The Awful Truth About Road Rage

I'm just waking up to news reports of another shootout on the Dan Ryan expressway here in Chicago. Incidents of road rage seem to be increasing.  It is absolutely out of control in Chicago. Every month, a major Chicago expressway is shut down for hours due to a crime scene investigation caused by a shooting incident.
 
I am thinking these incidents are a bit more than road rage.  Sometimes shootings continue from local side streets and are then carried onto major expressways.  I do not know. But, I do have thoughts on road rage.  Here goes....

Drivers enter their cars irritated.  Folks are bombarded with bad news from the Internet, TV, radio... everywhere.  We have NEVER witnessed such viciousness in national politics as we have witnessed ever before in this once great country.  So, it does not take a lot for drivers to erupt behind the wheel.

Motorists are distracted.  Cellphones, texting, emailing, music playing now is the rule while driving.  So, folks are no longer able to focus on driving.   When the light goes from red to green, well, drivers do not notice and delays result.

Drivers are self-centered.  They are discourteous, viciously cut off others and do not give a shit about safety.

Folks simply do not know how to drive!  Turning signals not used. Changing lanes without checking.  Ignoring stop signs. This causes safety concerns for others.

Folks do not plan time to reach destination.  So the already irritated driver is now rushing to go from point A to point B.  This is not going to work.

Here's my driving experience from yesterday. I simply drove a routinely very short distance to a grocery store.  This is what happened:

1. Road construction and partial street closure on Michigan Avenue, so many lanes merged into just 1 lane.
2. A distracted driver at the light. So motorists angry, blowing horns and cutting into lanes without checking.
3.  A slooooow truck driver did not know where he was going, so he held up all other drivers.
All of this in a 5 minute period on a hot Thursday morning.  It just makes me so mad!!!!

This is how I plan my driving to avoid raged drivers:
1. Leave extra early. 
2. Give others the right of way... even when they are wrong.
3. Check my route BEFORE leaving home using Google Maps or Waze.
4. Never make eye contact with other motorists.  Folks are just crazy.
5. I limit my driving to before noon... as much as possible. Stuff happens in evening and at night.
6. Follow the Rules of the Road as I learned so many years ago.

Stay Safe

Timelines and Pages and Groups... Oh My!

Facebook’s timelines, Pages and groups are the platforms for communicating. Each platform is distinct and different. There are rules that should be followed to have a happy Facebook life.

Timelines:

This is YOUR personal soapbox. You can espouse your epistemology on life, your political views and whatever you like. Because Timelines are personal soapboxes, they need to be respected as such. No one has any business encroaching and challenging personal views on a Timeline. When you see a view that opposes your perspective, just click an appropriate emoji and move on. You can also simply read the post, then just scroll on.  When notifications from anyone becomes excessive and annoying… just UNFOLLOW that person.  If worse comes to worse, just “UNFRIEND” that person.  Finally, you can always BLOCK an offensive person.

Pages:

Facebook Pages are promotional platforms for your brand. Pages are configured to make it easy for folks to “LIKE” and stay up to date with whatever is being promoted. Folks can reply to your posts.  However, folks are limited in posting to a Page. Folks are considered “visitors” and their posts show up in a separate area off of the main Page.  You have control of your Page. You can remove posts and visitors from your Page.

Groups:

Facebook groups are EXCLUSIVE platforms.  Groups are configured as “open”, “closed” or “secret”.  In all instance folks have to be APPROVED to be a member.  Group administrators have a lot of control. Groups are topic-based.  Most group administrators will not allow members to go
“Off-Topic”. Administrators have varying degrees of tolerant. Some will simply remove the off-topic posts.  Some administrators are totally intolerant and will remove the post, delete the member or BAN the offending member.  So, read the rules and stay on topic.  Do the "do's' and don't do the "don'ts"!

Other relevant stuff…

Messenger:

I believe the word is out about posting chain letters on folks’ Timeline.  So now these vicious low-life folks have resorted to sending chain letters via Messenger.  They are ashamed and have resorted to this sneaky stealth-like approach.

Stay out of folks Messenger!!!!  The Messenger application is ONLY to send immediate messages of a private nature.  It is not for sending those damn, vicious chain letters!!!  The standard operating procedure is that when someone sends a chain letter, simply forward it back to the sender, then BLOCK the sender from your Messenger.   

Finally….

If you do not know how to BLOCK, BAN, UNFRIEND, UNFOLLOW, and REMOVE TAGs, you have no business on Facebook. So GIT!

On Call Flight Crews

In one of the Facebook Groups, someone stated their flight was delayed for 3 hours due to unavailability of flight crew.  This is inappropriate and extremely vindictive of that airline in the wake of the Dr. Dao incident.

