rant verb (ranted, ranting) 1 intrans to talk in a loud, angry, pompous way. 2 tr & intr to declaim in a loud, pompous, self-important way. noun 1 loud, pompous, empty speech. 2 an angry tirade. ranter noun someone, especially a preacher, who rants. ranting noun, adj. rantingly adverb. ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Dutch ranten to rave.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Poop Now, Think Later
On my way home there is, for cyclists, a rather difficult junction. The road peels off to the left while the road heading straight on widens to two lanes. Getting in my right hand lane a bit early before the road widens to two lanes means that for about 2 meters drivers are unable to overtake me just before two sets of lights, one of which will always be red. Said driver might then poop their horn, and their passenger might even shout out of the window. My response might be to cydle (ha) up beside them, mainly just to make the point that overtaking me was pointless, but also to ask why I would want to indicate when I am already in my desired lane. Occupants of the car then may either look quite scared, or alternatively get out of the car with a baseball bat.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Point Taken
As a cyclist I have lights which I habitually run and lights that I don't. As I was cycling home the other day I spotted a nice set of greens beyond the reds in front of me. A quick glance round and I spotted a police motorcyclist just as I crossed the line. Having stopped he drew up alongside me and pointed menacingly explaining that the council spends thousands of pounds on the green cycle boxes, so I should use them. I didn't make the point that usually it's difficult for cyclists to use them, filled as they often are with scooters, motorcycles and cars.