“Let a man find himself, in distinction from others, on top of two wheels with a chain - at least in a poor country like Russia - and his vanity begins to swell out like his tires. In America it takes an automobile to produce this effect.”
Leon Trotsky
North America is arguably the only place in the world where the bicycle is considered a “toy” rather than transportation. In Amsterdam, only one example, bicycle trips now number more than car trips.
North Americans need a swift kick in the behind to walk, take public transit or, my favorite, pedal a bicycle. There are so many of reasons that commuting by bicycle is better than driving an automobile. It's emission-free transportation that gets you outside to enjoy life rather than being trapped in a steel and carbon fiber cage. What a sense of true freedom while pedaling, as if you are part of the world, and not having the world pass you by. Pedaling a bike is easy.
It’s just plain fun to pedal a bike. Just imagine the things you would see on your human-powered commute, the sounds you would normally have missed in a car, the view of the sun rising and setting over the city. These are the things that I experience daily as a bike commuter.
Last May, I decided to park my car a couple of days a week and cycle to work. I rode on Monday and drove on Tuesday…got back on the bike Wednesday and never looked back. I was loving it! The bike became my primary transportation, I picked up pannier bags to carry groceries and add to my bike’s utility. By the time August came around I looked at my car, unused with flat tires…and sold it. I haven’t missed it. I continued to ride into the fall and gradually became acclimatized and have ridden every day this winter. I now get home from work before my neighbor is done warming up his car.
It is absolutely stellar to begin my mornings smelling fresh air and getting exercise instead of being trapped indoors like a hamster on a wheel.
No parking worries, no gas, no insurance, no gridlock, no windows to scrape. I can’t even use the excuse “my car won’t start” anymore to be late for work.
I also became more and more interested in the weather. I have now become my own meteorologist.
Commuting opened me to a new aspect of cycling I had known nothing of. Before, all I had known was recreational riding. Now I am fully embracing this lifestyle, and telling others to start, as well.
I'm don’t expect anyone to take it as far as I did, but it can be done. With just a little bit of planning and a desire to do something different, you can change your life, and the world around you, by simply pedaling a bicycle.
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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Veneer of Acceptance
Veneer can be thin and can peel back at the edge. It seems that is the case with the Veneer of Acceptance.
Since the mysterious disappearance of Common Sense, who was last reported seen sharing a peanut butter and banana sandwich with Elvis somewhere in Michigan, it’s not surprising we haven’t noticed the application of the Veneer of Acceptance, it was only when Britons saw Cerrie Burnell (1), a new host on a BBC children’s show whose lower right arm is missing, that the edge of the Veneer of Acceptance began to visibly peel back and we began to see that we may be distracted by decorative detail work and not paying attention to function.
Parents started to write to the BBC expressing their fears that Cerrie would frighten their children.
This isn't a story from The Onion; it may be a canary in our coal mine. One father wrote that he didn't want his daughter to watch any more, it might give her nightmares. Another asked: “Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter … may scare the kids because of her disability?”. One other post was more pointed: “How do you explain to a three-year-old child why one of the presenters has half an arm?” One forum comment even said: 'What is scary is the BBC's determination to show “minorities"’
Others tried – to no avail – to tack back the loose edges of the Veneer of Acceptance. “I don't mean to make people feel uncomfortable, but why does she have to have the sleeve pulled so high up?” and. “She didn't have to hide the arm but I think she should pull her sleeve down a bit more.”
Veneers have been around since the pharaohs ruled Egypt. Veneers aren’t inherently bad; it’s the quality of the veneer you want to investigate. Veneers got their first bad press with inferior products that didn’t stand the test of time. In the 1940’s, mass production became the wave of the future. Furniture could be ordered from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue to furnish your farm house in Saskatchewan or your cottage in Ontario. Mass production meant less attention to detail; manufacturers could cut corners by putting veneers over plywood or chipboard to hide the value of the core.
Maybe it’s time to examine the values of our core, collectively. The Veneer of Acceptance is beginning to wear thin and is giving us a glimpse of what may be inside.
If we ever hope to coax Common Sense out of hiding in time to assist in the hard decisions regarding matters such as assisted reproduction, "Custom kids" (2) we need to remove the Veneer of Acceptance completely and examine our core values and see if they stand the test of time.
Pass me the chili cheese fries.
(1) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1152466/One-armed-presenter-scaring-children-parents-tell-BBC.html
(2) http://www.dnapolicy.org/news.past.php?action=detail&past_event_id=20
Since the mysterious disappearance of Common Sense, who was last reported seen sharing a peanut butter and banana sandwich with Elvis somewhere in Michigan, it’s not surprising we haven’t noticed the application of the Veneer of Acceptance, it was only when Britons saw Cerrie Burnell (1), a new host on a BBC children’s show whose lower right arm is missing, that the edge of the Veneer of Acceptance began to visibly peel back and we began to see that we may be distracted by decorative detail work and not paying attention to function.
Parents started to write to the BBC expressing their fears that Cerrie would frighten their children.
This isn't a story from The Onion; it may be a canary in our coal mine. One father wrote that he didn't want his daughter to watch any more, it might give her nightmares. Another asked: “Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter … may scare the kids because of her disability?”. One other post was more pointed: “How do you explain to a three-year-old child why one of the presenters has half an arm?” One forum comment even said: 'What is scary is the BBC's determination to show “minorities"’
Others tried – to no avail – to tack back the loose edges of the Veneer of Acceptance. “I don't mean to make people feel uncomfortable, but why does she have to have the sleeve pulled so high up?” and. “She didn't have to hide the arm but I think she should pull her sleeve down a bit more.”
Veneers have been around since the pharaohs ruled Egypt. Veneers aren’t inherently bad; it’s the quality of the veneer you want to investigate. Veneers got their first bad press with inferior products that didn’t stand the test of time. In the 1940’s, mass production became the wave of the future. Furniture could be ordered from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue to furnish your farm house in Saskatchewan or your cottage in Ontario. Mass production meant less attention to detail; manufacturers could cut corners by putting veneers over plywood or chipboard to hide the value of the core.
