Road rage

Road rage.
It happens to all of us, in more or less-severe forms.
Maybe we'll just get upset over the way another driver cuts us off and slams on the brakes to make a sudden turn.
Maybe we'll get stuck behind the guy or gal that feels like driving 4 under the limit is perfect, and ignores the growing line of angry drivers behind them, keeping the pace for what feels like endless miles.
That last scenario happened to me just this morning.
I get stuck behind a small SUV for the last 3 miles or so of my commute, growing line of cars behind me, small SUV in front traveling at what feels like a snail's pace.
What makes these people do this?
Is it the need to "police" the world and keep other drivers from speeding?
Is it simply that they're in no rush to get anywhere and they are absolutely oblivious to the line of cars they're holding back?
Whatever it is, it is one of the many driver behaviors that incite road rage in others.
I simply wish that there were more considerate people in the world.
If you see a line of cars behind you, or even one car, pull over for 2 seconds, let them go by, and all your lives will be better for it.
No road rage, no feeling of "I'm running late because of this idiot!", no wishing them bodily harm.
Just everybody going on with their own life, doing their own thing, living happily ever after.
What are your thoughts?

- Gabe.

Manual transmissions ...

Manual transmissions used to be the norm.
These days they're almost impossible to find in most cars, and even trucks.
When my fiancee went shopping for a car back in 2002-2003 she wanted AWD, she wanted a small crossover/wagon-type vehicle, and she wanted one more thing which turned out to be the hardest part of the whole purchase: a manual transmission.
She decided on a 2003 Subaru Forester, a car the was checking off every box on her must-have list.
Her transmission choice ... well, that made it so the dealer had to locate a 5-speed car and have it transferred in, since all their inventory was automatic.
Thirteen years and over 180,000 miles later, she still owns the car, and still loves the fact it's a manual.
Meanwhile, manual transmissions have become even harder to find.
Myself, I blame all the manufacturers for the manual transmission's demise.
They have constantly been offering them only in models meant for fuel economy, taking out or not offering high-end options in the models with the third pedal.
Want navigation system? Sorry, you'll have to step up to the blah-blah-blah model which is auto-only.
Want a fancy stereo? Same thing.
Personally, I want all the toys, but I also want that all-important and fun-inducing third pedal.
Thoughts?
Comments?

- Gabe.