Its all in what we teach them, therefore it is important who we are. If we leave the task of education to others and abdicate our responsibility of monitoring what they learn and instilling core values then we have to be prepared to take what we get. Those others may be thousands of sources including teachers, mentors, government, friends, music, movies, advertising or strangers.
Until you know what they learning from each one they are all strangers.
This is a true story about a guy who is the kid of one of my friends and has become my friend, who is on his way home from work.
Ryan* ...known him since the day he was born, well mannered, good morals and behavior...developed a “punk” style in clothing, music and style when he was in his early teens. Kinda like we did for Kiss, Rush, Lead Zepp and bomber jackets only now with the Dead Kennedy's and Marilyn Manson. Ryan was taught manners and ethics by his parents, who are by the way closer to the Simpsons than the Cunninghams, the important thing is that they personally taught him right from wrong, giving him a solid framework within which he could collect the souvenirs of the culture around him and a moral compass to help him sort out his own direction in life. As a respectful adult, a nicer young man you'll never meet.
Location: A Bus Stop in front of a Urban Downtown Shopping Mall
Time: 9:00 pm
Characters:
Ryan: 25, Respected Sous Chef, 6'5”, 250lbs, army boots, pierced everything, black ripped skater shorts, leather and denim jacket, chains and patches.
Yout #1: Skateboard kid #1 12-14 yrs old
Yout #2: Skateboard kid #2 12-14 yrs old
Yout #3: Skateboard kid #3 12-14 yrs old
Sensei: Late 20's to Mid 30's male
Ryan*, is sitting waiting for the bus and is approached by three youts with skateboards
{RYAN}; [deep sigh]
{YOUTH#1} “What's in the backpack, huh?”
{RYAN} “Nothing”
{YOUT#1} “Give it to us.”
{RYAN, standing up} “There's nothing in it.”
{YOUT #1} “ Give us the backpack”
{RYAN} “I'm just goin' home, I got nothing”
{YOUT #1, moving around to RYAN's rear} “ We're takin' the backpack”
YOUT #1 swings his skateboard to the back of RYAN's head, unfortunately due to the height differential connects with the shoulder only
YOUT #1 is wide eyed, as if to say “if I hit it, it should have fell down”
RYAN slowly takes off his backpack to set it down and in the same fluid motion kicks YOUT #2 square in the gnards with his steel toed heavy black boot, lifting him off the ground.
YOUT#2 drops to the ground wailing in pain, all hope of future reproduction lost.
YOUT#3 turns and flees
YOUT#1 is still stunned, frozen in the moment.
YOUT#2 pukes and rolls onto his side, grabs his skateboard.
{SENSEI}; (Shouting, as yet unseen from the shadows of the buildings to stage left), “ Hey! I TOLD YOU! YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT!”
{YOUT#2}; (Urgently, struggling to his feet), “C'mon, huh, we gotta get outta here!”
YOUT#1 now visibly afraid, snaps to and helps YOUT#2 with their getaway.
{RYAN}; “Thanks, Man...”
{SENSEI}; “I'm really sorry, bro', that shouldnt've happened. I been trying to teach these kids and've been followin' them...and like they should not have bothered you, huh?”
{RYAN}; “cool...I do appreciate what you did”
[BUSES ARRIVE]
{SENSEI}; “ We been tryin' to bring'm up right, huh? There's lots of old people around, huh, lots of smaller, weaker that can't defend 'emselves like you, huh, so we gotta follow'em, huh, make sure they don't get themselves into trouble, huh, make sure they don't mark the big white guys or the street kids, huh...they'll get'emselves all jammed up if they mark the wrong ones, huh, gotta bring'em up good.”
{RYAN} (prevented by his own upbringing and the disembarking crowd from acting on his first impulse...to now kick Sensei in the junk) “What the fuck, Man?”
{SENSEI} (as Ryan is boarding the bus) “ ya bro' really sorry abou....”
(Sensei's word trail off as the bus doors close)
*names have been changed to protect the Pwner
A series of eclectic, possibly unconnected and probably meandering observations of an all weather cyclist, DJ, Magician and social observer. Some material may be inappropriate for younger or more sensitive adults. May contain psychological nudity. Follower discretion is advised.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Not Evil, Just Wrong
A Dose of Common Sense
After watching the premiere of “Not Evil, Just Wrong”, I was left with a bit of an empty feeling. The emptiness came from multiple sources, first from the part of the message…the thought that a powerful few really may truly be able chart the course of humanity’s immediate future history based on alarmist pseudo-science, secondly from the fact that the film’s truly worthy message was diluted by some poor filmmaking.
First, we’ll get out of the way my highly subjective and purely personal critique of the film. Initially seeming to promise to clearly address nine specific points of inaccuracy about “An Inconvenient Truth “ the film wandered off and although spending some time on polar bears, ice melt and other topics but the initial focus was somewhat lost when so much time was spent on the DDT ban and coal in the US. The filmmakers also may have lost some “Cronkite” credibility points with the two obvious homage’s to Penn and Teller, using selected interview outtake clips to deliberately undermine the credibility of the subject. Don’t get me wrong, I love P&T’s “Bullsh*t”, but I think that tactic was misplaced in this movie.
That being said, the film delivers a common sense message that more people need to hear. We are deeply in the grips of global climate change, just like the generation before us and the generations after us. Al Gore and his followers, much like the climatologists of the 1630’s or the 1930’s or Agent J wearing the fresh new black suit, are just the latest in a long line of new kids on the block that believe that the task of saving the earth as we know it falls directly on their shoulders.
Agent J: Man, we ain't got time for this cover-up bullshit! In case you've forgotten, there's an alien battle cruiser—
Agent K: There's always an alien battle cruiser, or a Corellian death ray, or an intergalactic plague intended to wipe out life on this miserable little planet.
It’s shortsighted to eliminate fossil fuels in ten years without having an eminent replacement.
Current storage technology does not allow us to economically replace fossil fuel with solar and wind…to store a week’s worth of commercial power in a battery is cost prohibitive, not to mention what effect the disposal of the heavy metals and chemicals used in the manufacture of storage cells will have environmentally. Added to that, current nimby social conditions seem to prevent the use of nuclear power, at least if involves any step in the process happening near here.
You simply can’t base an economy on intermittent power or power that is not there.
Yes, climate is changing; but it is an arrogant position to take to say that we are solely responsible for it. Technology is changing too and right now we need fossil fuel technology to power the search for and transition to other forms of energy. These changes are happening gradually and along a natural course. Introducing human suffering to the mix by shortsightedly reacting to another “Y2K”, “Mad Cow” or “DDT” scare is ethically incorrect…just wrong.
True science is never settled. True science floats a hypothesis and spends the rest of time attempting to disprove it.
Climate change may be so gradual and a natural part of the evolutionary process that the human race will evolve along with it…I submit if in a hundred thousand years we need gills we will have grown them. The world as we know it over time may not be as we know it.
Who’s to say that one of the millions of lives lost to malaria since the DDT ban may not have been the life of the discoverer of the “humming glow-rock”, the as yet undiscovered, naturally occurring, clean, free and renewable power source that eventually led to human autonomy and eventual colonization of space?
Doug Schmidt
Cabtec Manufacturing
306-721-5545
doug.schmidt@cabtecmfg.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
10 Winter Cycling Tips
Sure, winter might mean frozen roads and snow-filled streets but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your bicycle away for the season. With a few minor tweaks and preparations, you can ride your bike all winter long.
Whether you use your bike to commute on city streets or ride mountain trails, winter biking can be fun and invigorating. Riding on ice and snow definitely takes some getting used to, but once you’ve adapted, you might just become addicted.
10 Tips for Winter Bicycling
1. If you’ve got to contend with ice, studded tires are the way to go.
2. Lower the pressure in your tires to around 15-20 psi to ride through snow.
3. Wide rim tires, like SnowCat rims, improve traction and flotation in snow and ice.
4. Equip your bike with powerful front and rear lighting to be sure you can see and be seen in a variety of winter conditions.
5. Mount reflectors on your bike – white reflectors are more effective than red ones.
6. Pedal smoothly and relax your upper body while traveling on ice and snow. If you start to slide or get sideways, make small corrections until you straighten out. Over-correcting will only make it worse. Practice on empty streets or trails.
7. Use your rear brake when riding on ice and don’t brake too hard. On soft snow, avoid sinking by keeping up a good speed. If you go too slow, you’ll sink.
8. LAYER! A moisture-wicking base layer made of synthetic or wool is the way to go. Follow with a mid layer, an insulating layer and a windproof shell (very important!). It’s okay to start the ride feeling cool – your body will generate heat quickly once you get going.
9. If it’s snowing or the wind is blowing, ski goggles will be your best friend.
10. Always wear a helmet. For winter riding you might want to consider wearing a balaclava under your helmet or at the very least a winter hat to protect your ears.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New! Friggin' Laser Etched Corn Flakes (tm)
http://www.kelloggs.co.uk/whatson/pressoffice/News/kelloggs-corporate-news/kelloggs-combats-fake-flakes
Am I alone in thinking this is...uhhh...misdirected or does this sound like responsible spending?
Kellogg's...I don't think you have anything to brag about this time.
We give our money to Kellogg's so they can spend it (no doubt in the maxi-millions) on R&D to develop the technology that can individually laser etch logos onto Corn Flakes?
Bookmark this for the day they look for a bailout...I'd have been a more satisfied Customer by trusting that the "KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES" box contained "KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES" and then a charitable act or donation or a reduction in price (probably a prime driving factor towards increased off-brand purchases) of the already "size-reduced" packaging than insult my intelligence with yet another branding reminder.
"Kellogg's has developed a hi-tech method to stamp out imitation cereals - by branding Corn Flakes with the company logo.
The new technology enables the firm - which makes 67 million boxes of Corn Flakes every year - to burn the famous signature onto individual flakes using lasers...inserting a proportion of branded flakes into each box to guarantee the cereal's origins and protect against imitation products.
The laser uses a concentrated beam of light which focuses the energy within the beam, down to a very small spot on the Corn Flake...galvanometers are then used to steer the beam creating multiple vectors that reflect the laser from different angles and ultimately make up the image...a darker, toasted appearance without changing the taste.
Kellogg's embarked on the project to reinforce that they don't make cereals for any other companies and to fire a shot across the bows of makers of 'fake flakes'.
''We want shoppers to be under absolutely no illusion...giving our golden flakes of corn an official stamp of approval could be the answer...''
The company also released figures which show sales of Kellogg's Corn Flakes have risen in 2009 as shoppers with limited budgets opt for recognised, reliable brands."
Am I alone in thinking this is...uhhh...misdirected or does this sound like responsible spending?
Kellogg's...I don't think you have anything to brag about this time.
We give our money to Kellogg's so they can spend it (no doubt in the maxi-millions) on R&D to develop the technology that can individually laser etch logos onto Corn Flakes?
