14 Seconds From 1915

http://www.archive.org/flow/FlowPlayerLight.swf?config=%7BcontrolBarBackgroundColor%3A%270×000000%27%2Cloop%3Afalse%2CbaseURL%3A%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Earchive%2Eorg%2Fdownload%2F%27%2CshowVolumeSlider%3Atrue%2CcontrolBarGloss%3A%27high%27%2CplayList%3A%5B%7Burl%3A%27ssfCYCL1915%2FssfCYCL1915%5F512kb%2Emp4%27%7D%5D%2CshowPlayListButtons%3Atrue%2CusePlayOverlay%3Afalse%2CmenuItems%3A%5Bfalse%2Cfalse%2Cfalse%2Cfalse%2Ctrue%2Ctrue%2Cfalse%5D%2CinitialScale%3A%27fit%27%2CautoPlay%3Afalse%2CautoBuffering%3Atrue%2CshowMenu%3Atrue%2CshowMuteVolumeButton%3Atrue%2CshowFullScreenButton%3Atrue%2Cembedded%3Atrue%7D
 I came across this very brief clip here. Being a person that has always enjoyed history I found this very interesting. Go to the website from which it was borrowed to read the story. Also, for some reason if you want to re-watch the clip you have to drag it back to the beginning…fyi. Enjoy.

>14 Seconds From 1915

>http://www.archive.org/flow/FlowPlayerLight.swf?config=%7BcontrolBarBackgroundColor%3A%270×000000%27%2Cloop%3Afalse%2CbaseURL%3A%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Earchive%2Eorg%2Fdownload%2F%27%2CshowVolumeSlider%3Atrue%2CcontrolBarGloss%3A%27high%27%2CplayList%3A%5B%7Burl%3A%27ssfCYCL1915%2FssfCYCL1915%5F512kb%2Emp4%27%7D%5D%2CshowPlayListButtons%3Atrue%2CusePlayOverlay%3Afalse%2CmenuItems%3A%5Bfalse%2Cfalse%2Cfalse%2Cfalse%2Ctrue%2Ctrue%2Cfalse%5D%2CinitialScale%3A%27fit%27%2CautoPlay%3Afalse%2CautoBuffering%3Atrue%2CshowMenu%3Atrue%2CshowMuteVolumeButton%3Atrue%2CshowFullScreenButton%3Atrue%2Cembedded%3Atrue%7D
 I came across this very brief clip here. Being a person that has always enjoyed history I found this very interesting. Go to the website from which it was borrowed to read the story. Also, for some reason if you want to re-watch the clip you have to drag it back to the beginning…fyi. Enjoy.

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#215 & 216)…and a few comments regarding the seemingly never-ending adventure of carrying stuff on a bike.

#215 (pictured above)…

A wooden box containing, among other things, a few spare tools, an inner-tube, a small hand pump, and a spare jacket. Also, a case of Ellicottville Pale Ale.

The comment about this post is not mine but from someone else, and those are always a little better anyhow. On my way to my sister and brother-in-law’s house I stopped for a quick lunch at a taco place; I sat in the window and had the Mundo locked up outside (I wanted to be able to keep my eye on the beer). Anyhow, a young family sits at the counter next to me (mom, dad; two kids) and the man says, “Look at that bike…pretty cool.” To which the woman replied, “Honey, if we had a couple of those we could carry the entire family.” Barely hearing her (my assumption) he says in an almost low whisper, “…and it carries a full case of beer.”

#216 (picture below)…

A wooden box containing the same said ingredients above, but now also includes a pint of creosote remover, a tube of chimney putty, 4 paint brushes, and a stir stick. Also, a gallon of porch paint (on lower sidebar), a DVD (front rack), and a cardboard box containing 1/2 gallon of milk, a 1/2 gallon of juice, a dozen eggs, a quart of tomato puree, 3 bananas, and 8 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese.

