Open letter to Google

Dear Mr Google,

First, let me say, your company is the best. I love Gmail, love Picassa, love the online documents, love, love the maps and what they do. That is why I am writing to you.

Your company is poised to take over. Microsoft is hampered by the anti-trust and Apple charges outrageous prices for their stuff. Whereas, Google, so far is free. Can't beat free.

Over a year ago I predicted that you, Mr.Google, would be in position to topple Apple. You serve the same populations, you are a cool company, your people look plenty geeky. So from my stand point, you are very similar to Apple. You make user friendly stuff. And you both do cool things.

I hear you have a prototype cell phone with your Google interface, turn by turn directions as part of the phone. Unlike the I Phone, that app cost $60.

You have taken map making to levels never dreamed of prior to computers. You have those nifty cars with cameras that go all over the globe. Unbelievable!

Google is in a great spot to do for cycling what all the cycling advocates cannot do. Make cycling mainstream. You are a green company, I see where you grow your own food for your cafteria. What better way to make an impact than to bring cycling to the forefront. There are many cycling advocacy groups, but nothing really that organized to make any kind of impact. With lots of biking stuff coming out of Google, folks would take notice.



Here are some suggestions Mr. Google:

1. Make the Google Map system GPS friendly, in that I could import my cues routes into Google Maps. That way I can do a search for stores, gas stations and what not along my cue route.

2. Overlay weather maps over your maps so that weather could be aligned with the streets. For example, I am in West Chester PA and I want to go to Lancaster to bike. I import my cue sheet from say My Bikely (Google should have a cue sheet making program, too ) and I can then overlay a weather map. Get instant weather reports for the roads I will biking on.

3. Using your broad network of gophers, have bike routes available as part of Google Maps. Again, such sites as My Bikely and Map my Ride have these. But the stuff is all over the network and many cannot find these resources.

4. List which roads are good for biking. Is it a 2 lane road, 4 lane road, busy with traffic etc.

5. Real time construction obstacles would also be handy. The local news stations do a lot of this stuff, so the technology is there, but not in a good place for folks to make use of.

6. Make the new phrase "googbike it" as mainstream as the phrase "google it"

Mr. Google, these are just some ideas, but I am looking for you and your company to take a stand and make cycling something that everyone would want to do. With more and more folks biking all over the place, the cities and towns would have to start accommodating this huge new population.

Thank you Mr. Google for taking the time to read my letter.

Libby

Westchester Guardian Article/Ken Jenkins.

A New Year...
SAME OLD CORRUPTION!

Having Investigated And Arrested Wilson Soto, The DA’s Office Must Now Deal With Ken Jenkins, A Far Greater Menace To Westchester Public Integrity

We were pleased to publish a press release issued by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday, December 17th, advising that Attorney Wilson Soto (D.O.B. 6/26/66) of 8 Huron Road, Yonkers, had been arraigned on a “Felony Complaint charging him with:

• One count of Offering A False Instrument for Filing, a Class E Felony;

• One count of Illegal Voting in violation of New York State Election Law, a Class E Felony.”

The arrest and arraignment of Mr. Soto came approximately 90 days following the September 15th Democratic Primary election in which he voted unlawfully, having issued a fraudulent Affidavit Ballot in support of his clients Jose Alvarado, candidate for re-election to the Westchester County Legislature from the 17th so called “Opportunity District” in southwest Yonkers, and candidate Wilson Terrero, seeking a seat on the Yonkers City Council from the 2nd Council District essentially contained within the 17th Legislative District.

Alvarado was opposed by Yonkers City Councilwoman Sandy Annabi, who was termlimited, and Terrero was facing Virginia Perez and two other candidates for the council seat Annabi was vacating.

It was tragically ironic that Wilson Soto should have been arrested and arraigned on December 17, 2009, the second anniversary of the senseless, brutal assassination of Virginia’s younger brother, Martin Perez. Perez was gunned down in a stairwell at 47 Riverdale Avenue in a botched robbery attempt as he was attempting to earn extra Christmas money delivering food from the former Emerald Diner across from Yonkers City Hall.

We were pleased that District Attorney Janet DiFiore chose to go forward with an investigation of Soto’s Election Fraud, having been supplied with a 76-page memorandum assembled by attorney Sam Abady, working on behalf of Sandy Annabi and Virginia Perez, and drawing upon information gathered from the two aggrieved candidates as well as affidavits from aggrieved voters, and, information gathered by, and reported, in The Westchester Guardian.

However, attorney Soto is clearly not the only individual involved in his acts of Election Fraud. County Legislator Jose Alvarado is deeply implicated. On Feb. 25, 2009, Alvarado had his first fundraiser at Wilson Soto’s home at 8 Huron Road. In his campaign finance filing with the State Board of Elections, Alvarado acknowledged a $1,000 campaign contribution from Soto, indicating Soto’s 8 Huron Road address. Nevertheless, Soto proceeded to fraudulently file his Affidavit Ballot on September 15 at the 15 Hamilton Avenue polling place, claiming to be domiciled at 279 South Broadway and proceeding to fraudulently vote for Alvarado and Wilson Terrero.

On October 5th Alvarado attended a celebration at Soto’s Huron Road home in honor of the seating of United States Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor. Yet, when interviewed by News12 on October 19, following Sandy Annabi’s submission of the 76-page memorandum to the Public Integrity Unit of the Westchester DA’s Office, Legislator Alvarado declared, “Mr. Soto lives at 279 South Broadway and has lived there forever.”

The simple truth is, Mr. Alvarado, who maintains his district office in Soto’s law offices at 281 South Broadway, no doubt paid for with County taxpayers’ funds, was well aware of the fact that he was lying.

Soto and Alvarado are far from the only individuals deeply implicated in the rampant Election Fraud perpetrated in southwest Yonkers on Primary Election day, September 15th. As previously addressed in The Guardian, over the past three months, there were many players, so-called poll workers who engaged in various Election Fraud schemes designed to perpetuate Alvarado’s tenure, and to elect Terrero by giving them the Democratic Party designation. As it turned out, despite all of the unlawful activity intended to defeat Annabi and Perez, Sandy lost the Primary by fewer than five votes and Virginia by fewer than 10.

As reported by The Guardian, immediatelyfollowing the Primaryelection, Yonkers Democratic Committee City Chair Ken Jenkinswas well aware of the unlawful efforts being made onbehalf of Alvarado and Terrero by persons appointed by him,and clearly did nothing to preventthem. Jenkins, with respect to voter fraud, would not be any part of the solution, but, rather, a major player in the problem.

Moreover, Ken Jenkins, the County Legislator, was engaged in his own very personal Election Fraud, precisely the same as Wilson Soto who has been apprehended and arraigned by the Westchester District Attorney’s Office; only Jenkins’ ongoing felony fraud was perpetrated not for the benefit of Alvarado’s or Terrero’s candidacy, so much as for his own.

In point of fact, Ken Jenkins, who has been seated in the 16th Legislative District for the past two years, has been there unlawfully having knowingly and willfully Offered A False Document To The Westchester Board of Elections December 18, 2006 for filing, having several times voted under that false registration and, having twice unlawfully offered himself as the Democratic candidate for County Legislator from the 16th Legislative District, where he knows perfectly well he does not live.

Mr. Jenkins is guilty of several more counts of Election Fraud than Wilson Soto, having voted in several general and primary elections since fraudulently filing three years ago; two of those elections unlawfully placing him in the County Legislature and lining his pockets with more than $100,000 of taxpayers’ funds.

