Unkind

The other day a cabbie I know asked, “Adrian, why are people so unkind?” As this was delivered in a deadpan parrot-style, I could only laugh, “Mate, it’s Christmas time. Everybody hates us!”

On Wednesday afternoon during an annual appointment with my skin specialist, he mentioned how there was a negative article on cabbies in that day’s paper.

I informed him it was most likely the annual bash-a-cabbie piece where rookie reporters are sicced onto hapless cabbies, an easy target at Christmas during peak demand.

Yet a few weeks ago there was a positive story by News Ltd on a cabbie who every year, of his own volition, decks out his cab with Christmas decorations.

Let’s hope he keeps away from Bankstown...

A bus driver dressed as Santa who was attacked by three Middle Eastern youths said yesterday he was abused because of his Christmas spirit. (Daily Telegraph, Dec 17)

Conversely, here's some good news on Christmas buses. Or how about the 24 hour security guard needed to protect a Christmas tree at the famous El Alamein fountain in Kings Cross. Nice.

Actually, the aforementioned news item was reporting on a national taxi survey conducted by the tourism industry...

Sydney was identified as the least favourite city for catching cabs...

Sheesh, why are people so unkind?

Comments

[Juffy]

Because you're so nasty to those poor innocent cyclists! :)

[Peter Deane]

Don't forget "Why are people so unkind?" is a catch-phrase of Kamahl, thereby explaining the dead-pan delivery...

AND: if Sydney is the least favourite city in which to catch a taxi, any ideas on the MOST favourite? I was told by more than one passenger their favourite was Newcastle, but that's most definitely not statistically significant.

Also noticed in the Herald on Monday last, that there are an extra 100 unrestricted Sydney taxi plates up for tender by the NSW gov't. They are licencing them a year at a time (ie pay for a year now, then renew it for up to ten years). The revenue they raise from that would not be insubstantial. I wonder whether it'll improve the service at all?

[manly cabbie]

what about the good news on sydney buses for cabbies on friday,bus drivers strike=cabbies xmas present.never seen a busier day,friday before xmas,raining and no buses taxi driver heaven.

[Rainer the cabbie]

I saw that "Christmas" taxi running around for the last five weeks.
Wonder how he goes at the car wash?
Anyway, my suspicion was that the turkey had to be inside.
Yeah Manly cabbie, but don't forget that one doesn't get fat between X mas and new year, but between new year and Xmas.
I slimmed all year, 2009 will go down as the cabbies weight watchers initiative.
Hard diet, even worked at the end of the year. Except for the binge that was yesterday.
Yummy.

[steph]

I feel for you. People are evil! Hope you have a fantastic xmas xx

[adrian]

Thanks, Peter, for identifying Kamahl's trademark punchline. I'd forgotten about that.

UPDATE: Sorry but I've decided to delete comments discussing climate change as being off-topic.