Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 12:47:32 +0200 From: Xavier =?ISO-8859-1?Q?Lanusse=2DCazal=E9?= Subject: [Fwd: Re: Let's get rid of this stupid misconception once and for all]
Oops,
This was fo rthe list.
- -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Let's get rid of this stupid misconception once and for all Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 12:46:39 +0200 From: Xavier Lanusse-Cazalé To: funha~wn.de References: <5.1.0.14.2.20011020182756.029a8a~ail.istal.com> <3BD2978A.1D1874~wn.de>
On the other hand, when you're afraid of getting asleep at the wheel, playing some harp surely wakes you up. I'm not saying you shouldn't stop for a quick nap if you're really asleep. I guess it's up to you to feel whether you need it or not.
I admit that when I was leaving in the US and had a lot of driving to do I always carried some harp in the car. I honestly think that when you're on the freeway with cruise control you can play "some " harp in a safe manner. As long as you're aware of what's going on around you. Let's face it, there's many situations that can distract you when driving : we don't blame people for trying to find their way around reading the signs, we don't blame people who go into a deep conversation with their passengers, etc... Driving will never be 100% safe, it's up to you to do your best to make it as safe as possible for you as well as others. It's called responsibility and people may have a different idea of what that means to them. I still feel that I can play "some" harp in "some driving situations". That, to me, is different than saying that "you can play harp while driving". For now I rely on subway for transportation...
Cheers,
Xavier
funha~wn.de wrote:
> >Next week I will drive with the car about 800 kilometers to go to the >World Harmonica Festival in Trossingen. I'll drive at night and I'll be >alone. > >I must confess: I've been tempted to play harmonica during this long >ride. But thanks to Jimbeau and Doug, I threw this silly idea in the >garbage can again. > >To drive safely you must concentrate on driving. A car can be a deadly >weapon. This is something we should never forget. One second can change >your whole life, or even end it - and the lives of others too. >Most people think that it makes no difference if they drive after >drinking 2 or 3 beers, they don't feel drunk and think they can drive as >safe as without a beer.But all researches prove that the capacity of >reaction is influenced in a negative way. And the statistics about car >accidents prove that alcohol is one of the most important causes for >accidents. > >There is no statistic about drivin and playin harmonica, but I am sure >that it also influences your concentration negatively - same with using >mobile phones, and by the way that is no longer allowed here in Germany. > >I think it's better to take a rest after two hours, to drink a cup of >coffee and then to play harmonica for 15 minutes before going back on >the road. That's what I'll do. > >To practice effectively you must concentrate on practicing. Would you >practice while watching the news or a football match on TV or while >reading a book ? > >Hope to see some harp-lers in Trossingen > >Otto >