As importantly, Ken Jenkins, by his flagrant abuse of power and unlawful manipulation of the electoral system, has been an intolerable, corruptive influence not only in the Yonkers Democratic Committee which he chairs and controls for many years, but also, as importantly, in the Democratic-dominated County Legislature where every one of the 16 other legislators has been aware that he does not reside in the district he purports to represent, and nevertheless, the 13 Democratic members now designate him their candidate for Chairman.

Again, we are pleased that the Westchester DA’s Office has done the right thing in pursuing the arrest and prosecution of Attorney Wilson Soto for his Election Fraud. However, we now urge that Office to thoroughly investigate the felonious Election Fraud of Ken Jenkins, whose corruptive influence both in Yonkers politics and on the County Board of Legislators, has been far more pervasive and damaging than that of Mr. Soto, and whose continuing flagrant fraudulent activities pose an incalculable threat to the integrity of the electoral and governmental processes in the County of Westchester.

January 1 - 12 noon C ride

IF the weather is decent, Biker Chicks will have a ride available leaving from Hot Foot at 12 noon sharp.

The A and B riders already have two rides up, so looking for some brave chicks. Check WCCC ride page for latest on cancellations etc.

An email Gem

an email gem, just some fun as here in the Northeast, it is below freezing, so biking is on hold for the time being :(



The Pastor's Ass
The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read:

PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered
the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day, the local paper headline read:

BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get
rid of the donkey.
The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:

NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The bishop fainted.
He informed the nun that she would have to
get rid of the donkey, so she
sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the paper read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the bishop , so he ordered the nun to buy back
the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.
The next day the headlines read:

NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
The bishop was buried the next day. The moral of the story is . .. being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery . . even shorten your life.
So be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!


MORAL of the story From Libby

Get on your bike and ride, forget what others think of you!!!!!

wondering about bike clubs

Who are the members of Bike Clubs?? Mostly A and B riders and men??an even mix of A,B, C and D riders?? club officers... do they come from the A and B groups or do clubs pull from each ride category?? do women join the bike clubs??

Why, what and why not??Post comments as to the makeup of your bike club. My own experience is limited. My club seems to have a huge amount of the A and B riders, with many many rides posted each week for these groups.

I have been trying for 3 years to expand the C and D groups and have had little luck. Yes, some new folks have taken up the sport but our numbers are very small compared to the rest of the club.

A fellow posted to my bike club's email list asking about an inexpensive entry level bike for his wife. I wonder what kind of bike the husband rides and did he buy an inexpensive entry level bike for himself?

Maybe he did, who knows??

How does your bike club stack up?? What are you doing to get new members in the C and D groups??

Do you even care if the slower riders are part of your club?? Looking for suggestions on how to get ladies riding and joining bike clubs.

New Year's Resolutions for Cyclists

1. Double your last year's biking mileage

2. Bike 3-5 times each and every week

3. Learn how to stand up when going up a steep hill

4. Cross train, do some other stuff besides biking, water aerobics, jogging for example

5. Go to someplace new to bike (I'm planning on biking in the state of Michigan this summer)

6. Bike across your entire state (my son is going from Phila to Ann Arbor MI this summer, which is damn, 3 states!)

7. Do a century ride

8. Keep track of the birds and wildlife you are lucky enough to see ( i spotted a beaver made dam on a creek last week, cool)

9. Join a bike club and meet new people

10. STOP telling yourself you are not good enough to take up the sport of cycling

11. Do a 50 -60 mile ride every weekend

12. Look good when biking, get some new clothes, SPLURGE for pete's sake

13. Upgrade your shoes and cleats, get road shoes and new cleats

14. Learn how to maintain your own bike

15. Change a tire without help

16. Stop doing long bikes rides on an empty stomach, EAT on your rides

17. Clean your drive chain every 200 miles

18. Buy a new bike ( I am!!)

19. Upgrade something on your bike

20. HAVE FUN enjoying your new sport ( I plan on it)

The Rational Dress Society and why Bike Chic still makes me mad

from the article I posted previously, this portion is most interesting......

"Bloomers provoked wrath in conservatives and delight in women cyclists, and the garment was to become the centerpiece of the "rational dress" movement that sprung up at the end of the 19th century. The rational dress society statement of purpose reads in part: The Rational Dress society protests against the introduction of any fashion in dress that either deforms the figure, impedes the movement of the body, or in any way tends to injure the health. It protests against the wearing of tightly fitted corsets, of high-heeled or narrow toed boots and shoes; of heavily weighted skirts, as rendering healthy exercise almost impossible.... (Dodge, 126) The bloomer quickly made a host of enemies, however, and many a bloomer clad women complained of being ridiculed, fined, and even treated "like a prostitute" by local authorities.(Willard, 94)."

got a comment via email from a reader....

"that other article was very interesting, i love the idea of the rational dress society for women,

when you think about it, much of our clothing is for the benefit of men- high heels, tight clothes, low cut shirts etc., to me no different than the burka for Muslem women- all for men ( men control religion), not for women"

My point exactly and I do think Bike Chic is a very good example of this comment above.

I really do not think any woman in her right mind would put on heels to ride a bike unless to attract the attention of men.

As much as we enlightened ladies like to think we are enlightened, I am not so sure we are. We buy clothes not for comfort but to look good for men.

For us old ladies who fought the hard fight to finally not have to wear skirts and dresses to school, who never even owned a pair of jeans until in our 20s (there were no jeans for women prior to the hippie movement), biking in a dress just takes us back 50 years to the time when we had to wear skirts all the time.

I know many say, liberation is picking whatever you want to wear, but truly, would you pick those short skirts, tight shoes and low cut tops if you were going out biking with just women.

I doubt it. Who designs all those ridiculous high heels.. Jimmy Choo (sounds like a man's name to me)??

If you want to bike to work, fine, but put on appropriate clothes, pants, sneakers and a sweater for example. You only let men control your clothing choices when you bike in short skirts and tight tops. I see no choice in your biking clothing selection, only a lady trying hard to wear what men want us to wear.

empowering women

was sent this via email, via a Tweet from Terry Cycles, interesting article and all the more reason you SHOULD be biking........

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG02/hendrick/women.html

The Possibility of Mobility: Women

Amongst the bicycles most important, and perhaps most enduring, legacies is its effect upon women's issues; indeed the mark the bicycle left upon gender relations in the 1890s is difficult to underestimate. One must remember that the America of years past was one of rigidly defined gender roles, with distinctly separate spheres of activity for men and women. The distinctions between the sexes were certainly as rigidly defined as ever in the years leading up to the 1890s--the years we popularly refer to as the Victorian era.

However, as the 19th century came to a close, women were gradually making headway into the male-dominated public sphere, through increased roles in education, social and political organizations. Perhaps as a response to the seemingly increasing potential for equality amongst the sexes, men begin to more and more delineate themselves in terms of physical prowess. Cycling, then took its natural place amongst football, baseball, and other male dominated spheres of activity. One can imagine the indignation, often expressed in terms of health or morality, that many a male felt when the woman was shown to be just as adept at handling the cycle as her counterpart.