Bookmark this for the day they look for a bailout...I'd have been a more satisfied Customer by trusting that the "KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES" box contained "KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES" and then a charitable act or donation or a reduction in price (probably a prime driving factor towards increased off-brand purchases) of the already "size-reduced" packaging than insult my intelligence with yet another branding reminder.
"Kellogg's has developed a hi-tech method to stamp out imitation cereals - by branding Corn Flakes with the company logo.
The new technology enables the firm - which makes 67 million boxes of Corn Flakes every year - to burn the famous signature onto individual flakes using lasers...inserting a proportion of branded flakes into each box to guarantee the cereal's origins and protect against imitation products.
The laser uses a concentrated beam of light which focuses the energy within the beam, down to a very small spot on the Corn Flake...galvanometers are then used to steer the beam creating multiple vectors that reflect the laser from different angles and ultimately make up the image...a darker, toasted appearance without changing the taste.
Kellogg's embarked on the project to reinforce that they don't make cereals for any other companies and to fire a shot across the bows of makers of 'fake flakes'.
''We want shoppers to be under absolutely no illusion...giving our golden flakes of corn an official stamp of approval could be the answer...''
The company also released figures which show sales of Kellogg's Corn Flakes have risen in 2009 as shoppers with limited budgets opt for recognised, reliable brands."
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Antibacterial Soaps. What Could Go Wrong?
I've always suspected that adding antibiotics to our lives in the ever multiplying quantities that we are, that we are (once again) being short sighted about their overall impact. My scientifically unstudied fear has always been that we may create "super bugs" or that it is the introduction of these antibiotic elements that may be upping the frequency and severity of auto-immune deficiencies and anaphylaxis. My reasoning was simple, uneducated and (to my thinking) logical...when there were fewer antibiotics in circulation...it seemed that no one was panicked about peanut butter near a school and the "epi-pen" found in the purse or pocket of someone in nearly every gathering of more than two or three people had never been heard of.
While I don't know if that fear may have been already or is yet to be be proven out by science to be true, I happened across this...which is just as, if not more, frightening and is based on facts. It might even be worth writing a note to your local retailer, although I am not a member or a fan I do applaud Costco for now offering liquid soap that is antibiotic free.
Here's the Science.
A recent study** concluded that approximately 75% of the liquid soaps on the market are antibacterial, containing the antibiotic triclosan, not to mention its ever increasing use in clothing and plastics. See the partial list below.
Over 95% of the uses of triclosan are in consumer products that are disposed of in residential drains.
Since wastewater treatment plants fail to remove triclosan from the water and the compound is highly stable for long periods of time, a huge amount of triclosan is expected to be emitted into waterways
I would highly recommend everyone take the time to read the Beyond Pesticides fact sheet*, available as a PDF file, it sure got me thinking...here is a sample of why.
"Researchers who added triclosan to river water and
shined ultraviolet light on the water found that between one
and twelve percent of the triclosan was converted to dioxin
in the water, leading to fears that sunlight could transform
triclosan to dioxin naturally. An even more serious health
threat may stem from treatment of triclosan-tainted water at
water treatment plants—sunlight could convert chlorinated
triclosan into highly toxic forms of super-dioxin. Exposure to
sunlight in the solid state of triclosan, such as on commercial
textile products, also causes formation of dioxin, albeit in
smaller amounts than aqueous solutions."
When used in hospitals or for persons with weakened immune systems, triclosan represents an important health care tool. But
other than that, it is unnecessary, and our constant exposure to triclosan becomes a health and environmental hazard.
The best way to prevent infections is good old soap and water.
Here are some guidelines on keeping clean without antimicrobials, regular soaps will lower the surface tension of the water, very effectively washing dirt and bacteria down the drain :
-Wash your hands often and well, for at least 10 to 15 seconds
and then rinse of in warm water. It is important to wash your
hands, especially when handling food.
-Dry hands with a clean towel.
-Wash surfaces that come in contact with food with detergent and water
-Wash children's hands and toys regularly.
It is clear to me from my reading that antibiotic soaps do not make us any safer from dangerous germs. More likely the inverse. true. The products themselves probably pose health dangers to us and the environment.
Plus, I can't shake my original fear...as more and more germs breed resistance to antibiotics, the risk from untreatable infections and immune disorders will rise...it's natural selection.
Please do not use antibacterial soap.
List of Products Containing Triclosan
FIRST AID: SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic; Solarcaine® First Aid Medicated Spray; NexcareTM First Aid, Skin Crack Care; First Aid/Burn Cream; HealWell® Night Splint; 11-1X1: Universal Cer- vical Collar with Microban
SOAP: Dial® Liquid Soap; Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap; Tea Tree TherapyTM Liquid Soap; Provon® Soap; Clearasil® Daily Face Wash; Dermato-logica® Skin Purifying Wipes; Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser; DermaKleenTM Antibacterial Lotion Soap; Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap; CVS Antibacterial Soap, pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser, Dawn® Complete Antibacterial Dish Liquid, Ajax® Antibacterial Dish Liquid.
KITCHENWARE: Farberware® Microban Steakknife Setand Cu�ing Boards; Franklin Machine Products FMP IceCream Scoop SZ 20 Microban; Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer; Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban; Com-pact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads
DENTAL CARE: Colgate Total®; BreezeTM Triclosan Mouthwash; Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush; Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT: Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad
CLOTHES: Teva® Sandals; Merrell Shoes; Sabatier Chef'sApron; Dickies Socks; Biofresh® socks
COSMETICS: Supre® Café BronzerTM; TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit; Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation; Mavala Lip Base; Jason Natural Cosmetics; Blemish Cover Stick; Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ; Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb, Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss, Dazzle
CHILDRENS TOYS: Playskool®: Stack 'n Scoop Whale,Rockin' Radio, Hourglass, Sounds Around Driver, Roll 'n Role Ball, Animal Sounds Phone, Busy Beads Pal, Pop'n Spin Top, Lights 'n Surprise Laptop
OTHER: Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier; Microban®All Weather Reinforced Hose; Thomasville® Furniture; Deciguard AB Ear Plugs; Bauer® 5000 Helmet; Aquatic Whirlpools; Miller Paint Interior Paint; QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler; Holmes Foot BuddyTM Foot Warmer, Blue Mountain Wall Coverings, California Paints®, EHC AM-ail Escalator Handrails, DupontTM Air Filters, DurelleTM Carpet Cushions, Advanta One Laminate Floors, San Luis
DEODORANT: Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodor-ant, Right Guard Sport Deodorant Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodor-ant; DeCleor Deodorant Stick; Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes; X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant
OTHER PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS: Gillette Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel; Mu-rad Acne Complex® Kit, ®; Diabet-xTM Cream; T.TaioTM Blankets, J Cloth® towels, JERMEX mops sponges and wipes, Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel.
*http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticides/factsheets/Triclosan%20cited.pdf
** FSNET. 2000. Survey of U.S. Stores reveals widespread availability of soaps containing potentially harmful antibacterial agents. Centre for Safe Food, University of Guelph. September 10. <http://131.104.74.73/archives/ matology 138:1087-1088.
fsnet/2000/9-2000/fs-09-10-00-01.txt> (Accessed 8/26/04). Of that half, a small amount contained triclocarban instead of triclosan. Triclocarban is an analogue of triclosan.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Return of the Corner Store
It happened Saturday afternoon. The return of the corner store! A privately owned, honest to goodness corner store…not an industrial-cleaner-perfumed 7-cough-11. An independent in a sea Corporate Motherhood.
Quietly and with no fanfare, the shopkeeper hung his shingle, flipped the switch and the neon ‘open’ sign flickered to life.
I grew up with Wong’s Confectionery and Bartle’s Drugs, Yee’s and Plummer’s Hardware, too. Right there on my corner, just a half a block from my house. Above Wong’s there was Dr. Dillenburg’s office, the neighborhood GP who still made house calls.
That corner was a very special place in the neighborhood, a place for day to day needs, a gathering place, a hang out, a clearing house of information and a primo location for yelling, “olly olly oxen free” at the end of a neighborhood wide game of hide and seek.
There weren’t any laws preventing the sale of cigarettes to minors but Mr. & Mrs. Wong and the Yee’s simply wouldn’t sell them to kids anyway, at least not without a note from their parents (whom they all knew) and could spot a forgery a mile away.
Parents would send their kids out the door clenching a dollar, or five, on a mission for late Saturday-morning-what’s-for-lunch-fixins, and a little candy on the side…you could drop by for a quick stop that dispenses what 7-11 does not. The cures for what ails you - bread that needs chewing, conversation, stinky cheeses, a bit of gossip, non-neon mustard, an eagle eye on your child and real coffee …
An environmentally friendly alternative to firing up the Mall Assault Vehicle to lumber across town to the big green box to park and walk further than you live from the corner from for a simple jug of milk or a dozen eggs…we welcome you, corner store!
Helping build community, hat’s off to the corner store!
A chance to leave your damn car at home and stop in for a little something you didn’t know you needed. Never know who you might run into (and didn’t knock down), and what you might find out. Better than the bulletin board at the mall or the latest twitternet. By a long shot.
Quietly and with no fanfare, the shopkeeper hung his shingle, flipped the switch and the neon ‘open’ sign flickered to life.
I grew up with Wong’s Confectionery and Bartle’s Drugs, Yee’s and Plummer’s Hardware, too. Right there on my corner, just a half a block from my house. Above Wong’s there was Dr. Dillenburg’s office, the neighborhood GP who still made house calls.
That corner was a very special place in the neighborhood, a place for day to day needs, a gathering place, a hang out, a clearing house of information and a primo location for yelling, “olly olly oxen free” at the end of a neighborhood wide game of hide and seek.
There weren’t any laws preventing the sale of cigarettes to minors but Mr. & Mrs. Wong and the Yee’s simply wouldn’t sell them to kids anyway, at least not without a note from their parents (whom they all knew) and could spot a forgery a mile away.
Parents would send their kids out the door clenching a dollar, or five, on a mission for late Saturday-morning-what’s-for-lunch-fixins, and a little candy on the side…you could drop by for a quick stop that dispenses what 7-11 does not. The cures for what ails you - bread that needs chewing, conversation, stinky cheeses, a bit of gossip, non-neon mustard, an eagle eye on your child and real coffee …
An environmentally friendly alternative to firing up the Mall Assault Vehicle to lumber across town to the big green box to park and walk further than you live from the corner from for a simple jug of milk or a dozen eggs…we welcome you, corner store!
Helping build community, hat’s off to the corner store!
A chance to leave your damn car at home and stop in for a little something you didn’t know you needed. Never know who you might run into (and didn’t knock down), and what you might find out. Better than the bulletin board at the mall or the latest twitternet. By a long shot.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Discovery and Comfort
The other day I did not have the energy to cook supper, so I headed on down to one of the local links of a large sandwich chain for some convenient and healthy, fast food.
“Welcome to SubStandard, may I take your order?”
“uh yeah, I’d like a large Traditional Sandwich please”
“White, Whole Wheat, Honey Nut, Chappatis or 17 Ancient Grain bread?
“White please”
“Would you like Roast beef, Turkey or Ham?”
