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"x marks pedwalk" short story
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Gus
Jul 4, 2013, 11:37:23 AM7/4/13
to
Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
I.L.L.)
"The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
King's book Danse Macabre."
This only give it two stars but says:
"X Marks the Pedwalk by Fritz Leiber [1963 ss]
Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
Weird. And interesting idea. But weird."
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2004/02/review_an_abc_of_science_fiction/
Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
I.L.L.)
"The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
King's book Danse Macabre."
This only give it two stars but says:
"X Marks the Pedwalk by Fritz Leiber [1963 ss]
Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
Weird. And interesting idea. But weird."
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2004/02/review_an_abc_of_science_fiction/
Robert A. Woodward
Jul 4, 2013, 1:29:52 PM7/4/13
to
In article <kr44o8$4qm$1...@news.albasani.net>,
find the publication history of a science fiction story (or book).
The entry for "X Marks the Pedwalk" is at
<http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cgi?43999>. Looking at it, I
don't see a recent publication, but there are several hardcover
anthologies that might still be on library shelves.
--
Robert Woodward <robe...@drizzle.com>
<http://www.drizzle.com/~robertaw>
"Gus" <gus.o...@geemail.com> wrote:
> Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
> Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
> I.L.L.)
>
> "The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
> fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
> pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
> King's book Danse Macabre."
>
The ISFDB (<http://www.isfdb.org/>) is where you should look to
> Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
> Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
> I.L.L.)
>
> "The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
> fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
> pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
> King's book Danse Macabre."
>
find the publication history of a science fiction story (or book).
The entry for "X Marks the Pedwalk" is at
<http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cgi?43999>. Looking at it, I
don't see a recent publication, but there are several hardcover
anthologies that might still be on library shelves.
--
Robert Woodward <robe...@drizzle.com>
<http://www.drizzle.com/~robertaw>
James Nicoll
Jul 4, 2013, 1:56:10 PM7/4/13
to
bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together drivers
and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
--
http://www.livejournal.com/users/james_nicoll
http://www.cafepress.com/jdnicoll (For all your "The problem with
defending the English language [...]" T-shirt, cup and tote-bag needs)
Gus
Jul 4, 2013, 2:06:28 PM7/4/13
to
"James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
I think motorists often see motorcycles and cyclists as problems, but for
every motorbike or cyclist that is one less car in the road in the motorist
way. (Though cyclists do sometimes get in the way, but only temporarily and
for a very short time.) I think a lot of motorists get upset when they are
stuck in traffic and a motorcycle or bike passes them. But they could get a
motorcycle or bike, instead of getting mad. They don't think that for every
motorcycle or bike that means one less car in their way. Maybe bikes should
have signs on them: "One less car in your way"
I wonder if the short story has any cyclists. I'm looking forward to
finding the story and reading it.
news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
> In article <kr44o8$4qm$1...@news.albasani.net>,
> Gus <gus.o...@geemail.com> wrote:
>>Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
>>Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
>>I.L.L.)
>>
>>"The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
>>fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
>>pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
>>King's book Danse Macabre."
>>
>>
>>This only give it two stars but says:
>>
>>"X Marks the Pedwalk by Fritz Leiber [1963 ss]
>>
>>Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>>(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
>>
>>Weird. And interesting idea. But weird."
>>
>>http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2004/02/review_an_abc_of_science_fiction/
>>
>
> The true wars are between cars and bicycles and between pedestrians and
> bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together drivers
> and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
Yet at different times, many people are in the different groups. I think
> Gus <gus.o...@geemail.com> wrote:
>>Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
>>Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
>>I.L.L.)
>>
>>"The name X Marks the Pedwalk comes from a satirical story by science
>>fiction author Fritz Leiber that describes the beginnings of a war between
>>pedestrians and motorists. The story is glancingly referenced in Stephen
>>King's book Danse Macabre."
>>
>>
>>This only give it two stars but says:
>>
>>"X Marks the Pedwalk by Fritz Leiber [1963 ss]
>>
>>Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>>(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
>>
>>Weird. And interesting idea. But weird."