Simply put, the bicycle allowed for movement into new spaces, literally and figuratively. The woman of the 19th century who had been given little opportunity to cultivate or express her autonomy now had a vessel with which one could not only develop autonomous power, but do so while leaving behind the old reliance upon men for travel. It's easy to see then, why Susan B. Anthony, women's rights advocate and future star of an ill-fated dollar, was to say that the bicycle had "done more to emancipate women then anything else in the world".(Willard, 90)

This emancipation came in many forms, and not the least of which was the casting off of the impractical clothing styles that had long kept women's bodies uncomfortably covered. The advent and the ensuing popularity of the safety bicycle, with its appeal to both sexes mandated that women cast off their corsets and figure out some way around their long, billowy skirts. The answer to the skirt question was to be found in the form of bloomers, which were little more than very baggy trousers, cinched at the knee. Bloomers provoked wrath in conservatives and delight in women cyclists, and the garment was to become the centerpiece of the "rational dress" movement that sprung up at the end of the 19th century. The rational dress society statement of purpose reads in part: The Rational Dress society protests against the introduction of any fashion in dress that either deforms the figure, impedes the movement of the body, or in any way tends to injure the health. It protests against the wearing of tightly fitted corsets, of high-heeled or narrow toed boots and shoes; of heavily weighted skirts, as rendering healthy exercise almost impossible.... (Dodge, 126) The bloomer quickly made a host of enemies, however, and many a bloomer clad women complained of being ridiculed, fined, and even treated "like a prostitute" by local authorities.(Willard, 94).

Rational dress aside, the bicycle, despite being heaped with scorn by outraged men, was consistently trumpeted by progressive women as a tool for increased freedoms. Indeed, many feminist tracts of the day frequently invoked the bicycle as a metaphor for increased self-control, with perhaps the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union Frances' Willard's How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle being among the most famous. Similarly, the author of Bicycling for Ladies, Maria Ward, bluntly notes that "Riding the wheel, our powers are revealed to us...".

It is precisely this sort of attitude, empowerment coupled with visions of an increasingly egalitarian future, that angered many men greatly. Simply put, the woman on wheels was a threat to the well ingrained system of practical inferiority that men had been taking advantage of for centuries, and outraged men were quick to point to the bicycle as a threat to the social order. The cycle, it was argued, would disrupt the delicate sphere of the family unit by allowing the woman to travel beyond her previous limits without the surveillance of a knowing husband nearby. The younger woman, too was vulnerable to a bicycle induced lapse in morals, for it allowed her to stray farther a field with members of the opposite sex during courtship.

The leveling effect acheived by the woman on the bicyle was so great that the coming of the automobile and subsequent demise of the bicyle can be though of as a major step backwards for women's empowerment.

December 25, 2009 Valley Forge Park

Nuf said

Westchester Guardian Article/Ken Jenkins.

Shameless Democratic Legislators

Ken Jenkins Nominated Chairman, Does Anybody Need A Better Argument For Abolishing The County Legislature?

Last week the Democratic members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators erased any doubt in the minds of taxpayers and homeowners as to just how corrupt they truly are.

For weeks, there had been speculation regarding who would be the Board Chair come January in light of Bill Ryan’s squeak-by victory over first-time challenger Bob Hyland in the November election. Tom Abinanti, Marty Rogowski, and Ken Jenkins were all mentioned as possible successors.

Having been tipped off by sources at the Journal News that former Congressman Joe DioGuardi and Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner would be holding a function at the County Center on Thursday, calling for the abolishment of the County Legislature, Chairman Ryan quickly put together an “initiative” dubbed Westchester Renewed. At a press conference in the Rotunda at the Legislature’s chambers on Wednesday, he surrounded himself with about 40 County employees, fellow legislators, and a few municipal officers including Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young.

Ken Jenkins was present, but tried to stay out of camera range ducking and dodging during the presentation. The Board had passed the much-debated County Budget by a 9-8 vote on Monday. Jenkins had cast the deciding vote, in favor. The Guardian had investigated rumors that Jenkins did not live in District 16 which he has represented for two years, and determined that he and his family, in fact, live in District 15, publishing its findings in the December 3rd issue.

We pointed out the fact that Jenkins actually resides on Bushey Avenue, and not Moultrie Avenue, providing photos of the dwellings in question. Additionally, we provided a copy of a December 4th, 2008 “Memorandum Of Legislation” on Mr. Jenkins’ Board letterhead, listing himself as sponsor of proposed legislation, the purpose of which he stated was: “Local Law to correct a boundary in Legislative Districts 15 and Legislate District 16 located in the City of Yonkers”; a virtual admission that he was not living inside District 16 and wanted the boundary line changed to accommodate him.



The Guardian also provided copies of his wife’s voter registration card, truthfully indicating the family residence on Bushey Avenue, dating all the way back to April 1988, as well as Jenkins’ re-registration card, filed December 18, 2006, falsely claiming that his domicile was at 28 Moultrie Avenue, a month after Andrea Stewart-Cousins was elected to the State Senate. We also provided the dialogue of a conversation with an actual resident of 28 Moultrie Ave., who made it clear that Ken Jenkins merely came to the dwelling to pick up his mail.

Given all of the above, and the fact that we had made certain that every member of the Board was aware of Jenkins’ “credentials problem”, and the fact that he was involved in the same kind of Election Fraud felony as Wilson Soto, we addressed Chairman Ryan at the press conference with the following: “Mr. Chairman, Richard Blassberg of the Westchester Guardian: While we think it is laudible that you have taken this initiative which will determine the nature of County Government in the future, we are concerned with how you will finance the current County Government?”

“It is our understanding that the County Executive’s Budget passed by just one vote, 9-8, and that, therefore, each vote cast in favor was a deciding vote, including the vote cast by Ken Jenkins, whose credentials have come under question, given the fact that he lives in District 15, and is representing District 16.”

“Mr. Chairman, we want to know how you intend to deal with the fact that, under the circumstances, with Mr. Jenkins not lawfully voting, any County taxpayer can now bring a likely successful suit to stop the passage of the budget because there was only an 8-8 tie vote.”

Bill Ryan responded that he would “only discuss questions directly related to his initiative.”

Wednesday evening, the 13 Democratic County Legislators, including Jenkins, meeting in caucus, decided that Ken Jenkins, a man each and every one of them knows does not live in the district he represents, and a man each and every one of them knows was deeply involved in the rampant election fraud in southwest Yonkers during the Democratic Primary election, was the best choice to be the next Chairman of the County Legislature.

Does anybody need a better argument for abolishing the County Legislature?

our government run amuck

Yippee, our Congress passed a huge porkulous bill masquerading as a Health Care Bill. The wheeling and dealing only points to how corrupt and useless our government has become. The few insurance laws I have heard about sound good but what is costing $871 BILLION dollars?? Are those funds helping poor folks get insurance??

Somehow I doubt that. Seems our legislators work only for power. How to stay in Congress, collect their huge salaries, lobbying gifts and great great benefits. All of this paid for by you and me.

It does not matter the party affiliation, our government has ground to a complete halt. When the only way to pass a bill is to bribe legislators, there is a big problem.

Now this $871 billion, where is it coming from?? How can government spend money it does not have?? I guess I am just plain dumb, cuz by spending $871 billion, my government is somehow gonna save the medical industry and bring costs down.

If this happens, I think we can say, we here in America, have created a miracle.

Mobile phone sales in Rockland County

$8.25 per hour + Commission + Bonus Commission is paid: $10 - $20 per contract
Company Description: Store Located in POMONA (ROCKLAND COUNTY)
Excell Mobile is one of the best National Authorized AT&T retailers in the country. We focus exclusively on AT&T products and services. Our primary goal is to create value for our customers and to meet all of their wireless communication needs.

