So help me, I LOLed. Quirky look at cycling cultures, history and gear -- definitely an NYC focus, but funny for anyone who rides and follows cycling...moreSo help me, I LOLed. Quirky look at cycling cultures, history and gear -- definitely an NYC focus, but funny for anyone who rides and follows cycling trends.(less)
It hit a raw nerve for me about where I am in life and society, and I'm still trying to figure out how to describe that experience. I'd like to read i...moreIt hit a raw nerve for me about where I am in life and society, and I'm still trying to figure out how to describe that experience. I'd like to read it again and maybe make some notes as I go. Left with a vague sense of wanting to do something, but not enough of a strong direction of what exactly that ought to be. (That may just be about me.) Recommended with that reservation.(less)
Excellent overview of the state of passenger rail in the US. Illuminated lots of things about how the system works: the relationship between Amtrak &...moreExcellent overview of the state of passenger rail in the US. Illuminated lots of things about how the system works: the relationship between Amtrak & the freight companies, the role of state departments of transportation, how the heck Amtrak even came to be. Yes, we have a pathetic system (if you can call it that), but there are some signs of hope.
Also, and I did not know this: in most cases ownership and use rights of Rail-to-Trail trails remains with the freight railroads that once used them, or to the companies that bought them up. In theory, a company could simply decide to rebuild and start running trains in those places without even needing permits or hearings! Crazy, if unlikely to happen.(less)
A curious meandering travelogue, focused around Byrne's travels by bicycle in a variety of cities around the world, finishing up in his adopted hometo...moreA curious meandering travelogue, focused around Byrne's travels by bicycle in a variety of cities around the world, finishing up in his adopted hometown of NYC. Very thoughtful, great photos, and the binding is surprisingly pleasurable. (no jacket!)(less)
Daughter of hippies moves to Oakland, starts farm in vacant lot...hilarity ensues. There were some wince-worthy moments, but definitely both entertain...moreDaughter of hippies moves to Oakland, starts farm in vacant lot...hilarity ensues. There were some wince-worthy moments, but definitely both entertaining and inspiring. Would I ever try to raise pigs (yes, really!) myself? No, but I can see now why they're popular in (medieval) northern Europe and Asia. And I find myself strangely tempted to try raising chickens and/or rabbits.(less)
A nice little survey of the state of transportational cycling in the US by a Portland (OR) journalist. Looks at some of the major figures in the field...moreA nice little survey of the state of transportational cycling in the US by a Portland (OR) journalist. Looks at some of the major figures in the field (thus my earlier note about Forrester, who really does come off as an elitist jerk), and particular cities: NYC, Davis CA, and of course Portland. :) Nothing super-new, but gives one a bit of hope for the future of cycling.(less)
This was book was rad! It's been about a month since I read it, so some of the details are fuzzy, but it was totally enjoyable. Read it on the plane/i...moreThis was book was rad! It's been about a month since I read it, so some of the details are fuzzy, but it was totally enjoyable. Read it on the plane/in the airport, and my biggest complaint is that it's so quick & short that I ended up having to buy a book for my return trip. (I read both this and the Ida Tarbell book on the trip out.)
Covers the pigeon as a historical, scientific, and cultural phenomenon, including both pigeon fanciers (like Darwin!) and pigeon mothers (people who feed urban birds), plus Skinner's attempt at guided missiles. Makes the case for the urban pigeon as a special case in the animal kingdom: neither wild nor domesticated, but evolved to co-exist in proximity to human settlement. (Will the same prove true of raccoons in North America?) Lots of interesting characters met along the way.(less)
Didn't finish (another book overdue!), but even just reading the first few chapters reinvigorated my interest in an Eastside community garden. Got me...moreDidn't finish (another book overdue!), but even just reading the first few chapters reinvigorated my interest in an Eastside community garden. Got me thinking about research, and maybe about scouting an alternative location to the Madison Scenic Overlook. Short, enthusiastic, lots of pictures.(less)
One of those books that colors the way you think about almost everything else. Great expansion of a social science/journalism project on mobility and...moreOne of those books that colors the way you think about almost everything else. Great expansion of a social science/journalism project on mobility and politics, as Americans cluster into like-minded communities. Includes plenty on the psychological problems of groups that are too similar. Explains a lot about my lefty neighborhood, too, I think, and the occasional feeling of unreality looking at other parts of the country. I'm taking it as a call to diversify my viewpoint a little. (Thus the Scott McClellan book.)(less)
An exploration of the psychology of traffic, mostly in the US, but with some travels abroad (particularly to the UK, the Netherlands, India and China)...moreAn exploration of the psychology of traffic, mostly in the US, but with some travels abroad (particularly to the UK, the Netherlands, India and China). Amazing stuff. Basically, unless you're a brain surgeon, driving is the most mentally complex thing you will ever do. And of course most of the issues that make traffic so insane are psychological. We're just not designed to go that fast. Also, lots of little nuggets of wisdom to save for future conversations. I hope our governor and state/local transportation folks read this book!(less)
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