[adrotate group=”1″] MARCH MADNESS—the exhilarating crescendo of college basketball—beckons fans with the promise of electrifying games, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments. As the tournament approaches, the scramble for tickets intensifies. But amidst the frenzy, there’s a lurking danger: fake tickets peddled by unscrupulous vendors and scalpers. The Scam Landscape Online Pitfalls: The internet, a double-edged sword, offers countless avenues to find tickets. Unfortunately, some of these listings are rip-offs. In 2019 alone, the Better Business Bureau received nearly 400 reports related to ticket scams for sporting events, concerts, and theater shows. Beware of enticing online deals that seem too good to be true. Individual Sellers: Most scams occur when buying from individuals. Picture this: you meet someone on the street or transact online, believing you’ve secured a legitimate ticket. But here’s the twist—multiple buyers may hold the same ticket. The first person to scan it at the venue gains entry, leaving others stranded. Shield Yourself: Practical Tips Source Wisely: Venue First: Whenever possible, purchase directly from the venue. Official ticket sales agents now offer secondary sales options. Know Your Source: Understand the difference between: Professional Ticket Brokers: Legitimate, accredited resellers. Ticket Scalpers: Unregulated and unlicensed sellers. Scammers: The ones peddling counterfeit tickets. Check Credentials: Look up sellers on BBB.org to learn from others’ experiences. Verify if they’re members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), which offers a 200% purchase guarantee. Online Caution: Trustworthy Vendors: Buy only from trusted online vendors. Look for the lock symbol in the web address, indicating a secure purchasing system. Avoid Email Links: Scammers often create web addresses resembling well-known companies. Don’t click through from emails or online ads. Know the Refund Policy: Transparency Matters: Ensure the reseller provides clear details about the transaction terms. Seat Location Disclosure: Sellers should reveal the exact seat location represented by the tickets. Shipping or Pickup: If tickets aren’t immediately accessible, know when they’ll ship or be available for pickup. Safe Payment Methods: Credit Cards: Always use credit cards for ticket purchases. They offer recourse if things go awry. Avoid Risky Methods: Debit cards, wire transfers, or cash transactions leave you vulnerable. Spotting Red Flags Too Good to Be True: If the price seems unrealistically low, pause and reconsider. Ripped Tags and Irregular Markings: Inspect merchandise for signs of tampering. Authorized Retail Locations: Opt for authorized retail stores and licensed online vendors. Final Words March Madness is a celebration of basketball prowess, camaraderie, and sheer adrenaline. Don’t let fake tickets tarnish your experience. Arm yourself with knowledge, stay vigilant, and cheer for your team without falling prey to scams. Remember, the thrill of victory should never be shadowed by the agony of a counterfeit ticket. [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 137
Author: Wayne Lawrence
BASKETBALL TERMS EXPLAINED (IN CARTOON FORM)
[adrotate group=”1″] For those of you who are unfamiliar, or are. here are a few illustrations of the some of the the rules you should find being followed during this year’s NCAA MARCH MADNESS.. Personal Foul: When a player of the opposing team makes contact with a player of the other team. Remember BASKETBALL is a non-contact sport. (Well it used to be). STEALING THE BALL: Taking the ball away from the offensive team during normal play. THREE SECOND LANE VIOLATION: Called when an offensive is in the LANE for more than 3 seconds. (The LANE is the portion of the floor from the free throw line bounded on each side by line where the rebounders stand during a free throw. It is usually a different color than the rest of the floor; but doesn’t have to be.) You rarely see this called regardless of how long the player stays there. BANK SHOT: A shot that BANKS off the glass and into the basket. SLAM DUNK: When an offensive player (technically goal tends, leaving the defensive player without a way to defend, as he is not permitted to enter this area. IN REAL BASKETBALL THE OFFENSIVE PLAYER IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS AREA EITHER. An imaginary cylinder extending above the rim area). TRAVELING: Occurs when a player takes more than 2 steps without a dribble. This is another rare call. (I guess the refs can’t count that far very often. This should be called almost every time). But in todays game “PALMING” which is when the player puts his hand under the ball and turns it over while supposedly dribbling the ball AND CARRIES IT BETWEEN DRIBBLES, is technically. traveling or could be considered a Double Dribble, as he stops his dribble then starts dribbling again. BUT NOT IN TODAYS GAME. DRIBBLING: Bringing the ball down the floor by bouncing it off the floor, but not above the head. (And not turning the ball over in your hand, as you see the players do now days). TIME OUT: This is the time the coach explains what he wants the team to do next, hoping to take advantage of the opposition by surprise. TECHNICAL FOUL: Usually an infraction that is non contact and can be called on coaches, players, even spectators. JUMP BALL: This occurs when two opposing player have control of the ball. 10 SECOND LINE VIOLATION: When a team fails to advance the ball across the mid-court line in 10 seconds. [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 144