Listen up... Airlines make big big money and the profits are HUGE.  Remember, the airline industry was bailed out during the economy plunge in 2001. Is this the thanks Americans get?  Awful and unnecessary. Here's why...

I have worked in healthcare for over 40 years. Workers cannot be overworked. But, they are needed in certain emergency situations.  Hence, we have "on-call" protocols.  It works for us.  I am sure the trillion dollar airline industry can indeed afford on-call crews at major airports. Yes, airlines will have to pay for these teams, but, it would be a drop in the bucket for these ultra rich fat cats. Ultimately, the costs will be passed on to passengers... whatever!

Here's how to do it:
1. Position on-call teams at the major hubs that would consist of 4 pilots and 8 flight attendants. They may or may not be called in to work, but they are valuable back ups.

2. On-call teams would have to be housed in hotels in or near the airport thereby prepared and arriving within 30 minutes.

Hence, delays would be no longer than 60 minutes. 

The on-call protocol works in healthcare.  It will work for airlines. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

My Thoughts on Air Travel

I fly a lot and I enjoy the air-travel experience.  These days, I mainly travel by air for leisure and conferences, so I know of that which I blog.

April is spring break. So, lots of folks are traveling by air. Currently there is a lot of chatter this month about air travel.  Travelers  have been complaining about the big southern carrier Delta Airlines. They cancelled many flights during spring break due to horrible weather, Folks- please give Delta Airlines a break! There have been so many tornadoes in the south during April.  Delta had to reschedule flights. Safety First!!!  Listen up... you really do not want to fly in severe turbulence. That is a nasty experience!  Remember... Safety First!!!!!! 

Apparently spring break has United Airlines busy.  Right now, there is a viral video of a passenger being dragged off a flight due to overbooking.  Has United Airlines lost there minds?????? I have never witnessed a passenger being forced off a flight due to overbooking.  United Airlines messed up this situation BIG TIME!  Southwest Airlines has never done this before.

I have no issue with overbooking. Air travel is expensive, so I know, ever seat has to be filled.  I cannot recall any recent travel on Southwest where flights were not 100% filled. So, I understand why flights are overbooked.  But, overbooking should be managed BEFORE the boarding process.  No passenger should ever have to deplane due to overbooking!

Southwest Airlines offers nice incentives for passengers to give up a seat BEFORE boarding starts. There have been instances where I consider grabbing such an offer, but usually others grab it before I can get to it.  If I am traveling for leisure, no problem.  But, the early birds... usually have strategically  positioned themselves right at the Gate Desk... grabs the offers fast.  But that is the right way to manage overbooking.

United Airlines has a LOT TO LEARN about the business of air travel.

Las Vegas January 2017

This is a short and sweet trip report on my Las Vegas Quickie Getaway for January 2017.

I had not been to Las Vegas since October 2016, so this was an exciting trip, especially since storm system Decima resulted in my December 2016 trip being cancelled.  I was lucky because with this trip to Vegas, I was able to travel in between storm system Jupiter without any problems.  Thank goodness!!

I departed on Sunday via Southwest with  no delays. On arrival to McCarran, I used the Airline Shuttle to MGM Grand. I have used them since they arrived in Vegas and this shuttle service is excellent.

MGM registration desk had a long line at 9am , but it moved super fast!!!  MGM knows the business of hotels!!!! I got my room keys immediately!!  Nice queen room, no problems.  I spent the day super-slot hopping. MGM to NYNY to Mandalay Bay.

Monday- I had to first check-in for my next day flight back home (so soon!) then to Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan then back to MGM Grand.  I got a good nap at noon, then back up at midnight on the casino floor!!!

Tuesday- MGM has a super efficient TV checkout.  Airline Shuttle very dependable as usual.  Nice flight back home.

What about food??? Well, I no longer do the buffets.  As a solo traveler, the 2 for 1 buffet deals will not work for me and most places have super sized portions, which will get wasted.  So, I just do something cheap, simple and boring.

I really needed this quick 2 night Las Vegas getaway.  I got my full fill of casino fun. I am now re-energized!!!

Beating the Winter Blahs in Chicago

Yes, winter can be "Polar Vortexing" bitter in Chicago. We have to endure 3 freezing months of bitter cold, snow, ice, slush, winter storm systems, and hawkish cold winds!  Folks cannot hibernate indoors for 3 long months.  Folks cannot simply jet off to warm climates.  So, what are the options for surviving Chicago's winter months ON A SHOESTRING budget?  Is this possible????

Yes!!!!! This is the great city of Chicago and so many wonderful FREE and FUN winter options are available.   There is no need for succumb to the winter blahs!  That is NOT an option.

