tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496460488742488789.post5228189122775444525..comments2024-03-18T10:29:46.055+00:00Comments on Ken Armstrong Writing Stuff: Give me a ClueKen Armstronghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07775956557261111127noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496460488742488789.post-27675642816916903042019-05-05T07:20:42.500+01:002019-05-05T07:20:42.500+01:00Since I no longer drive—and haven’t owned any kind...Since I no longer drive—and haven’t owned any kind of vehicle in some twenty-five years—I can’t say I’ve noticed any recent decline in politeness on our roads but I’m sure you’re right just as I’m sure it’s indicative of something deeper and more troubling. I’m a rules man myself. It’s why I enjoy writing and composing, well one of the reasons. I discovered recently that there’s a correct order for adjectives. In English this is: quantity or number, quality or opinion, size, age, shape, colour, proper adjective (often nationality, other place of origin, or material) and purpose or qualifier. I’ve no idea if I was ever taught that at school but I’ve always known—instinctively I’d guess—what sounded right. The same goes for chords in music; there’re acceptable sequences and there are those that’re obviously off-key. When I learned to drive æons ago I have to say I did get a kick from memorising the correct sequences for things like the MSM/PSL routine: Mirror Signal Manoeuvre Position Speed Look. I was never much of a dancer but I can imagine the thrill one might get executing the steps fluidly and without stomping on your partner’s toes. That said looking back at my driving over the years I did notice a certain lackadaisicalness creeping in, a, for want of a better word, sloppiness. And I find I’m embarrassed to admit that even here. My own personal take on the whole indicator thing is a little different to yours now I’ve had time to think about it. I think we Brits are trying (and maybe a little too hard) to shuck off our reputation as sticklers. Americans have always been far more relaxed about things like etiquette. Not indicating is a small act (unconscious I’m sure) of rebellion. Yes, I’m supposed to flick this little lever with my pinky but it’s not <i>really</i> all that important; the car behind will intuit from my actions what my intentions are. I’m not discounting your self-centredness theory because I’m sure there’s a lot of truth in that too.Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496460488742488789.post-86381494516799668202019-04-29T07:40:50.458+01:002019-04-29T07:40:50.458+01:00This is my absolute highest complaint too! We have...This is my absolute highest complaint too! We have a lot of roundabouts here and it drives me bloody spare!<br /><br />My attitude is to use it all the time, even on quiet roads with no traffic. If anyone queries this behaviour I tell them this: Why should I feel foolish indicating to no-one when there's no-one here to see me? And should a car suddenly appear around a corner, well then I'm indicating as I should be. To me it's all about good habits. If you do it all the time, it becomes second nature. GRRRR! Okay I'm fine now.Marc Patersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16124869545439738846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496460488742488789.post-61761235564397091282019-04-28T14:58:52.997+01:002019-04-28T14:58:52.997+01:00I'd say that post came directly from the heart...I'd say that post came directly from the heart! Some people do seem to be in their own person shaped bubble. They bumble through life without any thought to their impact on others. Could I also introduce my own bugbear - foglights with no fog. Happy motoring!Janenoreply@blogger.com