We are currently looking for sales representative to be a part of a wireless sales team to assist new and existing customers with the purchase of AT&T wireless products and services as well as provide exceptional customer service. We provide a very comfortable and pleasant work environment. You must be a self-motivated, disciplined and enthusiastic individual. An aggressive attitude toward sales is necessary. We provide a comprehensive training program and a rewarding career path for high-performing achievers. Salary is paid on a per hour basis along with a very aggressive commission structure. If you are a motivated and self driven individual, this is a great opportunity to make good money.

Store Location: 14 Thiells Mt. Ivy Road
Pomona New York 10970
Job Requirements
-Must be 18 years or older
-High school education/equivalency and proficiency
-Fluent in English (FLUENT SPANISH SPEAKERS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND)
- Efficiency and punctuality. Arriving to work on time is a MUST!!!
-Excellent Communication, Organizational and interpersonal skills.
-Knowledge of wireless products is a great plus (NOT REQUIRED, WE WILL TRAIN)
-Computer proficiency and prior sales experience is a plus (NOT REQUIRED)
-Adapt and accept changes in a rapidly changing environment
-Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights & weekends

Sales Rep Will Be Responsible For:
-Meeting and exceeding set sales quotas on a monthly basis (Handsets & Accessories)
-Applying company principles and sales techniques to create new activations, upgrades of service, sales opportunities and enhanced services
-Maintaining professional interaction with both customers and fellow employees
-Demonstrating integrity and leadership characteristics including the ability to drive performance, multi-tasking and managing the operational aspects of your sales
-Maintaining a high level of customer service at all times
-Learning & understanding new product & service launch material
What We Offer

* Excellent compensation package (base pay & bonus)
* Ongoing training by seasoned professionals
* Opportunity for Advancement

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Akshay Mehta
Email Address: akmehta@xlmobile.us

snow and kids and adults

oops, not this kind of blizzard!!!!

Kids love snow, snow expands their day, snowmen, snow angels, snow ball fights, snow forts, and sledding. The possibilities of fun for kids is limited only by their imaginations.

Adults on the other hand, find their days contracted, stuck in the house, cannot get to the Malls, and for mothers mostly, additional laundry and cleaning of wet snow clothes.

For many adults, being forced to stay inside, also limits their social life. We cannot visit friends,and older folks have no social contact.

For adults, driving is treacherous, and emergencies become nightmares.

But for kids, all they see is the fun of the white stuff. My kids are grown, now I have dogs that I must walk and also play with in the snow. As dogs are like kids, snow simply expands their day and fun.

So for all the adults, try to find that inner child and enjoy the huge Nor'easter blanketing the northeast.

New Client! Fidelis Care of NY is hiring!

Fidelis Care is the New York State Catholic Health Plan, providing quality, affordable health coverage to children and adults in 48 counties statewide. The mission of Fidelis Care is to ensure that every resident, regardless of income, age, religion, gender, or ethnic background, has access to quality health care, provided with dignity and respect.

They are hiring for a variety of positions throughout Westchester & Rockland counties including jobs for Field Sales Reps, Retention/Recertification Rep, COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST, Supervisor Eligibility/Enrollment, Social Worker (LMSW), Director of Marketing.

See company profile.

New Site, New Media

Hello, friends.

It's been awhile since you've seen us in this space, though out in the real world we have been working hard on a number of things. We have been continuing to work locally for the Slow Food USA national initiative Time For Lunch, having eat in events and writing our congresspeople. We have been meeting with farmer's markets and local purveyors to help spread the word about Slow Food and plan slow food tasting events. And we've been looking ahead into 2010, planning movie nights, seminars, dinners, membership drives and picnics.

Another thing we've been doing is beefing up our online presence. To that end, we've decided to get our own dedicated URL:

http://www.slowfoodwestchester.org

We love blogspot and we're grateful for the chance it gave us to build a web identity. But now there are more things we need and want to do than we can do here. So, if you've come to this site to learn all about Slow Food and Slow Food Westchester, that's great, but click on the link above and find us at that new address. And if you're enough of a fan to have this page bookmarked, thank you! Thank you, but please update the link.

One more thing: we're on Twitter, too! Turns out Slow Food Westchester is too long for a Twitter handle, so we're:

http://twitter.com/SlowFoodWchstr

We love to get followed, and we follow back!

Thanks for visiting, and see you at the new sites.

Happy (slow) holidays,
Slow Food Westchester

when biking is a habit

start em young

1. when 30 degrees starts to look warm

2. when all your bookmarks are cycling sites

3. when your Christmas list is all bike gear

4. when you start selling old stuff on ebay to buy new bike stuff

5. when you get done with a ride in sub freezing temps and feel warm

6. when you plan your day around your ride

7. when it takes 15 minutes to dress for your ride and you don't care

8. when you consider selling your gold jewelery to buy more bike gear

9. when the first website you check in the morning is the local weather

10. when wind speeds of 15-20 mph do not look so bad and you plan your ride to bike into the wind and come home with wind at your back

11. when you spend your free time making new cues

12. when you smear Vasoline on your face to protect it from the cold and don't feel foolish

and the list goes on........

Libby's latest rant

To all joggers and cyclists, PLEASE take off the earphones while you are on the road! Holy moly, how do you expect to hear a car or another cyclist if you are plugged into the ipod?

How can you hear anything dangerous that might be coming your way?? how can you run along a busy road totally unaware of approaching cars or bikes??

Today while biking, I had a jogger out in front of me, as I approached, I yelled, "passing", the jogger nearly tripped over his feet as he was startled by the noise.

Especially troubling to me is a single woman jogger, out in the country, alone with earphones stuck to her ears. This is just so unsafe. Am I just an old fart who thinks this way??

Why would anyone run or bike on roads with cars on them and not be totally able to hear approaching cars, trucks or whatever?

Web developer job in Port Chester

MiMedia, LLC (www.mimediallc.com), is a venture-backed, rapidly growing tech startup and is seeking a highly experienced full time Web Developer who is interested in building the first personal cloud storage platform.

APPLY HERE >>

This position will report directly to the VP of Development and will be responsible for the development of our product Web-interfaces. Ideal candidates will have in-depth experience in a LAMP environment, be experts in HTML and CSS, and have in-depth experience with JavaScript, AJAX and Flash.

Responsibilities
- Develop our Web-based Personal Media Portal
- Work with designers to implement the UI Look and Feel
- Use SOAP to Interface with Supporting Systems
- Integrate the Portal with Leading Social Networks and Web Sites

Compensation
- $90k or Consummate With Experience
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madder than hell

This Biker Chick column has nothing to do with biking, but has plenty to do with children which I am passionate about.

Last week the Philadelphia Inquirer had a column by Annette John-Hall talking about the school violence being perpetrated on Asian students at a South Philly High School. Her column which I will post below was the best piece of reporting I have read in many many years. Finally an unbiased appraisal of an event with nothing but straight reporting. This quote being perhaps the best sentence in the piece.

"Still, it would have eased the students' hurt if, Ms. Ackerman, you at least genuinely showed that you cared.

It's bad enough that you waited four days to publicly respond to a gang attack at one of your schools. But it was even worse on Wednesday, watching you sit there dispassionately, as though you were listening to your voice mails, when students asked for an apology."

John-Hall has captured so clearly what it is like when you have to go to school to have a meeting with administrators. Unfortunately, Ackerman is not alone in her dismal response to a serious school problem.

This stone face showing no emotion is what many parents face constantly when attending IEP (individual education plan) meetings or when called to the office to discuss something their child has done.

John-Hall has restored my faith in newspaper reporting. Finally something in the paper that is straight reporting, no axe to grind, no side to support, just a clear clear view of what was going on. Her perception of Ackerman's response went beyond what most people see. John-Hall really saw what was going on and that was a dismissal by administrators of a serious problem.

