text:
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Bike Chic, I hate it
No matter how hard women try to become equal in the workforce and life in general, I stumble on stupid Bike Chic websites showing women looking sexy on their bikes. Gimme a break!
Not only does this lady look ridiculous, it is just plain unsafe to bike in high heels. What, you put on a sturdy shoe and suddenly you are unchic (not a real word).
What is the difference between these two ladies and the one above. NOTHING! both look stupid and both are at the same place, trying to look good for someone. Only thing separating these ladies is time cuz nothing else does.
Now this is a cyclist. Riding for her pleasure and no one else's.
Oprah spent a full hour yesterday making women get out of their comfortable shoes and clothes and put on high heels. Why, so men will think they look good? Have we made no progress??
I am sick of it and cannot understand why Shoe Chic, Bike Chic and Purse chic is in some way helping women.
Today I was at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I noticed all the ladies, all had sturdy shoes, many carried the purses Oprah made fun of. One lady had a big red tote bag, she pulled kid's toys out of it. hey why not?? she had her daughter with her, she also had on striped knee socks, peasant skirt, and big floppy hat.
But all those Bike Chic websites, do us all a favor and show some real women exercising.
64 comments:
- Andrew J. Besold said...
Just stumbled upon your blog from another cycling blog.
I guess you just don't get the whole movement of putting away the special "gear" and riding a regular bike in cloths that make you the envy (too strong of a word?) of all that you pass. As a man I ride in nice fashionable cloths, including expensive men's shoes on an old 3-speed to my job. Then on weekends I like to go out a rip it for speed on my road or mountain bike with all the gear, so I understand both sides.
There is nothing wrong with riding for speed on a $5,000 machine but if you want to get a good portion of the population to ride a bike, very few are going to relate to the woman in the time trial gear you picture.
And while I don't wear heels (not my style), when was the last time walking in Sidi Genius shoes with Cleo cleats was easy or comfortable?
Libby, in reality all your doing is trading one form of sadism for another (and trust me as a cyclist I can relate). Pick one or both!
Finally, Most women who I've talked to say it much easier to ride in high heels then it is to walk in them.
- November 4, 2009 at 2:25 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
sorry andy, if these chicks had on pants and a flat heel shoe, i would be happy, but a tight skirt and spike heels, it just looks stupid
I would be in favor of MORE businesses having locker rooms and places for folks to change clothes,
if someone was going to go out running after work or during lunch, this person would not run in heels and a tight skirt
men's clothes are suitable for bike riding, the high fashion industry for women could do us chicks a favor and make some fashionable clothes that could go to work and ride a bike
remember culottes, pedal pusher pants, all a better choice, fashionable sneakers would be a better choice too
and why shouldn't ladies be able to relate to the time trial chick??
- November 4, 2009 at 8:11 AM
- April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden said...
The reason I can't relate to the time trial chick is that I don't want to see biking as a competitive sport -- for me. If other women get into it, that's great. I gave up my car three years ago, so for me biking is my main form of transport, I use my bike extensively every day, rain or shine, and I don't want to have to wear lycra to do it. If I don't want to. Also, though I rarely wear heels because I can't walk the cobblestoned streets of Gothenburg with the things, riding in heels is easier than walking in heels, and kind of fun.
- November 4, 2009 at 9:25 AM
- melanie said...
What is wrong with a woman being sexy on a bike? I ride my bike in plain clothes exclusively 40 miles a week. It's my only form of transport. I've lost 10 pounds and I feel great- why can't I own it on my bike?
I ride for my own pleasure. I dress for myself. I have never been this fit in my life and it's due to the fact that I spend at least 40 minutes on my bike everyday. I feel plenty safe riding in sensible shoes and heels alike.
Women fail to make progress when they judge others. Limiting who gets to sit at the table of bicycle worthiness- based on gear and attire!- is a step back. Your polemics are disappointing.
- November 4, 2009 at 9:34 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
I still dont get it, and you are way smarter than me cuz i got no idea what "polemics" is??
if you argument holds true, where are all the website showing women wearing sensible bike clothes,
why the proliferation of Bike Chic sites and pages and pages of hot chicks wearing hot clothes
if this floats your boat, go for it, but i want to see some websites with women in regular clothes biking, not necessarily spandex
i dont see men in short shorts and tanks tops biking and I dont see websites flaunting men chic
I am surprised as well, i am an old lady, i grew up when we HAD to wear skirts and dresses ALL the time, my sister got sent home from school one day cuz she wore culottes
I actually biked to school or walked my whole child hood, we had to do it in dresses and skirts
now i see you young chicks today taking me right back to the 50s
and tell me melanie, if you had the choice of clothing when biking, would you really choose a skirt and high heels??