What was interesting about this load is not so much what I carried but how I ended up packing some of it. I was on my way home from my sisters (and no, I did not consume a case of beer…just one) and did some errands, which included purchasing a few food items. I didn’t have one of my plastic crates with me that I usually use to carry loose items and the wooden box was already full. As I stood at the register I could see there were a few boxes behind the counter, so I asked if I could have one. “Um, no, you don’t want one of those…they’re dirty.” I told him I was carrying the food on my bike and it would make it easier…he in turn proceeded to triple bag the food items. Now I am not totally against plastic bags (OK, I am a little against them) but I try not to use them when possible…they just accumulate under my kitchen cupboard. At any rate, after convincing him that I didn’t want bags, and accepting the fact that he wouldn’t give me one of the “dirty boxes,” a carried the items in my arms out to the bike. On the way I came upon a couple cardboard boxes next to the building. They looked as if they were just emptied and did not appear to be dirty. It worked just fine.

>Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#215 & 216)…and a few comments regarding the seemingly never-ending adventure of carrying stuff on a bike.

>

#215 (pictured above)…

A wooden box containing, among other things, a few spare tools, an inner-tube, a small hand pump, and a spare jacket. Also, a case of Ellicottville Pale Ale.

The comment about this post is not mine but from someone else, and those are always a little better anyhow. On my way to my sister and brother-in-law’s house I stopped for a quick lunch at a taco place; I sat in the window and had the Mundo locked up outside (I wanted to be able to keep my eye on the beer). Anyhow, a young family sits at the counter next to me (mom, dad; two kids) and the man says, “Look at that bike…pretty cool.” To which the woman replied, “Honey, if we had a couple of those we could carry the entire family.” Barely hearing her (my assumption) he says in an almost low whisper, “…and it carries a full case of beer.”

#216 (picture below)…

A wooden box containing the same said ingredients above, but now also includes a pint of creosote remover, a tube of chimney putty, 4 paint brushes, and a stir stick. Also, a gallon of porch paint (on lower sidebar), a DVD (front rack), and a cardboard box containing 1/2 gallon of milk, a 1/2 gallon of juice, a dozen eggs, a quart of tomato puree, 3 bananas, and 8 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese.

What was interesting about this load is not so much what I carried but how I ended up packing some of it. I was on my way home from my sisters (and no, I did not consume a case of beer…just one) and did some errands, which included purchasing a few food items. I didn’t have one of my plastic crates with me that I usually use to carry loose items and the wooden box was already full. As I stood at the register I could see there were a few boxes behind the counter, so I asked if I could have one. “Um, no, you don’t want one of those…they’re dirty.” I told him I was carrying the food on my bike and it would make it easier…he in turn proceeded to triple bag the food items. Now I am not totally against plastic bags (OK, I am a little against them) but I try not to use them when possible…they just accumulate under my kitchen cupboard. At any rate, after convincing him that I didn’t want bags, and accepting the fact that he wouldn’t give me one of the “dirty boxes,” a carried the items in my arms out to the bike. On the way I came upon a couple cardboard boxes next to the building. They looked as if they were just emptied and did not appear to be dirty. It worked just fine.

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#214)…and a quick note.

A gym bag full of wet clothes, 3 pounds of apples, 4 pounds of dog food, and 2 slices of pizza.

My son was at his mom’s house this evening and I was home alone for dinner (except for the pugs). After working a rather hectic day and not wanting to cook for myself I stopped for a couple slices pizza. It was such a beautiful late-summer (nearly fall) evening that I wanted to take advantage of it so I sat on my front porch and ate while I listened to National Public Radio. It was idyllic…big clouds in a blue sky, about 70F. After eating the pizza and an apple and drinking a glass of wine, I poured another glass and shut off the radio to take it in. I wanted to be able to remember this weather 3 months from now when we will be in the darkest days of winter.

>Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#214)…and a quick note.

>

A gym bag full of wet clothes, 3 pounds of apples, 4 pounds of dog food, and 2 slices of pizza.