Annette John-Hall: Weak response to school beatings

By Annette John-Hall

Inquirer Columnist

Beaten and still bruised, physically and otherwise - but here to tell about it - Asian students from South Philadelphia High met this week with School District administrators.

In one emotional testimony after another, they described the brutal beatings they endured a week ago in and near the school. The father of Chaofel Zheng raised his son's shirt to show a bruise from the assault, just in case the teen's black eye weren't evidence enough.

"I hope," Zheng said, "that security will put more care into us."

About 150 student supporters carried signs. But one sign said it all: "Grown-ups let us down."

Grown-ups like the cafeteria workers who allegedly turned their backs on the fighting.

And the security guards who made the victims leave school property - even though the students feared the walk home. And rightly so.

And the adult staffers at the school who allegedly made fun of them frequently.

They can add one more grown-up to the list.

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, I'm sorry to say.

Yes, I'm talking about you, Superintendent. Especially after your slow response and dismissive performance at the meeting in front of the hurt and outraged students - your students - and parents who hoped for more from you.

Since you were hired 20 months ago, you've said the right things. Made big pronouncements about how you were going to make your administration more user-friendly. Vowed to put the children first and make school safety a top priority.

And judging from the way you talked, it seemed that grown-up accountability - you know, the process of holding adults responsible for their actions or inactions - was the one thing you were committed to enforcing.

"We've got plenty of accountability for the students that we serve and not nearly enough for the adults who serve them," you said then.

So what did you say, Superintendent, when so-called responsible adults didn't intervene as a rogue group of African American students attacked Asian schoolmates so severely that many had to seek hospital treatment?

You linked the assaults to retaliation for an unwarranted attack off campus on a disabled black student by two Asian students the day before.

But how do you explain that these Asian students have been victimized for the last 18 months? Or that this time, random Asian students were targeted, as one community activist pointed out?

"We don't have to get into a back-and-forth about that," you responded.

Well, then. You know those sensitivity classes you're talking about?

Adult abuses

Chinese and Vietnamese students, some of whom have been here for only a few months and barely speak English, courageously described, in excruciating detail, how they've been relentlessly teased and taunted by adult support staffers. "Hey, Chinese." "Hey, Dragon Ball." "Yo, Bruce Lee. Where are you from? Speak English."

You don't have to wonder why 50 students have boycotted classes since Monday at a school where some adults allegedly condone such ignorant actions. I can't say I'd send my own kid back under those conditions.

We all know the problem can't be solved in a day.

Still, it would have eased the students' hurt if, Ms. Ackerman, you at least genuinely showed that you cared.

It's bad enough that you waited four days to publicly respond to a gang attack at one of your schools. But it was even worse on Wednesday, watching you sit there dispassionately, as though you were listening to your voice mails, when students asked for an apology.

You know, a simple but powerful gesture that says, " 'I'm sorry that this happened to you, I'm sorry for the slow response time, I'm sorry that we have not stood with you earlier,' " said Ellen Somekawa of Asian Americans United.

Which is the human thing to do.

But how did you, the chief executive officer of the Philadelphia School District, respond?

With silence. Defensive, deafening silence.

And then, you didn't take questions afterward.

Finally, an apology

At least School Reform Commission Chairman Robert Archie took the cue and apologized to the students "on behalf of the SRC."

Look, Dr. Ackerman. I realize you've taken some action - hired an outside investigator, increased security, suspended some of the kids involved, and put together a task force to get to the root of the problem. It's no more than any good administrator would and should do.

And you do recognize the problem is bigger than South Philly High. You said it yourself. The violence "is only the symptom of a more serious problem which has its roots in racism. . . . It is the proverbial elephant in the room."

Most leaders would not have been so forthright.

But you have to realize that all of the investigative findings, sensitivity training, and task forces for racial and cultural harmony won't quickly solve the problems at a persistently dangerous school where violence is up 32 percent under a new principal.

And that's violence against everyone - black, white, Latino, and Asian.

It takes a bold pronouncement on your part, a swift apology on behalf of the district and an unwavering vow that any kind of violence against any of your students will not be tolerated, to send a universal message, one understood in any language.

You shouldn't have to have your hand forced before you take that stand.

Just think if it had been one of your children.

I hate Walmart

This guy is kidding, really???

If anyone has ever bought anything at Walmart and had a good experience, I would like to meet that person. I have been into Walmart about 5-8 times in my whole life and each time, it was a disaster. Nothing in stock, huge, huge aisles and long waits in the checkout lines. No one in the store is around to help and if you find someone, they have no clue where your item is.

The worst part of Walmart is the online page. Yesterday,I go to the online webpage and look up Blue Disc players. I find a Phillips for $128. I do a store check and my Walmart has it in stock.

I get in my car and drive to Walmart. I find my item and it is $178 in the store. Why? I ask the clerk, he says, don't know, sometime stuff on the Net is cheaper and sometimes it is not.

I said, "well how is a person supposed to know this?", he shrugs and moves on.

This is ridiculous, how can the store advertise one price and then not sell the item at that price?

So I will continue to hate Walmart and wonder who shops there and why. oh yeah, the line to return items was at least 20 people long and they had one lady trying to help all these folks.

I left the store, vowing to never enter another Walmart again.

Westchester Guardian Article/The Advocate/Richard Blassberg/Andy Spano.

Republican County Legislator George Oros Declares Spano’s Last-Minute Contracts “A Kick In The Teeth To County Taxpayers”

Last Monday afternoon, retiring Republican County Legislator, Minority Leader George Oros, held a press conference at his law office in White Plains to blast outgoing County Executive Andy Spano for what Oros called “A 2010 Budget filled with land mines and rewards for Spano’s campaign contributors, especially law firms.” He told reporters, “Republicans are calling for a moratorium.”

Oros commented paranthetically, “I’d love to see the budget that would be there if Spano had won.” He went on, “We must bring State, County and Municipal people together. We can achieve real economies of scale. People just can’t take it anymore.”

Oros stressed that, for years, he had called for “reform of the Board of Acquisition and Contract,” but that, on November 24, “the A&C Agenda included a handful of multimillion dollar, multi-year contracts.”

The so-called “11th Hour Contracts” include:

• $2.7 million to various law firms, all of which have been big contributors to Spano’s campaigns to perform of counsel legal services;

• $12 million for Westhab to operate homeless shelters;

• $4 million for security systems integration at the County Jail;

• $900,000 for a fence at Rye Playland.

The Board of Acquisition and Contract consists of three members, the County Executive, and his appointed Commissioner of Public Works, as well as the elected Chairman of the Board of Legislators. In effect, the County Executive, through his appointee, retains the power to pass any contract or long-term lease by his control of two out of three votes.

Oros told reporters, “The Spano Administration wants to tie Mr. Astorino’s hands and make it much harder to achieve the goals the overwhelming majority of voters chose him to accomplish.” He went further, stating, “This is not the way a county executive who has served 12 years should go out the door.”

Oros went on, “Voters spoke loud and clear in the last election that they were tired of business-as-usual in Westchester County government. It’s time for Mr. Spano to step aside and let a breath of fresh air come in.”

Asked if he was, in fact, still pushing for A&C reforms, Oros said he would “like to see the County Budget submitted before Election Day, as well as the use of zero-based budgeting.”

