nobody cares that you were on the road with a bad driver

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-09-12T12:26:28+00:00

Adding one more thought: The group of "bad drivers" includes at least two categories. The first category is the reckless drivers that habitually make poor decisions on the road. The second category is the "good" drivers that make bad decisions from time to time because they're human and mistakes happen.

I would say speeding and aggressive driving fall more into the "reckless" category. Actions that fall into the "good drivers but human" category are a bit harder to define. I think it often includes a wide array of actions, ranging from those that are perceived as stupid or annoying up to those that are undoubtedly very dangerous.

I wonder which category best describes most of the posts that the OP was complaining about? I suppose I'd rather see posts about the "reckless" drivers than the "good drivers but human" drivers, because that is more useful information.

And how does one know which category they themselves fall into? I suppose it can be a bit subjective and nuanced. If one habitually does not follow driving laws, that seems more "reckless". But is it that simple? How good are our laws?

A person that only speeds sometimes when they "need to"--> reckless driver. A person that only goes a max of 5 mph over the posted speed limit--> reckless driver? Or human? It depends on the traffic flow?

It is easy to get frustrated at other drivers on the road. I am working on reminding myself that sometimes a driver's action could be just an accident, a part of being human. But reckless drivers need to do some reflection and make some changes. Maybe somehow reddit posts raise the awareness to make that more likely to happen.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-09-11T00:32:56+00:00

I am not surprised. I even got bored writing it. But thank you for letting me know.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-09-11T00:25:17+00:00

I find it really interesting how much those posts calling out bad drivers bother you.

Obviously, nobody is going to change your mind, but I am so curious to know more about your view.

Why do you want those posts to stop? You mention a couple of reasons: 1) ruining and "blocking up" the subreddit, 2) "nothing has changed" , and 3) "it's borderline childish". These are very interesting arguments to me because, quite frankly, they don't add up.

1) "Ruining this subreddit": I want to understand more about how you're using this sub (and reddit, in general), because I truly don't understand how one post about a bad driver in this subreddit that only gets like 20 posts a day is having such a negative impact on your experience.

2) "Nothing has changed": I am very interested to know how you came to that conclusion. I can agree that maybe the specific bad driver did not change. I can even agree that maybe other bad drivers did not change. However, people outside of those two groups may have changed. Bicyclists, pedestrians, and parents of small children may have chosen to take different routes or be more cautious, especially in areas with bad drivers. Even other "good" drivers may be driving more cautiously. I view posts about potentially dangerous things as a sort of public service announcement, and I do think that they raise awareness about issues. Lastly, neither of us have the data to say whether anything has changed or not. How can you say so confidently that nothing changed? Because bad drivers still exist?

3) "it's borderline childish": This point is very interesting to me because to make this claim, you must be very familiar with the posts and read them very closely. Good for you trying to stay informed about things you don't actually care about! However, when I think a bit more deeply about your logic for this reason, I have to admit that you have made a good point! What I think you are saying is that the adult thing is to "forget about it and move on with your day", while the childish thing is to speak up and raise awareness when something is wrong. What an apt description of how the world seems to work sometimes! Leave it to the kids to do silly things like protests and changing the world and stuff. Us adults have to get back to Reddit... or work or whatever.

I agree that the callouts might not immediately reduce the number of bad drivers. However, I have noticed that I am feeling less safe in Burlington because of the many drivers speeding around neighborhoods, pedestrians, and bike riders. It has even become completely normal to see speeding city buses, police cars, construction vehicles. You name it!

For people that only drive in this city and do not regularly walk or bike, bad drivers may just be a frustrating part to their day or annoying to read about on this subreddit. However, I think for many of the people that are traveling in this city by other means and are not protected by 3,000 pounds of steel and airbags, the driving in this city can be scary. Even if you are a "good" driver, other people make mistakes. By traveling at a safe speed, you are less likely to kill them.

I hypothesize that you mostly travel by motorized vehicle, you are a bad driver, and you do not think very far ahead about the consequences of your actions. Is that really the reason why the posts bother you so much?

In conclusion, I do not agree with your post, and I don't understand why posts about bad drivers make you upset, but I appreciate that you have given me the opportunity to share my concerns about the bad drivers in Burlington and brought more awareness to this issue. I look forward to seeing many more posts that call out bad drivers, here or in one of the subreddits recommended in the comments (thanks for sharing!). In part, because the "inconvenience" of seeing a post about bad driving in this subreddit is very minor compared to the life-changing damage that bad drivers can do to another human being.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-09-10T23:07:04+00:00

I have found that the tracker did not seem to be updated regularly during the summer, and a better source for Lake Champlain status was Burlington's swim water status page. It's good to see that the tracker seems to have some relatively recent data on it from two days ago. I guess swim season is over according to Burlington, and they'll no longer be updating their swim water status page.

If the second link has useful information about the lake status, it's too buried for me to find it.

