Roundabout

A roundabout is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. The modern form was standardised in the United Kingdom.

So-called "modern" roundabouts require entering traffic to give way to traffic already in the circle and optimally observe various design rules to increase safety. Compared to stop signs, traffic signals, and earlier forms of roundabouts, modern roundabouts reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions by reducing traffic speeds and minimizing T-bone and head-on collisions. Variations on the basic concept include integration with tram and/or train lines, two-way flow, higher speeds and many others.

Traffic exiting the roundabout comes from one direction, rather than three, simplifying the pedestrian's visual environment. Traffic moves slowly enough to allow visual engagement with pedestrians, encouraging deference towards them. Other benefits include reduced driver confusion associated with perpendicular junctions and reduced queuing associated with traffic lights. They allow U-turns within the normal flow of traffic, which often are not possible at other forms of junction. Moreover, since vehicles on average spend less time idling at roundabouts than at signalled intersections, using a roundabout potentially leads to less pollution. Also, when entering vehicles only need to give way, they do not always perform a full stop. As a result, by keeping a part of their momentum, the engine will produce less work to regain the initial speed, resulting in lower emissions. Additionally, slow moving traffic in roundabouts makes less noise than traffic that must stop and start, speed up and brake.

Roundabout (song)

"Roundabout" is a song by the English progressive rock band Yes. It is the first single released from their fourth studio album, Fragile (1971). "Roundabout" has become one of the best-known songs by Yes. The song was released as a shortened single with the track "Long Distance Runaround" in January 1972. It peaked at No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the Cash Box Top 100.

Lyrics and meaning

Written by singer Jon Anderson and guitarist Steve Howe during The Yes Album Tour, the lyrics are obscure, and have been the subject of much debate on music discussion sites. The most commonly accepted interpretation is that the lyrics are about the personal life of Jon Anderson and his hoped-for return home after the tour ends.

Composition

The song begins with an acoustic guitar solo in E minor from Steve Howe. This lasts for about 40 seconds. Thereafter, Chris Squire's bass enters along with Bill Bruford's drums. Howe continues his guitar part in octaves, leading up to Anderson's entrance and the first verse. The first two verses continue in this manner. The bridge ("In and around the lake...") starts after the second verse. Anderson and Howe continue their parts. The keyboard enters thereafter before Squire and Bruford. A vocal harmony from Anderson, Howe, and Squire tops off the bridge.

Roundabout (1957 film)

Roundabout is a television movie, or rather a live television play, which aired on Australian television in 1957. Broadcast 4 January 1957 on ABC station ABV-2, it is notable as the first example of television drama produced in Melbourne Australia. "Official" television broadcasting in the city had only begun 2 months earlier. Cast included British actor Patrick Horgan, Mary Ward and Beverley Dunn. The original TV listing in The Age newspaper described the plot as "a woman's reactions to her husband's suspected affair with another woman". Duration was 30 minutes. Production was by Bill Eldridge. It is not known if a kinescope recording was made of the broadcast. (note: kinescope recording, also known as telerecording, was an early method of recording live television, used in the days before video-tape became widespread). Some of ABV-2 other dramatic one-offs of 1957 were kinescoped so they could be shown in Sydney, but it is not known if any of these kinescopes still exist.