Maybe it’s time to examine the values of our core, collectively. The Veneer of Acceptance is beginning to wear thin and is giving us a glimpse of what may be inside.
If we ever hope to coax Common Sense out of hiding in time to assist in the hard decisions regarding matters such as assisted reproduction, "Custom kids" (2) we need to remove the Veneer of Acceptance completely and examine our core values and see if they stand the test of time.
Pass me the chili cheese fries.
(1) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1152466/One-armed-presenter-scaring-children-parents-tell-BBC.html
(2) http://www.dnapolicy.org/news.past.php?action=detail&past_event_id=20
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
One More Survivor
Over the past few weeks I've been engaged in a project to raise money for breast cancer. I had the privilege of participating in last fall's (motorcycle) Ride for Breast Cancer Screening and met many Survivors that day, their stories provided the inspiration for me to get off my butt and do something. What really struck me that day was how many Survivors I met, there was a time when the "Big C" really was a death sentence. We have made a lot of progress...there's still a long way to go though.
Having, just this past week, put the final touches on and received all the approvals needed for my own little fund raiser I was feeling pretty thankful that I had crossed paths that day with those Survivors...they changed my path, just a little, just enough to act.
There are people in this world, like Geri and Doug McDonald of Weston Property Management, who could use a day and an experience like that to alter their paths too. Today I came across this story in the Toronto Sun.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/02/19/8443986-sun.html
It's the story of Elsa Torrejon, a Canadian Citizen who immigrated here from Peru. She worked as a leasing agent for the McDonalds, from May until she heard the mind numbing words from her Doctor...mastectomy, cancer, chemotherapy. After that, her boss told her that they had accepted her resignation and asked for her keys. The only tricky part about that was that Elsa had not resigned.
"I'm not quitting, I'm not resigning. They don't seem to understand," Torrejon, the 50 year old single mother said angrily. "I have two kids at home. I have to go through surgery and chemotherapy, I don't have family here and now they want to fire me from my job?"
Geri and Doug McDonald of Weston Property Management, you should be ashamed. I hope you find the front of your place covered in pink ribbons as a reminder, I hope the impact of Michelle Mandel's Sun article is felt nationwide and affects your business as more Survivors and the people who love them stop sending their money your way. In a tight economy you really should go out of your way not to anger people.
Your ethics suck....not to mention you might want to take this opportunity to at least skim over the law on this issue.
Elsa, my thoughts are with you.
Maybe our paths will cross someday, there's alway a seat on my motorcycle for another Survivor.
Having, just this past week, put the final touches on and received all the approvals needed for my own little fund raiser I was feeling pretty thankful that I had crossed paths that day with those Survivors...they changed my path, just a little, just enough to act.
There are people in this world, like Geri and Doug McDonald of Weston Property Management, who could use a day and an experience like that to alter their paths too. Today I came across this story in the Toronto Sun.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/02/19/8443986-sun.html
It's the story of Elsa Torrejon, a Canadian Citizen who immigrated here from Peru. She worked as a leasing agent for the McDonalds, from May until she heard the mind numbing words from her Doctor...mastectomy, cancer, chemotherapy. After that, her boss told her that they had accepted her resignation and asked for her keys. The only tricky part about that was that Elsa had not resigned.
"I'm not quitting, I'm not resigning. They don't seem to understand," Torrejon, the 50 year old single mother said angrily. "I have two kids at home. I have to go through surgery and chemotherapy, I don't have family here and now they want to fire me from my job?"
Geri and Doug McDonald of Weston Property Management, you should be ashamed. I hope you find the front of your place covered in pink ribbons as a reminder, I hope the impact of Michelle Mandel's Sun article is felt nationwide and affects your business as more Survivors and the people who love them stop sending their money your way. In a tight economy you really should go out of your way not to anger people.
Your ethics suck....not to mention you might want to take this opportunity to at least skim over the law on this issue.
Elsa, my thoughts are with you.
Maybe our paths will cross someday, there's alway a seat on my motorcycle for another Survivor.
Dateline Ottawa
With apologies to Monty Python, we have obtained a transcript of tapes made in our nations capitol
FOLLOWERS:
Look! There he is! The Chosen One has woken!
[slam]
[bam bam bam bam]
S. ANN SOETORO:
OBAMA!
[bam bam bam bam bam]
OBAMA:
Huuh. Hooh. Ooh! Mother. Ooh. Ha--
S. ANN SOETORO:
OBAMA!
OBAMA:
Hang on, mother! Shhh.
[clllunk]
Hello, mother.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Don't you 'hello mother' me. What are all those people doing out there?!
OBAMA:
Oh. Well-- well, I, uh--
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on! What have you been up to, my lad?!
OBAMA:
Well, uh, I think they must have popped by for something.
S. ANN SOETORO:
'Popped by'?! 'Swarmed by', more like! There's a multitude out there!
OBAMA:
Mm, they-- they started following me yesterday.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Well, they can stop following you right now. Now, stop following my son! You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah! The Messiah! Show us the Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
The who?
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Huh, there's no Messiah in here. There's a mess, all right, but no Messiah. Now, go away!
FOLLOWERS:
OBAMA! OBAMA!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Right, my lad. What have you been up to?
OBAMA:
Nothing, Mum. Um--
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on. Out with it.
OBAMA:
Well, they think I'm the Messiah, Mum.
[smack]
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, what have you been telling them?
OBAMA:
Nothing! I only--
S. ANN SOETORO:
You're only making it worse for yourself.
OBAMA:
Look! I can explain! I--
[smack]
JUDITH:
No! Let me explain, Mrs. Cohen!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Who--
JUDITH:
Your son is a born leader. Those people out there are following him because they believe in him, Mrs. Cohen. They believe he can give them hope-- hope of a new life, a new world, a better future!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Who's that?!
OBAMA:
Oh! That's... Judith, Mum. Judith. Mother. Hmm.
[smack]
Aaaah!
