Author Topic: When did it happen that ... ?  (Read 1205 times)

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Offline Colwyn

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When did it happen that ... ?
« on: November 26, 2010, 10:17:50 AM »
When did it happen that people stopped "jumping" the traffic lights (i.e. making a racing start before they turned green) BUT INSTEAD started to continue driving through after they had turned red (where the rule seems to be "If it turns red you can keep going if you get there before you have counted to seven")? And was there a transition period where both species coincided? So did "early starters" and "late finishers" end up in a giant tangle of wreckage in the middle of the crossroads?

And when did it happen that little boys stopped wearing shorts and took up long trousers instead BUT THAT grown men started wearing shorts - not just for two weeks holiday but as everyday wear all through the year including during the icy grip of winter?

And when did it happen*** that people lost the great British art of the queue when standing at bus stops and boarding buses and replaced this with an unruly and impolite scrum BUT INSTEAD began, very politely, to thank the driver for the journey when alighting (which they never did when I was a lad)?

*** Actually I think I can have a good guess and why this happened but I couldn't say when. I think it has to do with the redesign of buses to abolish the role of bus conductor (for younger readers these were people employed to collect your money and issue tickets whilst the driver got on with driving). In order to eliminate this job doors had to be redesigned to the front of buses rather than the rear and the drivers cab had to be opened up to the interior. Before that you couldn't even see the driver let alone thank him  or her and wouldn't have left passed the driver anyway. I also think this redesign could be the explanation for poor queuing. For a long time bus companies failed to redesign bus stops to suit the new buses. So when the bus stopped the door was closest to the back of the queue and it was a case of last come - first served. Clearly unfair and causing a rush to the back of the queue. That's my guess as to why these changed happened but I suppose it took a while for habits to change so I can't tell when it was.

As you see I have plenty of time to worry about these serious and weighty matters of our everyday life.
« Last Edit: November 26, 2010, 10:20:14 AM by Colwyn »



Offline scorcher

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2010, 10:33:04 AM »
I think on this lovely frosty morning, a thoughtful amble to your "Growlers Arms" is called for.....Have a chat with the boys! Then all will come right with the world!

Offline Colwyn

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2010, 10:44:39 AM »
This isn't the Grumpy section Scorcher; I'm not angry about this - merely musing on our changing social mores. Mind you if I wasn't staying in waiting for big delivery of flooring then going to the Growlers would definitely be on the agenda. I'll have to find some new way of them winding up in there. Last week I asked whether people were looking forward to the royal wedding and was greeted by a barrage of foul and abusive language.

Offline sunnyd

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2010, 11:18:05 AM »
Sounds like the UK's getting more like Turkey every day :D

Offline scorcher

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2010, 11:32:53 AM »
"Foul and abusive" language? That must be the "snug" then - try the saloon next time! And yes,I realise that you are not grumpy, merely cogitating.Sod the flooring - a pint of "Old Nostalgia" beckons! Enjoy!

Offline Jim Fraser

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2010, 11:34:14 AM »
Traffic lights - I think this is down to "progress" when traffic lights first came into use, the amount of traffic was much less, most of it being commercial rather than private cars. As traffic numbers increased then individuals then felt that their private space was being infringed upon thus making them want to keep moving. Another reason may be that cars now "feel" safer so more risks are taken. I do not think there is a timescale for this to have changed, its simply the fact that with the increase in traffic its more noticeable
Trousers - I blame that one on television advertising and the advent of the designer label syndrome of the early 60's that the short trousers started to disappear. It was roughly at the same time that simple plimsolls went out of fashion and the trainer started appearing.
Queues - your theory on the design of the bus and the bus-stop seems pretty good, although the main reason must be a simple lack of good manners and also a lack of common sense.
As for the driving receiving a thank-you, this I believe stems from when people started using taxis rather than public transport, and as you would not think of tipping a bus driver then a thank-you is the next best option.

Right back and finish of the daily crossword now.


Offline peecee

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2010, 08:54:22 AM »
Every morning I see the postman flitting around in a pair of knee length shorts.  We've got snow on the ground!  Makes me cold just looking at him.
Years ago, when mini skirts came in and all the girls were wearing everything near the bottom my Mother said they'd all get fat thighs.  If the body isn't covered it makes it's own protective layer (apparently ;)

Offline Highlander

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When did it happen that ... ?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2010, 23:32:36 PM »
That shops started stocking fashion " designer gear" for 6 months to one year.

The receipt will be lucky if it's out of pram, far less being able to walk about in such severe weather that merits a duffle coat:(




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