I propose a new word: analisms.
It's plural because they usually come in groups from anal people who can't believe you're actually doing that. (Saying so would be an example of an analism.)
Or, "You should...," "Don't you...?" and "Ugh! I think I'm going to be sick just watching that."
Yep, analisms.
GM recalled another 2.7 million vehicles today, bringing the 2014 total to just over 10 million cars and trucks. But it's only May.
Every time I read about a recall - and almost every maker foreign and domestic has issued them recently - I think that they are the natural outcome of ever increasingly complex cars. Whether features got added for safety or convenience, each adds another layer of both electronic and mechanical intricacy, and that increases the chance for failure. Malfeasance aside, something designed to increase safety will inevitably result in increased danger if/when it fails.
I'm not suggesting we go back to rolling death traps. One of the reasons I decided to sell the VW was the likelihood of serious injury in even a minor collision. No seat belts, paper thin exterior metal, a gas tank 10" from my knees....
I'm just saying we probably expect too much from the incredibly complex cars we drive. Cars offer more convenience features than any other space in our lives, but each of those adds to the risk of failure. I guess I'd rather they focus on adding things that increase safety and I'll roll the windows up and down myself.
I had two interesting experiences at Starbucks this morning. One pleasant, the other disturbing.
I usually have Pandora streaming through my ear buds while I work but for some reason I didn't, so I could hear the conversation at the table right behind me. A woman was reaming out her pastor, totally ripping into him for a variety of failings. Most seemed to do with how he responded to people, all of whom seemed to be women. ("If there's one group you don't want to offend it's the women in our church!") He was rude, dismissive, insensitive... She'd heard from several people in the congregation - "people talk to me" - and witnessed his insensitivity. Like the time he stood with his back to the door and his hand on the handle while another lady told him how bad he'd acted. He tried to explain he didn't want anyone walking in on the conversation but she was having none of that explanation. Nope. In fact, his explanation only illustrated her point: he doesn't listen to others (in this case, her criticism) and take it to heart.
I debated, and then decided I would say something on my way out. I stopped, squatted down so I could speak softly without others hearing, and spoke directly to him. I told him how much I appreciate the graciousness and respect of the good people I'm privileged to pastor. It's not that I don't get it wrong, but they always treat me with respect, even when they're pointing out a time when I've missed the mark. I told the guy I'd be taking the time Sunday to thank them for the way they treat their pastor.
I didn't address her but could see her face, and noticed that there was absolutely no change of expression as she watched me talk to him. It was as though she was looking at a bowl of fruit. He thanked me and said, "As you can see, I don't get respect." Gave him a pat on the shoulder and walked out. I doubt she felt any sense of shame, but hopefully he felt some support and encouragement.
As I was pulling out of my parking space a guy in his late 30's flagged me down. He wanted to ask about the car.
We talked long enough - 15 minutes? - that I turned it off. He's a fireman and has always wanted to restore an old car. He had lots of good questions that started with, "How do you find them?" We talked about what to look for and look out for, how to get a feel for pricing, deciding whether to go stock or make performance mods... Nice guy, and I hope he's more emboldened to give it a try when the time is right. Hey, if I can pull it off he certainly can. Pigs jumping into ponds, and all.
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