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah! The Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ooooh.
FOLLOWERS:
Show us the Messiah! The Messiah! The Messiah! Show us the Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, you listen here! He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy! Now, go away!
FOLLOWERS:
Who are you?!
S. ANN SOETORO:
I'm his mother. That's who.
FOLLOWERS:
Behold His mother! Behold His mother! Hail to thee, mother of OBAMA! Blessed art thou, Hosanna! All praise to thee, now and always!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ohhh, now, don't think you can get around me like that. He's not coming out, and that's my final word. Now, shove off!
FOLLOWERS:
No!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Did you hear what I said?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Oh, I see. It-- it's like that, is it?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ohh. Oh, all right, then. You can see him for one minute, but not one second more. Do you understand?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Promise?
FOLLOWERS:
Well, all right.
S. ANN SOETORO:
All right. Here he is, then. Come on, OBAMA. Come and talk to them.
OBAMA:
But, Mum. Judith.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, leave that Welsh tart alone.
OBAMA:
But I don't really want to, Mum.
FOLLOWERS:
OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!...
OBAMA:
Good morning.
FOLLOWERS:
A blessing! A blessing! A blessing!...
OBAMA:
No. No, please! Please! Please listen. I've got one or two things to say.
FOLLOWERS:
Tell us. Tell us both of them.
OBAMA:
Look. You've got it all wrong.
You don't need to follow me. You don't need to follow anybody! You've got to think for yourselves. You're all individuals!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes, we're all individuals!
OBAMA:
You're all different!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes, we are all different!
DENNIS:
I'm not.
ARTHUR:
Shhhh.
FOLLOWERS:
Shh. Shhhh. Shhh.
OBAMA:
You've all got to work it out for yourselves!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes! We've got to work it out for ourselves!
OBAMA:
Exactly!
FOLLOWERS:
Tell us more!
OBAMA:
No! That's the point! Don't let anyone tell you what to do! Otherwise-- Ow! No!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on, OBAMA. That's enough. That's enough.
FOLLOWERS:
Oooooh. That wasn't a minute!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Oh, yes, it was.
FOLLOWERS:
Oh, no, it wasn't!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, stop that, and go away!
YOUTH:
Excuse me.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Yes?
YOUTH:
Are you a virgin?
S. ANN SOETORO:
I beg your pardon!
YOUTH:
Well, if it's not a personal question, are you a virgin?
S. ANN SOETORO:
'If it's not a personal question'?
How much more personal can you get? Now, piss off!
[slam]
YOUTH:
She is.
FOLLOWERS:
Yeah. Must be. She is. Definitely...
CROWD:
Ooh. Oh! Oooh...
[clunk]
STEPHAN:
'Morning, Saviour.
CROWD:
[yelling]
WOMAN:
Lay Your hands on me. Quick!
FRANCIS:
Now, don't jostle the Chosen One, please.
BABY:
[crying]
STEPHAN:
Don't push that baby in the Saviour's face. You've got till later.
JACK:
I say. I say, could He just see my wife? She has a headache.
STEPHAN:
She'll have to wait, I'm afraid.
JACK:
It's very bad, and we've got a luncheon appointment.
STEPHAN:
Look, the lepers are queuing.
JACK:
Her brother-in-law is the ex-mayor of Gath, you know.
STEPHAN:
Uh, OBAMA, can I introduce the gentleman who's letting us have the Mounts on Sunday?
MR. PAPADOPOULOS:
Hello.
FRANCIS:
Don't push!
STEPHAN:
And keep the noise down, please! Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you? Incurables, you'll just have to wait for a few minutes. Um, women taken in sin, line up against that wall, will you?
JUDITH:
OBAMA? OBAMA, you were fantastic!
OBAMA:
You weren't so bad yourself.
JUDITH:
No, what you said just now-- it was quite extraordinary.
OBAMA:
What? Oh, that. Was it?
JUDITH:
We don't need any leaders. You're so right. Reg has been dominating us for too long.
OBAMA:
Well, yes.
JUDITH:
It needed saying, and you said it, OBAMA.
OBAMA:
You're... very attractive.
JUDITH:
It's our revolution! We can all do it together!
OBAMA:
I think-- I think--
JUDITH:
We're all behind you, OBAMA. The revolution is in your hands!
OBAMA:
What? No! That's not what I meant at all!
CENTURION:
You're fuckin' nicked, me old beauty. Right.
[whap whap whap whap whap]
[smack]
Stop it.
FOLLOWERS:
Look! There he is! The Chosen One has woken!
[slam]
[bam bam bam bam]
S. ANN SOETORO:
OBAMA!
[bam bam bam bam bam]
OBAMA:
Huuh. Hooh. Ooh! Mother. Ooh. Ha--
S. ANN SOETORO:
OBAMA!
OBAMA:
Hang on, mother! Shhh.
[clllunk]
Hello, mother.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Don't you 'hello mother' me. What are all those people doing out there?!
OBAMA:
Oh. Well-- well, I, uh--
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on! What have you been up to, my lad?!
OBAMA:
Well, uh, I think they must have popped by for something.
S. ANN SOETORO:
'Popped by'?! 'Swarmed by', more like! There's a multitude out there!
OBAMA:
Mm, they-- they started following me yesterday.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Well, they can stop following you right now. Now, stop following my son! You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah! The Messiah! Show us the Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
The who?
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Huh, there's no Messiah in here. There's a mess, all right, but no Messiah. Now, go away!
FOLLOWERS:
OBAMA! OBAMA!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Right, my lad. What have you been up to?
OBAMA:
Nothing, Mum. Um--
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on. Out with it.
OBAMA:
Well, they think I'm the Messiah, Mum.
[smack]
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, what have you been telling them?
OBAMA:
Nothing! I only--
S. ANN SOETORO:
You're only making it worse for yourself.
OBAMA:
Look! I can explain! I--
[smack]
JUDITH:
No! Let me explain, Mrs. Cohen!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Who--
JUDITH:
Your son is a born leader. Those people out there are following him because they believe in him, Mrs. Cohen. They believe he can give them hope-- hope of a new life, a new world, a better future!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Who's that?!
