One of my students yesterday shared with the class that she drives a stick shift. She clearly felt this was noteworthy. No idea whether or not she is circumcised but frankly that would have been oversharing, at least for the first day of class.
Wash: Well, I wash my hands of it. It's a hopeless case. I'll read a nice poem at the funeral. Something with imagery. Zoe: You could lock the door and keep the power-hungry maniac at bay. Wash: Oh, no, I'm starting to like this poetry idea now. Here lies my beloved Zoe, my autumn flower, somewhat less attractive now she's all corpsified and gross...
'Shindig'
Natter 70: Hookers and Blow
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Burrell - Aug 28, 2012 11:12:00 am PDT #19865 of 30001
Why did Darth Vader cross the road? To get to the Dark Side!
Burrell - Aug 28, 2012 11:13:06 am PDT #19866 of 30001
Why did Darth Vader cross the road? To get to the Dark Side!
Also can I just add that it is bogus that California's state song ISN'T "California, Here I Come."
Calli - Aug 28, 2012 11:13:32 am PDT #19867 of 30001
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
Cars with manual transmissions tend to be cheaper than the same model with automatic transmissions. The gear box for the manual transmission tends to last longer than the "slush box" for the automatic transmission. And, depending on how you drive, cars with manual transmissions tend to get better mileage than those with automatic transmissions. So I'm a fan of the stick shift.
My rental in MI had an automatic transmission. It was just different enough to be annoying. At least I didn't try to push in the clutch and end up braking unexpectedly instead. (Well, at least not more than once.)
Nora Deirdre - Aug 28, 2012 11:16:06 am PDT #19868 of 30001
I’m responsible for my own happiness? I can’t even be responsible for my own breakfast! (Bojack Horseman)
My first few cars were standards, and I got tired of stop and go traffic with a standard transmission and have been driving automatics since about... 2000?
I'm glad to know I can still drive one, we often have them when we rent them in the UK. Driving a standard on the right side is a weird transition, but doable.
tommyrot - Aug 28, 2012 11:16:47 am PDT #19869 of 30001
Sir, it's not an offence to let your cat eat your bacon. Okay? And we don't arrest cats, I'm very sorry.
Cars with manual transmissions tend to be cheaper than the same model with automatic transmissions. The gear box for the manual transmission tends to last longer than the "slush box" for the automatic transmission. And, depending on how you drive, cars with manual transmissions tend to get better mileage than those with automatic transmissions. So I'm a fan of the stick shift.
Ford's six-speed auto gets better mileage than a comparable six-speed manual. It's actually a computer-controlled manual transmission with two dry clutches, so it's not a slushbox at all.
They do cost more (like a regular auto transmission), and I can't speak to their long-term reliability. But hey--I did get a software update for mine!
I think more automakers will be moving to transmissions like this due to their excellent fuel economy.
Calli - Aug 28, 2012 11:18:20 am PDT #19870 of 30001
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
Ford's six-speed auto gets better mileage than a comparable six-speed manual. It's actually a computer-controlled manual transmission with two dry clutches, so it's not a slushbox at all.
Well, that's just cheating.
Seriously, if I could get the mileage and durability benefits of a manual in an automatic transmission, I'd be willing to compromise on the list price.
msbelle - Aug 28, 2012 11:23:02 am PDT #19871 of 30001
I remember the crazy days. 500 posts an hour. Nubmer! Natgbsb
yay for power and red beans.
Connie Neil - Aug 28, 2012 11:27:03 am PDT #19872 of 30001
brillig
I can drive a shift, but my knees aren't happy with the clutch any more.
-t - Aug 28, 2012 11:29:09 am PDT #19873 of 30001
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Is automatic "standard" now?
I have been told that. I don't know who gets to decide that sort of thing.
Glamcookie - Aug 28, 2012 11:30:22 am PDT #19874 of 30001
I know my own heart and understand my fellow man. But I am made unlike anyone I have ever met. I dare to say I am like no one in the whole world. - Anne Lister
I have always driven a manual. My mom says she'll know I'm truly an adult when I buy an automatic. Sadly, that day is fast approaching since it's so hard to find manuals anymore. When I bought my current car in 2000 I insisted on a manual transmission and my car had to be shipped from Japan.