Yeah, they really freak me out. Yesterday i had an Asian Giant repeatedly buzz me as i was working on the wood - in fact there seems to be a lot around this year. At least with a snake, you can see it and then back off, but there's no escaping a hornet once it decides to attack.
The time i was stung it was november - i believe they are more aggressive at the end of the season coz their nests are reaching their zenith. I have met people who seem to have a misplaced bravado (like the guy in the story) and mistakenly believe that you're only at danger if you have an allergic reaction. The thing is, everyone has an allergic reaction to these kinds of hornets. My advice is: Be afraid. Be very afraid.