>>
>>http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2004/02/review_an_abc_of_science_fiction/
>>
>
> The true wars are between cars and bicycles and between pedestrians and
> bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together drivers
> and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
I think motorists often see motorcycles and cyclists as problems, but for
every motorbike or cyclist that is one less car in the road in the motorist
way. (Though cyclists do sometimes get in the way, but only temporarily and
for a very short time.) I think a lot of motorists get upset when they are
stuck in traffic and a motorcycle or bike passes them. But they could get a
motorcycle or bike, instead of getting mad. They don't think that for every
motorcycle or bike that means one less car in their way. Maybe bikes should
have signs on them: "One less car in your way"
I wonder if the short story has any cyclists. I'm looking forward to
finding the story and reading it.
Robert Carnegie
Jul 4, 2013, 7:06:50 PM7/4/13
to
On Thursday, 4 July 2013 19:06:28 UTC+1, Gus wrote:
> "James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
> news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
> "James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
> news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
> > The true wars are between cars and bicycles and between pedestrians and
> > bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together drivers
> > and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
>
> Yet at different times, many people are in the different groups. I think
> cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
> vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
> those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
I cycle - I hope I do so responsibly and respectfully - but I often
> > bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together drivers
> > and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
>
> Yet at different times, many people are in the different groups. I think
> cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
> vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
> those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
see other cyclists acting in a way liable to offend motorists or
pedestrians, depending on whose space they're sharing.
(Around here, cyclists are granted access to selected sidewalks.)
One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above 10 miles
per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too much to be useful.
Anyway, our real common enemy is whoever puts holes in roads.
Yesterday I nearly went over avoiding one I didn't expect on
a wet roundabout; lost control.
There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
use big trucks.
Gus
Jul 4, 2013, 7:22:53 PM7/4/13
to
"Robert Carnegie" <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in message
news:ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com...
Yes, potholes are a common enemy, but worse for bikes. The only accident I
ever had was self-inflicted when I was with a bike club and looked over at
someone talking. Next thing I knew I was lying on the ground, dazed and
confused with my head on the pavement. I was okay, but my helmet was
cracked. Which I suppose would have been my head if not for the helmet.
(Bell replaced the helmet at cost and sent me a certificate that I had had
my Bell rung.) I always wear my helmet.
I have tried mirrors. On the bike, on the helmet. But they all give me a
headache. Especially the ones on the helmet. I keep seeing it and it
bothers me, and jiggly motion makes me nauseous. I mostly go by hearing,
and quick look over my shoulder.
news:ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com...
ever had was self-inflicted when I was with a bike club and looked over at
someone talking. Next thing I knew I was lying on the ground, dazed and
confused with my head on the pavement. I was okay, but my helmet was
cracked. Which I suppose would have been my head if not for the helmet.
(Bell replaced the helmet at cost and sent me a certificate that I had had
my Bell rung.) I always wear my helmet.
I have tried mirrors. On the bike, on the helmet. But they all give me a
headache. Especially the ones on the helmet. I keep seeing it and it
bothers me, and jiggly motion makes me nauseous. I mostly go by hearing,
and quick look over my shoulder.
David Duffy
Jul 4, 2013, 7:33:27 PM7/4/13
to
On Thu, 4 Jul 2013, Gus wrote:
> "James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
> news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
>> In article <kr44o8$4qm$1...@news.albasani.net>,
>> Gus <gus.o...@geemail.com> wrote:
>>> Anyone know the length of the short story, and best place to find it?
>>> Looking for it either on the internet or from my library (possibly as an
>>> I.L.L.)
>>> "X Marks the Pedwalk by Fritz Leiber [1963 ss]
>>>
>>> Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>>> (people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
Actually a riff on
>>>
>>> Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>>> (people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
David H Keller's "The Revolt of the Pedestrians" (1928)
Gus
Jul 4, 2013, 8:20:14 PM7/4/13
to
"David Duffy" <davidD@tinonee> wrote in message
news:alpine.DEB.2.02.1307050908320.3543@tinonee...
Interesting. Was looking for a copy and came across this in Wiki though:
"Keller's work often expressed strong right-wing views (Everett F. Bleiler
claims he was "an ultra-conservative ideologically" [2]), especially
hostility to feminists and African-Americans.[2][3]"
Now, I'm not sure if I want to read the story.
Looks like it is in a couple books:
http://www.blackdogbooks.net/index.php?Itemid=11&option=com_zoo&view=item&category_id=6&item_id=126
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238184.Amazing_Stories
news:alpine.DEB.2.02.1307050908320.3543@tinonee...
"Keller's work often expressed strong right-wing views (Everett F. Bleiler
claims he was "an ultra-conservative ideologically" [2]), especially
hostility to feminists and African-Americans.[2][3]"
Now, I'm not sure if I want to read the story.