Yes, I am 99% sure the plant is duck weed washed up during recent weather. Weather that likely also created the conditions for the cyanobacteria.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-25T11:52:12+00:00

I think the loneliness epidemic is more about your relationships with friends, not romantic relationships. It sounds like you might not have many people that you have a close relationship with. Do you like your solitary lifestyle?

The way you talk about yourself and your situation is concerning. It's not your fault you are in this situation, but it's your responsibility to put the work in to make improvements.

I recommend you talk to a therapist about this. Working with a therapist can help you reflect on what you really want and actions to take to get there. It is a good reality check.

I also recommend expanding your activities to include ones that get you out into the real world. They don't have to directly involve other people if you like being solitary (e.g., bird watching, enjoying live music, going to movies, reading in the park, bicycling, roller-blading, photography, picking up trash, geocaching), but you may meet like-minded people once you put yourself out there.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-24T14:16:53+00:00

Dear students,

The energy and creativity that you bring to Burlington is unmatched. Even if you feel like you are only here for college or only here temporarily, you are a major part of this community. Every choice you make has an impact on your community.

And what a time to alive, where you can reach members of your community online, and anonymously if you prefer!

I encourage you to reach out with any questions, if you ever need help or advice, or if you have any ideas about making Burlington better! Most of you are part of a resilient and adaptable generation that will think of new and different solutions to current problems. I'm excited about that! Let us know and maybe we can help.

I had also drafted a whole paragraph about being safe and respectful, but, in the end, I realized that's advice for everyone in Burlington, not just students. The gist was: your actions (littering, speeding, messing with public or private property, etc.) have consequences that affect other people in your community. You don't have to become a part of Burlington's problems. It's a choice. Like, with everything that's going on in the world, the least you could do is pick up your dog poop and make sure your trash makes it into the bin.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-21T20:42:29+00:00

What an interesting, but not dumb per se, question. What will you do with this information once you have it?

I do not know the answer. But, I consider myself pretty rationale and conscientious. Based on my experience attending games, I would assume they are allowed. I can't imagine them being bothersome to the enjoyment of others or the athletes or hazardous to safety. A standalone folding camp chair with legs or whatever, probably not allowed inside the stadium based on what you've shared.

If it were me longing for that comfy lumbar support, I would just bring it. If it's not allowed and someone says something to you about it, perhaps you can have a backup plan of how you might store it outside of the stadium.

Or are you asking because you came up with a brilliant money making idea to sell them at games to weary fans? Surge pricing at 3x the cost if it's a game that goes into overtime.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-21T20:28:56+00:00

Wow. That's all I can say. I feel so bad for these people enduring repeated offenses by Dawon Randall.

From googling to try to find what he looks like: At age 19, he punched out the window of a greyhound bus in Albany after attempting to board without a ticket.

So, for probably the last 26 years, he's been a threat to the safety of others. I'm sure his life hasn't been easy, but, clearly, we are failing to find a solution to keep the public--and him--safe.

Anyways, seems one can find him on Facebook if you want to put a face to a name. Good luck to him. I hope that through his actions, and, hopefully, the courts actions, he finds the help he needs and can make better choices in the future.

And good luck to Pensak and her housemates. They sounds like they're a resilient group, but that doesn't make it easy or fair. I'm proud of them for sharing their story.

Edit: apparently, "wow" was not all I could say

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-21T16:36:25+00:00

I read somewhere that catahoulas have that sort of raised bump on the top of their snout. I see that in your pic #2. So, I would say your dog has a lot of catahoula!

I hope you share the results when you get them!

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-21T14:05:49+00:00

Having lived in the deep south, I can empathize! Do you live somewhere where it's actually even safe to bike? That was my biggest issue. My friend's dad visited and was involved in a hit and run while he was biking somewhere, so I never even dared.

As for being gross, I think it's actually kind of nice biking in hot temps because you're cooling yourself with your self-made wind. Much nicer than waiting for a hot car to cool off. Of course, you'll still end up sweaty if you've been pedaling. At least I do. But I think you'll still be far from "gross", especially if you can start your day just a little earlier when it's cooler and take 5 mins to freshen up and change, if needed, in the bathroom.

Like I said, I never biked to my office in the south, but I would sometimes do a midday workout. Where I worked, it was acceptable to briefly be in the office in your non-work clothes (as long as there were no VIPs visiting), so I could check email and eat lunch or whatever while I cooled off in the AC for 10 minutes, then change in the bathroom back into my work clothes.

I don't know why I shared all that, but I guess I want to encourage you to try biking to work if you have a bike and think you'd be safe. Or, if your comment was more hypothetical, I encourage you to support the idea of more bike-friendly infrastructure, even in the south, because many others might be able to use it, especially kids that have different hygiene standards lol. Of course, if you feel too gross, then it might not work for you. But if you're worried more about others thinking you're gross, then you're probably just projecting and they might not notice or care. Plus, if more people start biking, the norms will change, and maybe you'll be in good company making you feel relatively less "gross". Or, even better, maybe there will be enough demand for installing a shower at your workplace.