THE DISRUPTIVE SHIFT
[adrotate group=”1″] Daylight saving time, that biannual clock dance, disrupts our internal rhythms. Here’s how: Health Risks: The sudden shift messes with our bodies. Researchers link DST to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, mood disturbances, and hospital admissions. Inflammatory markers spike due to stress, and car crashes become more likely after the spring forward. Energy Conservation Myth: Benjamin Franklin’s candle-saving idea birthed DST, but today it’s questionable. Lighting accounts for less energy use, and extending daylight hours encourages more air conditioning and heating. Mood Disorders: Contrary to popular belief, extra evening sunlight doesn’t necessarily make us healthier. Data suggests DST exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Circadian Rhythms: Sunlight synchronizes our internal clocks. While evening light is great for outdoor activities, it can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep at our usual bedtime. The Two-Hour Gap Now, let’s focus on the peculiar scenario of a state being two hours ahead of the sun. Imagine waking up while the world outside is still cloaked in darkness. Here’s what happens: Darker Mornings: After DST, mornings become gloomier. The sun rises later, affecting our wake-up routines. On March 9, Milwaukee will see sunrise at 6:11 a.m., but on March 10, it won’t rise until 7:09 a.m. Evening Sunsets: On the flip side, evenings gain extra daylight. By April 15, the sun sets at 7:36 p.m. in Milwaukee, granting 13 hours and 29 minutes of daylight. Trade-Off: While longer evenings are delightful, the cost is darker mornings. Finding the right balance is tricky. Longest Day of the Year Remember the Summer Solstice? It’s the longest day, when the sun reaches its zenith. This year, Milwaukeeans will bask in 15 hours and 25 minutes of daylight on June 20. The sun rises at 5:10 a.m. and sets at 8:36 p.m. DST isn’t just about adjusting clocks; it’s about recalibrating our lives. As we spring forward, let’s be mindful of the effects—both positive and negative—of this temporal tango with time. BUT, Our government officials do not care about OUR HEALTH. All they care about is having more time to play Golf and enjoy the benefits of their extravagant lives. Nevermind the average working man’s needs. I suggest those who want DST should adjust their times to their schedules, NOT force the general public to observe DST’ers to go along with their whims. DST’ers I ask you. How much time have you saved. (SAVED, as a rule means to put aside for use at a later date). When to you plan to make that withdrawal of time. Answer YOU HAVE NOT ONE MINUTE IN YOUR BANK. YOU WILL NEVER USE IT. Maybe DST should really be called SDT (SUN DELAYED TIME), at least that would be more HONEST! [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 150
CAITLIN CLARK vs. PETE MARAVICH: A SCORING DUEL
[adrotate group=”1″] The Records: 🏀 Pete Maravich: College Years : Maravich played for Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1967 to 1970. Scoring Average: He averaged an astounding 44.2 points per game during his college career. Total Points: Maravich set an NCAA record with a total of 3,667 points. (In 3 years), Total Points: Notably, Maravich achieved this feat without the benefit of the 3-point shot, which was introduced later, and he accomplished it in just three season. (Freshmen not allowed to play) Playing Style: Maravich was a shooting, dribbling, and passing wizard who dominated the college game. Caitlin Clark: College Years: Clark currently plays for the University of Iowa and has been making waves since 2020. Scoring Prowess: She is a scoring dynamo, consistently putting up impressive numbers. Current Total Points: As of now, Clark has amassed 3,650 points. Advantages: Unlike Maravich, she has the advantage of the 3-point shot and other modern rules. Playing Style: Clark’s playing style is reminiscent of Maravich’s—fearless, aggressive, and with a shoot-first mentality. Should There Be an Asterisk? The question of whether Caitlin Clark should have an asterisk next to her name when she breaks Maravich’s scoring record is subjective. Here are some considerations: Era and Rules: Maravich played in a different era, without the shot clock or the 3-point line. These factors significantly impacted gameplay. Clark’s achievements occur in a more modern context, with rule changes that favor high-scoring games. Duration: Maravich achieved his record in three seasons, while Clark is on track to surpass it in four seasons. Some argue that the longer duration gives Clark more opportunities to accumulate points. Individual Accomplishments: Both players stand on their own merits. Clark’s achievements are remarkable, regardless of Maravich’s record. Comparing them directly may not be entirely fair, as they played different games under different circumstances. Conclusion: Caitlin Clark’s scoring prowess is undeniable, and she deserves recognition for her achievements. Whether an asterisk should accompany her record-breaking moment is a matter of perspective. Ultimately, both players have left an indelible mark on college basketball, each in their unique way. As fans, let’s celebrate their greatness without diminishing either player’s legacy. 