Looks like it is in a couple books:
http://www.blackdogbooks.net/index.php?Itemid=11&option=com_zoo&view=item&category_id=6&item_id=126
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238184.Amazing_Stories
Kay Shapero
Jul 4, 2013, 10:02:07 PM7/4/13
to
In article <ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com>,
rja.ca...@excite.com says...
("leak" just doesn't cover it) out front three years ago that was
swiftly repaired by the DWP but the hole they knocked in the street to
do it was patched up very badly, tilting one side up to make a cliff off
the end of our driveway, and filled up with asphalt which has been
subsiding ever since. It was a good short-term patch - not so good now
that it's been three frippin' years...
--
Kay Shapero
Address munged, try my first name at kayshapero dot net.
rja.ca...@excite.com says...
>
>
> There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
> companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
> use big trucks.
They don't even need big trucks - there was a water main fountain
>
> There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
> companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
> use big trucks.
("leak" just doesn't cover it) out front three years ago that was
swiftly repaired by the DWP but the hole they knocked in the street to
do it was patched up very badly, tilting one side up to make a cliff off
the end of our driveway, and filled up with asphalt which has been
subsiding ever since. It was a good short-term patch - not so good now
that it's been three frippin' years...
--
Kay Shapero
Address munged, try my first name at kayshapero dot net.
Brian M. Scott
Jul 4, 2013, 11:38:05 PM7/4/13
to
On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> much to be useful.
On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
attached to the temple of one’s glasses.
[...]
Brian
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> much to be useful.
attached to the temple of one’s glasses.
[...]
Brian
David DeLaney
Jul 5, 2013, 1:33:22 AM7/5/13
to
On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
>> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>> much to be useful.
>
> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
> attached to the temple of one???s glasses.
>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>> much to be useful.
>
> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
I thought you could just use Google Glass and have it hook into your GPS so
it shows in front of you the road you just traversed behind you?
Dave, so we cheered up about the future, and sure enough, it got worse
--
\/David DeLaney posting thru EarthLink - "It's not the pot that grows the flower
It's not the clock that slows the hour The definition's plain for anyone to see
Love is all it takes to make a family" - R&P. VISUALIZE HAPPYNET VRbeable<BLINK>
http://www.vic.com/~dbd/ - net.legends FAQ & Magic / I WUV you in all CAPS! --K.
Brian M. Scott
Jul 5, 2013, 1:56:24 AM7/5/13
to
On Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:33:22 -0500, David DeLaney
<davidd...@earthlink.net> wrote in
<news:OpydnTztuPY_x0vM...@earthlink.com> in
rec.arts.sf.written:
> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
>> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
>>> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
>>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>>> much to be useful.
>> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
>> attached to the temple of one???s glasses.
> I thought you could just use Google Glass and have it hook
> into your GPS so it shows in front of you the road you
> just traversed behind you?
Turn that into a HUD and it as Google Goggles?
Brian
<davidd...@earthlink.net> wrote in
<news:OpydnTztuPY_x0vM...@earthlink.com> in
rec.arts.sf.written:
> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
>> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
>>> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
>>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>>> much to be useful.
>> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
>> attached to the temple of one???s glasses.
> I thought you could just use Google Glass and have it hook
> into your GPS so it shows in front of you the road you
> just traversed behind you?
Brian
Brian M. Scott
Jul 5, 2013, 1:58:09 AM7/5/13
to
On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 01:56:24 -0400, "Brian M. Scott"
<b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote in
<news:91g5xj6mnmk1$.1ilfeq6d...@40tude.net> in
rec.arts.sf.written:
... and *market* it ...
<grrrr>
Brian
<b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote in
<news:91g5xj6mnmk1$.1ilfeq6d...@40tude.net> in
rec.arts.sf.written:
<grrrr>
Brian
Robert Carnegie
Jul 5, 2013, 8:31:27 AM7/5/13
to
On Friday, 5 July 2013 06:33:22 UTC+1, David DeLaney wrote:
> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
> > On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie wrote:
> >> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> >> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> >> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> >> much to be useful.
> >
> > On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
> > attached to the temple of one's glasses.
> >> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> >> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> >> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> >> much to be useful.
> >
> > On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
That's interesting and I'd like to see a web site, but not
everyone wears glasses - and it sounds like you also have to see
the mirror image /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong? Also,
I wear a helmet, which I'd have to see past. Also, in case you do
crash, it may be best to limit the amount of stuff you wear right
in front of your face.