Under zero-based budgeting, every proposed expense, every purchase, every position in County Government, is re-evaluated in terms of developments since the prior budget to determine whether the position, the purchase, etc., is still justified and necessary going forward or, if, for whatever reason, that expense may need to be increased or possibly cut back, or eliminated altogether. Under such budgeting practices, the tendency to fund unneeded positions and expenses is greatly reduced, and duplication of services and acquisition of unnecessary materials and leased space are more easily identified and eliminated.

Oros went on to say, “Spano is frustrating the will and the sentiment of the taxpayers with $30-40 million of 11th hour expenses. We should put those items on hold and give the new administration a change. He owes it to the voters, but he really doesn’t care what they think.”

As if to confirm George Oros’ assertions, on Wednesday, just 24 hours after the press conference, the Guardian received a “Letter to the Editor” from a County Government employee (see page four, “Spanocrat Going to County Board of Elections.”)

We were gratified that the reader had adopted the title ‘Spanocrat’, coined by The Advocate several years ago to describe those party insiders whose attachment for financial selfenrichment, to Andy Spano and Company was much more compelling than their commitment to Democratic principles and practices.

why bike in cold weather, no I am not an idiot!

Went out today, it was 37 degrees but NO wind, surprisingly it was very nice out there. We did 22 miles but could have done more as we were not cold. To know what to wear in cold weather takes practice. It is easy to overdress as well as underdress.

The more you go out and if you make note of the temps and the wind speed, the better able you are to dress right.

I know I have spoken about the Gore Windstopper jackets, these are INVALUABLE for winter biking. These jackets can make you warm in cold weather. They hold in the body heat and keep out the wind. Today I just had my jacket and bike jersey. Now I am cold tolerant but the Windstopper is just such a great bike item for winter biking. I bought one for me and one for my son and found them on the Net at great prices but look early fall or late spring for the best buys.

I also have recommended getting foot and toe warmers, buy a decent brand. I did splurge on the UnderArmour gloves I found at Sports Authority and they have proven well worth the $25 price tag.

But so far this winter, 37 and no wind is very doable and actually makes for a pleasant ride if winter-geared up right.

Plus biking in cold weather makes you feel so good, you feel strong and powerful when on the roads and it is cold. You pass a few other hardy souls on bikes and you always get a wave. Not so true in warm weather.

It is exhilarating and fun and adds another dimension to your biking. Since it requires good winter gear, start this year and buy some of it. Then next fall look for your Gore Windstopper and be ready to bike in the winter.

Goal this winter is too see how low we can go. Most likely will hit the wall if below 30 but we shall see.

Latest jobs in Westchester

Part-time Administrative Assistant

Westchester, NY

Merritt Staffing

Accounting Clerk

White Plains, NY

Vanguard Temporaries/Westchester, Inc.

Executive Receptionist

Greenwich, CT

Mary Bolger Personnel

Market Research Analyst with IT skills

White Plains, NY

B2B International USA Inc

Insurance/Billing Assistant

Elmsford, NY

Elmsford Chiropractic

Biker Chick Party/Meeting

WHEN: December 13 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE: my house, 206 E Virginia Ave, google it

WHAT: looking for ride leaders for C+, C and C- rides

WHY: we need more leaders, only fair thing for me

I have been at it for 3 yrs, looking for folks to volunteer to lead rides, you only have to step up 1-3x per season, so that is not hard. I sometimes feel like the lady above. I NEED HELP.

Find a few Saturday mornings where you can lead a ride.

Brian's Run

Brian's Run, in its 33rd year of running came by my house this year. Lots of fun for us folks who live in town. The big shirtless kid is my son and looks happy. The one empty frame was the first place guy, he went by too fast and I missed him!

You Walk Wrong

This shoe and the stilettos and Adidas sneakers on the subsequent pages are trompel'oeil paintings applied directly to the feet. Nice as they look, you can't buy them.
Makeup by John Maurad and Jenai Chin.

(Photo: Tom Schierlitz)

Read more: How We're Wrecking Our Feet With Every Step We Take -- New York Magazine http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/#ixzz0Yin1ZmV3


My son has bought these shoes, Vibram Five Fingers and loves them. The above shoes are done with make up as this sytle has not yet been made. Check out the link to Vibram to see the styles that are available.

My son is doing Brian's Run in his Five Finger shoes. His running form improved dramatically once he started running in the Five Fingers.

Westchester Guardian Article/Ken Jenkins.

Back on Sept. 15th, during, and immediately after, the Democratic Primary between incumbent 17th District County Legislator Jose Alvarado and challenger Sandy Annabi, and the Primary for City Council District 2, Democratic designation, involving Virginia Perez, Wilson Terrero, and two other candidates, we had expressed our disappointment with the behavior of Ken Jenkins. Responding to calls from poll watchers throughout southwest Yonkers, we came upon numerous instances of Election Fraud, at various polling places, intended to benefit Alvarado, Terrero, Janet DiFiore, and Tim Idoni, the Democratic Party designees. In some cases we arrived at polling places within a few minutes of Jenkins’ departure, as in the case of 15 Hamilton Avenue, a polling location in a senior housing complex.

At that site, we had observed an individual who other poll workers complained had steered voters to Alvarado and Terrero, as well as having voted numerous times for them herself, in addition to electioneering within the polling place and wrongfully interrogating supporters of Annabi and Perez as to whom they would be voting for before turning them away on one false ruse or another. We expressed disappointment with the fact that Jenkins, Yonkers City Democratic Chairman, had done absolutely nothing to report or stop the fraudulent activities.

Running without Republican or other opposition for reelection to the 16th District legislative seat, Jenkins would be Alvarado’s and Terrero’s running mate, and, wasn’t going to let a little thing like numerous instances of reported Election Fraud; the turning away of voters who were qualified to vote, the intentional jamming of opponents’ levers in the machine, electioneering right into the voting machine, reported unauthorized voting at different polling places, and the like, to get in the way. As chairman of the largest municipal Democratic Committee in the County, and likely the third largest in the State, exclusive of New York City, Ken Jenkins saw no reason to curtail the unlawful activity on Primary Election Day, nor any reason to investigate the many complaints raised by affidavit by decent, honest Democrats in Yonkers who had been “run over” by Alvarado and Terrero operatives and poll workers selected by Jenkins.

Jenkins had nothing to say when The Guardian exposed attorney Wilson Soto’s felony Election Fraud, his falsely swearing on an affidavit ballot that he lived at 279 South Broadway, Yonkers, when, in fact, he lives at 8 Huron Road, several miles away. Jenkins has no problem at all with politicians and political operatives claiming they live one place when, in fact, they live somewhere else.

After all, he lives at 108 Bushey Avenue with his wife and children, a single-family dwelling clearly in the 15th Legislative District, but claims he lives at 28 Moultrie Avenue, a multiple dwelling in District 16 where, incredibly, he is the legislator. Apparently little fibs like intentionally falsely swearing on voting affidavits don’t really matter much to Legislator/Party Chairman Ken Jenkins, even though doing so is a felony.

It isn’t as though Jenkins was ever unaware of the fraud he has been perpetrating ever since he decided he would be the one to replace former County Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, when she moved into the State Senate after beating Nick Spano in November 2006 for a second time, having beaten him in 2004 by 355 votes, but getting screwed out of her victory by the combined efforts of such Democrats as Andy Spano, Larry Schwartz, Reggie LaFayette and, yes, Ken Jenkins, who never so much as spoke out on her behalf. He knew, as Yonkers City Chairman, he would get to replace her the next time she ran, and the Justice Department saw to it that Nick and his hoodlums, and Democratic co-conspirators, would do nothing to risk a stretch in federal prison.

