‘Just because’
‘Just because’
It’s so nice the way people treat me when I’m riding my Harley-Davidson.
People on the side of the road will smile and wave to me. Whenever I come to a stop, people will come over and comment how nice my bike looks or just want to say something to me. It’s nice.
Normally, I’m a quiet person. And when I’m in my truck, nobody says anything to me. That’s OK, I guess.
But today while getting gas, the person beside me said, “Nice bike; beautiful day for a ride.” And I said, “Thank you. Yes it is.”
Later on at another stop, an elderly woman commented on my helmet and how shiny it was. And I laughed and said how it matched the chrome on my bike.
The police officers up the coast directing traffic waved to me. Hitchhikers waved to me. Other bikers waved to me as I waved to them. It’s nice, it really is.
All I am saying is it’s nice to see people being friendly to me for no other reason than just because I’m on my Harley. I just wish we could all be more friendly to each other for no other reason than just — well … just because.
If you were one of the people who either talked to me or waved to me, I just wanted to thank you.
Thank you!
Ken Brandenburger
Mountain View
Give it a rest
If there is a device that has the potential to alienate entire societies, it is the cellular telephone, known more commonly as the cellphone.
Face-to-face speaking is becoming more uncommon every day, as many people are seen staring at a small screen, communicating with someone who could be well within vocal range.
Then, there is the problem of phone usage while driving, which also should be extended to bicycles and skateboards, as I have seen and had to track them while driving through town.
I don’t know of anybody who has been on the phone while surfing, but it is well within the realm of possibility. Don’t even think of skydiving while on the phone!
There is a national day for going without smoking. What we need is an international day for going without your personal cellphone. If it’s for business, that’s one thing, but your personal phone could use a rest.
Could you do it? Is it possible you could go an entire day without your telephone?
Telephone withdrawals could be traumatic for some, as your dialing finger might begin to shake uncontrollably. If there is an emergency, you can do what we did in the Dark Ages and find a pay phone!
Dave Kisor
Pahoa