The Boda-Boda of Uganda

This is a short and truly inspiring documentary about the Boda-Boda (bicycle taxis/couriers) of Uganda and Kenya. The documentary is available in 4 sections, the first being below (the entire documentary is for sale here). To view the remaining 3 sections click here. It was written/directed by Jason Morris, whose mother is a Christian Minister in Uganda. Mr. Morris helps local Ugandans build a better bike to carry people and other items. The entire video is maybe a little over 1/2 hour. I intended on just watching part 1 and ended up watching the entire documentary. I have to admit that my first reaction when watching this film was tinged with guilt…here I am feeling like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders some days and I own multiple bikes, including the load-bearing Mundo which these bikes resemble, and I also have a truck to drive if I don’t feel like pedaling in the rain (My cup runneth over)…sometimes, when I don’t remember to appreciate all that I have I feel like a spoiled middle-aged brat. I also found it interesting to watch the Boda-Boda inspect and test the new bike (video 3, I think). Bikes are their livelihoods and they know them intimately. Anyhow, it is a good (and short) documentary…and interesting enough to watch.

To learn more about the Boda-Boda, click here, here, or here.

>The Boda-Boda of Uganda

>This is a short and truly inspiring documentary about the Boda-Boda (bicycle taxis/couriers) of Uganda and Kenya. The documentary is available in 4 sections, the first being below (the entire documentary is for sale here). To view the remaining 3 sections click here. It was written/directed by Jason Morris, whose mother is a Christian Minister in Uganda. Mr. Morris helps local Ugandans build a better bike to carry people and other items. The entire video is maybe a little over 1/2 hour. I intended on just watching part 1 and ended up watching the entire documentary. I have to admit that my first reaction when watching this film was tinged with guilt…here I am feeling like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders some days and I own multiple bikes, including the load-bearing Mundo which these bikes resemble, and I also have a truck to drive if I don’t feel like pedaling in the rain (My cup runneth over)…sometimes, when I don’t remember to appreciate all that I have I feel like a spoiled middle-aged brat. I also found it interesting to watch the Boda-Boda inspect and test the new bike (video 3, I think). Bikes are their livelihoods and they know them intimately. Anyhow, it is a good (and short) documentary…and interesting enough to watch.

To learn more about the Boda-Boda, click here, here, or here.

Fond de Jambon

Ok…I’ll be the first to admit that this doesn’t look that appetizing when you look at it in a photo, but it is. It’s ham stock made with the the ham bone (and scraps) leftover from Easter dinner at my sister’s house (and yes, I actually took the ham bone that was about to be tossed out). I find it interesting that the French word for stock is fond,  translating to English as foundation, because it is the very foundation of cooking (especially soups and sauces)…pure flavor. As this simmered tonight the entire house was permeated with the delicious sweet and salty aroma of ham…there is split pea soup in my very near future.

>Fond de Jambon

>

Ok…I’ll be the first to admit that this doesn’t look that appetizing when you look at it in a photo, but it is. It’s ham stock made with the the ham bone (and scraps) leftover from Easter dinner at my sister’s house (and yes, I actually took the ham bone that was about to be tossed out). I find it interesting that the French word for stock is fond,  translating to English as foundation, because it is the very foundation of cooking (especially soups and sauces)…pure flavor. As this simmered tonight the entire house was permeated with the delicious sweet and salty aroma of ham…there is split pea soup in my very near future.

The Look of Devotion

A couple things. First, this photo really doesn’t have anything to do with Urban Simplicity other than I happen to be a dog lover. This is Maxwell, one of my pugs. I have always found the look that a dog gives his owner (alpha) truly incredible…it is nothing short of a look of unconditional love. And yes, I know, that unless you are a pug owner you may not appreciate their beauty…but this photo was just too beautiful not to post.

Happy Easter!

