In what order do you say your cardinal directions? North, East, South, West or North, South, East, West? I see a connection to religion here. Just as the hand movement with [en.wikipedia.org] They are called "cardinal" after all.
I say it N-E-W-S, because the news all comes from the north, the east, the west and the south.
I was taught the old saying. "When facing North, East and West spell we."
@Fernapple - Yes! I remember that too! LOL!