“ummm all of them please”
“Cheddar?”
“yes please”
“Swiss?”
“OK”
“or Mozzerella?”
“uh…well..cheddar then.”
“Black olives?”
“Sure”
“Lettuce?”
“yup”
“Tomato?”
“Why not?”
“red onions?”
“ya”
“pickles?”
“uh-huh”
“sliced, diced…raw or sautéed?”
“grr, sliced and sautéed please”
“Shrimp or Crab?”
“no thanks”
“Bacon?”
“check”
“Ranch, Italian, Balsamic or Low-Cal Thai Soy Teriyaki dressing?”
“Italian”
“Hot Peppers?”
“not much tradition around here is there?”
“Pardon?”
“Yes…peppers”
“anything else?”
“no…anything else?”
“No”
“are you sure? Did you want to add a drink or fries?”
“No Thanks…..uh…that will be $12.50 please”
What a disappointment. Not only did that exchange at the drive through window take nearly as much time and certainly as much effort as selecting a dinner menu at home, it once again robbed me of comfort and discovery.
What a comfort it was as a child, teenager and now adult to head out to your favorite burger joint or restaurant and order up that traditional dish…you know the one. That’s why we ordered it…it was the best in its class and had a taste all its own, if we wanted a culinary adventure we’d go where they made something else. I don’t want to stress about how it’s made…I just want the comfort of my favorite dish. I have trusted The Colonel’s choice of herbs and spices for a long time now and am not gonna mess with it now. I’d like a burger like you make it ‘cuz that’s the way I like it.
What a discovery it was to unearth that first Big Mac…Teen Burger….ahhh the sheer joy of experiencing the taste of that special Ethiopian dish in a place that only you and a few friends know about. My diet might get pretty boring if I alone were the sole arbiter of what gets slapped onto my culinary palette.
In an al a carte world we run the risk of losing our sense of discovery. Would the Eagles or The Grateful Dead made as much impact in the music world as they did if I-Tunes were their introductory distribution method?
Rather than simply cherry picking the singles we were presented with the Christmas morning-like anticipation of listening to the deeper cuts every time we ventured out to the record store.
In life we can’t always choose each detail of every experience and that’s a good thing…give me what you’ve got and I’ll savor each new discovery and horizon with gusto and take comfort in their rediscovery.
“Welcome to SubStandard, may I take your order?”
“uh yeah, I’d like a large Traditional Sandwich please”
“White, Whole Wheat, Honey Nut, Chappatis or 17 Ancient Grain bread?
“White please”
“Would you like Roast beef, Turkey or Ham?”
“ummm all of them please”
“Cheddar?”
“yes please”
“Swiss?”
“OK”
“or Mozzerella?”
“uh…well..cheddar then.”
“Black olives?”
“Sure”
“Lettuce?”
“yup”
“Tomato?”
“Why not?”
“red onions?”
“ya”
“pickles?”
“uh-huh”
“sliced, diced…raw or sautéed?”
“grr, sliced and sautéed please”
“Shrimp or Crab?”
“no thanks”
“Bacon?”
“check”
“Ranch, Italian, Balsamic or Low-Cal Thai Soy Teriyaki dressing?”
“Italian”
“Hot Peppers?”
“not much tradition around here is there?”
“Pardon?”
“Yes…peppers”
“anything else?”
“no…anything else?”
“No”
“are you sure? Did you want to add a drink or fries?”
“No Thanks…..uh…that will be $12.50 please”
What a disappointment. Not only did that exchange at the drive through window take nearly as much time and certainly as much effort as selecting a dinner menu at home, it once again robbed me of comfort and discovery.
What a comfort it was as a child, teenager and now adult to head out to your favorite burger joint or restaurant and order up that traditional dish…you know the one. That’s why we ordered it…it was the best in its class and had a taste all its own, if we wanted a culinary adventure we’d go where they made something else. I don’t want to stress about how it’s made…I just want the comfort of my favorite dish. I have trusted The Colonel’s choice of herbs and spices for a long time now and am not gonna mess with it now. I’d like a burger like you make it ‘cuz that’s the way I like it.
What a discovery it was to unearth that first Big Mac…Teen Burger….ahhh the sheer joy of experiencing the taste of that special Ethiopian dish in a place that only you and a few friends know about. My diet might get pretty boring if I alone were the sole arbiter of what gets slapped onto my culinary palette.
In an al a carte world we run the risk of losing our sense of discovery. Would the Eagles or The Grateful Dead made as much impact in the music world as they did if I-Tunes were their introductory distribution method?
Rather than simply cherry picking the singles we were presented with the Christmas morning-like anticipation of listening to the deeper cuts every time we ventured out to the record store.
In life we can’t always choose each detail of every experience and that’s a good thing…give me what you’ve got and I’ll savor each new discovery and horizon with gusto and take comfort in their rediscovery.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day, No Guilt. Today, I’ll be headed out on a purely recreational, fossil fueled, hit the open road, motorcycle tour. I’m burning gasoline today ‘cuz…Dude…Surf’s Up! It makes sense to ride today, it’s gonna be 24 degrees today and it will be the first awesome day this year for a scoot.
In July, 2001, 14 firefighters were trapped in a canyon of the Okanogan National Forest in Washington State when a 100-acre wildfire that had been nearly extinguished the night before came back to life. The helicopter that was scheduled to scoop water from the nearby Chewuch River and drop it on the sleeping embers at 10 a.m. didn't arrive until 3 p.m. when the wildfire was roaring out of control and the firefighters were scurrying for their lives. It did not make any sense at all that four young firefighters didn't make it out. Shortly after the fire passed, firefighters learned that the helicopter's five-hour delay was due to the presence in the Chewuch River of three species of so-called endangered fish, which U.S. Forest Service officials were afraid might be harmed by the water-scooping helicopter.
I am all about environmental protection; I’ve changed all my light bulbs to CFL and LED. Most days a bicycle is my primary transportation and I use public transit when it makes sense.
There it is…the nut…”when it makes sense”.
It makes sense to show my sweetheart, at least in some small way, that I love her every day. When I do, she seems to do the same in kind. Funny how that works. Last night it made sense to forgo hockey (Boston wasn't playing anyway) and to not put up a fight when she wanted to cuddle and watch 90210 In the end we got "sidetracked" and neither one of us ended up watching TV at all.
Don’t get me wrong, Earth Day, like Valentine’s Day, is a way of focusing for a moment on something that we don’t usually pay attention to, but is no substitute for a shift in our thinking.
Earth Day. If Hallmark has a card for it, like Valentine’s Day, I won’t buy it either.
Once you have adopted a daily common sense lifestyle, Earth Day, like Earth Hour, becomes just another passing moment.
In July, 2001, 14 firefighters were trapped in a canyon of the Okanogan National Forest in Washington State when a 100-acre wildfire that had been nearly extinguished the night before came back to life. The helicopter that was scheduled to scoop water from the nearby Chewuch River and drop it on the sleeping embers at 10 a.m. didn't arrive until 3 p.m. when the wildfire was roaring out of control and the firefighters were scurrying for their lives. It did not make any sense at all that four young firefighters didn't make it out. Shortly after the fire passed, firefighters learned that the helicopter's five-hour delay was due to the presence in the Chewuch River of three species of so-called endangered fish, which U.S. Forest Service officials were afraid might be harmed by the water-scooping helicopter.
I am all about environmental protection; I’ve changed all my light bulbs to CFL and LED. Most days a bicycle is my primary transportation and I use public transit when it makes sense.
There it is…the nut…”when it makes sense”.
It makes sense to show my sweetheart, at least in some small way, that I love her every day. When I do, she seems to do the same in kind. Funny how that works. Last night it made sense to forgo hockey (Boston wasn't playing anyway) and to not put up a fight when she wanted to cuddle and watch 90210 In the end we got "sidetracked" and neither one of us ended up watching TV at all.
Don’t get me wrong, Earth Day, like Valentine’s Day, is a way of focusing for a moment on something that we don’t usually pay attention to, but is no substitute for a shift in our thinking.
Earth Day. If Hallmark has a card for it, like Valentine’s Day, I won’t buy it either.
Once you have adopted a daily common sense lifestyle, Earth Day, like Earth Hour, becomes just another passing moment.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Camping Porn
Did I hear that right; RV dealers want financial aid from my tax dollars? Give me a break, that request makes as much sense to me as a bailout for the porn industry. I can just about get my head around an auto bailout if I restrict my thinking to the ideas that personal vehicles are an everyday necessity for nearly everyone in today’s society and that the number of jobs affected in the Big Three’s plants and downstream distribution and service networks is quite significant. If I mantra to myself “Many Essential Auto Jobs” over and over again I can just get past the over inflated wage and benefit packages brokered and now demanded by union powers, but RV dealers…come on.
A ballpark figure, taken from GO RVing Canada, is that there are about 350 RV dealers nationwide. If you consider that each one may have an average of 8 employees, 3 of which are mechanics plus 2 parts guys whose jobs won’t be threatened by lack of new sales (and might even be bolstered due to increased used RV service requirements) and that the vast majority of RV dealers also sell many other leisure products (snowmobiles, quads, motorcycles etc) and provide an array of other services (storage, service, etc.) we are considering a total of maybe 800 jobs lost across Canada if not one single new RV gets sold past today.
Let’s face it, most of today’s RV’s are “camping porn”. Double slide out, hardwood and tile floored, plasma satellite TV equipped, “camping porn”. In a time when “cutting back” and “eco-friendly” are the lexicons of the day, I can’t seem to work up a tear or a tax dollar for an industry built largely on excess and its “fluffer” salesmakers whose clientele can afford (at any time in history) a “tent to camp in” worth well over $75,000.
Maybe one less Rolex in the family might save the RV industry.
A ballpark figure, taken from GO RVing Canada, is that there are about 350 RV dealers nationwide. If you consider that each one may have an average of 8 employees, 3 of which are mechanics plus 2 parts guys whose jobs won’t be threatened by lack of new sales (and might even be bolstered due to increased used RV service requirements) and that the vast majority of RV dealers also sell many other leisure products (snowmobiles, quads, motorcycles etc) and provide an array of other services (storage, service, etc.) we are considering a total of maybe 800 jobs lost across Canada if not one single new RV gets sold past today.
Let’s face it, most of today’s RV’s are “camping porn”. Double slide out, hardwood and tile floored, plasma satellite TV equipped, “camping porn”. In a time when “cutting back” and “eco-friendly” are the lexicons of the day, I can’t seem to work up a tear or a tax dollar for an industry built largely on excess and its “fluffer” salesmakers whose clientele can afford (at any time in history) a “tent to camp in” worth well over $75,000.
Maybe one less Rolex in the family might save the RV industry.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Canada's OJ?