I haven't had a lot of spills, but one time I landed face down
on the highway, and I figure that without the helmet, there'd have
been a fair chance of my spectacle lenses being shattered and
pushed into my eyes. But, bad things happen to motorists, too.
I tried a mirror attached to the helmet; I think I could have
gotten used to it, but it wasn't a favourite mode.
> I thought you could just use Google Glass and have it hook into
> your GPS so it shows in front of you the road you just traversed
> behind you?
I'm thinking about "slow glass". Could be a problem.
J. Clarke
Jul 5, 2013, 10:00:36 AM7/5/13
to
In article <ca8449e5-84af-4f9e...@googlegroups.com>,
rja.ca...@excite.com says...
corrective lenses.
> Also,
> I wear a helmet, which I'd have to see past.
Most bicyclists I see do wear them these days and don't seem to have any
problem attaching such a mirror. No reason it can't attach to the
helmet for that matter.
> Also, in case you do
> crash, it may be best to limit the amount of stuff you wear right
> in front of your face.
True--getting a mirror shaft jammed into your eye could ruin your day.
I wonder if that type of injury is common.
> I haven't had a lot of spills, but one time I landed face down
> on the highway, and I figure that without the helmet, there'd have
> been a fair chance of my spectacle lenses being shattered and
> pushed into my eyes. But, bad things happen to motorists, too.
If shattering and being pushed into your eye is a likely occurrance you
need modern glasses. I drove a car over mine once--they were wrecked of
course but the lenses didn't break into shards. And before you say
anything about "expensive", they were 10 buck Zenni Optical cheapies.
rja.ca...@excite.com says...
>
> On Friday, 5 July 2013 06:33:22 UTC+1, David DeLaney wrote:
> > On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
> > > On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie wrote:
> > >> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> > >> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> > >> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> > >> much to be useful.
> > >
> > > On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
> > > attached to the temple of one's glasses.
>
> That's interesting and I'd like to see a web site, but not
> everyone wears glasses - and it sounds like you also have to see
> the mirror image /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
Glasses, goggles, sunglasses, eyeshields, they don't have to be
> On Friday, 5 July 2013 06:33:22 UTC+1, David DeLaney wrote:
> > On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
> > > On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie wrote:
> > >> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> > >> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
> > >> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
> > >> much to be useful.
> > >
> > > On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
> > > attached to the temple of one's glasses.
>
> That's interesting and I'd like to see a web site, but not
> everyone wears glasses - and it sounds like you also have to see
> the mirror image /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
corrective lenses.
> Also,
> I wear a helmet, which I'd have to see past.
problem attaching such a mirror. No reason it can't attach to the
helmet for that matter.
> Also, in case you do
> crash, it may be best to limit the amount of stuff you wear right
> in front of your face.
I wonder if that type of injury is common.
> I haven't had a lot of spills, but one time I landed face down
> on the highway, and I figure that without the helmet, there'd have
> been a fair chance of my spectacle lenses being shattered and
> pushed into my eyes. But, bad things happen to motorists, too.
need modern glasses. I drove a car over mine once--they were wrecked of
course but the lenses didn't break into shards. And before you say
anything about "expensive", they were 10 buck Zenni Optical cheapies.
Brian M. Scott
Jul 5, 2013, 2:44:31 PM7/5/13
to
On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 05:31:27 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:ca8449e5-84af-4f9e...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
> On Friday, 5 July 2013 06:33:22 UTC+1, David DeLaney wrote:
>> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
>>> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie wrote:
>>>> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
>>>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>>>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>>>> much to be useful.
>>> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
>>> attached to the temple of one's glasses.
> That's interesting and I'd like to see a web site, but not
> everyone wears glasses -
There’s a variant that attaches to the rim of a helmet. I
don’t like it as well – I find it slightly less conveniently
placed and a little harder to control – but it’s still
superior to anything that fastens to the bicycle. And a lot
of cyclists who don’t wear glasses for vision do wear
sunglasses.
> and it sounds like you also have to see the mirror image
> /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
The mirror is on the end of a rod whose other end fastens to
the temple of the glasses near the front end; the mirror is
well within my field of vision through the left lens of the
glasses. (In Scotland, of course, I wore it on the right
temple.) It’s far enough in front – perhaps a couple of
inches in front of my eye – that by turning my head very
slightly I can cover a huge field of view behind me.
