and can't seem to figure out what they want to try and attempt to go out and get (They should go get a goalie, a top forward, and then trade Luke Schenn, Mike Komisarek and your 5th pick and whatever else the Oilers want, for their #1 pick), the Marlies lost an OT Playoff game in the Calder Cup Final on an officials blatant Error and then there is the mess that is Toronto FC.

 In happier times, Aron Winter is now just a footnote for a franchise in disarray

If they DARE to attempt to raise ticket prices again, I am OUT as a season ticket holder. In fact, if they don't offer a public apology to the city as well as offering to LOWER season ticket prices for the next 2 seasons, I may walk. I haven't gone to a game in over a year and have found it harder and harder to sell my tickets this season since the team has been putrid. The "FIRE ANSELMI" chants should be heard around the stadium any time now, the same BMO field that USED to be sold out to each and every game. TFC is NOT the Leafs. You can't expect people to keep coming to watch a crappy team year after year. Someone needs to tell the MLSE board about that before all interest in the team is gone.

I've had a busy few weeks with very little blogging getting done but that will change as I have a few issues I will be addressing in the coming week.

Stay tuned.