OBAMA:
Oh! That's... Judith, Mum. Judith. Mother. Hmm.
[smack]
Aaaah!
FOLLOWERS:
The Messiah! The Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ooooh.
FOLLOWERS:
Show us the Messiah! The Messiah! The Messiah! Show us the Messiah!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, you listen here! He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy! Now, go away!
FOLLOWERS:
Who are you?!
S. ANN SOETORO:
I'm his mother. That's who.
FOLLOWERS:
Behold His mother! Behold His mother! Hail to thee, mother of OBAMA! Blessed art thou, Hosanna! All praise to thee, now and always!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ohhh, now, don't think you can get around me like that. He's not coming out, and that's my final word. Now, shove off!
FOLLOWERS:
No!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Did you hear what I said?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Oh, I see. It-- it's like that, is it?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Ohh. Oh, all right, then. You can see him for one minute, but not one second more. Do you understand?
FOLLOWERS:
Yes.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Promise?
FOLLOWERS:
Well, all right.
S. ANN SOETORO:
All right. Here he is, then. Come on, OBAMA. Come and talk to them.
OBAMA:
But, Mum. Judith.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, leave that Welsh tart alone.
OBAMA:
But I don't really want to, Mum.
FOLLOWERS:
OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!...
OBAMA:
Good morning.
FOLLOWERS:
A blessing! A blessing! A blessing!...
OBAMA:
No. No, please! Please! Please listen. I've got one or two things to say.
FOLLOWERS:
Tell us. Tell us both of them.
OBAMA:
Look. You've got it all wrong.
You don't need to follow me. You don't need to follow anybody! You've got to think for yourselves. You're all individuals!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes, we're all individuals!
OBAMA:
You're all different!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes, we are all different!
DENNIS:
I'm not.
ARTHUR:
Shhhh.
FOLLOWERS:
Shh. Shhhh. Shhh.
OBAMA:
You've all got to work it out for yourselves!
FOLLOWERS:
Yes! We've got to work it out for ourselves!
OBAMA:
Exactly!
FOLLOWERS:
Tell us more!
OBAMA:
No! That's the point! Don't let anyone tell you what to do! Otherwise-- Ow! No!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Come on, OBAMA. That's enough. That's enough.
FOLLOWERS:
Oooooh. That wasn't a minute!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Oh, yes, it was.
FOLLOWERS:
Oh, no, it wasn't!
S. ANN SOETORO:
Now, stop that, and go away!
YOUTH:
Excuse me.
S. ANN SOETORO:
Yes?
YOUTH:
Are you a virgin?
S. ANN SOETORO:
I beg your pardon!
YOUTH:
Well, if it's not a personal question, are you a virgin?
S. ANN SOETORO:
'If it's not a personal question'?
How much more personal can you get? Now, piss off!
[slam]
YOUTH:
She is.
FOLLOWERS:
Yeah. Must be. She is. Definitely...
CROWD:
Ooh. Oh! Oooh...
[clunk]
STEPHAN:
'Morning, Saviour.
CROWD:
[yelling]
WOMAN:
Lay Your hands on me. Quick!
FRANCIS:
Now, don't jostle the Chosen One, please.
BABY:
[crying]
STEPHAN:
Don't push that baby in the Saviour's face. You've got till later.
JACK:
I say. I say, could He just see my wife? She has a headache.
STEPHAN:
She'll have to wait, I'm afraid.
JACK:
It's very bad, and we've got a luncheon appointment.
STEPHAN:
Look, the lepers are queuing.
JACK:
Her brother-in-law is the ex-mayor of Gath, you know.
STEPHAN:
Uh, OBAMA, can I introduce the gentleman who's letting us have the Mounts on Sunday?
MR. PAPADOPOULOS:
Hello.
FRANCIS:
Don't push!
STEPHAN:
And keep the noise down, please! Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you? Incurables, you'll just have to wait for a few minutes. Um, women taken in sin, line up against that wall, will you?
JUDITH:
OBAMA? OBAMA, you were fantastic!
OBAMA:
You weren't so bad yourself.
JUDITH:
No, what you said just now-- it was quite extraordinary.
OBAMA:
What? Oh, that. Was it?
JUDITH:
We don't need any leaders. You're so right. Reg has been dominating us for too long.
OBAMA:
Well, yes.
JUDITH:
It needed saying, and you said it, OBAMA.
OBAMA:
You're... very attractive.
JUDITH:
It's our revolution! We can all do it together!
OBAMA:
I think-- I think--
JUDITH:
We're all behind you, OBAMA. The revolution is in your hands!
OBAMA:
What? No! That's not what I meant at all!
CENTURION:
You're fuckin' nicked, me old beauty. Right.
[whap whap whap whap whap]
[smack]
Stop it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Overheard
From a conversation at a bus stop between two high school students about a math test… “I figure if I got them all right, I’ll get 90%.”
The Path to the Future
We don’t negotiate with kidnappers. Check.
We don’t allow terrorists to rule our lives or govern our actions. Check
We don’t allow revisionist wingnuts (http://www.zundelsite.org/ ) to undermine history. Check
We don’t allow the reenactment of the historic battle of the Plains of Abraham this summer, because we can’t guarantee public safety. Check
Pardon me?
The event *did* happen. Both generals died - Wolfe on the field of battle and Montcalm a little later of his wounds in a house in Quebec City.
The argument might even be made that it may have been a pivotal event in the preservation of French culture in Canada…during the Louisiana Purchase Napoleon sold over 2 million square kilometers to the U.S as part of an anti-British military strategic alliance with then-president Thomas Jefferson.
Unlike Quebec, those territories – which span from Alberta and Saskatchewan, down to the Gulf of Mexico – have largely lost their francophone character.
Allowing political haymaking to sully Canadian history or letting a small group of separatists on the lunatic fringe to govern our actions is wrong. A mature, self confident society should surely recognize that the future is shaped by history and that recognizing history is the path to a better future.