When Colin Thatcher was convicted of killing his estranged wife Joanne Wilson in 1983 I had just graduated high school and had taken to hanging out at the “Vag”, a bar just down the street from where the murder occurred in Regina. There was little doubt in anybody's mind that if Thatcher didn't beat Wilson and shoot her in the head, then he knew who did. His story was quite a conversation piece among the regulars who dropped by
To put a finer point on it, the common view was that Colin Thatcher had a lot more to do with Wilson's murder than he admitted in public, and that no matter how much he spun what he thinks happened to the woman he clearly hated, he got what he deserved.
Now, Thatcher has written a book on his view of events, and his claim that he was framed. Personally, I don't think he should be allowed to tell his story, especially since he has already been convicted of her murder and already served his time.
I don't think the book is going to be as big of cash cow as Colin think, and that’s why he’s writing it. In the end, the book, much like Thatcher himself, will be riddled with lies, and it will do little to change the minds of those who firmly believe that based on the evidence presented at his trial, he still is, guilty of murder. I hope his story is going to fall on deaf ears.
Is it just me or is Colin Thatcher Canada’s equivalent to O.J. Simpson? Although Simpson was never convicted of the murder of his estranged wife the parallels are clear. Colin Thatcher is merely making a fool out of himself for wanting to write such a book. He's a killer and always will be, unless of course he is able to identify the "real" killer in his book.
I thought there was a law in Canada to prevent people from profiting from their crimes. I could be wrong about that, but if there’s not we should be outraged…there sure should be.
To put a finer point on it, the common view was that Colin Thatcher had a lot more to do with Wilson's murder than he admitted in public, and that no matter how much he spun what he thinks happened to the woman he clearly hated, he got what he deserved.
Now, Thatcher has written a book on his view of events, and his claim that he was framed. Personally, I don't think he should be allowed to tell his story, especially since he has already been convicted of her murder and already served his time.
I don't think the book is going to be as big of cash cow as Colin think, and that’s why he’s writing it. In the end, the book, much like Thatcher himself, will be riddled with lies, and it will do little to change the minds of those who firmly believe that based on the evidence presented at his trial, he still is, guilty of murder. I hope his story is going to fall on deaf ears.
Is it just me or is Colin Thatcher Canada’s equivalent to O.J. Simpson? Although Simpson was never convicted of the murder of his estranged wife the parallels are clear. Colin Thatcher is merely making a fool out of himself for wanting to write such a book. He's a killer and always will be, unless of course he is able to identify the "real" killer in his book.
I thought there was a law in Canada to prevent people from profiting from their crimes. I could be wrong about that, but if there’s not we should be outraged…there sure should be.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pirates vs Ninjas
In the historical terms, a battle of pirates and ninjas would probably be more evenly matched than it is today. Flintlock muskets and cannon were more effective than shuriken and smoke bombs, indicating that the pirates would have an advantage in ranged warfare, but katana are deadlier than cutlasses, and martial arts skills gave the ninjas an edge up close. Ninjas were experts at stealth and deception; pirates were generally bigger and more straightforward. Ninjas have the edge in flying and stabbing, pirates excel at sailing and hacking. These are all legitimate, accurate hypotheses that unfortunately solve nothing. The debate usually ends up with both parties resigning themselves to the belief that the ninja would win if he had the element of surprise or in close-quarters combat, while the pirate would win a straight-up fight to the death, especially if he had plenty of space to work in.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
My Regina is Nicer
It’s nice that we got AC/DC, but does it really take a headline act as visibly prestigious as Walking with Dinosaurs, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith or U2 to get Regina off its collective Double Double Timmie-sized butt?
I love Regina. From its 100% hand planted urban forest to its world records. I was born here and have chosen to stay here. I am a cheerleader at the very least. I know that Regina is home to a diverse and active cultural community. I participate. There is never a shortage of things to do in my Regina. From the Library to the Cultural Exchange, from Taylor Field to the Cathedral Village to venues all over town there is something going on eight days out of seven in my Regina.
Here’s my problem; the many Regina residents who kvetch and kick, “There’s nothing to do…” and when presented with something (if not a plethora of things) to do….opt not to participate.
When some of the finest musical talent in rock and roll came through town to play with Velvet Revolver, we could only muster a quarter full house? Derek Edwards, a truly gifted comedian, played a couple of weeks ago, I’m sad to report, to a turnout reminiscent of a New Years day meeting of people who did not drink the night before. I could go on and on.
Granted, the summers are short, but we have what…a quarter of a million people here yet we can’t even support a racetrack, a roller rink, a water park or a kiddieland?
I think a lot of us are just buying tickets to these internationally renowned, brand name shows just to feel more metropolitan.
AC/DC is nice. My Regina is even nicer, you should see it sometime.
Anyone Need a Moral Compass?
My Moral Compass
How I will strive to leave the world a better place for future generations
· I will do no harm.
· I will accept responsibility for my personal actions and for their consequences.
· I will take care that my actions do not harm others.
· I will support the individual's right to self-determination.
· I will put the truth first.
· I will not use a person as an involuntary means to an end, even if the end benefits others.
· I will be honest.
· I will honour agreements.
Why do I need a moral compass?
Society places huge emphasis today on “core ethics”, “basic principals”, “shared values”, “a common moral framework”, blah, blah, blah…but no one seems to want to draw a clear definition of what these core fundamentals are. I’m not talking about broad stroke ethics, campaign promises or corporate mission statements; I’m talking about clear, fundamental principles. If you asked me yesterday what my ethical principles were I, like most people, had no Moral Compass to refer to. It occurred to me that I had better get one before someone accuses me of not having one. It was that thought that prompted me to define my own moral compass.
What is my moral compass?
My moral compass needed to be simple and cover three hundred and sixty degrees of my life, so I decided to design mine around eight points that could be applied as universally as possible. By defining my Moral Compass I can empower myself. By providing me a clear route through society’s increasingly complex ethical dilemmas it will enable me to have the moral courage to stand for what is right. It will do this by applying these consistently defined principles to day to day problems, rather than applying "my best intentions", which are my preference and not necessarily ethical.
Will I share my Moral Compass?
I am right now, it was shared with me from a number of sources through my research and I feel that it is imperative to share it with others. In today’s global village the sooner we begin to share global values the better. At no other time in history has it been more important to the survival and progress of mankind.
Mine might not be the best one or the only one but you are welcome to it if you need one.
Bishop, A. (2005) 'Moral principles defined: a decision-making perspective', Int. J. Management and Decision Making, Vol. 6, Nos. 3/4, pp.326-333.
http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/article.aspx?id=3574
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moral+compass
http://moralcompass.org/content/view/29/36/
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Most People Don't Bluff Worth a Damn
I found this article at www.nononsenseselfdefense.com, these excerpts seem very topical in view of events in Regina and Saskatoon in recent days.
Marc grew up in the streets of Los Angeles. His first stepfather was a Mexican who survived growing up in East LA. In both the barrio where his stepfather had grown up and the ethnically mixed neighborhood where Marc was raised weapons were a part of life. You had them, you carried them, and you used them. Amazingly enough one of the first lessons Marc was taught by his stepfather had to do with responsibility of your actions:
"Don't carry a knife unless you are willing to pull it. Don't pull it unless you are willing to use it. Don't use it unless you are willing to kill with it. And don't kill unless you are willing to spend the rest of your life in prison -- or die."
This philosophy was ingrained in him. From the second you picked up that weapon and put it in your pocket, you knew this was not a game. It was life and death. And you made that decision calmly and rationally. With a weapon, you were operating to a higher standard because the repercussions were far worse. When you have the ability to take a life, you cannot give into to momentary impulses and whims of ego. Now, granted, in the heat and passion of youth, that standard was not always met. With age, maturity and professional experience, the wisdom of that saying proved true to Marc again and again.
If you have a weapon you have to abide by higher standards. And meeting that standard is pretty much the crux of the whole gun-control debate.
A weapon is not for bluffing It's not about winning, it's about surviving. And before you pick up a weapon you need to know the difference.
Can you, in a moment of calm reflection, decide that you are willing to take another human life in order to protect your life or those of your loved ones. And live with the consequences for the rest of your life?
Can you make this decision, knowing full well that if you pull the trigger it would destroy life as you know it?
Because that is what I am talking about.
Unfortunately, most people don't know the difference between winning and surviving. "Winning" is an emotional, ego-based impulse that you have to "prove something to someone else" (i.e., that they are wrong, or that they messed with the wrong person, or that they don't have 'power' over you, etc., etc.). In short, "winning" is about fighting to prove you are right(1).
Whereas "surviving" isn't about being right, it's about being alive. It is knowing that when you pull that trigger, everything you might have thought you would "win" will be destroyed. It is the willingness to throw aside all emotional motivation for the fight, every rule and standard you normally live your life by and do whatever is necessary in order to see the sun rise tomorrow.
Most people don't realize this difference and end up trying to "win" by displaying a weapon in order to "scare away" danger. Unfortunately, this is "bluffing." And as in poker, your bluff can be called.
Lt. Colonel David Grossman in his book, On Killing, postulates that the old "fight or flight" model is flawed for same-species interaction in that it doesn't include two other important alternatives. These other options are "posturing" and "submission." The relevance of these cannot be understated as it fills in a serious hole in the old model.
It is most often through posturing (threat display) that we hope to drive away or cause others to submit (so we "win"). Now whether this is to gain self-esteem by intimidating others or because we are desperately hoping that our display will frighten another off so we don't have to physically fight doesn't really matter. Posturing plays an important role in many, if not most, conflicts.
Posturing can either be a legitimate display of danger (like a rattlesnake's buzz or a dog's hackles going up before a fight) or it can be a bluff to make the bluffer look too big to attack (like a cockatoo's crest or a cat fluffing and arching).
The problem is most people can't bluff worth a damn.
It is not uncommon for a person who does not feel their display is working to increase the level and degree of posturing. When you have two like-minded people engaged in conflict, posturing behavior can escalate out of control. It is literally like two people in a poker game locked into an endless round of bluffing by raising the ante, hoping that the other person will decide to fold. They become so enmeshed in this spiral, they feel they cannot "back down."
Unfortunately, it is also extremely common for people feeling threatened to pull a weapon and display it to show exactly how dangerous they are. It is almost as if the person were saying, "See how dangerous I am!?! Now, quit threatening me and go away!"
This is flawed thinking in both cases, especially if it is in the middle of a heated and emotional argument. It is common in emotional situations for the person, whom the display is supposed to scare away, to instead to increase his threat display. This causes the other person to escalate as well.
Quite literally, if the person the bluffer is trying to scare away doesn't scare, the bluffer will try to escalate it further. And in this mindset, there is only one way to go from brandishing a weapon if the other the person doesn't back off. This is quite literally why the most common -- and stupidest -- last words of people shot in these circumstances is "You ain't got the guts (to pull the trigger)." Don't laugh and don't think we're making it up. It is true.
From an outside perspective, it may seem incredible. But for people caught up in having to "win," this is a common response to the increased posturing via a weapon by the other party. It happens -- a lot. It is equally unbelievable that someone waving a gun around threatening to kill someone a second before is now standing there in shock because he just shot someone. But that too happens -- a lot. In the heat of the moment all sorts of stupid things make sense to the participants, it's only afterwards that reality comes crashing back in, but by then it is too late.
