Planes, trains and automobiles

I was given a Page-a-day calendar for Xmas featuring the wit and wisdom of the Yarn Harlot. As an added bonus I could pick another calendar to receive in my email everyday. So I picked Schott's Miscellany and so far it has been pretty boring. Today's entry, though, was rather amusing, I thought. Maybe it's amusing because I no longer need to commute anywhere, much less on public transportation. Here it is:

Stress Relief for Commuters

Tactics for dealing with the stresses and strains of the daily commute were explored by British researchers at Nottingham Trent University. The 2007 study revealed that the problems that most vexed commuters were: lack of space, loud music, delays, and obnoxious smells. Researchers also identified the following coping strategies:

• 1 .................. sing or talk to yourself
• 2 ..................... plan the day ahead
• 3 ..............work on laptop, write, read
• 4 ................emotion-focused coping†
• 5 ........................ seek counseling
• 6 ............listen to audio book or music
• 7 ............... chew gum, snack, or chat
• 8 .................smoke, or drink alcohol
• 9 ....................... meditate or pray

† vent anger or look at attractive commuters

Is it just me, or would acting on half of those things only make the commute 10 times worse for everyone around you? Talking to yourself, venting your anger, leering at people, taking a swig from your brown bag-wrapped 40, getting your Cheeto dust everywhere... sounds like someone I'd be thrilled to share a train with.

The most vexing option is clearly the second half of #8 which, last I checked, was not allowed on public transportation, and is certainly illegal when driving your own car. Perhaps it is aimed more at the carpool passenger.