The Kenyan Nomad
Monday, July 23, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Matatucessator
A question you often see floating around on the internet is: what superpower/ device (think Adam Sandler from Click) would you have if you could choose any?
Today, I'd like something that you could use from a distance on vehicles that have absolutely no road sense at all, like our dear matatus. The purpose of this device would be this: when the vehicle it has been shot at has been switched off for more than a certain period of time, say an hour, it cannot switch on again until and unless the person who used the device reverses their action with the same device. The purpose of this time period would be that cars would not stop on the road and obstruct traffic. Rather, if they have stopped for around an hour, this would most likely be in a parking spot or somewhere out of the way.
Having them unable to use their vehicles would be an effective (and annoying!) form of punishment, especially for those who drive recklessly to make money, such as matatus and the famous buses.
Obviously, the device(s) would need to be in the hands of HONEST and responsible citizens... I can only dream what kind of mayhem would ensue if this was not the case.
Now, while I know that this device is purely imaginary (at least for now) it did give me some measure of relief and moments of pure childish glee just imagining that I was using it as I was on my way to work in the morning, as I watched buses drive on pavements just to get 4 or 5 cars ahead, and matatus force their way into different lanes... on roundabouts. I'd like to think that they wouldn't be given way and allowed back on the road, but the harsh reality is that whoever attempts something so brave would probably get their car hit, especially so for those of us who drive around in smaller vehicles.
Have an imaginative day, won't you! As for myself, I'm going to have fun on the way back pretending to use my new Matatucessator! Sigh... one day!
(matatu + cessation)
Today, I'd like something that you could use from a distance on vehicles that have absolutely no road sense at all, like our dear matatus. The purpose of this device would be this: when the vehicle it has been shot at has been switched off for more than a certain period of time, say an hour, it cannot switch on again until and unless the person who used the device reverses their action with the same device. The purpose of this time period would be that cars would not stop on the road and obstruct traffic. Rather, if they have stopped for around an hour, this would most likely be in a parking spot or somewhere out of the way.
Having them unable to use their vehicles would be an effective (and annoying!) form of punishment, especially for those who drive recklessly to make money, such as matatus and the famous buses.
Obviously, the device(s) would need to be in the hands of HONEST and responsible citizens... I can only dream what kind of mayhem would ensue if this was not the case.
Now, while I know that this device is purely imaginary (at least for now) it did give me some measure of relief and moments of pure childish glee just imagining that I was using it as I was on my way to work in the morning, as I watched buses drive on pavements just to get 4 or 5 cars ahead, and matatus force their way into different lanes... on roundabouts. I'd like to think that they wouldn't be given way and allowed back on the road, but the harsh reality is that whoever attempts something so brave would probably get their car hit, especially so for those of us who drive around in smaller vehicles.
Have an imaginative day, won't you! As for myself, I'm going to have fun on the way back pretending to use my new Matatucessator! Sigh... one day!
(matatu + cessation)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Doing restaurant reviews is always fun, but sometimes, it's nice to put together a collection such that one knows what to order from a ... -
My amazing sister, Ranjeeta Walia , turned 42 yesterday. As a joke, I asked her for 42 lessons she'd learnt along the way. As soon as... -
At the most basic level, humans want and need connection. And yet, when I’m lonely, I’m ashamed of expressing that need —a shame that does... -
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Nick Ndeda, I should give some background. Nick was a presenter on my favourite radio channel, X ... -
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius When I was 14 years old, I... -
What exactly is personal financial management? A quick definition: "The efficient and effective management of money to accomplish objec... -
In her book Dare to Lead, researcher Brené Brown introduces the idea of permission slips. The idea stuck with me and was fascinating enough...
-
I'm tired of all these wonderful people I know putting themselves down because they don't meet certain standards imposed on them b...
-
Roll your eyes at this title all you want, but I am absolutely giddy with glee at being able to use a click-baity headline that’s truthful! ... -
Noise. It was there when I first emerged into the world. It's always there, I'm accustomed to it--to the point that when it's q...