This isn't an insulting reminder of the defeat of our French ancestors or a matter of political correctness - it's Canadian history, both French and English.
We don’t allow terrorists to rule our lives or govern our actions. Check
We don’t allow revisionist wingnuts (http://www.zundelsite.org/ ) to undermine history. Check
We don’t allow the reenactment of the historic battle of the Plains of Abraham this summer, because we can’t guarantee public safety. Check
Pardon me?
The event *did* happen. Both generals died - Wolfe on the field of battle and Montcalm a little later of his wounds in a house in Quebec City.
The argument might even be made that it may have been a pivotal event in the preservation of French culture in Canada…during the Louisiana Purchase Napoleon sold over 2 million square kilometers to the U.S as part of an anti-British military strategic alliance with then-president Thomas Jefferson.
Unlike Quebec, those territories – which span from Alberta and Saskatchewan, down to the Gulf of Mexico – have largely lost their francophone character.
Allowing political haymaking to sully Canadian history or letting a small group of separatists on the lunatic fringe to govern our actions is wrong. A mature, self confident society should surely recognize that the future is shaped by history and that recognizing history is the path to a better future.
This isn't an insulting reminder of the defeat of our French ancestors or a matter of political correctness - it's Canadian history, both French and English.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Suggested goals for my fellow men
1. Strive to be a man people want to be around. This means being congenial, fair, loyal, and honest.
2. Try to do something nice for someone at least once each day, even if it's as simple as holding a door for someone.
3. Decide what your principles are as a man and live by them. Make decisions using your principles instead of using fear, pain or pleasure.
4. Strive to exercise a few times a week. It keeps you fit and your mind clear.
5. Keep yourself groomed, clean, and neat. it will make you feel more confident.
6. You live in a marketing culture that tries to convince you that self gratification in all forms is the way to happiness. The real way to happiness is to give to others. Find a benevolent club, church, or organization. Join it and make a difference. Then you'll feel real happiness in spite of your other problems.
7. Shut the TV off. Find productive ways to spend your time. Any time you are about to do something, ask yourself first if you are just distracting yourself.
8. Don't spend your life distracting yourself from being something better.
9. Realize that everyday you are exposed to 3000-5000 advertisements.
10. Rise above the sea of bullshit around you. Be an island.
11. Stop worrying about keeping pace with your friends. Instead figure out what is important to you.
12. The world is full of creepy, insecure, arrogant, selfish, dishonest, and narrow minded men. You can be something better.
As men, truths to heed:
1. You are allowed to feel emotion, smile, laugh, and have fun
2. Asking for directions is a sign of strength, not weakness
3. The measure of a man is how he thinks and acts, not about muscles or tattoos. Think about that.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
In the Best Interest of the Children
There has been much discussion lately surrounding Nadya Suleman, whose decision to give birth to the octuplets after undergoing fertility treatment despite already having six children has given rise to the debate over her ability to care for them and the possible drain on the public purse.
A lot of this discussion has focused personally upon the Mother and her decisions. Some of it seems to be directed personally towards the Doctor that assisted her.
Discussion of this sort is pointless, what is done is done, now that the children have been born it does not matter how or who or why…they must be cared for.
They were born within the framework of the laws and social programs as they exist today and now, in the best interest of the kids, we need to shift the spotlight from them to the real issue…what structure, regulation and ethical guidelines should we assign to reproductive technologies?
In cases of adoption a home study is required in many jurisdictions. A home study is the first step in the adoption process -- an assessment of the skills and talents of a potential parent. Why not make it the first step in the assisted reproductive process as well?
Most prospective parents find the study invasive and stressful. And that's putting it mildly. Why, they ask, do we have to put our lives under a microscope and prove our worthiness as parents when everyone else does whatever they like, without the slightest bit of scrutiny?
And they're right -- to a point. On the surface, a home study does seem a little unfair. But its other purpose is to educate and prepare you for all of the responsibilities and obligations that lie ahead.
We can’t and should not have the right to regulate natural reproduction and therefore cannot influence who will or won’t be a parent. When we are in a position to influence the reproductive process I think we do have a responsibility to ensure the viability of the child’s quality of life.
Adoption and assisted reproduction share one overriding characteristic. The prospective parent is choosing to have a child…it does not come by chance or circumstance…it is a choice with long term associated responsibility. Adoptive parents are generally required to provide an autobiographical statement, a medical report, police clearance and multiple letters of reference. Why not the same for parents choosing assistance?
One of the primary functions of the media is to ask questions and spark debate, so how about a debate leading to a solution to the ethical questions surrounding assisted reproduction?
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cyclist
“There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”
-P.E.T. 1967
“That’s going to require Uncle Sam to quit being so squeamish about embryos—and it will require that stem cell scientists and the fertility clinics that provide embryonic cells for research open their doors a bit further to Sam’s prying eyes. The alternative is an expansion of today’s lawless frontier. And one thing this country does not need is a new Wild West on the outer borders of today’s reprotech badlands.”
-Rick Weiss 2008
A lot of this discussion has focused personally upon the Mother and her decisions. Some of it seems to be directed personally towards the Doctor that assisted her.
Discussion of this sort is pointless, what is done is done, now that the children have been born it does not matter how or who or why…they must be cared for.
They were born within the framework of the laws and social programs as they exist today and now, in the best interest of the kids, we need to shift the spotlight from them to the real issue…what structure, regulation and ethical guidelines should we assign to reproductive technologies?
In cases of adoption a home study is required in many jurisdictions. A home study is the first step in the adoption process -- an assessment of the skills and talents of a potential parent. Why not make it the first step in the assisted reproductive process as well?
Most prospective parents find the study invasive and stressful. And that's putting it mildly. Why, they ask, do we have to put our lives under a microscope and prove our worthiness as parents when everyone else does whatever they like, without the slightest bit of scrutiny?
And they're right -- to a point. On the surface, a home study does seem a little unfair. But its other purpose is to educate and prepare you for all of the responsibilities and obligations that lie ahead.