My son was at his mom’s house this evening and I was home alone for dinner (except for the pugs). After working a rather hectic day and not wanting to cook for myself I stopped for a couple slices pizza. It was such a beautiful late-summer (nearly fall) evening that I wanted to take advantage of it so I sat on my front porch and ate while I listened to National Public Radio. It was idyllic…big clouds in a blue sky, about 70F. After eating the pizza and an apple and drinking a glass of wine, I poured another glass and shut off the radio to take it in. I wanted to be able to remember this weather 3 months from now when we will be in the darkest days of winter.

A Great Example

I came across this short video at Streetsblog. It’s really a great example of someone trying (and succeeding, in my eyes) to make a difference. Not only is he an avid cyclist, but in the cafe that he owns he offers indoor (yes, indoor) bike parking. He also says he opened his cafe to support the local community. Cheers, Sal! The next time I make it to the Bay area I’ll be sure and support your business.

>A Great Example

>I came across this short video at Streetsblog. It’s really a great example of someone trying (and succeeding, in my eyes) to make a difference. Not only is he an avid cyclist, but in the cafe that he owns he offers indoor (yes, indoor) bike parking. He also says he opened his cafe to support the local community. Cheers, Sal! The next time I make it to the Bay area I’ll be sure and support your business.

Manufactured Totems

A few days ago a reader sent me a link to to this blog with images of these incredible feats of  human and mobile engineering (thanks Jeff!). They are part of a series titled Manufactured Totems by Alain Delorme. Beautiful and incredible at the same time. I particularly like the above image of all the car and motorcycle tires being carried by human power (ironic, right?)…the guy going by carrying a ladder on his shoulder is also a nice touch. To see more of the series, click here. To go to the artist’s website, click here.

>Manufactured Totems

>

A few days ago a reader sent me a link to to this blog with images of these incredible feats of  human and mobile engineering (thanks Jeff!). They are part of a series titled Manufactured Totems by Alain Delorme. Beautiful and incredible at the same time. I particularly like the above image of all the car and motorcycle tires being carried by human power (ironic, right?)…the guy going by carrying a ladder on his shoulder is also a nice touch. To see more of the series, click here. To go to the artist’s website, click here.

Sauteed Hot Peppers (Yum!)

In my seemingly futile attempt to consume the parade of hot peppers that still hang from their plants, today I sauteed some of the less-hot varieties (they were still hot enough to make my bald head sweat). I put more virgin olive oil in a pan than necessary and slowly cooked and basted the peppers (with the oil) along with onion and garlic, then seasoned them with fleur de sel (yes, salts do taste differently). I alternated tossing them in the oil and covering the pan with a lid to baste and steam them. Just before removing them from the pan I tossed in a large handful of really coarsely chopped basil…ate them on brown rice bread as a side dish with pasta with meatballs. Click here to see how to pickle peppers.

>Sauteed Hot Peppers (Yum!)

>

In my seemingly futile attempt to consume the parade of hot peppers that still hang from their plants, today I sauteed some of the less-hot varieties (they were still hot enough to make my bald head sweat). I put more virgin olive oil in a pan than necessary and slowly cooked and basted the peppers (with the oil) along with onion and garlic, then seasoned them with fleur de sel (yes, salts do taste differently). I alternated tossing them in the oil and covering the pan with a lid to baste and steam them. Just before removing them from the pan I tossed in a large handful of really coarsely chopped basil…ate them on brown rice bread as a side dish with pasta with meatballs. Click here to see how to pickle peppers.

Sidewalks and Streets

 Photo found here.

