P144
CN
III IN THE PADDOCK
BY MICHAEL SCOTT
P
erhaps I had better declare
myself. I am one who likes
to keep his life, his status
and photographs of his food to
himself. I admit that Faceplant
may have its uses to a far-flung
family or circle of friends. Instaflap
is mainly harmless but generally
very, very dull. And Twitter a bleat-
feast of garrulous trivia shared by
those who can't shut up, even
when they are alone. Perhaps
especially when they are alone.
If this puts me on the wrong
side of miserable old curmud-
geon, so be it.
At the same time, I confess to
a lifetime of admiration for those
who race motorcycles success-
fully at world championship level.
These are people I can truly
respect.
For their ability to race motor-
cycles.
Some of them are entertaining
individuals. One or two have be-
come valued friends. Some are
introverted and self-sufficient;
others are party animals. Many
more are miserable vanity sticks
held hostage by their own fragile
egos. But that's all beside the
point.
They are at their best compet-
ing out on the track, and normal
human interest aside, that's
TWITTER YE NOT