Furthermore, if someone is brandishing a weapon in hopes of scaring a violent person away, her body language is going to be significantly different than someone who will, without hesitation, pull the trigger to stop an attacker.
Here's the problem: A violent person knows the difference. While the latter will usually convince him not to try anything, the former often will enrage him so much that he attacks. And unfortunately, there is often hesitation to pull the trigger when the bluff, doesn't work which is all it takes for an attacker to overwhelm someone.
Which brings us back to the "childhood lesson:" Don't pull a weapon if you aren't willing to use it. If you are relying on it to scare someone away so you don't have to use it, you shouldn't have one.
Marc grew up in the streets of Los Angeles. His first stepfather was a Mexican who survived growing up in East LA. In both the barrio where his stepfather had grown up and the ethnically mixed neighborhood where Marc was raised weapons were a part of life. You had them, you carried them, and you used them. Amazingly enough one of the first lessons Marc was taught by his stepfather had to do with responsibility of your actions:
"Don't carry a knife unless you are willing to pull it. Don't pull it unless you are willing to use it. Don't use it unless you are willing to kill with it. And don't kill unless you are willing to spend the rest of your life in prison -- or die."
This philosophy was ingrained in him. From the second you picked up that weapon and put it in your pocket, you knew this was not a game. It was life and death. And you made that decision calmly and rationally. With a weapon, you were operating to a higher standard because the repercussions were far worse. When you have the ability to take a life, you cannot give into to momentary impulses and whims of ego. Now, granted, in the heat and passion of youth, that standard was not always met. With age, maturity and professional experience, the wisdom of that saying proved true to Marc again and again.
If you have a weapon you have to abide by higher standards. And meeting that standard is pretty much the crux of the whole gun-control debate.
A weapon is not for bluffing It's not about winning, it's about surviving. And before you pick up a weapon you need to know the difference.
Can you, in a moment of calm reflection, decide that you are willing to take another human life in order to protect your life or those of your loved ones. And live with the consequences for the rest of your life?
Can you make this decision, knowing full well that if you pull the trigger it would destroy life as you know it?
Because that is what I am talking about.
Unfortunately, most people don't know the difference between winning and surviving. "Winning" is an emotional, ego-based impulse that you have to "prove something to someone else" (i.e., that they are wrong, or that they messed with the wrong person, or that they don't have 'power' over you, etc., etc.). In short, "winning" is about fighting to prove you are right(1).
Whereas "surviving" isn't about being right, it's about being alive. It is knowing that when you pull that trigger, everything you might have thought you would "win" will be destroyed. It is the willingness to throw aside all emotional motivation for the fight, every rule and standard you normally live your life by and do whatever is necessary in order to see the sun rise tomorrow.
Most people don't realize this difference and end up trying to "win" by displaying a weapon in order to "scare away" danger. Unfortunately, this is "bluffing." And as in poker, your bluff can be called.
Lt. Colonel David Grossman in his book, On Killing, postulates that the old "fight or flight" model is flawed for same-species interaction in that it doesn't include two other important alternatives. These other options are "posturing" and "submission." The relevance of these cannot be understated as it fills in a serious hole in the old model.
It is most often through posturing (threat display) that we hope to drive away or cause others to submit (so we "win"). Now whether this is to gain self-esteem by intimidating others or because we are desperately hoping that our display will frighten another off so we don't have to physically fight doesn't really matter. Posturing plays an important role in many, if not most, conflicts.
Posturing can either be a legitimate display of danger (like a rattlesnake's buzz or a dog's hackles going up before a fight) or it can be a bluff to make the bluffer look too big to attack (like a cockatoo's crest or a cat fluffing and arching).
The problem is most people can't bluff worth a damn.
It is not uncommon for a person who does not feel their display is working to increase the level and degree of posturing. When you have two like-minded people engaged in conflict, posturing behavior can escalate out of control. It is literally like two people in a poker game locked into an endless round of bluffing by raising the ante, hoping that the other person will decide to fold. They become so enmeshed in this spiral, they feel they cannot "back down."
Unfortunately, it is also extremely common for people feeling threatened to pull a weapon and display it to show exactly how dangerous they are. It is almost as if the person were saying, "See how dangerous I am!?! Now, quit threatening me and go away!"
This is flawed thinking in both cases, especially if it is in the middle of a heated and emotional argument. It is common in emotional situations for the person, whom the display is supposed to scare away, to instead to increase his threat display. This causes the other person to escalate as well.
Quite literally, if the person the bluffer is trying to scare away doesn't scare, the bluffer will try to escalate it further. And in this mindset, there is only one way to go from brandishing a weapon if the other the person doesn't back off. This is quite literally why the most common -- and stupidest -- last words of people shot in these circumstances is "You ain't got the guts (to pull the trigger)." Don't laugh and don't think we're making it up. It is true.
From an outside perspective, it may seem incredible. But for people caught up in having to "win," this is a common response to the increased posturing via a weapon by the other party. It happens -- a lot. It is equally unbelievable that someone waving a gun around threatening to kill someone a second before is now standing there in shock because he just shot someone. But that too happens -- a lot. In the heat of the moment all sorts of stupid things make sense to the participants, it's only afterwards that reality comes crashing back in, but by then it is too late.
Furthermore, if someone is brandishing a weapon in hopes of scaring a violent person away, her body language is going to be significantly different than someone who will, without hesitation, pull the trigger to stop an attacker.
Here's the problem: A violent person knows the difference. While the latter will usually convince him not to try anything, the former often will enrage him so much that he attacks. And unfortunately, there is often hesitation to pull the trigger when the bluff, doesn't work which is all it takes for an attacker to overwhelm someone.
Which brings us back to the "childhood lesson:" Don't pull a weapon if you aren't willing to use it. If you are relying on it to scare someone away so you don't have to use it, you shouldn't have one.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Google announces free in-home wireless broadband service
Google announces free in-home wireless broadband service
"Dark porcelain" project offers self-installed plumbing-based Internet access
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 1, 2009 - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced the launch of Google TiSP (BETA)™, a free in-home wireless broadband service that delivers online connectivity via users' plumbing systems. The Toilet Internet Service Provider (TiSP) project is a self-installed, ad-supported online service that will be offered entirely free to any consumer with a WiFi-capable PC and a toilet connected to a local municipal sewage system.
"We've got that whole organizing-the-world's-information thing more or less under control," said Google Co-founder and President Larry Page, a longtime supporter of so-called "dark porcelain" research and development. "What's interesting, though, is how many different modalities there are for actually getting that information to you - not to mention from you."
For years, data carriers have confronted the "last hundred yards" problem for delivering data from local networks into individual homes. Now Google has successfully devised a "last hundred smelly yards" solution that takes advantage of preexisting plumbing and sewage systems and their related hydraulic data-transmission capabilities. "There's actually a thriving little underground community that's been studying this exact solution for a long time," says Page. "And today our Toilet ISP team is pleased to be leading the way through the sewers, up out of your toilet and - splat - right onto your PC."
Users who sign up online for the TiSP system will receive a full home self-installation kit, which includes a spindle of fiber-optic cable, a TiSP wireless router, installation CD and setup guide. Home installation is a simple matter of GFlushing™ the fiber-optic cable down to the nearest TiSP Access Node, then plugging the other end into the network port of your Google-provided TiSP wireless router. Within sixty minutes, the Access Node's crack team of Plumbing Hardware Dispatchers (PHDs) should have your internet connection up and running.
"I couldn't be more excited about, and am only slightly grossed out by, this remarkable new product," said Marissa Mayer, Google's Vice President of Search Products and User Experience. "I firmly believe TiSP will be a breakthrough product, particularly for those users who, like Larry himself, do much of their best thinking in the bathroom."
Interested consumers, contractually obligated partners and deeply skeptical and quietly competitive backbiters can learn more about TiSP at http://www.google.com/tisp/install.html.
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. wannabes Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Carbon can postpone ice age
It turns out that if global warming were real, and if it were caused by humans it wouldn't be a bad thing after all.
ScienceDaily (Feb. 19, 2009) — By controlling emissions of fossil fuels we may be able to greatly delay the start of the next ice age, new research from the Niels Bohr Institute at University of Copenhagen concludes.
From an Earth history perspective, we are living in cold times. The greatest climate challenge mankind has faced has been surviving ice ages that have dominated climate during the past million years. Therefore it is not surprising that back in the relatively cold 1970's prominent scientists like Soviet Union climatologist Mikhail Budyko greeted man-made global warming from CO2 emissions as a way to keep us out of future ice ages. And there are still those around who feel that continued high fossil fuel emissions are good for this reason. But is the extreme global warming that would result from this a reasonable, and indeed necessary, price to pay to keep ice ages at bay?
In a new paper, Professor Gary Shaffer of the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, and also leader of the research team at the Danish Center for Earth System Science (DCESS), outlines a way to keep the Earth out of both Hot- and Icehouses for a half a million years into the future.
Building up ice sheets
Ice ages start when conditions at high northern latitudes allow winter snowfall to persist over the summer for enough years to accumulate and build ice sheets. Such conditions depend mainly on summer solar radiation there and atmospheric CO2 concentration. This radiation is modulated on time scales of 20.000, 40.000 and 100.000 years by changes in the Earth's orbit and orientation. Critical summer solar radiation for initiating ice sheet growth can be significantly lower for higher atmospheric CO2 with its greenhouse warming effect.
Professor Shaffer made long projections over the next 500,000 years with the DCESS Earth System Model to calculate the evolution of atmospheric CO2 for different fossil fuel emission strategies. He also used results of a coupled climate-ice sheet model for the dependency on atmospheric CO2 of critical summer solar radiation at high northern latitudes for an ice age onset.
The results show global warming of almost 5 degrees Celsius above present for a "business as usual" scenario whereby all 5000 billion tons of fossil fuel carbon in accessible reserves are burned within the next few centuries. In this scenario the onset of next ice age was postponed to about 170,000 years from now.
Carbon can postpone ice age
However, for a management scenario whereby fossil fuel use was reduced globally by 20% in 2020 and 60% in 2050 (compared to 1990 levels), maximum global warming was less than one degree Celsius above present. Similar reductions in fossil fuel use have been proposed by various countries like Germany and Great Britain.
In this scenario, combustion pulses of large remaining fossil fuel reserves were then tailored to raise atmospheric CO2 content high and long enough to parry forcing of ice age onsets by summer radiation minima as long as possible. In this way our present equable interglacial climate was extended for about 500,000 years, three times as long as in the "business as usual" case.
Valuable climate regulation
"It appears to be well established that the strong ice ages the Earth has experienced over the past million years were ushered in by declining levels of atmospheric CO2. Our present atmospheric CO2 level of about 385 parts per million is already higher than before the transition to these ice ages" Professor Shaffer notes and adds that "The Earth's orbit is nearly circular at present meaning that the present minimum in summer radiation at high northern latitudes is not very deep. We have already increased atmospheric CO2 enough to keep us out of the next ice age for at least the next 55,000 years for this orbital setup".
