Thursday February 03, 2005

Keep clear and dip those lights..

I thought I would capture two pet moans in one grumpy old man section. Especially as I am a grumpy old man now having just had a birthday dragging me ever closer to the half century mark.

The first is the where people do not read signs painted on the road. My pet peeve today is the one that reads KEEP CLEAR. These are painted where stationary traffic might be present and it is meant to indicate a gap in the road is to be left in that so cars can enter or leave adjacent junctions. So often people in their haste to dash towards a red traffic light ignore these signs. Or perhaps they think that if they leave a gap a car from outer space might push in and steal their place in the queue ? Who knows but it is very annoying.

Grumble number two happens where people seem to forget to dip their lights. So as you drive along a straight road you see the car approaching lights blazing. Clearly the advantage of main beam must not be lost so they dip late by which time you have been blinded.

The lesser issue is where you go round a corner to meet a car with main beam on. I was taught as you approach a corner to dip my lights. Two things result. You end up not dazzling someone who you do not know is there. Secondly if there is someone approaching the corner you will see their headlights and be aware of an approaching car.

Product of the week a Raffles T shirt

You can buy it from Raffles shop in the hotel in Singapore. I must have about ten of these now. The really cool thing about them is that you do not see many people wearing them so you are unique. Also I just like the design, it captures the hotel perfectly..

On the front in case you cannot read it it says "Patronised by Royalty and Nobility, The largest and best appointed hotel in the straits, ... facing the harbour". also " Renowed for its modern comforts... electric fans in bedrooms and public rooms". Finally on the back of the shirt it says "forever imortalized by novelists and patronised by all".

The hotel is on Beach road but it no longer looks over the harbour as reclaimation has pushed it back away from the sea. At Christmas time it looks wonderful. You have to have a Singapore sling in the long bar even if like me you hate gin.