Start your winter plan EARLY in the season. Write out your plan on the first day of winter... December 21st, then plan for 12 activities.... 1 thingy each week.

Here are my suggestions and every activity is absolutely free....

Always get a free newspaper- Reader, RedEye, or Gazette,  then bundle up and head out!

#1: Go to a reading center:

• Harold Washington Library.

• Go to the Chicago Cultural Center.

• Go to your favorite Chicago Public Library branch.

#2- Spend a day at Macy's mothership on State Street:
Start at the top floor, then walk then browse and make your way down to the lower level. At lower level, purchase a beverage,  pull out free newspaper and read it and people watch.

#3- Spend a day at Block 37:
Start at top floor, then browse and walk each floor.

#4- Spend a day at The Shops at North Bridge:
Start at the top floor, then browse and walk each floor.

#5- Go hiking in Chicago's downtown Pedway:
Chicago’s downtown pedestrian way system, the Pedway, lies in the heart of the city. This system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges links more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District, covering roughly five miles. The Pedway is a safe, quick and convenient way for pedestrians to travel downtown—especially in the winter and during times of rain or snow. The Chicago Pedway is a network of tunnels, ground-level concourses and bridges connecting skyscrapers, retail stores, hotels and train stations throughout the central business district of Chicago, Illinois. With a length of more than 40 downtown blocks, it contains shops, restaurants and public art and helps pedestrians in inclement weather. Most connections to the pedway are commercial or government buildings, including hotels.

#6: On the free Tuesdays, exercise PATIENCE and go to:

• Planetarium

• Museum of Science and Industry

• Field Museum

• Museum of Contemporary Art

• Shedd Aquarium

Now its your decision.... either have some fun and face the winter blah!!!!

My Mission & Vision Reflections for the New Year

Happy New Year!  I am glad you have taken the time to check out my personal views for 2017.  I do not do New Year's resolutions, instead, I reflect on the realities of the previous year as I plan to enhance my life in this 2017 new year. So... here are my reflections of 10 points of vision that I am so very pleased with in 2016 and my mission in 2017...

1. Give all praises and thanks be to God. This is always first and foremost.  It is my hope that I truly live the life as a good Christian.

2. Be the good mother.  Motherhood is a blessing that I do not take for granted. I was so very blessed to have had a good mother and I hope that I am a good mother.

3. Walking for fitness and wellness.  I did my daily walking with my Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker. In most of the 52 weeks in 2016, I met the standard fitness goal of at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Thanks be to God! I look forward to continuing this vigorous fitness goal.

4. Healthy meal plans. Freshly cooked veggies is the way to go. I enjoy the cooking / chefs shows and have learned how to cook veggies.  Fennel, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans have been the stars in my kitchen!

5. Rest, relaxation in Las Vegas. I continue my strong enjoyment passion for fabulous Las Vegas.

6. Commitment to quality nursing education. I am a good teacher. I always wanted to be an RN and a teacher. Through the good and loving grace of God, I have been blessed to be a nurse educator for many years.  I dedicate a lot of time to developing fine quality lesson plans.Hence, I proudly strut as the "Sage on the Stage", where my goal is for students to learn and be successful registered professional nurses.

7. Actively contribute to the ministry and outreach of FILC. I have a wonderful pastor. I am still so excited about being a deacon today was I was when first appointed and installed.

8. Commit to my personal local recreational activities. I have attended many solo events. I carefully review and select the right venue. 2016 was great and I plan to do more.  If I waited for others, I would NEVER have any type of social life. I plan to do everything solo in 2017.  I am not really up to the fiasco of planning for others.  I just do me. And I am happy.
2017 Solo Plans:  Chicago Auto Show, Loyola alumni events, Chicago Wine fest, other appropriate wine and craft beer events, theater and much much more!!!!

9. Continue my social media soapbox. I just love espousing my personal views on Facebook.  But, I do this on my OWN Timeline and within my closed groups.  Planet Janet is outrageous.  Lots of good, tolerant members are there.  I thank them for their membership. I will also continue to perform my reviews of retailers.  Social media is an excellent venue to do this.  But, I am very careful. I have my rules. My goal is to avoid giving poor reviews.  A retailer has to be very lousy in order to get a poor review from me.  I back up all of my truthful findings.  I do not allow myself to be bribed. But. I believe in atonement. Actually, all of my reviews for 2016 were pretty good. I also read reviews and I avoid patronage to venues with poor reviews.

10. Remain supportive of my preferred charities. My accountant advised me to be supportive of my church 40 years go.  I have been an obedient client for 40 years.


Happy New Year!!!!