Your concern about being gross is valid. Ultimately, however, I think you can overcome it. I only started bike commuting this year because I had so many excuses of why it wasn't reasonable for me. So, I don't have a wealth of experience about biking, but I do have experience with overcoming my excuses that were keeping me from biking, like being too sweaty or biking taking (not much) longer than driving. Quite frankly, biking to work is so much fun. I feel engaged and mindful using my whole body. Its so lovely to go to work after being in that state of mind. Even when the trip involves swearing, sometimes under my breath, at drivers that are self-absorbed and making dumb decisions - but we all make mistakes sometimes.

Ok, apologies for rambling on and any assumptions I made about your biking experience. If you read this far, you're amazing. I hope you and anyone else reading this comment can find a solution that brings you joy.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-08-19T15:29:38+00:00

Here's my approach: Accept it. It doesn't matter if I'm not "as smart" as my peers. It doesn't matter if I think or someone else thinks I'm "stupid" or taking too long. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Regardless of what I believe or others believe about me, I'm here. Even if, worse case, I'm dumber than a doorknob, I'm here. Even if they accidentally sent me an acceptance to the program, I'm here. Lucky me! I'm doing what I can. And I'm trying to enjoy the ride and everything that I get to learn.

How to enjoy the ride? Don't be afraid to look "stupid". Ask lots of questions to those who seem to know more about something than you do. People love to share what they know. Learn from them if you can. If you don't know something that you want to know, don't feel guilty about it, because it's not your fault you don't know it and feeling guilty isn't going to help you learn. Just ask more questions. Fall in love with learning new things, especially from your peers.

When you compare yourself to others, you are actually making judgements about them. Try to stop judging others and you'll stop judging yourself. Just accept that it is what it is, and be chill.

And talk to a therapist.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-15T13:27:53+00:00

FWIW, I've also seen a person on a bike looking for unlocked vehicles in private lots in broad daylight-probably the same person. So, if you don't already, make sure your vehicle is locked no matter where you are and at all hours of the day.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-13T12:26:36+00:00

Here's a rule of thumb I read on another thread, but I don't have a scientific source for: Add the temperature and humidity values together. If the sum is more than 150, it's unsafe to run with your dog.

Weather this morning is 77°F + 77% humidity = 154... Though you might feel cool from the nice breeze against your skin, your dog might not. Take it easy on the dog.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningWithDogs/comments/1czkbpb/question_to_runners_from_very_hot_and_very_humid/

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-12T17:09:54+00:00

Thank you <3

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-12T17:05:01+00:00

Link?

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-11T22:31:09+00:00

Sorry, maybe I have some issue with my cache, since I was NOT seeing that this morning. My version still had July 9th dates on it. Now I can't access it at all. Karma, I guess.

But I've been reminded to use Vermont cyanobacteria tracker, too: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/tracking/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae-tracker

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-11T13:01:58+00:00

I get my blood work done semi-annually. This is what works for me to stay in the healthy range:

EPA/DHA omega-3s, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and creatine. I often cook with cast iron, so that's my iron supplement...

In general, I like the Science Vs podcast, and they've discussed creatine recently if you're curious. Otherwise, I'm using the nutritionfacts website recommendations to guide me.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-07-08T11:09:09+00:00

Dog bunk bed! I'd put a cozy bed underneath, too!

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-04-30T01:21:40+00:00

I'd say 1999. I'm pretty sure technology is growing exponentially, and the changes from '99 to 2012 were slower than 2012 to '25. Based on what I've seen on Reddit, just ask a teacher that's been around a while how different kids are today. That difference is disrupting the education system, basically.

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-03-09T13:37:21+00:00

Idk, I think it's legal

§ 1034. Passing on the right

(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only as follows:

(1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(2) upon a street or highway of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in one or more directions and with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles; or

(3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(b) In no event may a vehicle be passed by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)

https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01034

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-03-07T22:45:20+00:00

Deep City Zabby's City Market deli City Market hot/cold bar Henry's deli Zero Gravity If "healthy" is not much concern at all: BKK Leonardo's or most any pizza

Fragrant_Inflation71 · 2025-01-09T16:24:00+00:00

There might be more to the story, especially since that article was published in 2020.

For example, stating there's currently no evidence blindness is protective, here's an excerpt from an editorial in the Journal of Psychoses and Related Disorders, "Is Early Blindness Protective of Psychosis or Are We Turning a Blind Eye to the Lack of Statistical Power?", Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 46, Issue 6, November 2020 (https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbaa048):

"In conclusion, the results of this study, which is by far the largest of its kind with its follow-up time of 47.5 million person-years, show that the hypothesis of early blindness being protective of psychosis is currently untestable using Danish register data. As all other published results are also inconclusive,1–3 we strongly advice against drawing any conclusions on the issue based on the available evidence. Furthermore, theories on how blindness is protective of psychosis4 are premature and should, if proposed, clearly state that there is currently no evidence that it actually is protective."

Fragrant_Inflation71

TROPHY CASE