>The Look of Devotion

>

A couple things. First, this photo really doesn’t have anything to do with Urban Simplicity other than I happen to be a dog lover. This is Maxwell, one of my pugs. I have always found the look that a dog gives his owner (alpha) truly incredible…it is nothing short of a look of unconditional love. And yes, I know, that unless you are a pug owner you may not appreciate their beauty…but this photo was just too beautiful not to post.

Happy Easter!

Saint Ray

Photo copied from the U.S Secretary of Transportation 

No, I am not implying that Ray LaHood is a bona fide Saint (no more than each of us, mere mortals, I suppose). But what I mean by the title of this post is that finally (finally!) there is someone in the U.S government lobbying for equal rights for cyclists and pedestrians. Ray LaHood is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation (He and I also share the same ethnic heritage…German-Lebanese…not that that has anything to do with this blog, just thought I’d mention it). Anyhow, the following is a portion of his recent speech; it’s cut-and-paste directly from his blog. This is very exciting news. Thank you Mr. LaHood.


Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.
We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

  • Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
  • Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
  • Go beyond minimum design standards.
  • Collect data on walking and biking trips.
  • Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
  • Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
  • Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Now, this is a start, but it’s an important start. These initial steps forward will help us move forward even further

>Saint Ray

>

Photo copied from the U.S Secretary of Transportation 

No, I am not implying that Ray LaHood is a bona fide Saint (no more than each of us, mere mortals, I suppose). But what I mean by the title of this post is that finally (finally!) there is someone in the U.S government lobbying for equal rights for cyclists and pedestrians. Ray LaHood is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation (He and I also share the same ethnic heritage…German-Lebanese…not that that has anything to do with this blog, just thought I’d mention it). Anyhow, the following is a portion of his recent speech; it’s cut-and-paste directly from his blog. This is very exciting news. Thank you Mr. LaHood.


Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.
We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

  • Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
  • Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
  • Go beyond minimum design standards.
  • Collect data on walking and biking trips.
  • Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
  • Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
  • Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Now, this is a start, but it’s an important start. These initial steps forward will help us move forward even further

Penne with Asparagus, Garlic, and Olive Oil

This is/was delicious…and so simple to make. It’s a variation of one of my favorite pasta dishes Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil). Click here for an earlier post with instructions and pictures on how to make this dish.

Chickpea-Turmeric Bread

Yes…another bread experiment. This recipe is proof that you really can make bread out of what is at hand. Ever since I’ve discovered Ezekiel Bread I’ve really liked the flavor and texture of adding legumes to bread recipes (click here and here for previous posts on Ezekiel bread…with recipes), thus this is really just a variation of that recipe. In addition to honey and olive oil, I also added a can of rinsed chickpeas straight into the dough…no grinding or chopping, just straight in.

I also added a teaspoon of turmeric because it is an incredibly healthy spice. This small amount will not impart much of a noticeable flavor, but it does offer a beautiful yellow color (but the very mild flavor that is present from the turmeric marries perfectly with the chickpeas). The chickpeas, like the grains and beans in Ezekiel bread, mostly mash into the dough during kneading.

>Chickpea-Turmeric Bread

>

Yes…another bread experiment. This recipe is proof that you really can make bread out of what is at hand. Ever since I’ve discovered Ezekiel Bread I’ve really liked the flavor and texture of adding legumes to bread recipes (click here and here for previous posts on Ezekiel bread…with recipes), thus this is really just a variation of that recipe. In addition to honey and olive oil, I also added a can of rinsed chickpeas straight into the dough…no grinding or chopping, just straight in.

I also added a teaspoon of turmeric because it is an incredibly healthy spice. This small amount will not impart much of a noticeable flavor, but it does offer a beautiful yellow color (but the very mild flavor that is present from the turmeric marries perfectly with the chickpeas). The chickpeas, like the grains and beans in Ezekiel bread, mostly mash into the dough during kneading.

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#150)…with a few comments

A new ceiling exhaust fan.

