2 posts tagged “google”

The Department of Transport today warned road users to expect significant delays across the UK as the Google Street View service launched and gained excessive publicity in the country. 

The DoT reacted with concern to reports that motorists in numbers might attempt to locate and then follow in convoy one of Google's camera-equipped Street View cars or vans.

"We are highly worried that this will lead to almost complete gridlock on several key routes", said a spokesman.

Rumours have circulated on the internet over the past several days concerning the possibility of catching a blurred but recognisable image of someone falling off a bicycle, or a smudged image of a "lady" collecting a milk bottles delivery off their doorstep in their nightclothes, or perhaps the sight of someone just wearing a short skirt walking alongside the road. 

In addition, there is the mere curiosity factor which will swell the numbers of potential vehicles on the roads, warned the DoT.

One Google-Van-seeking motorist, travelling salesman Derek Bennett, 34 and single, from Solihull West Midlands, told us:

"I have my BlackBerry and my Sat Nav so I'm primed and ready to go. I do about 18,000 miles a year around the UK with my job, but I'm really looking forward to catching a glimpse of something I wouldn't ordinarily see on my travels."

"I'm ready to see the world in a totally different way than I did before."

Motoring organisations, such as the AA and RAC, have warned motorists who are not keen to follow the convoy of would-be sightseers, that they should avoid well-known Google Street View hotspots or "stay at home until the fuss dies down in a couple of days".

Details of the hotspots can be found on any web site aimed at prepubescent teens. 

As I was walking out of snooker (we had finished, it wasn't a petulant exit I assure you) I stood waiting for my snooker buddy and good friend, Vic, to catch me up.  A metal sign on the side of a building caught my eye.  It was one of those plates that you often see outside solicitors, vets, doctors and the like.

The top line of it was perfectly nondescript. 
It simply stated the person's name (a man, apparently) and his principal profession: "Chiropodist".
The line underneath was more alarming:  "Ortnotist".

My first thought:"What is he doing, that he really shouldn't?".
And then: "Has he been stripped of his licence but continues to unashamedly both advertise and practice?"

I got home. I Googled "Ortnotist". 
Helpfully, I was met with the statement:  "Did you mean: orthotist".

Ah, of course. I'm relieved. But slightly disappointed too. Sometimes the internet can spoil things.

UPDATE:  and here is the proof that literally none of you asked for in order to back up my story:

OughtNotIst