No, it isn’t as though he hasn’t tried to gerrymander part of the district he actually lives in, District 15 into District 16 so that District 16 would include the street he has been living on for years with his family. In fact, almost a year ago, on December 4, 2008, he made a feeble, half-hearted attempt with a memo to his fellow legislators, “To correct a boundary in Legislative Districts [sic] 15 and Legislative District 16, located in the City of Yonkers.” Apparently, later he thought it was better not to bring attention to his ongoing fraud because the issue was never brought to the floor for action, as far as we can tell.

A visit to the Board of Elections last Monday, November 23, produced copies of Ken’s and Mrs. Jenkins’ voter registration cards. Deborah Hudson-Jenkins’ registration, that dates back to April of 1988, clearly indicates that she lives on Bushey Avenue in Yonkers. However, Kenneth W. Jenkins’ voter reregistration, filed on December 18, 2006, following the election of Stuart-Cousins, indicates that he had moved from 108 Bushey Avenue, and was now living at 28 Moultrie Avenue, inside Legislative District 16.

A visit to 28 Moultrie Avenue to photograph it on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1pm, produced an interesting exchange with an actual resident of that apparent multiple dwelling. We photographed the building by getting out of our vehicle, walking up in front of it, and conspicuously shooting pictures.

Getting back into our car, we continued slowly north, up the street to its end and turned around. Approaching the house from the opposite direction we observed a tall, middle-aged man stepping out into the street, attempting to hail us down. We pulled up to speak with him.

He asked, “Why were you taking pictures of the house?” We told him that were with the Westchester Guardian newspaper and we were taking pictures of the houses where County officials live.

We asked, “Does Ken Jenkins live here?” The gentlemen replied, “Yes, he do; he gets his mail here.”

We asked, “Do you live here?” pointing to house number 28. He responded, “Yes.”

We then asked, “Does Kenny live here with his family?” He then said, “He comes here with his family.”

Ken Jenkins would appear to be carrying on a major scam with regard to his domicile address for political purposes for nearly three years now, having put himself, by virtue of his chairmanship of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, into the former County legislative seat of now-State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. He apparently reasoned that nobody would be the wiser if, despite actually living for many years on Bushey Avenue in Legislative District 15, he simply filled out a new voter registration card indicating that was living at 28 Moultrie Avenue, in District 16, and arranged to have his mail delivered there where he might pick it up.

Of course, a year ago, when the scam was apparently becoming known to some he was concerned about, he produced the brief memo regarding the need to change the boundary line. In other words, boundary lines and rules are for other people, not for a powerful chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee.

Given his recent overtures with respect to the Chairman’s position on the Board of Legislators, we say, “Not so fast, Mr.Jenkins!” If 28 Moultrie Avenue in Yonkers is not your domicile address, the place where you actually live, then the voter registration card you filled out and signed on December 18, 2006 involved an act of fraud when you knowingly swore to, or affirmed, that false statement, and you have committed a felony for which, under statute, you should be “fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed for up to four years.” However, as importantly, you should be immediately stripped of your legislative post upon confirmation of your failure to meet the residence requirements in the 16th Legislative District and made to return all salary and stipends fraudulently gathered over the last, nearly, three years.

GOAL - 5000 miles for 2010

Setting my biking miles goal for 2010 at 5000 miles. Now up north here, we do have winter and if it snows, I am doomed to accomplish this goal.

But nonetheless, setting the goal. And living in Chester County means I do have to lots of those miles climbing up hills. My weekend rides will be around 50 miles and the weekday rides can be shorter. Will need 3 - twenty mile rides per week to get to this goal.

Who wants to join me?? I will have almost 2500 for this year but I now have a biking partner since my twenty something son is now living at home. He is almost at 7000 miles for this year despite fighting some illnesses that way laid him for some months.

So those of you sitting at home not biking, WHY NOT???

why having women on bikes can help a community

How to Get More Bicyclists on the Road is a great article about why it is important to get women on bikes and on the roads. Also today the Bicycle Coalition of Philly links to great video about this issue as well.




Why should we even care if women bike? Apparently if women are on the roads it is a good thing for biking for everyone involved.

I recently posted an article about bike chic and the post generated tons of interest across the globe. I was being derided in many countries about my stance.

Put a lady in heels on a bike and voila, the men are interested. If a cute chick rode in heels on her bike around my area here in Pennsylvania, cars would crash trying to get a glimpse of her

We are not as evolved as Copenhagen where bike chic is an everyday thing. But in reality, it says a lot about Copenhagen and its ability to make women feel safe on a bike. If women can jump on their bikes in sexy gear and still get to where they want to get to, this community is definitely bike friendly.

We are nowhere close to this in PA, heck, any time I am on my bike I am at risk of getting run off the road by a motorist.

But from what I have read, getting chicks on bikes does a community good. If ladies feel safe on a bike, that community is doing something right.

Most biking stores and bike clubs in my area are geared to the guy and his bike. Men work in these stores, men are the mechanics and men do all the fitting. Bike clubs post tons of rides for the elite riders, my club lists anywhere from 5-10 rides per week for elite riders. The one C ride I list is it for women wanting a slower ride where they feel safe.

But these elite riders according to the Scientific American article do not make biking more prevalent in a community.

from the SA article linked above....

"Women are considered an “indicator species” for bike-friendly cities for several reasons. First, studies across disciplines as disparate as criminology and child ­rearing have shown that women are more averse to risk than men. In the cycling arena, that risk aversion translates into increased demand for safe bike infrastructure as a prerequisite for riding. Women also do most of the child care and household shopping, which means these bike routes need to be organized around practical urban destinations to make a difference."


This risk factor of fear is often not understood by the male cyclist. The men pride themselves on speed and risk, it is just who they are. Bike stores and bike clubs need to understand this in order to get women riding. And from what I can see in my area, this is not happening.

Bike stores should get women working in them, bike clubs should be promoting rides that encourage women to take up bike riding. If we want biking to become a commonplace activity, we need women doing it. It seems having women on bikes says more about a community than seeing a group of guys on bikes. Sorry guys!

Verizon Wireless has retail jobs in this region

We’re looking for someone with serious ambition, who has what it takes to close sales, beat quotas and rack up commissions. It’s best if you have at least 1-2 years of sales experience in a commission environment; a college degree and bilingual Spanish skills are a definite plus.

In return for all of your efforts, we’ll be very proud to offer you comprehensive benefits that are truly Total Rewards, including: award-winning training, a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision from day one, 401(k), work-life programs, phone discounts, generous tuition assistance, and limitless opportunities for advancement.

Available in Westchester & Rockland counties.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS & APPLY

Sales Assistant/Proposal Coordinator job White Plains

People make the difference at BenefitMall, the nation’s largest general agency. We work with independent insurance Brokers who sell employee benefits products to businesses nationwide. At BenefitMall, we view ourselves as an extension of each Broker’s support team. We provide Brokers with local market expertise, product price quotes, client proposals, enrollment support and ongoing client services.

Position: Sales Assistant - Large Group Proposal Coordinator

Due to our continued growth, our White Plains, New York office is interviewing for a sales assistant. This position will be part of our Large Group Department supporting our Sales Representatives. The Large Group Proposal Coordinator will prepare quotes and assist Brokers and Sales Reps with information as needed. This position may provide administrative support to others as well.

Responsibilities:

Generates proposals using various internal software and transmits to broker.

· Prepares quote requests (RFP’s)

· Responds to inquiries and requests from agents, brokers and/or carrier representatives.

· Prepares and transmits client presentations and quotes.

