[Leica] Transmissions

[brad at bradbrad.com (brad daly)]

i have always been able to drive a straight-shift vehicle, having  
learned in my father's 1969 2-ton chevy dump truck.  it had a three- 
speed transmission with un-synchronized reverse.  it was relatively  
easy to drive in that you could release the clutch slowly at idle on  
level ground and the truck would start to move slowly--if it were  
empty, that is; first gear was LOW.

transitioning to a small straight-shift fiat punto in england after  
that was weird.  it took a little getting used to because everything  
was so tiny.

now i'm in a straight-shift volvo V70.  and enjoy it quite well.  i  
can see where constant clutching would get really old if i drove in  
heavy traffic a lot, or where i'd want an automatic if i had small  
kids in the car and were occasionally having to tend to their needs  
while driving.  i enjoy driving a stick at this point in my life, but  
it can easily see how an automatic is easier.  there's nothing wrong  
with easier.  power steering is easier; power windows are easier; yet  
no one criticizes others for having those features on their cars in  
any sort of my-dick-is-bigger-than-your-dick sort of way.

--
brad daly
brad@bradbrad.com
http://www.bradbrad.com

What Would Bill Hicks Say?

"Nobody can face the world with his eyes open all the time."
     --Salman Rushdie