We can’t and should not have the right to regulate natural reproduction and therefore cannot influence who will or won’t be a parent. When we are in a position to influence the reproductive process I think we do have a responsibility to ensure the viability of the child’s quality of life.
Adoption and assisted reproduction share one overriding characteristic. The prospective parent is choosing to have a child…it does not come by chance or circumstance…it is a choice with long term associated responsibility. Adoptive parents are generally required to provide an autobiographical statement, a medical report, police clearance and multiple letters of reference. Why not the same for parents choosing assistance?
One of the primary functions of the media is to ask questions and spark debate, so how about a debate leading to a solution to the ethical questions surrounding assisted reproduction?
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cyclist
“There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”
-P.E.T. 1967
“That’s going to require Uncle Sam to quit being so squeamish about embryos—and it will require that stem cell scientists and the fertility clinics that provide embryonic cells for research open their doors a bit further to Sam’s prying eyes. The alternative is an expansion of today’s lawless frontier. And one thing this country does not need is a new Wild West on the outer borders of today’s reprotech badlands.”
-Rick Weiss 2008
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
My Vote
I vote.
Federally, provincially and municipally, I vote.
I’m afraid to admit I don’t really pay careful attention but I vote.
Because my Father’s Brother died at Normandy, I vote.
For various reasons over the years and more often than not, simply based on interactions with individual representatives “on the street”, I vote.
I don’t have a partisan allegiance and I’ve often voted simply to retain the right to bitch.
I would like to thank Jack Layton and his coalition buddies for changing most of that. Without the introduction of the word “pirogue” to the common Canadian lexicon I, like many others, may have never given any deeper thought to their vote.
Thanks for getting our attention and thanks for contributing to our education.
I’ve traditionally kept tabs on the “scene-politico” by watching television, grabbing a sound-bite here and there or snapping up a crawling headline but lately have been inspired to dig deeper. I find myself listening more to the Adler’s and Murphy’s of the world, looking for deeper insight and varied opinions in an attempt to better understand the viewpoints and better qualify myself for the next round of voting…in the age of one second television commercials, radio seems to be the better interactive venue to focus on a subject for longer than a moment.
I don’t agree with any more of what our pundits say than I agree with the politicians they criticize. They do, however, set alight the fires of discussion and the outlay of ideas.
That being said, this morning I caught a video snapshot from The House. Crystallizing maybe. Mr. Ignatieff stood to criticize the new budget, (remember the budget he supported last week?) and (forgive me, Mr. Harper, if I blow the exact quotation) our PM responded by saying it was fine to criticize but he (Mr. Ignatieff) should bring some ideas to the table.
The crystal here seems to be that we are already under a Coalition Government and the sooner ALL parties realize that and begin to truly “coalesce” and work together without regard to who holds the title of PM, the better. These leaders are all very capable and intelligent people who have been supported to this level by their peers…the Canadian public.
So please, as one Canadian to another, please stop electioneering and do not abandon the business of government. There’s a hard road ahead and I might even develop a party preference and I’m afraid it may be based on who is throwing rocks at the playground and who is not.
Please Canada…vote.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cyclist
Monday, February 9, 2009
10 Reasons to take up Cycling
1. Freedom.
Cycling gives a sense of freedom that sitting in a car can never give. Descending a hill on a bike is exhilarating, something you never feel in a car. Cycling also gives greater freedom about where to go.. With a bike you can go down narrow lanes, on bike paths and often cut corners that you cannot do in a car.
2. Quicker Travelling.
In many congested times, a bike can offer the quickest method of transport. For example, in rush hours average speeds on roads amounts to a paltry 9mph (this is actually lower than 100 years ago!) Even a moderately fit cyclist will have no trouble in beating cars, and buses. Also with a bike, you don’t have to spend time driving around looking for parking. You can park usually exactly where you want to end up.
3. Saves Money.
A good bike costs $200; a reasonable car will cost $5,000. With oil prices rising through the roof, cycling can also save significantly on gasoline costs. The majority of car journeys are for distances less than 5 miles. These distances are easily cycleable. These short journeys also have the relatively highest gasoline costs because cars are most inefficient at low speeds. It is estimated that leaving the car in the garage for the average commuter could save an estimate $150 per week (source: Cycling Weekly June 19th)
4. Lose Weight
Cycling is a low impact aerobic exercise and is an excellent way of losing weight. Cycling can also be combined with shopping and commuting therefore, enabling very busy people to find time for exercise. It is also a lot cheaper than gaining membership to the gym. With obesity becoming an endemic problem in western society, cycling can play a key role in helping to keep the population in shape.
5. Health Benefits.
Cycling is good for the heart and can help reduce incidence of heart disease, one of the biggest killers amongst developed countries. Sedentary lifestyles also contribute to other ’silent killers’ such as diabetes and high blood pressure6. Relieve Stress.
If you work in an office or have a stressful job, exercise such as cycling can be a powerful way to help reduce stress and take your mind off many problems. Exercise releases chemicals such as serontin. Serontin is known to promote a feeling of well being. But, also vigorous exercise is an effective way to take your mind off trifling problems. Often coming back from a bike ride, you can see problems in a new perspective
7. It’s Egalitarian
Everyone cycles, it is the great social leveller. Rich or poor, Canadian Senator or little kid, everyone can enjoy cycling.
8. Reduce Global Warming
Cycling creates no pollution or Carbon dioxide emission. It provides a powerful way to help make a meaningful contribution to reducing pollution and preventing future global warming.
9. Less Accidents.
Unlike Cars, bikes are not lethal machines.. An accident involving bikes may cause injury, but, very rarely will a bike be the cause of a fatal accident. If more people cycled it would definitely help reduce the death rate on our roads.
