Mooning at trains – a new sport maybe?

A German man mooning at railway staff in a departing train got his trousers caught in a carriage door and ended up being dragged half naked along the platform, out of the station and onto the tracks.  The 22-year-old journalism student shoved his backside against the window of a low-slung double-decker train when staff forced him off in Lauenbrueck for travelling without a ticket.

There’s an image to conjure with – a young guy being dragged along by the seat of his pants, baring his backside to passengers, and all the while managing to keep his legs and feet away from the train wheels.  I vote that this activity be developed into an endurance sport.  Whole teams could take part.  Imagine an eight carriage train, with a guy fastened into each door.  First one to put his feet down is the loser.  Great spectator sport too with all those windows.

Read Full Post »

Driving a convertible car can seriously damage your ears apparently

It seems that cruising with the top down at speeds of 50-70mph (80-112km/h) exposes the ears to sound levels sometimes nearing those made by a pneumatic drill, and long or repeated exposure to this noise of the engine, road, traffic and wind could cause permanent hearing loss.  Researchers say that convertible drivers should consider wearing some form of ear protection, as motorcyclists do. Or they should roll the windows up to help reduce the noise levels.

The whole point of driving a car with the top down is to enjoy the wind in your hair, and be closer to the world you are driving through.  Isn’t it?  Imagine if you were to drive with earplugs inserted – how would you converse with your passengers?  Open top cars have existed ever since vehicles were invented and no rules have been needed for specific ear protection.  I can see the day coming when the powers that be force drivers of convertibles to have their heads trussed up like oven ready chickens.  They will be whizzing along country lanes in aeronautic helmets and goggles.  Looking ridiculous.

Or maybe not.  Think there will be a lot of used convertibles going cheap.

Read Full Post »