Ben Cousins Makes Flipping The Bird Becomes Popular Again

Ben Cousins, disgraced former West Coast Eagles captain and now Richmond player, came back to Perth a couple of weeks ago for a match against the Fremantle Dockers. Ninety minutes before the game he spotted a TV camera and "flipped the bird" in its direction. Otherwise known as giving it the one-finger salute. The AFL was a bit unhappy about the action and fined Cousins $5000 as did his club. Ten grand for a gesture. I wonder what you could get away with in civilian life for a maximum $10k fine?

Anyway, it appears that the "bird" is becoming more popular. The other day I was wandering around the city and noticed a bus and a taxi trying to occupy the same position on the road. The taxi driver had overtaken on a double-white line, a no overtaking position, and had cut the bus driver off somewhat. They were both inching their vehicles forward to make life difficult for one another. Then you could hear the bus driver yelling. Finally he took his belt off, opened the door and stormed up to the front passenger door of the taxi, flipped the bird as he started mouthing off and opened the front door. He then gave some abuse and went back to his bus, leaving the taxi door open. Well, the taxi driver took his belt off, had a few words to say to the bus driver as he circled his car to close the door and got back in. Then the bus driver wound his window down, stuck his head out of the window and continued to give some abuse.

Amusing stuff. Has Ben Cousins made flipping the bird popular again? Can't see the bus driver getting fined $10k for his actions.

Depth Perception Issue

Since returning from Korea on Sunday I have noticed a depth perception issue. It is more difficult to judge the oncoming speed of vehicles and whether or not it is safe to pull out in front of another car. Even coming to a stop for a stop sign, yes, sadly I am one of the few who does this, I find myself just a little bit off the mark and braking late.

I'd say that it has something to do with being slightly traumatised by Korean taxi drivers who think nothing of flying along 20-30 km/h above the speed limit in town and weaving through the traffic if not driving through red lights. I can't judge whether the guy coming towards me is doing 60-65 or 90 km/h.

I hope this is a temporary affliction.