10. It’s Fun.
The bike has repeatedly been voted the most popular invention of the past 200 years. Cycling is simply great fun.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Role Models
If everyone is satisfied that this photograph is absolute proof of an
illegal act and that Mr. Phelps was smoking marijuana in a
jurisdiction where it was prohibited at that moment, I cannot bring
myself to disagree with the sanctions brought against Michael Phelps
by his swimming federation. Nor can I find a reason to boycott
Kellogg's or anyone else's products because they pulled a sponsorship.
I guess the bottom line for those organizations probably is rooted in
a turn of a phrase in a line in a mission statement on a wall
somewhere or on a legal pad pushed across a table in a boardroom with
the words "LIABILITY" and "ETHICS" underlined...scribbled in red pen.
They did the only thing their rules allowed them to do.
illegal act and that Mr. Phelps was smoking marijuana in a
jurisdiction where it was prohibited at that moment, I cannot bring
myself to disagree with the sanctions brought against Michael Phelps
by his swimming federation. Nor can I find a reason to boycott
Kellogg's or anyone else's products because they pulled a sponsorship.
I guess the bottom line for those organizations probably is rooted in
a turn of a phrase in a line in a mission statement on a wall
somewhere or on a legal pad pushed across a table in a boardroom with
the words "LIABILITY" and "ETHICS" underlined...scribbled in red pen.
They did the only thing their rules allowed them to do.
I'll go even one step further and say that, he is extremely fortunate
that it was only an amateur photographer with a cell phone who
happened by these are the only consequences. Who ever knows when a
real law enforcement officer might stop by the local frat house?
Who here is the best role model? Is it USA Swimming for suspending him
for three months after publicly stating their support for him? Is it a
corporation deciding that "Michael's most recent behavior is not
consistent with the image of Kellogg's" based on its value statement*
promise to "Aggressively promote and protect our reputation"* being a
higher priority than the one to "Personally commit to the success and
well being of teammates"*?
I'll join a boycott based on the idea that Kellogg's public image
seems hypocritical and values reputation over people and their failure
to "Listen to others for understanding"* and that they did not seem to
"Assume Positive Intent"* to "Help people to be their best by
providing coaching and feedback"*.
"Michael accepts these decisions and understands their point of view,"
said Drew Johnson, an agent of Phelps, in a news report. "He feels bad
he let anyone down. He's also encouraged by the thousands of comments
he's received from his fans and the support from his many sponsors. He
intends to work hard to regain everyone's trust."
In fact, Phelps could take this opportunity to send a message to young
people about drug use. He could become a strong anti-drug advocate or
might become a physician dedicated to the study of medical marijuana
science and reform of alcohol and marijuana laws. He might be seen on
MTV's "Sober House" next season. At the age of 23 he is in a position
to do many things with his future and his status as a "role model".
Everyone is a role model, the strongest and most enduring in history
being the ones with core values that are unwavering. One of those core
values is honesty and honesty is what keeps us committed to our other
core values. Whether you support him or not you have to give credit
where credit is due, role model Barack Obama said in 2004 that he was
committed to reform of drug laws and recently said in a television
interview, "I inhaled frequently, That was the point".
It seems that honesty and real ethics might even get you elected
President. I've got the munchies now, I'm going to get a snack and a
coffee...maybe Wheaties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr9ezr8UeA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpBzQI_7ez8
*http://manonamission.blogspot.com/2005/11/kellogg-companys-k-mission-statement.html
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Anti-social behavior in its cleanest incarnation
Found at: daily.stanford.edu/article/2008/4/4/naturalPhilosophyNeverTalkToStrangers
There was a point in my life when I realized that the whole “never talk to strangers” thing only applies to likely pedophiles. Around my tenth birthday, I discovered that there can be no real harm in talking to strangers, assuming they do not have a crustache (a crusty mustache to the uninitiated) or large tinted glasses. In fact, talking to strangers is necessary sometimes, and often beneficial. You can learn things and meet people.
But it seems, these days, people take this phrase entirely too literally. When I see someone walking around with iPod headphones dangling out of his ears, I can generally assume that this person does not want to talk to me. For that matter, it seems he doesn’t want to talk to anyone. His headphones say loudly that right now he chooses social seclusion over human contact.
My only conclusion is this: it has become socially acceptable to be anti-social. This is the only conclusion I can arrive at, considering the alternatives. For one, it just can’t be the case that the music is so good that he has to listen to it right then and there. I get my Zeppelin cravings as much as the next guy, but never do I feel that if I don’t listen to it right now I will explode. It also can’t be the case that Led Zeppelin perfectly fits this current instant, in the elevator. And, even if the song did happen to exactly fit his mood at that given instant, is it necessary to play it at the exclusion of the world around you?
The problem with headphones is that they create “your world.” “Oh, he’s caught up in his own world, “ people say. But it seems that these headphone-clad individuals are blind to the fact that “my world” and “your world” might very well be the same thing.
It’s not just headphones. Text messaging is just as bad. It is glorified anti-social behavior in its cleanest incarnation. Cleanest because you’re still “communicating.” But how often have you heard “you don’t have to call, just send a text message?” Text messaging is an excuse to avoid the awkward reality that is voice-to-voice communication.
Add to this the escapist element of text messaging — you don’t ever have to mentally be in the room that your body actually occupies. The moment you have to actually interact with other, physical beings, you can take out your cell phone and start sending messages to other people, in other places!
As the phone has reduced the burden of speaking face-to-face, so the text message has reduced the burden of speaking voice-to-voice. At some point, text messages themselves will become too personal, and we’ll need random text generators to take away the idea that you have to interact with a human being at all.
I love technology, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want to have to ponder this philosophical query every time a friend with headphones in is deaf to my greetings, or I get “stranded” in the same room with someone overly dependent on a cell phone.
Led Zeppelin can wait. The world around you cannot.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tunnel Vision?
Being that my hometown is Regina and this is my first formal week in the blogosphere, the first temptation today is to weigh in on a certain court date in late February. On consideration, any foray into that area on my part will be limited to the chain of events and evidence as brought forward, admissibly and in the proper forum. The public certainly does have the right to know about criminal proceedings and as luck would have it, we live in a place where real evidence does get presented in a public trial. Once that is done, please, let loose the dogs of the fourth and the fifth estates to examine what was presented, questioning and uncovering what may not have been. We have a forum and a process, with commentary and investigation being an integral part of that process and we really should encourage anyone with an investigative bent to pursue their passion…and deliver uncovered evidence to the appropriate party at the appropriate time. Prior to a trial though, that forum is not public…just ask Vernon Macumber.
