Tue 3 Oct 2006
At some point about 5 million years ago, the evolutionary forces that make us what we are today, inspired us to stand up on two legs. It was a truly momentous moment in the history of mankind, and is right up there with the major human milestones such as the invention of the wheel and Internet Porn.
Ever since then, we have been perfecting the use of these two legs. Man can run 100m in under 10 seconds on these legs of ours, and after a shakey first couple of years, it’s very rare that we fall off them unless we’re under the influence or running away from the police. Or both.
We can change direction on them, we can run, we can jump. Girls and gays can skip. They bend in the middle and have to be hit very hard in order to break. In general terms, legs are ace and skill.
Unfortunately, 5 million years isn’t enough for some people to have perfected the art of using your legs to walk in a straight line.
I am sick and fucking tired of following people on busy pavements who dawdle along from one leg to the other with no discernible direction. Granted, it is generally in a forward motion of sorts, but the side to side movement gives the impression they’re on a boat. Or really pissed.
Will you please get the fuck out of my way, because which ever side I try and overtake you on, you slide in that direction. Even loudly muttering, “Pick a lane, any lane!” doesn’t have the desired effect. It’s like a car chase in some bad 1970’s cop show. Each time I get close, you cut me off. You fucker.
Do you realise how much wasted energy is being used up because you can’t walk in a straight line? If people stopped walking like we’re having a minor earth-quake I reckon we could knock 50 cents of the price of a barrel of oil. And I’d get where I’m going a lot quicker.
So walk quick, and walk straight. It’s the way forward. Literally.
13 Responses to “Walk the line”










October 3rd, 2006 at 8:39 am
I dont like any form of pavement blocking.
Worst offenders seem to be mothers and old people, who think that because there old or recently knocked up it is ok to walk next to two others of the same meaning that the whole pavement is blocked off. I have to admit that people who move from side to side are even more annoying though as it gives you an opportunity and then takes it away.
October 3rd, 2006 at 9:23 am
Are you referring to people carrying cans of Special Brew and talking to imaginary people?
October 3rd, 2006 at 9:35 am
I believe you are referring to the heterosexual pissheads as girls and gays skipping with their Special Brew a la piss in a can.
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:10 am
Oli - Though oldies are bad, it seems to affect all ages, particularly those who don’t appear to be heading anywhere in particular.
Murphy - Oh no, it appears to be everyone on the pavement except me.
Banana - straight/gay/bi - all equally guilty.
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:51 am
Ah, yes… Really, it should be obligatory for people with well over average BMI to walk in single file. And nobody of any proportion should be allowed to just suddenly stop smack in the middle of a busy pavement for a friends reunited style get together, especially when any of them have prams. Oh, and umbrellas. No.
October 3rd, 2006 at 11:05 am
Oh YES - and it’s even worse when they are coming towards you and they walk into you as you sway in the wrong direction to avoid them. And when you knock their child over they actually have the bloody cheek to object!
October 3rd, 2006 at 11:49 am
It would help if you were short or a child and that way you could just walk through other peoples legs. Alternatively, if you were dead tall like Inspector Gadget, you could step over them.
Hope that helps ease your frustration!
October 3rd, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Platform soles ought to do the trick. Or perhaps taking to brandishing a large machette noncahalantly as you make your way through the miraculously parting crowds. Of course here in the shires if the pavement’s blocked we just amble into the road.
October 3rd, 2006 at 12:11 pm
im still livid about the tenner
October 3rd, 2006 at 12:59 pm
Ride around in a Persian chariot with scythes on the wheels, that’d keep everyone well away.
October 3rd, 2006 at 1:13 pm
“And when you knock their child over they actually have the bloody cheek to object! ”
I get the feeling thats because you backhand them for getting in your way =p
October 4th, 2006 at 9:38 am
f:lux - I think you’re on to something with that BMI idea, a bit like a car pool lane on the motorway?…
kaz - The cheek indeed!
TJ - Extremely helpful, as always.
Dr J - I don’t own a machete, will a dessert knife do?
anonymous - get over it
greavsie - Will I have to make my own? I was always rubbish with go-karts.
Oli - I get the feeling it’s a clenched fist.
October 8th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
Especially annoying on the platforms at tube and railway stations. The fucking inconsiderate cunts who weave back and forth and then stop in mid-stream.
I know when I’m meandering, dawdling, faffing in my stroll … on these occassions I am painfully aware of pedestrian traffic approaching from behind … and in order to protect my behind and my reputation, I considerately move to the side to let men of business (a la Mr. A) move on.
Hugs.