- November 4, 2009 at 9:43 AM
- Anna Letitia Mumford said...
Thank you Libby for this long-overdue critique of the glorification of women biking in heels.
Sure, it may be easier to bike in heels than to walk, and it makes sense if that you should be able to bike to work or around town in what your street clothes. But the proliferation of blogs and photos of women looking "sexy" on bikes is just further objectification of the female body. You're right - you don't see a myriad of blogs with photos of men looking seductively fuckable riding around in non-athletic wear. The vast majority of biking blogs are blogs written by men and focus on more substantial issues that cyclists face, aside from whether their stilettos match the flowers in their hand basket.
Thanks for highlighting this discrepancy.
-Anna Letitia Mumford
Fifty Car Pileup
- November 4, 2009 at 10:48 AM
- Unknown said...
"and tell me melanie, if you had the choice of clothing when biking, would you really choose a skirt and high heels??"
Cycling is also my main form of transportation. I bike to work, I bike to play, I bike for errands, I bike to parties. I wear sensible clothes to work (at a hospital) but when I go out on the weekends I often wear a hot dress or a cute skirt or something of the sort. If I were taking the train (car is a non-issue as I live in NYC) I would wear the same things. Should cycling stop me from wearing my hot weekend duds?
I understand the frustration with the bike chic websites. I am an ardent feminist myself. However, I believe that the struggles of feminism were fought so that we could have a choice in how we live our lives. I choose to be both demure AND sexy on my bike whenever I want. (AND I wear a helmet with my heels!)
- November 4, 2009 at 11:18 AM
- Stuart said...
"you don't see a myriad of blogs with photos of men looking seductively fuckable riding around in non-athletic wear. "
Define what this style means to women and I'm sure men cyclists everywhere will adopt it.
- November 4, 2009 at 11:31 AM
- Random Menace said...
Libby: I agree with you to the extent that people should wear whatever they feel comfortable in. In support of your argument against heels, I found this Flickr group of women on bikes in sensible shoes: Girls on Bicycles!
Personally, I ride all kitted up in lycra because I'm on a racing team and spend $300-400/year on uniforms.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I have a bookmark to that Copenhagen site of women on bikes in heels)
- November 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM
- Meredith said...
"Cycle chic" is a "movement" that frustrates me too, but for a different reason. It turns cycling into fashion, into a trend. The problem with that is that all trends will go out of fashion, and as soon as the ritzy ladies get tired of their ritzy bikes that match their ritzy purses, cycling as sustainable transit loses ground.
However, the saucy spandexy lady is indeed on the other end of spectrum, and that frustrates me as well. As a result of the cycling-specific gear, individuals who wish to ride regularly may be deterred because they think they have to have a bunch of fancy cycling specific gear. They'll throw up their hands at the whole thing. And, I might add, a sports bra and stretchy shorts is highly impractical in the winter.
I take a firm middle ground. I've ridden in skirts, pants, and sweats, depending on the situation. I believe you should wear whatever you want while riding, as long as you are comfortable and nothing gets caught in the chain. Cycling is about enjoyment, and can easily be a part of everyday life, not something for which you must dress up OR down.
~NY Bicycle Transportation Examiner
- November 4, 2009 at 12:09 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
to prove that i have a sense of humor this comment is just plain funny from Stuart
Stuart said...
"you don't see a myriad of blogs with photos of men looking seductively fuckable riding around in non-athletic wear. "
Define what this style means to women and I'm sure men cyclists everywhere will adopt it.
- November 4, 2009 at 1:15 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
and I say amen to the ladies posting in support of anti bike chic, bike chic SHOULD be a lady in bike appropriate clothing, i get your points that if the bike is all you got and you go on weekends, then you are forced to ride a bike looking sexy,
I still would prefer to see you on the subway on weekends, sexy skirts are for your boyfriend, not the general public, IMHO
- November 4, 2009 at 1:17 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
and for us old ladies from the 60s, seeing you young chicks promoting heels and tight skirts and looking sexy on a bike, all i can ask is WHY??
a bike is transportation, buying those chic bikes that match your outfits, holy cow, feel like I am back in junior high school putting make up on in the girls room so we can look sexy for the guys, again i repeat, Gimme a break, it is a bike not a runway for models
- November 4, 2009 at 1:23 PM
- April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden said...
