Why Do Freeways Come To A Stop?

It happens to most drivers a few times a year. You’re sailing along on the freeway when you’re forced to come to a stop, or at least a crawl. You can’t see why things are slowing around the bend – and when you get there, traffic is moving better.

Traffic planners call this a “shockwave.”

Here’s how it happens:

1. Traffic is rolling along at 60 mph when someone slows to 50 mph. In this example, the driver in Car B does so to avoid hitting Car A, whose driver swerves at the last second to exit. 
2. The next driver slows to 45 mph to maintain a safe distance from cars A and B.
3. Drivers farther back see the brake lights and begin slowing down.
4. The pattern continues, and more drivers apply their brakes until traffic comes to a crawl. By the time the rear of the jam catches up to where the shockwave began, the offending parties are long gone and there is no sign of what caused the problem.

These are the culprits who cause early morning traffic congestions at all the major roads. Traffic cams should look out for these inconsiderate drivers and take down their vehicle numbers. If they do it too often, they should fine them, charge them for it and deduct the fine at the next toll booth or ERP gantry!

Top 5 TV Series To Watch For in 2012

If you are still lamenting that 2011 has just whizzed by and all your favourite TV shows have ended, get over it and look forward to these exciting brand new television series -- or at least their second seasons -- to be shown in the U.S. this year.

Alcatraz (FOX)

Sarah Jones as detective Rebecca Madsen (YouTube Screenshot)

With TV veteran J.J. Abrams as executive producer, this series revolving around the infamous  Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay area already has some cachet. American actress Sarah Jones plays the main protagonist, San Francisco Police Department homicide detective Rebecca Madsen. She needs to find a former prisoner, Jack Sylvane (played by Jeffrey Pierce) whose fingerprints were found at a crime scene despite the fact that he was supposed to be dead. What is more intriguing: he hasn't aged one bit after all these years. Alcatraz might remind viewers of the hugely popular Prison Break and Fringe. With seemingly similar plot and characters, Alcatraz has the potential to become the next television breakout series. In June 2011, it was honoured as "Most Exciting New Series" at the 1^st Critics' Choice Television Awards.

American Horror Story Season 2 (FX)

FX network president with the cast and producers of American Horror Story (Getty Images)

Do not write this off thinking it is another cheesy American horror series just because it is from the creators of Glee. The initial plot for the first season was lazy and predictable.  It started off with the Harmon family moving into the haunted mansion because it was selling way cheaper than other properties in Los Angeles, where season 1 is based. Fortunately, the yawn factor ends there. The plot thickens with each new episode introducing previous owners whose spirits are still lingering in the mansion, haunting the current owners. With solid acting from the good-looking cast, riveting storyline and the sensual sex scenes, this series has redefined horror genre as sexy and provocative.  American Horror Story is also in contention for two Golden Globes Awards for Best Television Series and Best Supporting Actress in a television series.

Game of Thrones Season 2 (HBO)

A scene taken off Game of Thrones Season 2 Screenshot

 

The king of current HBO series with an impressive 13 Emmy Awards nominations, Game of Thrones has fans eagerly anticipating the second season debuting in April. The epic battle which broke out in season one has left viewers on edge over what will happen with the dragons, white walkers and civil war. It has been a while since television viewers have been treated with such clever storylines and well-executed fighting scenes. The plot for the second season may remain a mystery if you haven't read the second book in the series by George R. R. Martin, but it promises to be worth the wait.

Spartacus: Vengeance (Starz)

Spartacus played by Australian actor Liam Mcintyre

The death of Andy Whitfield (who played the role of Spartacus in the first season) has not led to the series' downfall. It is still going strong with the third season premiering at the end of this month. The sequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand will kick off with the gladiator rebellion that is causing fear in the Roman Republic. Spartacus (now played by Australian actor Liam McIntyre) will have to make a crucial decision to either save his army or take vengeance against the man who forced his wife to slavery, indirectly causing her death. The new season appears to follow the successful formula of its prequel with more sex, villains, heroes and heart-throbbing action.

Touch (FOX)

Kiefer Sutherland as Martin Bohm in Touch

 

Alerting all Fans of Kiefer Sutherland and the critically acclaimed series 24. The Emmy award winner ditches his character as Jack Bauer and now plays Martin Bohm in this new series. Bohm, a single father, has an 11-year-old mute and autistic son, Jake, who is born with a special gift. He is able see the past, present and future. Unable to utter a word, Jake can only attempt to communicate to his father by writing random numbers hoping he can decipher what he has written in order to save people. Take note of the timing 0318 hrs as it is when strange occcurences happen. With a strong plot and starring the charismatic Sutherland, it is not surprising that Touch has garnered hype long before its premiere.