He concludes that "Fossil fuel reserves may be too valuable for regulating climate far into the future to allow the reserves to be consumed within the next few centuries. The price of extreme global warming to avoid ice ages is a high and indeed unnecessary price to pay."
Eye Halve a Spell Checker: Sauce Unknown
Eye halve a spelling checker
I have a spelling checker.
It came with my pea sea.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.
Eye ran this poem threw it,
Your sure reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in it's weigh.
My checker tolled me sew.
A checker is a bless sing,
It freeze yew lodes of thyme.
It helps me right awl stiles two reed,
And aides me when I rime.
Each frays come posed up on my screen
eye trussed too bee a joule.
The checker pours o'er every word
To cheque sum spelling rule.
Bee fore a veiling checker's Hour
spelling mite decline,
And if we're lacks oar have a laps,
We wood bee maid too wine.
Butt now bee cause my spelling
Is checked with such grate flair,
Their are no fault's with in my cite,
Of nun eye am a ware.
Now spelling does knot phase me,
It does knot bring a tier.
My pay purrs awl due glad den
With wrapped word's fare as hear.
To rite with care is quite a feet
Of witch won should be proud,
And wee mussed dew the best wee can,
Sew flaw's are knot aloud.
Sow ewe can sea why aye dew prays,
Such soft wear four pea seas,
And why eye brake in two averse
Buy righting too pleas.
-- Sauce Unknown
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Privacy Expectations in the Global Village.
Privacy Expectations in the Global Village.
-or-
If you need to look over your shoulder before you do something, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it.
Global village is a term most closely associated with Marshall McLuhan, brought closer to the mainstream in his books The Gutenberg Galaxy: The Making of Typographic Man (1962) and Understanding Media (1964). McLuhan describes how the globe has been contracted into a village by electric technology and the instantaneous movement of information from every quarter to every point at the same time.
Looking back to the turn of the twentieth century, most of the world’s population lived in definably smaller communities than we do now. Essentially we lived in local villages. Our media has always been a reflection of our situation, back in the day and even to this day, village media has reported on the events that are available to them…that is their function. In a local village this leads to headlines such as, “Well, Well, Look Who Got Himself a Toro” and, “High School Valedictorian Ready to Leave”. If you have ever lived in a smaller community you are already aware of what I am talking about…you really can’t keep a secret from your community. Even if the local paper didn’t report it, your neighbors would gossip about it. It didn’t matter if they got the info first hand by observation of a public space, second hand by listening in on an old “party-line” telephone or simply by repeating other gossip.
It has taken almost fifty years but we seem to have finally grown out of the local into the global village. We have decided to share with the world, be it of our own accord on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace or by exhibition of public spaces on Google Streetview, our activities.
If I share my activities or perform them in public, do I really have an expectation of privacy?
I think not.
Maybe I need to colour my decisions with the thought that if I need to look over my shoulder before I do something, maybe I shouldn’t be doing it at all.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Bad comedians have hungry children.
Bad comedians have hungry children.
Forget public apologies, Greg Gutfeld and friends should keep in mind that many of the people that may influence their careers are Canadian.
We have been planning the Canadian takeover of Hollywood since we first sent the advance recon squad of Mary Pickford, Raymond Burr and Lorne Greene to assay the situation.
With the coup almost complete, the crew of Redeye should watch what they say on the air…they may have to interview with a Canadian for their next job.
To each their own just rewards.
Here are just some of the members of the Canadian Official Force for Entertainment Excellence (COFFEE), we expect the force's number may Double/Double soon.
Alex Trebek
Brendan Fraser
Caroline Rhea
Catherine O`Hara
Dan Akroyd
Dave Thomas
Donald Sutherland
Elisha Cuthbert
Eugene Levy
Evangeline Lilly
Glenn Ford
Howie Mandel
Jim Carrey
John Candy
Keanu Reeves
Kim Cattrall
Leslie Nielsen
Lorne Michaels
Martin Short
Matthew Perry
Michael J. Fox
Mike Myers
Neve Campbell
Pamela Anderson
Paul Shaffer
Rachel McAdams
Rick Moranis
Ryan Reynolds
Sarah Chalke
Scott Speedman
The Kids in the Hall
William Shatner
Shuttin' Detroit Down
Good Job John...
Shuttin' Detroit Down
Songwriters: Anderson, J D; Rich, John;
From the Album; "Son of A Preacher Man"
My daddy taught me
In this county everyone's the same
You work hard for your dollar
And you never pass the blame
When it don't go your way
Now I see all these big shots
Whining on my evening news
About how their losing billions
And it's up to me and you
To come running to the rescue
Well pardon me if I don't she'd a tear
Cuz they're selling make believe
And we don't buy that here
Because in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
While the boss man takes his
Bonus pay and jets on outta town
DC's paying out the banker
As the farmers auction ground
And while their living up on Wall Street
In that New York City town
Here in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
Here in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
Well that old mans been working
Hard in that plant most all his life
And now his pension plans
Been cut in half and
He can't afford to dye
And it's a crying shame
Cuz he aint the one to blame
When I look down and see his
Callused hands Well let me tell you friend
It gets me fighting mad
Because in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
While the boss man takes his
Bonus pay and jets on outta town
DC's paying out the banker
As the farmers auction ground
And while their living up on Wall Street
In that New York City town
Here in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
Here in the real world they're
Shutting Detroit down
Monday, March 23, 2009
I'll take the cheque, mate
Where do the bailouts stop? What size does an organization have to be before our government deems it essential that it be “saved”?
I’ve been wondering for the past few weeks how the situation would be unfolding if our “bailout” and “stimulus” money had been divided up and distributed to the public so they could invest in the organizations and instruments that they would like to remain in our milieu.
Today I came across this piece in The Toronto Sun, it certainly reflects a feeling a lot of us share….enjoy.
I'll take the cheque, mate
Hear me now government, these are my demands, and -- like the car companies -- I want cash
By Lorrie Goldstein, Toronto Sun
Last Updated: 15th March 2009, 4:00am
Inspired by Chrysler LLC President Thomas LaSorda's remarks to a parliamentary committee last week, asking taxpayers for billions of dollars in loans to help save his near-bankrupt company, or it may cease Canadian operations, I have decided to follow his example:
Dear: Prime Minister
Stephen Harper,
Ontario Premier
Dalton McGuinty,
Toronto Mayor
David Miller
From: Lorrie Goldstein
Gentlemen:
It costs me too !@@$%%# much to live in this @$$^%% country, this @$$%^$ province and this $%^$^k city!!!!!
Lorrie Goldstein LEG cannot afford to write columns in a jurisdiction that is uncompetitive relative to other column-writing jurisdictions.
Indeed, if the financial needs of Lorrie Goldstein LEG are not met, I will be forced to pull up stakes and move to another country.
In order to survive, Lorrie Goldstein LEG (by the way, my middle name is "Edward," hence Lorrie Goldstein "LEG," like Chrysler LLC whatever the @#@@#%%$ the LLC stands for) needs three things.
First, a loan from the taxpayers of Canada and Ontario. A BIG one. Pronto.
Second, I paid too much in the past year to have my washing machine fixed, my roof reshingled and my toilet repaired.
I need all these workers to reduce their labour costs charged to Lorrie Goldstein LEG from $75 an hour to $55 an hour, pronto, and if they don't, I'm pulling up stakes and moving out of Canada.
So, why am I complaining to you that my labour costs are too high, you ask?
Isn't it my fault if my labour costs are too high -- after all I'm in charge of Lorrie Goldstein LEG and I agreed to pay them, right?
Indeed, how can it possibly be the fault of the taxpayers of Canada, from whom I am seeking a BIG, BIG, loan, that my labour costs are too high, I can just hear you saying?
Well, I haven't figured that out yet, either.
But I will and trust me when I do, you're going to regret it if you don't do exactly what I say.
Now, I know you may think this sounds like a threat, but it's not.
The bottom line is I needed to be very, very clear, because ambiguity doesn't help the process.
So, where was I?
Oh, yeah ... I almost forgot.
And the third thing I need is for Revenue Canada to stop bugging me about paying my taxes.
I'll decide what taxes Lorrie Goldstein LEG owes, thank you very much, and when I do, you'll get your #$^%* money ... Eventually.
What do you think I'm going to do if I don't get my way, shut down my operations in Canada and move them to another country?
Do you think I'm saying Lorrie Goldstein LEG is on the verge of bankruptcy if I don't get a BIG, BIG, BIG loan from the taxpayers of Canada?
Do you think I'm saying that ... that ... oh ... wait a minute.
That is what I'm saying, isn't it?
OK, never mind that.
In closing, I want to emphasize that it is vital that Lorrie Goldstein LEG gets a BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG loan from the taxpayers of Canada, so that Lorrie Goldstein LEG can survive and continue to pay taxes (well, OK, maybe not all the taxes) and contribute to the Canadian economy.
After all, doesn't that make a lot more sense than just leaving those taxes in the pockets of taxpayers in the first place, so they can survive and contribute to the Canadian economy?
Well, doesn't it?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see my bank manager about taking out a second mortgage on my house.
And, trust me, I'm going to make three things very clear to him up front, first ... oh ... wait, you've already heard all this, haven't you?
OK, fine then. Just let me know when the cheque is in the mail.
Sincerely,
Lorrie Goldstein
President
Lorrie Goldstein LEG
I’ve been wondering for the past few weeks how the situation would be unfolding if our “bailout” and “stimulus” money had been divided up and distributed to the public so they could invest in the organizations and instruments that they would like to remain in our milieu.
Today I came across this piece in The Toronto Sun, it certainly reflects a feeling a lot of us share….enjoy.
I'll take the cheque, mate
Hear me now government, these are my demands, and -- like the car companies -- I want cash
By Lorrie Goldstein, Toronto Sun
Last Updated: 15th March 2009, 4:00am
Inspired by Chrysler LLC President Thomas LaSorda's remarks to a parliamentary committee last week, asking taxpayers for billions of dollars in loans to help save his near-bankrupt company, or it may cease Canadian operations, I have decided to follow his example:
Dear: Prime Minister
Stephen Harper,
Ontario Premier
Dalton McGuinty,
Toronto Mayor
David Miller
From: Lorrie Goldstein
Gentlemen:
It costs me too !@@$%%# much to live in this @$$^%% country, this @$$%^$ province and this $%^$^k city!!!!!
Lorrie Goldstein LEG cannot afford to write columns in a jurisdiction that is uncompetitive relative to other column-writing jurisdictions.
Indeed, if the financial needs of Lorrie Goldstein LEG are not met, I will be forced to pull up stakes and move to another country.
In order to survive, Lorrie Goldstein LEG (by the way, my middle name is "Edward," hence Lorrie Goldstein "LEG," like Chrysler LLC whatever the @#@@#%%$ the LLC stands for) needs three things.
First, a loan from the taxpayers of Canada and Ontario. A BIG one. Pronto.
Second, I paid too much in the past year to have my washing machine fixed, my roof reshingled and my toilet repaired.