Libby -- but did you work or fight for womens' rights back in the '60s so that girls could NOT wear whatever they want on a bike, on the street, in a car, or in their bedrooms?
I don't think the human race is any time soon going to get away from our attraction to beauty and our desire to create it via fashion, however stupid some fashion may be. Since that's gonna happen, I think we should be allowed to wear whatever we effing want on a bike - heels, latex, leather, or absolutely nothing at all.
- November 4, 2009 at 1:30 PM
- April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden said...
but, also, isn't it wonderful that there are all of us out here riding our bikes, enough of us to consider it worthwhile to debate the issue on your blog. I think that's cool.
- November 4, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
my first year at Penn State Univ, we HAD to wear skirts, and the mini skirt had just come into fashion, there we were in sub zero weather walking across huge barren parking lots in the dead of winter, arriving at class with knees and thighs close to frostbite
I ain't NEVER biking in a skirt, and I have no sympathy for ladies who proclaim it is choice to bike in a skirt and heels, choice for WHOM
- November 4, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Perhaps you should read about Lan Yin Tsai, http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/28/eiko.irpt/index.html. Who has ridden the MS 150 in New Jersey for 26 years on single speed bike in heels a skirt, a jacket, and is 84 years old. Lan rides the full 150 miles, is she a sex object or just someone who likes to dress nice when they cycle.
"and I say amen to the ladies posting in support of anti bike chic, bike chic SHOULD be a lady in bike appropriate clothing, i get your points that if the bike is all you got and you go on weekends, then you are forced to ride a bike looking sexy,
I still would prefer to see you on the subway on weekends, sexy skirts are for your boyfriend, not the general public, IMHO"
Bike Chic should be determined by the cyclist, not by a self appointed pundit. No one is forced to bike in what you think is a sexy outfit, that's a personal choice. As to your comment about sexy skirts are for boyfriends and not the general public; I don't see any difference between you and the Saudi Arabian government who requires all women to wear a burkha.
- November 4, 2009 at 1:47 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
well Norm, good for you, me compared to the burka loving countries, funny, men are all in favor of the sexy cyclist, only a man would think women who can choose whatever they want to wear are somehow more free than the burka ladies, we women are all in this together, our clothing is usually dictated by what men like and not what women like
- November 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM
"I ain't NEVER biking in a skirt, and I have no sympathy for ladies who proclaim it is choice to bike in a skirt and heels, choice for WHOM"
Then by all means don't ride in a skirt that is your choice. If someone chooses to ride in a skirt that is there personal choice.
I agree with Melanie's statement; "Women fail to make progress when they judge others. Limiting who gets to sit at the table of bicycle worthiness- based on gear and attire!- is a step back." Just because someone does not measure up to your standard of cycle worthiness does not make them any less of a cyclist. Based on your blog I would not meet this standard either; I ride less than 10 miles per ride, for the last 15 years the bike I rode was from Kmart(I just got a new bike), and I don't dress in Lycra. I ride a bike as a source of transportation, instead of trying to impress people with how far and fast I can go and worst of all…I'm a man. Does this make any less of cyclist?
- November 4, 2009 at 2:20 PM
- Paul Peterson said...
Well the girl here is in Copenhagen and you'd have to argue with half a million other women in Copenhagen, as they are all dressed similarly and have nearly identical bikes. Those women aren't cyclists - they're just women going to where they are going, no matter what they're wearing because the bicycle is the best way to get around. Ask a girl in Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany...etc. why they are wearing high heels on a bike and the answer will be rather boring, if you get one at all.
- November 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
"well Norm, good for you, me compared to the burka loving countries, funny, men are all in favor of the sexy cyclist, only a man would think women who can choose whatever they want to wear are somehow more free than the burka ladies, we women are all in this together, our clothing is usually dictated by what men like and not what women like"
First off Lib, it's Norman, not Norm. I could care less what a woman wears when she cycles, the choice is hers, not mine. Your clothing is dictated by what you like; there are a lot of women fashion designers who make women's clothing.
Yes your statement about how sexy dresses are for boyfriends and not the general public is no different from countries who require women to dress in burkas so they don't tempt men. In your case it's so you are not offended by something you consider to sexy.