🏀 [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 173
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NCAA MARCH MADNESS
[adrotate group=”1″] 🏀The college national tournament, also known as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, is one of the most popular and exciting events in American sports. Every year, 68 teams compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the national champion of college basketball. But how did this tournament begin and evolve over time? The first NCAA Tournament was held in 1939, with only eight teams invited. The Oregon Webfoots (now Ducks) won the inaugural title, defeating, 46-33 in the final. The tournament was created by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and was initially overshadowed by the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), which had started a year earlier and featured more established teams from the East. However, the NCAA Tournament gradually gained prestige and popularity, especially after 1951, when a point-shaving scandal tarnished the reputation of the NIT. The NCAA also expanded the field of the tournament several times, adding more teams from different regions and conferences. In 1952, the field grew to 16 teams; in 1975, it reached 32 teams; in 1985, it expanded to 64 teams; and in 2011, it added four more teams to create the First Four round. The NCAA Tournament also witnessed some of the most memorable moments and players in basketball history. Some of the highlights include: The UCLA dynasty, led by coach John Wooden and stars like Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) (because Alcindor was so proficient at dunking the ball, DUNKS were banned in high school and college from 1967-1976), and Bill Walton, that won 10 titles in 12 years from 1964 to 1975. (As you know I beleive dunking is still an ILLEGAL move. It is GOAL TENDING !!! To dunk the ball you enter the the extended. area above the rim, giving the offensive player an UNFAIR advantage: as the defender is not allowed to enter the same area. NOW if they were to allow the defender the same latitude (to enter this area), Then the DEFENDER is on equal footing. BESIDES, What is so exciting about a player who can stand flat footed and touch the rim, sticking the ball in the hoop, WHOOPIE. If they allow this it should only count as 1 POINT. (difficulty level should come into play here). The 1979 final between Michigan State and Indiana State, featuring the first matchup of future NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, which drew a record 24.1 million viewers. The 1982 final between North Carolina and Georgetown, in which a freshman named Michael Jordan hit the game-winning shot with 15 seconds left. The 1983 final between North Carolina State and Houston, in which the underdog Wolfpack stunned the heavily favored Cougars with a buzzer-beating dunk by Lorenzo Charles off a missed shot by Dereck Whittenburg. The 1992 East Regional final between Duke and Kentucky, in which Christian Laettner hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer after a full-court pass from Grant Hill, capping off a 104-103 overtime thriller. The NCAA Tournament continues to captivate millions of fans every year, who fill out their brackets and root for their favorite teams or Cinderella stories. The tournament is also a showcase for the best college players, some of whom go on to become stars in the NBA or other professional leagues. The tournament is a celebration of the sport of basketball and its rich history and tradition. 🏀 Views: 157
THE PEN vs. THE SWORD: A DUEL of INFLUENCE