> Also, I wear a helmet, which I'd have to see past.
There’s absolutely no problem with any cycling helmet that
I’ve seen. A motorcycle helmet that enclosed your entire
head might be a problem.
> Also, in case you do crash, it may be best to limit the
> amount of stuff you wear right in front of your face.
The benefits of seeing clearly what’s going on behind me
*far* outweigh the minute added danger. My eyes might be in
some danger from the lenses of my glasses; the mirror is
almost certain to get knocked away.
[...]
Brian
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:ca8449e5-84af-4f9e...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
> On Friday, 5 July 2013 06:33:22 UTC+1, David DeLaney wrote:
>> On 2013-07-05, Brian M. Scott <b.s...@csuohio.edu> wrote:
>>> On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 16:06:50 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie wrote:
>>>> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
>>>> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above
>>>> 10 miles per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too
>>>> much to be useful.
>>> On the contrary, there is nothing better than a flat mirror
>>> attached to the temple of one's glasses.
> That's interesting and I'd like to see a web site, but not
> everyone wears glasses -
don’t like it as well – I find it slightly less conveniently
placed and a little harder to control – but it’s still
superior to anything that fastens to the bicycle. And a lot
of cyclists who don’t wear glasses for vision do wear
sunglasses.
> and it sounds like you also have to see the mirror image
> /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
the temple of the glasses near the front end; the mirror is
well within my field of vision through the left lens of the
glasses. (In Scotland, of course, I wore it on the right
temple.) It’s far enough in front – perhaps a couple of
inches in front of my eye – that by turning my head very
slightly I can cover a huge field of view behind me.
> Also, I wear a helmet, which I'd have to see past.
I’ve seen. A motorcycle helmet that enclosed your entire
head might be a problem.
> Also, in case you do crash, it may be best to limit the
> amount of stuff you wear right in front of your face.
*far* outweigh the minute added danger. My eyes might be in
some danger from the lenses of my glasses; the mirror is
almost certain to get knocked away.
[...]
Brian
David DeLaney
Jul 5, 2013, 4:06:52 PM7/5/13
to
satellite isn't more than a few hundred miles away, you're fine, right? Because
Google has server farms everywhere, yes?
Dave, and it's perfectly possible to play MMORPGs with a quarter-second lag, as
long as you know that's what's going on
Robert Carnegie
Jul 5, 2013, 8:13:30 PM7/5/13
to
On Friday, 5 July 2013 19:44:31 UTC+1, Brian M. Scott wrote:
> On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 05:31:27 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
> <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
> <news:ca8449e5-84af-4f9e...@googlegroups.com>
> in rec.arts.sf.written:
> On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 05:31:27 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
> <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
> <news:ca8449e5-84af-4f9e...@googlegroups.com>
> in rec.arts.sf.written:
> > and it sounds like you also have to see the mirror image
> > /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
>
> The mirror is on the end of a rod whose other end fastens to
> the temple of the glasses near the front end; the mirror is
> well within my field of vision through the left lens of the
> glasses. (In Scotland, of course, I wore it on the right
> temple.) It’s far enough in front – perhaps a couple of
> inches in front of my eye – that by turning my head very
> slightly I can cover a huge field of view behind me.
I think that was the catch when I tried something like that on
> > /not/ through the glasses, or am I wrong?
>
> The mirror is on the end of a rod whose other end fastens to
> the temple of the glasses near the front end; the mirror is
> well within my field of vision through the left lens of the
> glasses. (In Scotland, of course, I wore it on the right
> temple.) It’s far enough in front – perhaps a couple of
> inches in front of my eye – that by turning my head very
> slightly I can cover a huge field of view behind me.
the helmet - a small movement of the head changes the image
greatly. So when you're on the move, it jumps a lot.
I /think/ it also increases the "you look like a twit" factor,
but it's already high if you have (1) a helmet and (2) a bicycle.
Strictly, I think knowing what's behind you isn't so much
a safety issue, as a "whether you can e.g. take the middle
of the road because there isn't any traffic coming up behind
you", issue. At least, for me. But it adds to the convenience
of cycling, a lot. Also, looking back over my shoulder
affects balance rather badly: I think I have some dyspraxia.
Along with the mirror, I use a quick looking-back head gesture
with which I can't actually see what's behind me, but what's
behind me thinks that I've seen them - which I have, in the
mirror.