CLICK HERE FOR REQ's and APPLY INSTRUCTIONS

the cue of all cues

Cue of all cues, click here for link. DROP DOWN the SHOW menu on far upper left to view CUE.

This cue is approx 42 miles depending on where you start in the boro. From Hot Foot about 40 miles. The cue follows a creek for about the entire ride. This is such a great ride, almost flat yet scenic. On many back roads, and we pass the Kennett Y for bathrooms, Landhope for food, and a bike store and food stores on Rt 52/Kennett Pike.

Creek Ride to Delaware

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

the disconnect is too large to ignore

I read this letter (below) to the Editor in the Philly Inquirer this morning and found that this letter just about sums up the biking and car fight going on in all parts of the country today where cylists and cars share the same space.

This attitude of cyclists thinking they are right and motorists thinking they are right has not changed in many years. A cyclists gets hit by a car, car's fault, a motorist is hindered by a bike, cyclist's fault. I have never seen a discussion where someone actually looked at the accident from both sides. Who really was at fault?? and what can be done to prevent it again??

There is no planning anywhere except a few cities such as Portland and Boulder. In cities in the "rust belt", there is little planning and if there is, it is not with cars and bikes in mind. One side pushes its agenda and the other side pushes its agenda.

I was biking on rt 52 in Delaware this morning riding along this rather busy highway in a nice bike lane. I get to the Pennsylvania border and voila, no more bike lane.

I do think bike lanes along heavily traveled roads are a good idea. A nice wide shoulder is all it takes to lessen the anger between motorist and cyclist.

The disconnect between motorist and cylist had made no progress at all over the years. Read the letter below to see an interesting point of view.

City bike lanes were ill-conceived

Although the dedicated bike lanes in the city were well-intentioned, they were ill-conceived. Very few people are foolish enough to actually use them. They are dangerous for the bicyclist, pedestrians, and drivers - who have accidents trying to avoid the bicycles.

Technically, almost all drivers break the law whenever they make a right turn across the bike lanes. But what is the alternative? The laws regarding turns over a bike lane - if there are any - are vague and unenforceable for practical reasons.

As more and more people join the foolish few who ride their bikes in city traffic, it is inevitable that more people will get killed or injured. You can blame the driver, the cyclist, weather, pedestrians, or anyone else, but the real blame should go to the myopic-minded folks who approved this blunder.

Center City traffic is already horrible during commuter hours. Apparently it made sense to our city planners to spend a bundle of taxpayer money to take one lane away from cars and create a lane that very few people use.

Vernon J. Linder

Perkasie

me,me,me and more me

Our Thanksgiving table discussion lead to talking about bikers and cars and who is right when it comes to using the roads.

Most thought the bikers had the right of way, deserved to be on the roads and the cars should just wait. Bikers have every right to be on the roads and if cars are behind the group, too bad, just wait to pass.

But that is where the discussion turned, cuz at that point, the car passing is now in a predicament of being in an unsafe position, being forced into the oncoming lane.

So who is right?? I was biking with my son the other day and he really kicked it up into high gear and zoomed past me. I saw first hand just how fast the elite riders can go on their bikes. I cannot imagine trying to pass a large group of these elite riders. Not only would it be difficult, it would be dangerous for the car.

It would certainly put a car at risk trying to pass this group. The bikers tend to forget this part of the problem. All I hear are bikers talking about getting buzzed and this or that damn car speeding past them.

All the talk in Philadelphia now is about ticketing bikers for riding on sidewalks, not stopping at stop signs and more. The bikers are outraged.

But is that outrage justified?? I lead a group of riders, we are not elite riders, we are what is called the C riders. Our groups are not large and I make every effort to watch for cars and do all i can to make passing us easier. I have even pulled over so cars can get around us without having to put themselves in the oncoming traffic lane.

The cyclist tends to think only in terms of himself on the road and his right to be there. But I hear little about how hard it is to pass a cyclist on the road. I think every cyclist riding in a large group should stop and think about what it takes to pass a group like this.

It is not always me, me, me and more me. Maybe it should be more of us, us, us. How to make cycling safer for the cylist and the car?

that had better be God on the other end

To all reading this blog, please please do me a favor, STOP driving, biking or walking with your cell phone attached to your ear.

Today I watched a lady talking on her cell while walking, well she was so engrossed she walked right off the curb into an oncoming car. The car was an emergency vehicle (not on an ER call) and I think he anticipated the stupidity of this lady.

He laid on his horn so hard the lady fell over, still attached to her phone, she gets up and keeps going, still attached to the damn phone.

This lady was walking while talking on her phone and still could not concentrate enough on that simple skill. Can you imagine how IMPAIRED you are if driving or biking and talking on a cell phone? Yes I have seen cyclists talking on the cell.

So unless God has called you while you are driving or walking or biking, put down that phone before YOU KILL me and anyone else in your path.

Who are you talking to any how?? who is so important that you are willing to risk the lives of yourself, your kids if in the car and the other folks who cross your path?

DO me a favor and GET OFF OF THE ROAD. I cannot think of anyone on the phone other than GOD that would warrant you answering the stupid phone.

passed the 2000 mile mark and next season's plans

Even though I was out for sometime with knee surgery last winter, I did manage to bike so far for this year, 2100 miles. Recommend Bike Journal to track your miles.

These are all Chester County miles and done mostly with the Chicks. So if you have not done this many miles, you have missed ample opps to do so. I am the 3rd highest ride poster in the West Chester Cycling Club.

Next year I am hoping to double those miles if the winter is not too brutal. First local area sponsored rides will be the Chester County Cancer Ride and Pedal to Preserve. Both are 50 miles and both are quite nice. The CCCR is challenging but doable, remember, if I can do it, anyone can. This ride takes place at the end of May and starts right at the Cancer Center on Marshall Street. Pedal to Preserve is the first Saturday in June and is one nice FLAT ride. Both rides tend to be small, so they are not over crowded and are close to home.

So if your bike needs repairs and upgrades, now is the time to do it. I recently needed a new bottom bracket for my bike. I went to the West Chester Bike Line. I know many folks bad mouth Bike Line, but the fellows at this Bike Line have been there for a long time. The mechanic is top notch. They fix your bike promptly. They are friendly. I highly recommend this shop.

way off topic but a rant nonetheless

I was watching George Stephanopoulus this morning on ABC. He always has a good panel with good discussion.

But today, one of the panelist, got me so mad I am compelled to write about it and complain. Yeah I know, who wants to hear me complain.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla was counterpointing Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn and of course it was heated and a useless debate as neither side was willing to even listen to the other person.

Wasserman got my blood boiling when she countered Blackburn about mammograms. Blackburn and Stephanopoulus both agreed, the Senate Bill had classified the mammogram as level C and therefore, not covered at all times.

Wasserman then jumped in and said, " no way, with the Senate Bill mammograms will be free!"

Really, free, you mean the hospital will not charge anyone a penny for a mammogram. Gee that sounds wonderful. Really free tests from apparently really generous hospitals.

What Wasseman meant is this; it is not free, someone is paying, just not you.

I once worked with a wonderful women at a community center. She was careful to tell her recipients of scholarships and grants, "this is NOT free, you are just not paying for it, but someone else did!"

What does this have to do with biking you ask? Well nothing, but if you are lucky enough to be biking on a custom bike or an expensive store bought bike and you have all the gear, GPS, tights, helmets etc etc etc

I don't want to hear you complaining about the cost of your health insurance premiums! Instead, count your blessings. Cuz if you are healthy and fit enough to bike, you are not a drain anyhow on the health care system. You are doing everything right.