[adrotate group=”1″] We have all heard the sayings: “The pen is mightier than the sword”. “Actions speak louder than words”, Here we examine the two sayings, to see if we can determine which is more true. In the vast arena of human communication, two powerful contenders step into the spotlight: the pen and the sword. Each wields its unique force, leaving an indelible mark on history, culture, and the hearts of people. Let us explore this timeless clash of metaphors, where ink battles steel, and ideas spar with blades. The Pen: A Quill of Transformation “The pen is mightier than the sword.” This venerable adage, penned by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, resonates across centuries. It proclaims that the written word possesses a potency beyond mere physical force. Here’s why: Ideas Unleashed: The pen, poised over parchment, births revolutions, reforms, and enlightenment. It etches treaties, constitutions, and manifestos—blueprints for societal metamorphosis. The ink flows, and minds awaken. Silent Rebellion: While the sword clangs in battle, the pen whispers dissent. It infiltrates minds, dismantling tyranny, prejudice, and ignorance. The pen’s ink seeps into hearts, urging change, compassion, and justice. Silent Rebellion: The sword rusts, but the written word endures. From ancient scrolls to digital archives, it transcends time. Shakespeare’s sonnets, Voltaire’s essays, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s and echo across generations. The Sword: A Blade of Defiance “Actions speak louder than words.” This maxim, rooted in wisdom, reminds us that deeds resonate more profoundly than mere promises. Behold the sword: Visible Impact: When wielded, the sword cleaves reality. It defends, conquers, or avenges. Its blade, unsheathed, alters destinies. Battles won, kingdoms toppled—the sword’s legacy is etched in blood and valor. Immediate Resolve: In the heat of conflict, words falter. The sword, swift and decisive, demands no eloquence. It slashes through ambiguity, proclaiming intent. Actions—bold, unyielding—shape history’s contours. Symbol of Authority: Kings, knights, and warriors brandish swords—a badge of power. The blade’s gleam intimidates foes, rallies allies. It carves paths through chaos, forging empires and legends. The Harmonious Duet But can these adversaries coexist? Indeed! Their synergy births revolutions. Consider: The Treaty: Diplomats wield pens, drafting peace accords. Yet, ink alone won’t quell strife. Swords enforce treaties, ensuring compliance. The Martyr: Words ignite revolutions, but courage wields the sword. Think of Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance—a fusion of pen and sword. The Artist: Shakespeare’s quill conjured Hamlet’s soliloquies, while the sword danced in Macbeth’s battles. Art and action entwine. The Verdict In this cosmic duel, neither triumphs absolutely. The pen scribes ideals; the sword defends them. Together, they shape humanity’s saga. So, let ink flow, blades clash, and ideas roar. For in this symphony of expression, both pen and sword find their immortal refrain. “The pen is mightier than the sword,” whispers the sage. “Actions speak louder than words,” echoes the warrior. And we, mere mortals, dance between their harmonious chords. [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 188
2024 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION
Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”, “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS” for each game. Yes I will have MY PICKS. An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS” Bracket. GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win. What is a seed? Merely a starting place. Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game. Would lets say were, Michigan St., to be seeded as a number 16. They would still have to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP. Seeding should lead to the best 2 teams playing in the final game. However there is always that upset minded team; or the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. For more information feel free to go to… https://ftm.coursemateai.com/home 🏀 I tried to pin Artie Fischal into filling out a bracket. The Closest I got was his Final Four. One pick might throw you for a loop. All Number 1 seeds EXCEPT one. That one odd pick is TENNESEE. What do you think about this. Sorry for the mixup on the bracketts. I had them right to start with. BUT when they the NCAA Selection announced the position of the bracketts they had them in a different order, (which is how I posted them). I asked the friends and family if they heard the difference. They all agreed. So I changed my brackett setup. I should have checked how CBS or other sources had them. My fault. (i guess). MASTER [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MARCH-MADNESS-MASTER-BRACKETT.pdf” title=”2024 MARCH MADNESS MASTER BRACKETT”] ALL HIGH PICKS [[pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MARCH-MADNESS-HIGH-PICKS-BRACKETT.pdf” title=”2024 MARCH MADNESS HIGH PICKS BRACKETT”] UPSETS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MARCH-MADNESS-UPSETS-BRACKETT.pdf” title=”2024 MARCH MADNESS UPSETS BRACKETT”] Please do not loot at my picks! It might make youlaugh or cry? MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MARCH-MADNESS-MY-PICKS-BRACKETT.pdf” title=”2024 MARCH MADNESS MY PICKS BRACKETT”] [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 207
RE: STUDENT ATHLETES GETTING PAID ENDORSEMENTS (NIL)