This cycling is more complicated than it looks.
Rod Speed
Jul 5, 2013, 9:43:20 PM7/5/13
to
"Gus" <gus.o...@geemail.com> wrote in message
news:kr4dhm$p50$1...@news.albasani.net...
individual would be in a car.
> I think a lot of motorists get upset when they are stuck in traffic and a
> motorcycle or bike passes them.
traffic, particularly where they are allowed to ride
with more than one abreast as they stupidly are
in some jurisdictions.
> But they could get a motorcycle or bike,
> instead of getting mad. They don't think that for every motorcycle or bike
> that means one less car in their way.
of a nuisance than if they were in a car with cyclists.
> Maybe bikes should have signs on them: "One less car in your way"
Brian M. Scott
Jul 5, 2013, 10:55:14 PM7/5/13
to
On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 17:13:30 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:8abaee9a-32e8-42b7...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> Strictly, I think knowing what's behind you isn't so much
> a safety issue, as a "whether you can e.g. take the
> middle of the road because there isn't any traffic coming
> up behind you", issue.
I consider knowing at (almost) all times what’s behind me
very much a safety issue. It does make a difference in how
close to the edge of the road I ride, for instance, though
whether a car back prompts me to move towards or away from
the centre of the road depends on the width of the road, the
traffic, the conditions, and the behavior of the driver. If
I see that someone’s back there on a twisting, rolling
stretch where passing is difficult, I know to wave him
around when it’s safe for him to pass, something that I can
often see before he can. I feel much safer with him in
front of me than back there getting more impatient by the
second.
> Also, looking back over my shoulder affects balance rather
> badly: I think I have some dyspraxia.
If one is down on the drops, probably even on the brake
hoods, it’s easier to glance under one’s armpit than over
one’s shoulder. But the mirror is definitely easier than
either.
[...]
Brian
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:8abaee9a-32e8-42b7...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> Strictly, I think knowing what's behind you isn't so much
> a safety issue, as a "whether you can e.g. take the
> middle of the road because there isn't any traffic coming
> up behind you", issue.
very much a safety issue. It does make a difference in how
close to the edge of the road I ride, for instance, though
whether a car back prompts me to move towards or away from
the centre of the road depends on the width of the road, the
traffic, the conditions, and the behavior of the driver. If
I see that someone’s back there on a twisting, rolling
stretch where passing is difficult, I know to wave him
around when it’s safe for him to pass, something that I can
often see before he can. I feel much safer with him in
front of me than back there getting more impatient by the
second.
> Also, looking back over my shoulder affects balance rather
> badly: I think I have some dyspraxia.
hoods, it’s easier to glance under one’s armpit than over
one’s shoulder. But the mirror is definitely easier than
either.
[...]
Brian
Robert Carnegie
Jul 5, 2013, 11:26:58 PM7/5/13
to
On Saturday, 6 July 2013 03:55:14 UTC+1, Brian M. Scott wrote:
> On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 17:13:30 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
> <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
> <news:8abaee9a-32e8-42b7...@googlegroups.com>
> in rec.arts.sf.written:
> On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 17:13:30 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
> <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
> <news:8abaee9a-32e8-42b7...@googlegroups.com>
> in rec.arts.sf.written:
> > Strictly, I think knowing what's behind you isn't so much
> > a safety issue, as a "whether you can e.g. take the
> > middle of the road because there isn't any traffic coming
> > up behind you", issue.
>
> I consider knowing at (almost) all times what’s behind me
> very much a safety issue. It does make a difference in how
> close to the edge of the road I ride, for instance, though
> whether a car back prompts me to move towards or away from
> the centre of the road depends on the width of the road, the
> traffic, the conditions, and the behavior of the driver. If
> I see that someone’s back there on a twisting, rolling
> stretch where passing is difficult, I know to wave him
> around when it’s safe for him to pass, something that I can
> often see before he can. I feel much safer with him in
> front of me than back there getting more impatient by the
> second.
I do basically agree with this although I contradicted it.
> > a safety issue, as a "whether you can e.g. take the
> > middle of the road because there isn't any traffic coming
> > up behind you", issue.
