I really wish there was a decent blog search facility that allowed random blog searching. I’ve used the one on JournalSpace – but that only searches JournalSpace blogs. The one on Blogger does the same. Using Technorati and Google Blog Search, you have to type in a subject.
OK. So we all (native speakers, that is) know about question tags, don’t we? We know how to and when to use them. We use them automatically, without thinking, all the time for many, many situations. They open a conversation with a stranger, they give others the chance to show that they agree with us (or not, of course), we use them when we’re unsure about something, etc. And, depending upon the fall or rise of the tone will tell the other person what we are trying to say (after all, they may be called question tags, but they aren’t always questions that we create, are they?)
On a few of my links (to the right), I found reference to another blog. The lady concerned has published a book based on her blog (don’t worry, reader, that won’t happen with mine, especially as there’s no real theme). So that gutter rag, the Sunday Times, decided that they wanted some sort of scoop and sent an email to her which you can read here.
Looking at blogs and things on the web, I’ve noticed many people outside Italy don’t really get Italian driving at all. They all think Italian drivers are mad. However, there are very clear and distinct rules on the road, here. In general, it’s very easy.
When driving one must assume that the car in front, behind or to the side of you could, at any moment, choose to do anything they like. They could pull in front of you. Stop for no reason. Accelerate, slow down, turn right, left or do a u-turn. All without signalling, of course. They will, probably just move to where they want to go.
What is important is that, whatever the time of day or night you are ready, with your hand poised, to blast your horn with as much vigour as possible, preferably keeping the horn pressed for a minimum of 1 minute, so that they realise you’re there.
Of course, this won’t make them change anything they’re doing, but it gives you a better feeling about it all. Of course, when youre driving, any idea of following any road signs, traffic light signals, lane markings, etc. is entirely your choice.
Especially, one should completely ignore lane markings as these are for guidance only. The most preferable thing is to drive along using part of two lanes so as to make sure that no-one can actually pass you.
When turning right, (bearing in mind that we’re all driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road), one should move as far over to the left as is possible, thereby ensuring that you hold up traffic behind you. Inevitably, the quick thinking people will immediately pass those cars on the right, whilst holding their hand down on the horn. Even better, of course, is to signal left when you are actually going to turn right. This ensures the correct amount of confusion for any foreign drivers.
So, blogging! It’s interesting stuff. To be honest most blogs are rambles by teenagers or people who think they’re teenagers. Search through the blogs in Blogspot, Journalspace, etc. and most of the information is banal, to say the least. You might find some like minded people, but mostly you don’t – or maybe I’m looking in the wrong places – or maybe there aren’t any people who think like me (which wouldn’t really surprise me).
It’s been a little while since I last wrote anything. So what’s been happening? Well, the first thing is that I am back at work – which is one of the reasons I haven’t been writing. I’ve been busy.
Hi everyone. Happy New Year, Buon Anno e Auguri!
OK, so I know it’s been a while since our last update, but we have had a very busy year and time just slipped away.
However, not having the ability to email for most of the last month or so – and particularly now (something up with the hosting company) means I have a chance to sit and write something. And now (as you can see) I have the ability to blog – which is just fantastic. Will that make me better in the future – we shall see!