By Michael, on May 14th, 2006
New Scientist published A future with no bananas? The genetic base of bananas has collapsed. Virtually all the world supply is based on one seedless variety that is propagated through cuttings. It is being threatened by pandemics of diseases such as that caused by the black sigatoka fungus. No more bananas? If that came to [...] . . . → Read More: Monoculture Bummer
By Michael, on May 10th, 2006
For many people spring arrives with the Salem Bicycle Club’s Monster Cookie ride. It’s the last Sunday in April so the weather can be anything. It’s an event ride I like to do expressly to say hi to bicyclists I’ve met over the years. This year for the second time I rode it with a [...] . . . → Read More: Monster Cookie Lessons
By Michael, on May 8th, 2006
Ever head of Peter Singer? Salon did an interview with him. This Q&A provided the first in a series of surprises. In your book you say that socially responsible folks in San Francisco would do better to buy their rice from Bangladesh than from local growers in California. Could you explain? This is in reference [...] . . . → Read More: The Practical Ethicist
By Michael, on May 7th, 2006
The waiter at waiterrant has a nice piece on food costs and foodies. . . . → Read More: Fresh Pasta?
By Michael, on May 5th, 2006
When it comes to wisdom vs. experience it’s a no-brainer that the collective experience of the community is way smater than you’ll ever be. So I have no shame is accumulating received wisdom on good cycling practices and products. In the area of great goods for long distance riding one can do a lot worse [...] . . . → Read More: Received Wisdom: Rainlegs
By Michael, on May 4th, 2006
Jessica Roberts of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance surveyed bicyclists about their perceptions of DUII Motorists. She graciously gave permission for me to reprint the results here. The text follows. If you’d like to read her original document it is available in MS Word or PDF formats. Bicyclist DUII Survey Prepared by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance [...] . . . → Read More: Bicyclists and DUII Motorists
By Michael, on April 29th, 2006
Last Saturday I rode until the knee pain loudly suggested stopping. During the week I’ve done recommended rehab on my knee: ice, ibuprofen, rest. Rest included three days of cycling. Each of those felt better. Now I’m going to set out and see how much better. Cindy stated “our approach to Yoga illustrates our approach [...] . . . → Read More: Trepidation
By Michael, on April 23rd, 2006
Set out on a ride. It was a beautiful day for cycling. Weather featured a clear and crisp morning with a slight wind from the north. The route started in Forest Grove looped back to Hillsboro and then set out for the Oregon coast on state highway 6. The slight breeze was a bit of [...] . . . → Read More: As you sow so shall you reap
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