>
> I consider knowing at (almost) all times what’s behind me
> very much a safety issue. It does make a difference in how
> close to the edge of the road I ride, for instance, though
> whether a car back prompts me to move towards or away from
> the centre of the road depends on the width of the road, the
> traffic, the conditions, and the behavior of the driver. If
> I see that someone’s back there on a twisting, rolling
> stretch where passing is difficult, I know to wave him
> around when it’s safe for him to pass, something that I can
> often see before he can. I feel much safer with him in
> front of me than back there getting more impatient by the
> second.
We'd be basically safe on a bicycle trundling along in the
gutter at the road side, but not absolutely so, since the
road surface there isn't so carefully maintained or mended
after works: there's a roadside "cycle lane" near my home
that is more like an obstacle course.
My own experience of cycling on Scottish roads is that almost
all drivers are courteous and considerate, but they do get
impatient quite quickly - not to the point of deliberately
breaching the "Highway Code", although it isn't wise to push
your luck, but after even a slight hold-up they will go
for the earliest apparent opportunity to pass you, and that
can get a bit too exciting. On the other hand, I usually
signal "not safe to pass" by getting firmly in their way,
which also lets me go faster, up the middle of the road.
The flipside that I currently practise is to stop sometimes,
to let all the traffic behind me pass, before entering a stretch
of road where this is liable to happen. There aren't formal
hand signals either way, but you can improvise.
Your safety basically depends on what the car behind does, more than
on what you do, so in a way it doesn't matter if you can see behind
or not. But, the more information you have about other road users,
the better - and particularly when using and approaching junctions.
Brian M. Scott
Jul 6, 2013, 1:23:50 AM7/6/13
to
On Fri, 5 Jul 2013 20:26:58 -0700 (PDT), Robert Carnegie
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:fe850702-9221-45f5...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> But, the more information you have about other road users,
> the better - and particularly when using and approaching
> junctions.
Amen. There are few things on a bike quite so ...
disconcerting, to put it kindly ... as having some @!#%!!
moron turn sharply across in front of you at an intersection
where you’re not required to stop.
Back around 1991 I did a 9-day cycling tour in the Border
country, about 550 miles. The organizer did a splendid job
of keeping us off really heavily-travelled roads as much as
possible, and I’ve no bad memories of the traffic or the
drivers. (And the weather was amazing: in mid-September we
got a total of about half an hour of rain.)
I wish that I still had our itinerary. Looking at the map,
I’m pretty sure that one day was from Selkirk to Lockerbie,
probably via the B7009, B709, and B723, past the Buddhist
monastery. That was, I think, the longest point-to-point
transfer. I’m also pretty sure that we got to Yetholm in
the east, and I know that we got to Kirkcudbright in the
west. Hm. Must have been between Lockerbie and
Kirkcudbright that we saw all the Henry Moore sculptures.
Brian
<rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in
<news:fe850702-9221-45f5...@googlegroups.com>
in rec.arts.sf.written:
[...]
> But, the more information you have about other road users,
> the better - and particularly when using and approaching
> junctions.
disconcerting, to put it kindly ... as having some @!#%!!
moron turn sharply across in front of you at an intersection
where you’re not required to stop.
Back around 1991 I did a 9-day cycling tour in the Border
country, about 550 miles. The organizer did a splendid job
of keeping us off really heavily-travelled roads as much as
possible, and I’ve no bad memories of the traffic or the
drivers. (And the weather was amazing: in mid-September we
got a total of about half an hour of rain.)
I wish that I still had our itinerary. Looking at the map,
I’m pretty sure that one day was from Selkirk to Lockerbie,
probably via the B7009, B709, and B723, past the Buddhist
monastery. That was, I think, the longest point-to-point
transfer. I’m also pretty sure that we got to Yetholm in
the east, and I know that we got to Kirkcudbright in the
west. Hm. Must have been between Lockerbie and
Kirkcudbright that we saw all the Henry Moore sculptures.
Brian
Rod Speed
Jul 6, 2013, 7:31:03 AM7/6/13
to
"Robert Carnegie" <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote in message
news:ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com...
> On Thursday, 4 July 2013 19:06:28 UTC+1, Gus wrote:
>> "James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
>> news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
>> > The true wars are between cars and bicycles and between pedestrians and
>> > bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together
>> > drivers
>> > and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
>>
>> Yet at different times, many people are in the different groups. I
>> think
>> cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
>> vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
>> those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
> I cycle - I hope I do so responsibly and respectfully - but I often
> see other cyclists acting in a way liable to offend motorists or
> pedestrians, depending on whose space they're sharing.
