[Sussex] (no subject)

[John D.]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Geoff Teale" <Geoff.Teale at claybrook.co.uk>
To: <sussex at mailman.lug.org.uk>
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 3:01 PM
Subject: RE: [Sussex] html and stuff


<snip>
 it just shows that the French are very proud and very protective of
> their language.
</snip>

For some reason, this bit of trivia popped into my head when I read Geoffs
e-mail -

some 50+ countries on the planet drive on the left - which has been proven
to be the safer side of the road to drive on - I understand this is
connected with "brain lobe use and activity"?.

In the UK, driving on the left is connected with the fact that the majority
of the population has always been right handed.

Historically, you stayed on the left so you could draw your sword, to defend
yourself. It is the same reason that spiral staircases usually spiral in a
clockwise direction, so they can be easily defended from above.

Whereas (excluding the US) the rest of the world who drive on the right,
follow the example set by Napoleon, who, annoyed at British arrogance,
decreed that the people of France should drive on the right. Everone else
with no imperial connection, followed suit. The US is different because
their reason was that during the major expansion/settlement of the country,
the main builder of covered wagons used to transport goods and chattels had
the brake lever fitted to the left of the vehicle, hence it made sense to
drive on the right eventually becoming law.

Well, I should also say that I quite like France (esp the food and wine - or
whine? lol) but if nothing else, I'm quite happy with another of Frances's
exports - MandrakeSoft!

Not a lot of people know that, now where's the bloody bar?

Vive le difference.

regards

John D:?