[adrotate group=”1″] 🏀 🏈 Here is a comparison between the non-scholarship major college student and the high profile student full ride scholarship in one of the top five athletic conferences: Aspect Non-scholarship student Full-ride scholarship student Tuition Has to pay for tuition, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the school. Does not have to pay for tuition, which is covered by the scholarship. Housing Has to pay for housing, which can cost around $10,000 per year on average. Does not have to pay for housing, which is covered by the scholarship. Books and other expenses Has to pay for books and other expenses, which can add up to $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Does not have to pay for books and other expenses, which are covered by the scholarship. Financial aid May qualify for financial aid, such as grants, loans, or work-study, depending on their financial need and academic performance. May not qualify for financial aid, as the scholarship already covers their full cost of attendance. Academic requirements Has to meet the academic requirements of their major, which may vary depending on the field of study and the school. Has to meet the academic requirements of their scholarship, which may be higher than the minimum standards of the school. Athletic requirements Does not have to participate in any varsity sports, unless they choose to do so as a walk-on Has to participate in a varsity sport, and maintain a high level of performance and commitment Career prospects Has to compete with other graduates for jobs or further education, and may have to deal with student debt Has an advantage in terms of networking, exposure, and recognition, and does not have to worry about student debt By comparison of expenses the Athlete is getting between $22,000-$72,000 a year for playing a sport. (Not all athletes, mostly just Basketball and Football players). Over a 4 year career that totals to $88,000-$288,000. AND no STUDENT DEBT. Not a bad deal. However now they make Thousands on NIL. Some could finish their 4 years as MILLIONAIRES. CONCLUSION: If I had the chance to play a sport I love, get a college degree, and have NO expenses, other than the small things every body has, like dating expenses, an occasional night out. etc. etc. AND NO STUDENT DEBT. I would be happy as a lark. It is reported that Iowas Caitlin Clark has an NIL value of $818,000. Not picking on Ms Clark; she is the one that came up first. What I read is this is more than 120+ NBA players get. 🏈 🏀 Views: 151
HISTORY OF the WOMENS NCAA MARCH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
[adrotate group=”1″] SELECTION SUNDAY FIRST GAME [wpcdt-countdown id=”15530″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15537″] (People ask me why I don’t write about the Women’s March Madness. TIME ! I have 4 TVs going watching the men. Then posting the results, no time.) I did ask a friend if he would be willing to help with the womens tournament. He said yes. BUT I remebered his telling me about his Dad taking him to a PACERS game. He told me the Pacers were playing the Jets, and he thought Reggie Miller was a good quarterback. I decided to pass on his help. Thanks anyway. (No not looking for a volunteer outside my circle). SELECTION SUNDAY WILL TELECAST ON ESPN The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is an annual event that determines the national champion of Division I women’s college basketball in the United States. It began in 1982, following the dissolution of the AIAW, which had organized the women’s championship since 1972. The NCAA tournament has grown in popularity and prestige over the years, attracting millions of fans and producing some of the most memorable moments in women’s sports history. The tournament follows a similar format and selection process as the men’s tournament, with 68 teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. The teams are divided into four regions and seeded from 1 to 16, with the four lowest-seeded teams playing in the First Four games to advance to the first round. The regional winners then advance to the Women’s Final Four, where the national semifinals and final are held. The Women’s Final Four is usually scheduled on the same weekend as the men’s Final Four, but in a different host city. The most successful team in the history of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is Connecticut, which has won 11 titles, including four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016. The Huskies are coached by Geno Auriemma, who holds the record for the most wins in the tournament with 127. Other notable coaches who have led their teams to multiple titles include Pat Summitt of Tennessee, Tara VanDerveer of Stanford, Kim Mulkey of Baylor, and Muffet McGraw of Notre Dame. The tournament has also featured some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, such as Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu. Some of the most memorable games in the tournament include the 1991 final between Tennessee and Virginia, which went to overtime and was decided by a buzzer-beater by Dena Head; the 1994 final between North Carolina and Louisiana Tech, which was also decided by a buzzer-beater by Charlotte Smith; the 2006 final between Maryland and Duke, which went to an extra period