Yeah, and flagrantly too with the worst of the bike
>> "James Nicoll" <jdni...@panix.com> wrote in message
>> news:kr4cvq$bpo$1...@reader2.panix.com...
>> > The true wars are between cars and bicycles and between pedestrians and
>> > bicycles. I admire the skill with which bicyclists bring together
>> > drivers
>> > and pedestrians, who might otherwise be opposed to each other.
>>
>> Yet at different times, many people are in the different groups. I
>> think
>> cyclists align with pedestrians, for the most part. Both are pretty
>> vulnerable to cars. Motorists have a very different mindset, especially
>> those that never ride a bike or are rarely a pedestrian.
> I cycle - I hope I do so responsibly and respectfully - but I often
> see other cyclists acting in a way liable to offend motorists or
> pedestrians, depending on whose space they're sharing.
couriers that just flout the law because its very difficult
for anyone to breach them for flouting the law.
Plenty of kids do the stupidest stuff too like riding
on the wrong side of the road when it suits them
and just ignoring traffic lights too.
> (Around here, cyclists are granted access to selected sidewalks.)
> One facility that I always recommend for road cycling is a
> slightly convex rear-view mirror. If you're going above 10 miles
> per hour, a flat mirror will probably shake too much to be useful.
> Anyway, our real common enemy is whoever puts holes in roads.
> Yesterday I nearly went over avoiding one I didn't expect on
> a wet roundabout; lost control.
> There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
> companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
> use big trucks.
pete...@gmail.com
Jul 6, 2013, 10:24:10 AM7/6/13
to
On Friday, July 5, 2013 1:58:09 AM UTC-4, Brian M. Scott wrote:
>
> > Turn that into a HUD and it as Google Goggles?
> ... and *market* it ...
"Google Goggles" is already in the app store, but it does something quite different...
>
> > Turn that into a HUD and it as Google Goggles?
> ... and *market* it ...
pt
Wayne Throop
Jul 6, 2013, 11:40:51 AM7/6/13
to
::: Turn that into a HUD and it as Google Goggles?
Things look much better when found online than when encountered irl.
:: ... and *market* it ...
: "Google Goggles" is already in the app store, but it does something
: quite different...
I imagine Google Goggles as much like beer goggles only different.
: "Google Goggles" is already in the app store, but it does something
: quite different...
Things look much better when found online than when encountered irl.
John Savard
Jul 6, 2013, 1:20:24 PM7/6/13
to
On Thu, 4 Jul 2013 11:37:23 -0400, "Gus" <gus.o...@geemail.com>
wrote, in part:
>Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
Reminds me of another work of science fiction, about the war between the
Thals and the Daleks..
John Savard
http://www.quadibloc.com/index.html
wrote, in part:
>Bizarre tale of a war between the Peds (pedestrians) and the Wheels
>(people who drive cars due to their underdeveloped legs).
Thals and the Daleks..
John Savard
http://www.quadibloc.com/index.html
Walter Bushell
Jul 7, 2013, 6:34:30 AM7/7/13
to
In article <ef72b123-eeee-4135...@googlegroups.com>,
4th power of the axle weight of the vehicle in the elastic region. So
on roads frequented by big trucks they do all the damage and it only
they that have to submit to weighing stations. A tractor trailer full
of steel bars is a very heavy load. Utility companies don't usually
use *big* trucks.
--
Gambling with Other People's Money is the meth of the fiscal industry.
me -- in the spirit of Karl and Groucho Marx
Robert Carnegie <rja.ca...@excite.com> wrote:
> Anyway, our real common enemy is whoever puts holes in roads.
> Yesterday I nearly went over avoiding one I didn't expect on
> a wet roundabout; lost control.
>
> There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
> companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
> use big trucks.
It appears the rule of thumb for road damage is proportional to the
> Anyway, our real common enemy is whoever puts holes in roads.
> Yesterday I nearly went over avoiding one I didn't expect on
> a wet roundabout; lost control.
>
> There's a rumour that it's mainly big trucks, and public utility
> companies, and I suppose especially public utility companies that
> use big trucks.
4th power of the axle weight of the vehicle in the elastic region. So
on roads frequented by big trucks they do all the damage and it only
they that have to submit to weighing stations. A tractor trailer full
of steel bars is a very heavy load. Utility companies don't usually
use *big* trucks.
--
Gambling with Other People's Money is the meth of the fiscal industry.
me -- in the spirit of Karl and Groucho Marx
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