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of bicyclist riding in the street, opposed to on the sidewalk. To take it even further, I believe that bicyclists have the same rights (and responsibilities) as auto drivers…I’ve gotten into arguments over this. And I’d be a rich man if I had a penny for every time a person told me–either to my face or yelled out a car window–to get off the street. But on occasion I do ride on the sidewalks; not very often but occasionally, usually when I do not feel safe on the street. Tonight was one of those times. I had just gotten out of work, it was dark, the street is not well-lit, and cars on this stretch of this particular street treat it like a highway rather than a city street (there is actually street-construction in progress to reconfigure the closest intersection to slow traffic). The street is also one-way, so by traversing about 100 feet of sidewalk (in the opposite direction) I save about a half mile of going around a large city block. The sidewalk–which looks similar to the one in the above photo–is made of old slate. It’s cracked and buckled. Thus I was traveling about a mile an hour down this sidewalk…indeed a person could probably have walked faster than I was coasting. I was on my Dahon folder and carrying a few pounds of leftover beef on the handlebars for my dog’s dinner (scraped from half-eaten plates) . Anyhow, speaking of dogs, as I coasted past a guy walking a large poodle it lunges at me (many think these dogs are just cute, but they are exceedingly smart and can be vicious)…maybe it was the beef on my handlebars. At any rate, the dog’s teeth come a couple inches from my leg when the owner pulls hard on the leash…then he shakes his finger at me and says, “see, that’s what you get…you’re not supposed to be riding on the sidewalk.” I suppose he was right…but I was infuriated anyhow, mostly because he was telling me (here’s my ego kicking in) where I should-and-shouldn’t be riding…after all, I believe bicycles belong on the street not the sidewalk.  But something tells me his cute-but-crazy dog would have tried to have me for a snack whether I coasted past him on a bike or walked. I was flustered and angry at the same time…all I could muster, as I kept coasting, was, “do you know how many times people have told me to get outta the street (I never was very good at on-the-spot verbal responses). None-the-less, while my ego was little bruised I’m glad I made it home without a dog bite, but from now on I think I’ll stick to the street…even if it means going the long way around.

Image found here.

>Sidewalks and Streets

>

 Photo found here.

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of bicyclist riding in the street, opposed to on the sidewalk. To take it even further, I believe that bicyclists have the same rights (and responsibilities) as auto drivers…I’ve gotten into arguments over this. And I’d be a rich man if I had a penny for every time a person told me–either to my face or yelled out a car window–to get off the street. But on occasion I do ride on the sidewalks; not very often but occasionally, usually when I do not feel safe on the street. Tonight was one of those times. I had just gotten out of work, it was dark, the street is not well-lit, and cars on this stretch of this particular street treat it like a highway rather than a city street (there is actually street-construction in progress to reconfigure the closest intersection to slow traffic). The street is also one-way, so by traversing about 100 feet of sidewalk (in the opposite direction) I save about a half mile of going around a large city block. The sidewalk–which looks similar to the one in the above photo–is made of old slate. It’s cracked and buckled. Thus I was traveling about a mile an hour down this sidewalk…indeed a person could probably have walked faster than I was coasting. I was on my Dahon folder and carrying a few pounds of leftover beef on the handlebars for my dog’s dinner (scraped from half-eaten plates) . Anyhow, speaking of dogs, as I coasted past a guy walking a large poodle it lunges at me (many think these dogs are just cute, but they are exceedingly smart and can be vicious)…maybe it was the beef on my handlebars. At any rate, the dog’s teeth come a couple inches from my leg when the owner pulls hard on the leash…then he shakes his finger at me and says, “see, that’s what you get…you’re not supposed to be riding on the sidewalk.” I suppose he was right…but I was infuriated anyhow, mostly because he was telling me (here’s my ego kicking in) where I should-and-shouldn’t be riding…after all, I believe bicycles belong on the street not the sidewalk.  But something tells me his cute-but-crazy dog would have tried to have me for a snack whether I coasted past him on a bike or walked. I was flustered and angry at the same time…all I could muster, as I kept coasting, was, “do you know how many times people have told me to get outta the street (I never was very good at on-the-spot verbal responses). None-the-less, while my ego was little bruised I’m glad I made it home without a dog bite, but from now on I think I’ll stick to the street…even if it means going the long way around.

Image found here.

Coexistence

On the 9th anniversary of 9/11 I pray for not only the people lost in the tragic event and the grieving family members that were left behind, but also for our nation and the world as a whole. I truly believe that our only hope for self-preservation–opposed to self-annihilation–is to coexist with one another. So on this day I also pray for world peace.