[DeTomaso] NPC: Commentary on the state of manual transmissions

[audionut at hushmail.com]

The good ol' stick shift--  a good metaphor for remembering how
important it is for us real live humans to "not lose touch".  We
absolutely must remain integral elements of all our
machinery/technology. 
Overzealous and blind application of/reliance on technology definitely
carries infinite potential to turn the human race into utter idiotic
fools.
 Sent using Hushmail
On 5/28/2018 at 2:06 PM, "Charles Engles"  wrote:Dear Forum,
               FYI:  An excerpt from the May 26th Wall Street Journal
article, "Stick with What Works", by Jonathan Welsh
"There is still something transcendental about manually shifting your
way
through a car's gear box-pulling it into fourth, throwing it into
fifth as
you control a rumbling machine.  
This mighty high has flouted the odds.  Over time, many other
antiquated
auto features have been ruthlessly abandoned-hand-crank starters and
windows, carburetors and cassette decks.  But stick-shifting has
defiantly
stuck around, joining ax throwing, rock climbing and ultramarathons as
an
activity people stubbornly enjoy despite its needless difficulty. 
Drivers
choose to shift because it is an ever-rarer skill that is a challenge
to
learn and ---face it---fun to show-off.
While many car owners would love to kick back with a good book while
the
family minivan whisks their brood down the interstate, driving stick
appeals
to those who seek tangible experiences in an era of digital assistants
and
apps for just about everything.  These die-hards fear that the car,
long a
symbol of freedom and spontaneity, is becoming just another numbing
high-tech appliance.  Meanwhile, vehicles that still offer stick
shifts
telegraph an image of high performance, toughness, nostalgia and
fun---all
factors that can seduce new customers..."
"...But many people still buy stick shift cars for 'emotional
reasons.' Mr.
Plucinsky said.  'They enjoy the mechanical feedback, which is part of
the
fun of driving even if they are just commuting to work.'
There certainly is joy in changing gears in rhythm with the car.  Some
people get a tingle from the sound of the engine revving as they slide
down
into a lower gear while threading winding roads..."
              Maybe there is hope for a future with manual
transmissions.
In any event, we still have the Panteras and the ZFs.
                                Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
-------------- next part --------------
   The good ol' stick shift--  a good metaphor for remembering how
   important it is for us real live humans to "not lose touch".  We
   absolutely must remain integral elements of all our
   machinery/technology.

   Overzealous and blind application of/reliance on technology definitely
   carries infinite potential to turn the human race into utter idiotic
   fools.

   Sent using Hushmail
   On 5/28/2018 at 2:06 PM, "Charles Engles" <cengles at cox.net> wrote:

     Dear Forum,
     FYI: An excerpt from the May 26th Wall Street Journal
     article, "Stick with What Works", by Jonathan Welsh
     "There is still something transcendental about manually shifting
     your way
     through a car's gear box-pulling it into fourth, throwing it into
     fifth as
     you control a rumbling machine.
     This mighty high has flouted the odds. Over time, many other
     antiquated
     auto features have been ruthlessly abandoned-hand-crank starters and
     windows, carburetors and cassette decks. But stick-shifting has
     defiantly
     stuck around, joining ax throwing, rock climbing and ultramarathons
     as an
     activity people stubbornly enjoy despite its needless difficulty.
     Drivers
     choose to shift because it is an ever-rarer skill that is a
     challenge to
     learn and ---face it---fun to show-off.
     While many car owners would love to kick back with a good book while
     the
     family minivan whisks their brood down the interstate, driving stick
     appeals
     to those who seek tangible experiences in an era of digital
     assistants and
     apps for just about everything. These die-hards fear that the car,
     long a
     symbol of freedom and spontaneity, is becoming just another numbing
     high-tech appliance. Meanwhile, vehicles that still offer stick
     shifts
     telegraph an image of high performance, toughness, nostalgia and
     fun---all
     factors that can seduce new customers..."
     "...But many people still buy stick shift cars for 'emotional
     reasons.' Mr.
     Plucinsky said. 'They enjoy the mechanical feedback, which is part
     of the
     fun of driving even if they are just commuting to work.'
     There certainly is joy in changing gears in rhythm with the car.
     Some
     people get a tingle from the sound of the engine revving as they
     slide down
     into a lower gear while threading winding roads..."
     Maybe there is hope for a future with manual transmissions.
     In any event, we still have the Panteras and the ZFs.
     Warmest regards, Chuck Engles