I need all these workers to reduce their labour costs charged to Lorrie Goldstein LEG from $75 an hour to $55 an hour, pronto, and if they don't, I'm pulling up stakes and moving out of Canada.
So, why am I complaining to you that my labour costs are too high, you ask?
Isn't it my fault if my labour costs are too high -- after all I'm in charge of Lorrie Goldstein LEG and I agreed to pay them, right?
Indeed, how can it possibly be the fault of the taxpayers of Canada, from whom I am seeking a BIG, BIG, loan, that my labour costs are too high, I can just hear you saying?
Well, I haven't figured that out yet, either.
But I will and trust me when I do, you're going to regret it if you don't do exactly what I say.
Now, I know you may think this sounds like a threat, but it's not.
The bottom line is I needed to be very, very clear, because ambiguity doesn't help the process.
So, where was I?
Oh, yeah ... I almost forgot.
And the third thing I need is for Revenue Canada to stop bugging me about paying my taxes.
I'll decide what taxes Lorrie Goldstein LEG owes, thank you very much, and when I do, you'll get your #$^%* money ... Eventually.
What do you think I'm going to do if I don't get my way, shut down my operations in Canada and move them to another country?
Do you think I'm saying Lorrie Goldstein LEG is on the verge of bankruptcy if I don't get a BIG, BIG, BIG loan from the taxpayers of Canada?
Do you think I'm saying that ... that ... oh ... wait a minute.
That is what I'm saying, isn't it?
OK, never mind that.
In closing, I want to emphasize that it is vital that Lorrie Goldstein LEG gets a BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG loan from the taxpayers of Canada, so that Lorrie Goldstein LEG can survive and continue to pay taxes (well, OK, maybe not all the taxes) and contribute to the Canadian economy.
After all, doesn't that make a lot more sense than just leaving those taxes in the pockets of taxpayers in the first place, so they can survive and contribute to the Canadian economy?
Well, doesn't it?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see my bank manager about taking out a second mortgage on my house.
And, trust me, I'm going to make three things very clear to him up front, first ... oh ... wait, you've already heard all this, haven't you?
OK, fine then. Just let me know when the cheque is in the mail.
Sincerely,
Lorrie Goldstein
President
Lorrie Goldstein LEG
Multiple births should not be confused with entertainment.
Following the birth of the McCaughey septuplets (1) in 1997, the three surviving Dionne Quintuplets (2) wrote a letter to Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey, cautioning them that "multiple births should not be confused with entertainment, nor should they be an opportunity to sell products".
Although it's probably too little, too late, it would be nice if Nadya Suleman, Radar Online and the unending throng of reporters and paparazzi would take their words to heart:
Dear Bobbi and Kenny,
If we emerge momentarily from the privacy we have sought all our adult lives, it is only to send a message to the McCaughey family. We three would like you to know we feel a natural affinity and tenderness for your children. We hope your children receive more respect than we did. Their fate should be no different from that of other children. Multiple births should not be confused with entertainment, nor should they be an opportunity to sell products.
Our lives have been ruined by the exploitation we suffered at the hands of the government of Ontario, our place of birth. We were displayed as a curiosity three times a day for millions of tourists. To this day we receive letters from all over the world. To all those who have expressed their support in light of the abuse we have endured, we say thank you. And to those who would seek to exploit the growing fame of these children, we say beware.
We sincerely hope a lesson will be learned from examining how our lives were forever altered by our childhood experience. If this letter changes the course of events for these newborns, then perhaps our lives will have served a higher purpose.
Sincerely, Annette, Cecile and Yvonne Dionne
As published in Time Magazine, 12/01/1997
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCaughey_septuplets
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_quintuplets
Although it's probably too little, too late, it would be nice if Nadya Suleman, Radar Online and the unending throng of reporters and paparazzi would take their words to heart:
Dear Bobbi and Kenny,
If we emerge momentarily from the privacy we have sought all our adult lives, it is only to send a message to the McCaughey family. We three would like you to know we feel a natural affinity and tenderness for your children. We hope your children receive more respect than we did. Their fate should be no different from that of other children. Multiple births should not be confused with entertainment, nor should they be an opportunity to sell products.
Our lives have been ruined by the exploitation we suffered at the hands of the government of Ontario, our place of birth. We were displayed as a curiosity three times a day for millions of tourists. To this day we receive letters from all over the world. To all those who have expressed their support in light of the abuse we have endured, we say thank you. And to those who would seek to exploit the growing fame of these children, we say beware.
We sincerely hope a lesson will be learned from examining how our lives were forever altered by our childhood experience. If this letter changes the course of events for these newborns, then perhaps our lives will have served a higher purpose.
Sincerely, Annette, Cecile and Yvonne Dionne
As published in Time Magazine, 12/01/1997
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCaughey_septuplets
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_quintuplets
Friday, March 20, 2009
Maybe you can save the world with a bicycle.
Bless me "dirty oil", for I have sinned. It has been thirteen hundred and thirty kilometers since my last fill up. Even worse, considering that ninety percent of my car trips last winter were less than five kilometers and I usually warm my car up for ten to fifteen minutes before driving, I would have bought at least twice as much gas as I needed to drive that same distance. Sorry I haven't been around much lately.
It’s three hours into first day of spring and today I am giving myself one gold star. I made it through one complete Saskatchewan winter without a car. When I started, that wasn’t my goal but that’s what happened and now that it’s under my belt I’m proud to say, I’m proud of my accomplishment. My original goal last spring was to use my bicycle for any solo trip under five kilometers. It took just two weeks to get into the routine of cycling to work every day, so I grabbed some pannier bags from my local cycle shop to increase the bike’s utility (66 Liters of groceries is quite a shopping trip!). By the latter part of summer, commuting and recreation combined, I was regularly riding twenty five to forty km a day and even managed to do a self supported camping trip to Rowan’s Ravine. When summer turned to fall I just kept riding, enjoying with gusto the change of season with its cornucopia of sensory delights. Then came the first snowfall, the temperature was still mild, just like the day before the crisp white blanket laid itself down. By that time I was a cyclist, through and through, and literally could not wait to be the first one that morning to lay tracks in the freshly fallen snow.
Then using common sense riding habits, tips and tricks gleaned from other cyclists regarding dress and riding technique the winter has passed without discomfort or hazard to my (or, for that matter, anyone else’s) safety.
Right off the bat these are, not the top, but the first ten things I didn’t miss this winter due to cycling. There are too many more to list here, but here’s the first ten;
• Warming up my car
• Scraping my windshield
• Waiting in rush hour traffic
• Tow trucks
• Going to the gym
• Parking
• Insurance
• Buying fuel
• Sitting on my arse
• Dead batteries
Then there is the math. This winter in addition to cycling I rode the bus ($30) and took a few cab rides ($100). This is in contrast to fuel ($239), insurance ($500) and vehicle maintenance ($70)….a net savings to me of $679.00 in my jeans. Ahh...do it yourself tax relief!
Then I went to the Canadian Government’s website (http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/prog/2/UTEC-CETU/Calculator.aspx) to do the environmental math and this is what I found:
In five months of winter cycling I saved, over last year:
340,400 liters of carbon dioxide
23,280 liters of carbon monoxide
1,111 liters of nitrous oxide
totaling 364,791 liters of greenhouse gasses
That’s approximately enough greenhouse gasses to completely fill a 1600 sq ft home.
Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission (kg CO2e)
Vehicle Upstream Vehicle Operation Total
-163.58 -508.7 -674
Annual Criteria Air Contaminant Emissions (kg)
CO NOx
-29.12099167 -1.364176667
Vehicle Class Travel Units
Light-duty passenger vehicle -1330 veh-km
Light-duty commercial vehicle 40 veh-km
Medium-duty commercial vehicle 0 veh-km
Heavy-duty commercial vehicle 0 veh-km
Bus 100 veh-km
Trolley 0 veh-km
Light rail 0 pass-km
Subway/Metro 0 pass-km
Heavy rail 0 pass-km
http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/prog/2/UTEC-CETU/Calculator.aspx
If only one percent of the City of Regina were impact only the small amount I did this winter, our city alone could reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by enough to fill a 3.2 million square foot strip mall.
I don't expect anyone who reads this to take up cycling through an entire Saskatchewan winter, but I hope it's an example of how a small action by each of us can make a large impact when combined. It’s springtime now and it wouldn't hurt to think back to days when your bike let you fly past stopped traffic and brought true independence to your life and wonder, "What's stopping me now?"
Maybe you can save the world with a bicycle.
It’s three hours into first day of spring and today I am giving myself one gold star. I made it through one complete Saskatchewan winter without a car. When I started, that wasn’t my goal but that’s what happened and now that it’s under my belt I’m proud to say, I’m proud of my accomplishment. My original goal last spring was to use my bicycle for any solo trip under five kilometers. It took just two weeks to get into the routine of cycling to work every day, so I grabbed some pannier bags from my local cycle shop to increase the bike’s utility (66 Liters of groceries is quite a shopping trip!). By the latter part of summer, commuting and recreation combined, I was regularly riding twenty five to forty km a day and even managed to do a self supported camping trip to Rowan’s Ravine. When summer turned to fall I just kept riding, enjoying with gusto the change of season with its cornucopia of sensory delights. Then came the first snowfall, the temperature was still mild, just like the day before the crisp white blanket laid itself down. By that time I was a cyclist, through and through, and literally could not wait to be the first one that morning to lay tracks in the freshly fallen snow.
Then using common sense riding habits, tips and tricks gleaned from other cyclists regarding dress and riding technique the winter has passed without discomfort or hazard to my (or, for that matter, anyone else’s) safety.
Right off the bat these are, not the top, but the first ten things I didn’t miss this winter due to cycling. There are too many more to list here, but here’s the first ten;
• Warming up my car
• Scraping my windshield
• Waiting in rush hour traffic
• Tow trucks
• Going to the gym
• Parking
• Insurance
• Buying fuel
• Sitting on my arse
• Dead batteries
Then there is the math. This winter in addition to cycling I rode the bus ($30) and took a few cab rides ($100). This is in contrast to fuel ($239), insurance ($500) and vehicle maintenance ($70)….a net savings to me of $679.00 in my jeans. Ahh...do it yourself tax relief!
Then I went to the Canadian Government’s website (http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/prog/2/UTEC-CETU/Calculator.aspx) to do the environmental math and this is what I found:
In five months of winter cycling I saved, over last year:
340,400 liters of carbon dioxide
23,280 liters of carbon monoxide
1,111 liters of nitrous oxide
totaling 364,791 liters of greenhouse gasses
That’s approximately enough greenhouse gasses to completely fill a 1600 sq ft home.
Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission (kg CO2e)
Vehicle Upstream Vehicle Operation Total
-163.58 -508.7 -674
Annual Criteria Air Contaminant Emissions (kg)
CO NOx
-29.12099167 -1.364176667
Vehicle Class Travel Units
Light-duty passenger vehicle -1330 veh-km
Light-duty commercial vehicle 40 veh-km
Medium-duty commercial vehicle 0 veh-km
Heavy-duty commercial vehicle 0 veh-km
Bus 100 veh-km
Trolley 0 veh-km
Light rail 0 pass-km
Subway/Metro 0 pass-km
Heavy rail 0 pass-km
http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/prog/2/UTEC-CETU/Calculator.aspx
If only one percent of the City of Regina were impact only the small amount I did this winter, our city alone could reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by enough to fill a 3.2 million square foot strip mall.
I don't expect anyone who reads this to take up cycling through an entire Saskatchewan winter, but I hope it's an example of how a small action by each of us can make a large impact when combined. It’s springtime now and it wouldn't hurt to think back to days when your bike let you fly past stopped traffic and brought true independence to your life and wonder, "What's stopping me now?"
Maybe you can save the world with a bicycle.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
FREIKER PROGRAM COUNTS 100,000th TRIP
I came across this press release today...what a great idea! www.freiker.org
Kids Walking and Biking to School Have Prevented 150,000 Tons of CO2 Emissions
For Immediate Release
March 9, 2009 - Boulder, Colorado
Children participating in the Freiker program just passed a major milestone – 100,000 kid-powered round trips to school since the beginning of the Freiker program. Freiker, a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado, uses of advanced technology and thoughtful incentives to teach kids that walking and biking to school is fun, healthy and good for the environment.
Ten schools in four states are currently running the program, and the 100,000 trips made by the children at those schools have covered more than 150,000 miles (which is six times around the world). By choosing active transportation, these children have burned more than 3.5 million calories, have saved the nation nearly 8,000 gallons of gas have and prevented more than 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
The Freiker employees were gathered to watch the real-time counter on the website tick past this milestone. “We are so proud of the ongoing commitment these children have made to adopt healthy habits and to reduce their environmental impact,” said Tim Carlin, Freiker’s Executive Director. “Who would have thought that, in five short years, one parent’s quest to encourage his own kids to ride their bikes to school would have developed into a national movement?”
Freiker has received accolades from kids, parents and school administrators for the way it makes walking and biking to school both safe and rewarding. “Freiker gives me exercise to keep me strong and healthy, and it has helped me become better at soccer, running, basketball, monkey bars and P.E.,” says Brynn Beaton, a Freiker participant and 2nd grader. The principal of Eagle Crest Elementary in Longmont Colorado, added, “I would definitely say that Freiker has motivated our students to walk, ride, or skate to school no matter the weather. It has also made it a habit of mind that will last well beyond Freiker.”
About Freiker:
Freiker, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, encourages the use of active transportation (walking and bike riding) for kids traveling between home and school. Freiker uses innovative technology to register students’ walking and biking trips to school and records these results in real-time on its website, where kids and parents can easily monitor their personal contribution to reducing pollution, energy consumption, and traffic congestion. For additional information, visit Freiker at www.freiker.org.
Kids Walking and Biking to School Have Prevented 150,000 Tons of CO2 Emissions
For Immediate Release
March 9, 2009 - Boulder, Colorado
Children participating in the Freiker program just passed a major milestone – 100,000 kid-powered round trips to school since the beginning of the Freiker program. Freiker, a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado, uses of advanced technology and thoughtful incentives to teach kids that walking and biking to school is fun, healthy and good for the environment.
Ten schools in four states are currently running the program, and the 100,000 trips made by the children at those schools have covered more than 150,000 miles (which is six times around the world). By choosing active transportation, these children have burned more than 3.5 million calories, have saved the nation nearly 8,000 gallons of gas have and prevented more than 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
The Freiker employees were gathered to watch the real-time counter on the website tick past this milestone. “We are so proud of the ongoing commitment these children have made to adopt healthy habits and to reduce their environmental impact,” said Tim Carlin, Freiker’s Executive Director. “Who would have thought that, in five short years, one parent’s quest to encourage his own kids to ride their bikes to school would have developed into a national movement?”
Freiker has received accolades from kids, parents and school administrators for the way it makes walking and biking to school both safe and rewarding. “Freiker gives me exercise to keep me strong and healthy, and it has helped me become better at soccer, running, basketball, monkey bars and P.E.,” says Brynn Beaton, a Freiker participant and 2nd grader. The principal of Eagle Crest Elementary in Longmont Colorado, added, “I would definitely say that Freiker has motivated our students to walk, ride, or skate to school no matter the weather. It has also made it a habit of mind that will last well beyond Freiker.”
About Freiker:
Freiker, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, encourages the use of active transportation (walking and bike riding) for kids traveling between home and school. Freiker uses innovative technology to register students’ walking and biking trips to school and records these results in real-time on its website, where kids and parents can easily monitor their personal contribution to reducing pollution, energy consumption, and traffic congestion. For additional information, visit Freiker at www.freiker.org.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Change is Usually Uncomfortable
Wal Mart employs over 1.5 million associates, would we entertain a bailout if they were to ask someday? (1)
Let’s stop for a moment and think what would happen if we did not bail out AIG, The Big Three, Wal-Mart, or the porn industry.
Certainly, a radical and uncomfortable change would occur, something different than yesterday and something different than what is happening now.
The fact remains that the sun will rise and commerce will continue every day, that is the way of capitalism and human history. Things have tended to improve in the long term with each change.
Are we bailing out these companies because we are afraid of change?
Let’s stop for a moment and think what would happen if we did not bail out AIG, The Big Three, Wal-Mart, or the porn industry.
Certainly, a radical and uncomfortable change would occur, something different than yesterday and something different than what is happening now.
The fact remains that the sun will rise and commerce will continue every day, that is the way of capitalism and human history. Things have tended to improve in the long term with each change.
Are we bailing out these companies because we are afraid of change?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Uniforms
When the drinking and driving laws were tightened up in Saskatchewan in 1996 a couple of the highlights were that the blood alcohol content (BAC) for 24-hour roadside suspensions was reduced to .04 from the previous level of .06 and education and addictions screening requirements were introduced for drivers who exceed .04.
The Criminal Code (federal law) BAC for all drivers remained at .08.
This is the level at which drivers can be fined, convicted and/or charged under the Criminal Code.
On two occasions following that change, I huffed and puffed and blew just over .04. Because the two occasions fell within a three year window, my license was suspended until I attended an addictions screening and education weekend.
I was angry. I wasn’t a drunk driver or a danger to others. I was just a 30 some year old guy who got stopped and blew .04 after having one drink over ninety minutes previous to the stop.
Looking back now, I see the wisdom of the program. I didn't lose my license but I saw things, heard things and spoke to people that blew my mind opening my eyes to the true dangers of drinking and driving and have not driven after having a drink since. I don’t compliment the Government very often, but sincere thanks from me to Mr. Serby and friends on that one.
That’s not my point today though. My point today is equitable and uniform enforcement. I have a friend, a very pretty-25 year old lady. In the last four years, she has been pulled over at least three times, not in stop checks, but for erratic driving behavior. In all three instances she has been over .04, in fact once, the only recollection of the entire evening was the encounter with the police. The other common thread between the stops was she was (proudly)able to talk her way out of all of them with nothing but a stern warning by the officer.
Last night it happened again. Don’t get me wrong…I’m glad that she did not lose her license, I’m glad she didn’t lose her car, I’m glad she was able to drop her son off at the sitter on time this morning and above all I’m glad that she and everyone she crossed paths with is alive today.
What I would like to know is how she is able to do it. Police officers wear a uniform, indicating that their behavior might be the same…uniform. Most parents are familiar with the concept of “uniform” or “hot stove” discipline. If you touch a hot stove you will be burned every time, regardless of who you are…why does the same not apply to drinking and driving? Police should have no “wiggle room” in this situation; it is the exclusive domain of the court to sort out the legal details and decide if a conviction is warranted.
Where would the responsibility lay if she would have been involved in an accident after her encounter with John Law? Would the officer be liable for allowing her to drive while impaired?
I know a lot of cops. Good cops. Cops doing their job…all of their job. Every day of the week. It only takes a few stories like this to sully the reputation of the professionals. Recent news events relating to taser use, police testimony and handling of evidence certainly underscore my point.
I’m not angry that I got stopped and charged, it was my decision to let it happen. I am disappointed that the ability to get a “free pass” even exists, I am disappointed that the officer deprived her of the opportunity to learn what I did during my addictions screening and education weekend and I can’t help entertaining the thought that due to police behavior that is clearly not “uniform” that my pretty, blonde, 25 year old girlfriend may have a better shot at talking her way out of a ticket than I do.
The Criminal Code (federal law) BAC for all drivers remained at .08.
This is the level at which drivers can be fined, convicted and/or charged under the Criminal Code.
On two occasions following that change, I huffed and puffed and blew just over .04. Because the two occasions fell within a three year window, my license was suspended until I attended an addictions screening and education weekend.
I was angry. I wasn’t a drunk driver or a danger to others. I was just a 30 some year old guy who got stopped and blew .04 after having one drink over ninety minutes previous to the stop.
Looking back now, I see the wisdom of the program. I didn't lose my license but I saw things, heard things and spoke to people that blew my mind opening my eyes to the true dangers of drinking and driving and have not driven after having a drink since. I don’t compliment the Government very often, but sincere thanks from me to Mr. Serby and friends on that one.
That’s not my point today though. My point today is equitable and uniform enforcement. I have a friend, a very pretty-25 year old lady. In the last four years, she has been pulled over at least three times, not in stop checks, but for erratic driving behavior. In all three instances she has been over .04, in fact once, the only recollection of the entire evening was the encounter with the police. The other common thread between the stops was she was (proudly)able to talk her way out of all of them with nothing but a stern warning by the officer.
Last night it happened again. Don’t get me wrong…I’m glad that she did not lose her license, I’m glad she didn’t lose her car, I’m glad she was able to drop her son off at the sitter on time this morning and above all I’m glad that she and everyone she crossed paths with is alive today.
What I would like to know is how she is able to do it. Police officers wear a uniform, indicating that their behavior might be the same…uniform. Most parents are familiar with the concept of “uniform” or “hot stove” discipline. If you touch a hot stove you will be burned every time, regardless of who you are…why does the same not apply to drinking and driving? Police should have no “wiggle room” in this situation; it is the exclusive domain of the court to sort out the legal details and decide if a conviction is warranted.
Where would the responsibility lay if she would have been involved in an accident after her encounter with John Law? Would the officer be liable for allowing her to drive while impaired?
I know a lot of cops. Good cops. Cops doing their job…all of their job. Every day of the week. It only takes a few stories like this to sully the reputation of the professionals. Recent news events relating to taser use, police testimony and handling of evidence certainly underscore my point.
I’m not angry that I got stopped and charged, it was my decision to let it happen. I am disappointed that the ability to get a “free pass” even exists, I am disappointed that the officer deprived her of the opportunity to learn what I did during my addictions screening and education weekend and I can’t help entertaining the thought that due to police behavior that is clearly not “uniform” that my pretty, blonde, 25 year old girlfriend may have a better shot at talking her way out of a ticket than I do.
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