and was won by a layup by Kristi Toliver; and the 2018 semifinal between Notre Dame and Connecticut, which was won by a last-second shot by Arike Ogunbowale. The most recent champion of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is LSU, which defeated Iowa 102-85 in the 2023 final in Dallas, Texas. It was the first title for the Tigers and their coach Kim Mulkey, who had previously won three titles with Baylor. The 2023 tournament was also notable for the historic performance of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark*, who averaged 34.2 points per game and became the first player to score 100 points in the first two round, *Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has already, (this season), set a new women’s scoring record, scoring now sits at 3,569 career points, with 15 games to go. (At this writing). [adrotate group=”1″] Views: 139
THE CONS of TRAFFIC CIRCLES
‘[adrotate group=”1″] Traffic circles, also known as roundabouts or rotaries, are circular intersections that are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and congestion by eliminating traffic lights and allowing vehicles to flow continuously in one direction. However, traffic circles are not without their drawbacks. In this post, we will explore some of the cons of traffic circles and why they are not always the best solution for traffic management. Confusion and Fear One of the main disadvantages of traffic circles is that they can cause confusion and fear among drivers, especially those who are unfamiliar with them or encounter them infrequently. Traffic circles ,than conventional intersections, such as yielding to the traffic already in the circle, choosing the correct lane, and exiting at the right time. These rules can vary depending on the size, design, and location of the traffic circle, adding to the complexity and uncertainty. Some drivers may not know how to navigate a traffic circle properly, leading to mistakes, hesitation, or aggression. Other drivers may avoid traffic circles altogether, preferring to take longer or less convenient routes. Space and Cost Another disadvantage of traffic circles is that they can take up more space and cost more money than conventional intersections. Traffic circles typically require a larger footprint than traffic lights, which can be a problem in urban areas where space is limited or valuable. Traffic circles may also require additional land acquisition, road widening, or relocation of utilities, which can increase the cost and complexity of the project. Moreover, traffic circles may not be compatible with existing road geometry, traffic patterns, or environmental conditions, requiring additional modifications or adaptations. Safety and Efficiency A third disadvantage of traffic circles is that they may not always improve safety and efficiency as intended. While traffic circles can reduce the severity and frequency of crashes by eliminating right-angle and head-on collisions, they can also increase the risk of rear-end and sideswipe collisions by forcing drivers to merge, change lanes, and exit at high speeds. Furthermore, traffic circles may not be able to handle large volumes of traffic or accommodate large vehicles, such as buses, trucks, or emergency vehicles, resulting in congestion*, delays, or conflicts. Additionally, traffic circles may pose challenges for pedestrians, bicyclists, and visually impaired people, who may have difficulty crossing the road or finding their way around the circle. *I can attest to not handling large volumes of traffic. An intersection I frequently used, (with a stop sign would mean a short stop and go). With the roundabout it took over a half hour to cross that intersection. I was going North, the East-West traffic was so congested because of roundabouts further down the road causing a steady flow of people going East and West to and from work. There was traffic backed up as far as the eye could see. Now you go back to the other roundabouts and you can imagine the North-South traffic was backed up at each one. As if the backup wasn’t bad enough imagine the problems caused by the people backed up. Either trying to cross the street or entering the street we were on, and at the other roundabout traffic circles. Just accidents, ROAD RAGE, etc. I came to the conclusion the real gains were made by the TOW TRUCK operators. I am sure they must have a party everytime a new roundabout is built. (Not really a party, BUT knowing their profits will rise). Conclusion Traffic circles are not a one-size-fits-all solution for traffic management. They have their pros and cons, and their effectiveness depends on various factors, such as the design, location, and context of the traffic circle. Therefore, traffic engineers and planners should carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of traffic circles before implementing them, and consider alternative or complementary measures, such as traffic signals, signs, markings, or education, to enhance the safety and efficiency of traffic circles. ‘[adrotate group=”1″] Views: 137