- November 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
give it up, i do not care what women wear on bikes but i do care that biking in a skirt and heels is chic and biking in pants and sneakers is not, that is the argument
- November 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I think you should give it a rest. So what if someone is dressed in bike chic, oh that's right you the self appointed bike fashion police do. In your post you stated the woman on the $5000 bike, with an aerodynamic helmet, wearing Lycra shorts and sports bra is the true image of a female cyclists. That's just another extreme end of the fashion spectrum, most cyclists male or female don't dress like that or ride bikes that cost so much. Come take a ride in Philadelphia some time and you'll find that most of us have no interest in riding or dressing like Lance Armstrong.
- November 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM
- Moderator said...
Although I'm sure there are examples to the contrary, I always saw the "cycle chic" blogs as equal opportunity, i.e., featuring both men and women who were dressed for work, rather than for "cycling", and usually dressed pretty well/"Chic".
The point was to promote the "slow bike" movement and the fact that anyone could bike and still look as good as they might if they were to step out of a stretch Hummer limo instead.
- November 4, 2009 at 3:30 PM
It seems that Lib found the picture of the woman in heels at this site, http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/ scroll down you'll find the picture.
After careful review I can see why Lib is so worked up about bicycle chic. The women are not wearing appropriate cycling gear and are not riding appropriate road bikes. Instead they are riding inappropriate bikes that allow them to sit upright, have fenders to keep water and dirt off their clothes and they have racks and baskets so they can carry things with them. I need to move to Copenhagen so I can meet women who understand a bicycle can be used for transportation and not participating in a century ride makes you any less of a cyclist.
- November 4, 2009 at 4:09 PM
- Frey said...
Why do all the comments assume that the woman in the skirt is the sexy image, and the woman in the bike gear is the unattractive one? I find the fit female cyclist much hotter than any skirt clad, bike chic bimbo.
- November 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM
- Paul Peterson said...
Nearly all women in Denmark wear skirts AND ride a bike. Doesn't make them a bimbo.
- November 4, 2009 at 5:03 PM
- Jack Duluoz said...
In regard to your Victorian ladies with their bicycles, you might care to know that the first "bike fad" of the 1880s-1890s played a large part in womens liberation and womens sufferage. Average womens clothes of the period (which aren't that far from a burkka really) were imposible on early saftey-bikes and led to the invent of bloomers and loosening of Victorian dress norms. But don't take my word for it:
"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
- Susan B. Anthony
Fuck chic; ride free.
- November 4, 2009 at 5:16 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
agree about the bike and women's emancipation and have read the history, another very interesting thing about bikes, poor women in India are in need of them, they cannot get to a school without them
and this is one reason i hate to see the bike now as a fashion statement, it is transportation, and it can change lives
- November 4, 2009 at 6:02 PM
- Colville-Andersen said...
What we're seeing here is another example of sub-culture rebelling against mainstream.
Now that the bicycle is being re-instated as a normal, accepted and respected transport form in cities all over the world, we're seeing the sports fetishists up in arms. They feel their identity being threatened, much like I'm sure stamp collectors felt when an effective communication form like email showed up and marginalised them.
The bicycle, since it's invention, has served as a grand, democratizing tool for liberating women and the working classes. All that is happening is a repeat of this democratization.
That a tiny sub-cultural fraction is grumpy about it is hardly cause for concern.
These are regular people in their regular clothes experiencing liberating urban mobility. 100 million of them each day in Europe alone and growing number in Emerging Bicycle Cultures like America.
Sports cycling won't suffer. On the contrary. But placing the bicycle firmly back in the hands of the people - for whom it was meant for - is a good thing.
Get used to it.
- November 5, 2009 at 2:05 AM
- Colville-Andersen said...
and if you're going to take copyrighted photos off of other websites, please adhere to the basics of internet etiquette and link, at the very least, to the source.
- November 5, 2009 at 2:07 AM
- ~p~ said...
Oh, the passion in this post and the comments! Marvelous!
Mikael, Lars, clearly there is a need for more photos of delicious Scandinavian men on bikes. Please oblige us forthwith.
For myself, I will take the challenge to further expand the definition of "bike-appropriate clothing". The Naked Riders with their bodypaint (http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/ - NSFW) do not go far enough. I shall do my part by organising a Critter-cal Mass with my local Furry chapter.
Here's to the bicycle! And world domination!