This is my 150th post of Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike and I have a few thoughts going on in my head. One is that I really feel a lot of things can be carried on a bike…most of the things that can be carried in a car, but I bike it’s way more fun. At least I think so.

Another thought is how easy it is to do…especially with the nice weather rolling in. My newest toy is the odometer on my handlebars (pictured below). I haven’t had one of these in years and it’s a lot of fun. And after running some errands today I was surprised to see that I logged on almost 15 miles. I know that’s not a lot to some, but just doing basic errands around the city and not having to move my motorized vehicle I think it is a lot…and I was able to carry everything I needed (comfortably) on the bike. It was a beautiful day and doing errands on bike was no doubt way more fun than sitting on a couch in a metal box with a gas pedal.

The last thought is a little disheartening, I think. And it’s really more of a question than a thought. The question is I’m wondering if poor treatment against cyclists is getting worse or is it just my imagination. On this blog I try mostly to focus on the positive rather than the negative…but it just seems lately that I’ve been yelled at out car windows on a weekly basis (and even threatened once last week). Specifics aren’t necessary because I don’t want this to be an “us-against-them” conversation, and nor am I always proud of my reaction/response to these shouts/threats.  I just had to get this off my chest. Is this just me, or has it been worse lately. As mentioned in many previous posts I am not entirely car-free, I own a small pickup truck (which I don’t use that often), but I personally believe there are simply too many cars on the road today…there’s not enough room. My point is, I believe, that if my bike is my major means of transportation, and in many cases I pedal as fast as the car traffic shuttling from light-to-light, shouldn’t I have the same rights?

>Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#150)…with a few comments

>

A new ceiling exhaust fan.

This is my 150th post of Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike and I have a few thoughts going on in my head. One is that I really feel a lot of things can be carried on a bike…most of the things that can be carried in a car, but I bike it’s way more fun. At least I think so.

Another thought is how easy it is to do…especially with the nice weather rolling in. My newest toy is the odometer on my handlebars (pictured below). I haven’t had one of these in years and it’s a lot of fun. And after running some errands today I was surprised to see that I logged on almost 15 miles. I know that’s not a lot to some, but just doing basic errands around the city and not having to move my motorized vehicle I think it is a lot…and I was able to carry everything I needed (comfortably) on the bike. It was a beautiful day and doing errands on bike was no doubt way more fun than sitting on a couch in a metal box with a gas pedal.

The last thought is a little disheartening, I think. And it’s really more of a question than a thought. The question is I’m wondering if poor treatment against cyclists is getting worse or is it just my imagination. On this blog I try mostly to focus on the positive rather than the negative…but it just seems lately that I’ve been yelled at out car windows on a weekly basis (and even threatened once last week). Specifics aren’t necessary because I don’t want this to be an “us-against-them” conversation, and nor am I always proud of my reaction/response to these shouts/threats.  I just had to get this off my chest. Is this just me, or has it been worse lately. As mentioned in many previous posts I am not entirely car-free, I own a small pickup truck (which I don’t use that often), but I personally believe there are simply too many cars on the road today…there’s not enough room. My point is, I believe, that if my bike is my major means of transportation, and in many cases I pedal as fast as the car traffic shuttling from light-to-light, shouldn’t I have the same rights?

The Trike is on the Road Again

You may have read my post about the recently sold trike…it’s a good machine but definitely needed some TLC. The new owners are Andreea and Jason. When I sold it I asked them if they would send a photo or two of the trike when it was refurbished. Well the trike made a speedy recovery and is back on the road. Here’s photo of Jason flashing the peace sign while doing some serious grocery shopping. Thanks Jason; ride on.

>The Trike is on the Road Again

>

You may have read my post about the recently sold trike…it’s a good machine but definitely needed some TLC. The new owners are Andreea and Jason. When I sold it I asked them if they would send a photo or two of the trike when it was refurbished. Well the trike made a speedy recovery and is back on the road. Here’s photo of Jason flashing the peace sign while doing some serious grocery shopping. Thanks Jason; ride on.