I drive 300 miles a week to commute to work. During that time, I encounter, repeatedly, some particular asshat behaviors.

1) If you're the type that takes the speed limit as a LIMIT, then please use the right lane. Just because there are three lanes or four lanes does not mean that it doesn't matter which lane you use. If you're the type who takes the speed limit as a suggested minimum speed, then do not expect people in the right-most lane to get out of your way. No matter how much you tailgate them, they aren't going to speed up. You should pass them on the left, like a good citizen. If you are tempted to pass someone on the right, take a chill pill for 30 seconds and give that person you are mericlessly tailgating a moment to see you and get to the right.

2) If you are facing a situation where there are multiple left turn lanes, you need to turn INTO THE SAME LANE. Sure, this is just logic, but believe it or not, people don't seem to know this as I continually have people try to kill me at intersections with multiple left turn lanes. In particular, the left turn from east bound Frying Pan Rd to Centerville Rd (this is in the Herndon, VA area) is fraught with danger because of people who are not clear on this concept. Today, I was nearly creamed by a landscaping truck that didn't get it while turning from West Ox Rd onto 28. Fucking idiot.

3) It is not your God-given right to turn right on red, even if your license plate says you are BLESSD. You still have to yield to the people with a green light, and in particular, you should take note of those people turning left from across the intersection that have a green arrow and therefore the right-of-way.

That is all. Thank you for playing.

The Buick Park Avenue Ultra -- The car of the H4X0R. Who knew?

Vote Null! The choice of the new generation! Fairfax County elections use computer voting. I wonder where the Null votes go?

Those who know me are aware that I don't like the current batch of Republicans OR Democrats, but it's always good to know that it is possible to recognize the hypocrisy from within the party.

In short, the Republicans have become the very picture of the arrogance and trappings of power that they defeated in 1994. Perhaps a decade or so in the minority will help them rediscover their principles.

Radly Balko supports this assertion with an exhaustive list how just how exactly the current Republican-controlled government is betraying the supposed values of the party.

That simple credo is nowhere to be found at the GOP's national site. That is a complex mish-mash that is boring and of no interest too me. Frankly, I think it's far too much for the typical voter to absorb anyway. The fact that they require so much verbage and complexity in their platform is an obvious sign that they are over-reaching. Too bad politicians are incapable of seeing the obvious.

Both of the major parties seem to be betraying their own ideals. I can only hope that one or both will experience a loss of support or, in the best possible world, a complete implosion, clearing the way for some new blood.

I have updated my AT journal for my most recent trip. I have now done 942 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Bailey Gap Shelter
Tilson Gap/Big Walker Mountain
Chestnut Knob
Bland/Bastian VA

This is the first time I have taken a digital camera, so the pictures are already part of the entries. I actually wrote these entries last Monday, but I neglected to mention it here.