If journalists, bloggers, investigators, commentators and the public were to keep this process more clearly in mind we may be able to free up more of our airtime and energy to more useful, daresay noble, pursuits…locating Tiarra Dawn and Tianna Drake or Tamara Jewel Keepness for example.
In no way do am I minimizing the tragedy surrounding Kaylee Anthony…but someone needs to ask the question of Nancy Grace if she's recently considered the cases of 13-year-old Alexis "Lexie" Glover or 12 year old Karissa Paige Boudreau.
Please, let's all fight journalistic tunnel vision.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cyclist
p.s. Sorry for picking on you Nancy…but seriously
If journalists, bloggers, investigators, commentators and the public were to keep this process more clearly in mind we may be able to free up more of our airtime and energy to more useful, daresay noble, pursuits…locating Tiarra Dawn and Tianna Drake or Tamara Jewel Keepness for example.
In no way do am I minimizing the tragedy surrounding Kaylee Anthony…but someone needs to ask the question of Nancy Grace if she's recently considered the cases of 13-year-old Alexis "Lexie" Glover or 12 year old Karissa Paige Boudreau.
Please, let's all fight journalistic tunnel vision.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cyclist
p.s. Sorry for picking on you Nancy…but seriously
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Are you safer flying with a pilot who is restricted to flying 100ft off the ground?
I’m listening to John Gormley Live this afternoon on the topic of graduated licenses for rural vs urban drivers and the wide diversity of failure rates has caught my ear. It seems that community to community and instructor to instructor the rate of failure varies dramatically.
Is this illustrating that Regina or Weyburn breeds worse drivers than Lipton and Eyebrow or is it illuminating a need to examine the testing standards and the criteria to which we hold the instructors and examiners?
Graduated licenses seem doomed to failure simply base on the fact that a large portion of people will drive where and what they choose regardless of what their permit allows. The addition of a graduation seems secondary to the need to improve and standardize instruction and testing. So, I put forward the following postulation, “A properly educated, experienced driver without a valid license is less of a hazard on the road than an inexperienced and licensed, but poorly instructed operator.”.
Possibly we need add as an additional component to the existing practical driving exam and during training a more objective measure of safe driving skill?
Today’s technology would certainly permit the use a driving simulator that puts the candidate into predetermined scenarios where objective scoring would be possible. This could be put into place with the assistance of insurance providers and maybe even technology companies (think MicroSoft and friends…potential advertising mileage for reality based videogames!) and automakers or even health care institutions.
Practice makes perfect and today we are able to practice in the safety of a “virtual” road environment in everyday and emergency situations….just ask Captain “Sully” if he gained all his flying experience practically and think if the lives of your passengers are any less valuable than his.
In Saskatchewan for example, SGI could assist in the placement of two or three mobile SimTesters that could be scheduled around the province.
If this was brought in as a program along with a standardized program of 7 to 10 year retesting of all (not just aged) drivers, the retest fee might assist in the subsidization of the hardware and software needed to maintain this program. Going forward into new vehicle technologies with potential new control interfaces and safety features, simulators of this sort could also be used to maintain and upgrade the skills of not only Saskatchewan drivers, but also our instructors and examiners.
Hey Charles…how about a national driving standard?
Just a thought out of the box…
Victoria Square
Not a big hit today on the bicycle friendly scale, during the summer only a single rack for 6 bikes at each entrance and during the winter none at all.
The bike racks that are provided during warmer weather are racks that only secure the wheel of the bicycle and unfortunately are not inspiring to the cyclist from a security point of view.
For a mall that contains a sporting goods store…not very high marks.
A very small investment in improved bicycle racks during their current renovation could provide a large improvement in the practicality of bicycle parking and highlight Vic Square as an environmental leader in our community. It might be a way to shamelessly self promote too! http://www.dero.com/products/deroadrack/ .
Just a thought…
Open Letter to Mayor Fiacco
I'm no cycling guru whose blood has been thickened on arctic expeditions. I'm just an urban bike commuter who, through experience and advice from friends, has gone from being a fair weather to an all weather cyclist. The process was gradual and started with one simple resolution last spring. If the distance is less than 5 K, and I am headed there by myself, I’ll ride my bicycle.
My hat goes off to the city of Regina for steps it has already taken to promote and improve itself as a bicycle friendly community such as bus bike racks, an excellent pathway system and street signage and I’ve come to recognize that increasing bicycle use in Regina we can:
Improve the environment by reducing the impact on residents of pollution and noise, limiting greenhouse gases, and improving the quality of public spaces.
Reduce congestion by shifting short trips (the majority of trips in cities) out of cars. This will also make the city more accessible for public transport, walking, essential car travel, emergency services, and deliveries.
Save lives by creating safer conditions for bicyclists and as a direct consequence improve the safety of all other road users. Research shows that increasing the number of bicyclists on the street improves bicycle safety.
Increase opportunities for residents of all ages to participate socially and economically in the community, regardless income or ability. Greater choice of travel modes also increases independence, especially among seniors and children.
Boost the economy by creating a community that is an attractive destination for new residents, tourists and businesses.
Enhance recreational opportunities, especially for children, and further contribute to the quality of life in the community.
Save city funds by increasing the efficient use of public space, reducing the need for costly new road infrastructure, preventing crashes, improving the health of the community, and increasing the use of public transport.
Enhance public safety and security by increasing the number of “eyes on the street” and providing more options for movement in the event of emergencies, natural disasters, and major public events.
Improve the health and well being of the population by promoting routine physical activity.
The nut of my question for Mayor Pat is, what is Regina doing as a concerted bicycle and pedestrian plan for the future and how can I get involved?
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