- November 5, 2009 at 2:51 AM
- spaiduhz said...
nothing wrong with skirts, i think. thats the reason why bicycles with low head tubes were created.
The heels i am slightly cautious about. Stop incorrectly, and the heels would break. Not to mention you could end up with a swollen ankle.
Theres nothing wrong with flat pumps, i hope?
- November 5, 2009 at 2:55 AM
You clearly do not know what you are upset about.
Too many people have posted comments pointing out your hypocritical nonsense.
Chic is about fashion. You are probably upset that celebrities don't wear yoga pants to photo shoots.
Nuff said
- November 5, 2009 at 3:27 AM
- Spatial Stitches said...
I had no idea that you can buy bikes to match your outfit. How fun!
- November 5, 2009 at 4:07 AM
- Unknown said...
IMO the last cyclist looks ridiculous.
Telling women to wear that crap lycra will just push more women into cars.
- November 5, 2009 at 7:05 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
read my latest blog post to see the most EXCITING bike pic of all time!!!!!
- November 5, 2009 at 8:12 AM
- Klaus Mohn said...
For the edification of the masses, here are a couple of links in response to Libby's i dont see men in short shorts and tanks tops biking and I dont see websites flaunting men chic
- don't tell me those dudes are not trying their hardest to look sexy. Fixie fashion doesn't do much for me but I'll admit there's something there, and it's not all about athletics gear and spandex.
- NYC Cycle Chic. Granted, they look a bit ridiculous, but that's some all-American testosterone-laced eye candy right there.
- A dignified older gentleman dressed for work. Eye candy for the blue-hairs maybe.
- Average Joes on bikes.
- November 5, 2009 at 8:12 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
fantastic comments, wish there was this much enthusiasm when bike lanes and bike infrastructure comes up for a vote, unfortunately here in the US of A, biking and bike infrastructure becomes a hot potato political issue, conservative home boys see biking as a wimpy liberal issue, too bad it ends up this stupid
- November 5, 2009 at 8:21 AM
- Christa said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- November 5, 2009 at 2:26 PM
- Christa said...
"Not only does this lady look ridiculous, it is just plain unsafe to bike in high heels."
It seems safer to cycle in high heels than to WALK in them. Really, it's a relief.
- November 5, 2009 at 2:27 PM
- BicyclesOnly said...
I'm not too keen on the "cycle chic" concept either; the suggestion is that you have to look like a model to ride a bike. What's interesting to me is what ordinary people look like when they are cycling--just an extension of good old New York City people watching. And by large, it's not high fashion or spandex, pretty much the same thing the pedestrians are wearing. Check it out:
- November 5, 2009 at 4:57 PM
- orc said...
"... and for us old ladies from the 60s, seeing you young chicks promoting heels and tight skirts and looking sexy on a bike, all i can ask is WHY??"
Male gaze.
- November 5, 2009 at 5:51 PM
- Velouria said...
Some of the greatest setbacks to women's freedom come from other women, who take it upon themselves to criticise those who do not conform to their standards of the way women should dress and behave. This was as true during Victorian times as it is today. It's disappointing that you choose to perpetuate this with vicious and misinformed comments, rather than supporting a woman's freedom to choose. High heels are dangerous on a racing bike, but they are perfectly safe on an upright bicycle with relaxed geometry, a step-through frame, and grippy platform pedals. Enjoy your bicycle and consider being a little kinder and more open-minded, Sister.
- November 5, 2009 at 9:03 PM
- Velouria said...
orc said...
"Male gaze."
That was during modernism. Today's women are post-gaze. Like duh!
- November 5, 2009 at 9:06 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
it is amazing, i post blog comments for the last 3 yrs, suddenly I write about women and short skirts and folks come out of the woodwork to bash the post, let's hope this enthusiasm continues in regards to promoting safe cycling for all
- November 6, 2009 at 7:31 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
Most folks reading my blog post on Bike Chic misunderstood my stance. What I hate is the fact that bike chic for women TENDS to be women in skirts and spiked heels. And this is true of any fashion chic involving women. I do not care what women wear on their bikes, but I do care that "chic" is skin and sex.
And what prompted my blog post in the first place was the TV show Oprah did on the same issue except it did not involve bikes.
She had her show guests pulling average looking women off of the streets and redoing them. Off came the sneakers, pants and backpacks and on came heels, skirts and expensive purses.
This is what got my blood boiling. And now I see this same thing with women and bikes. IF you want to bike naked, go for it, just don't proliferate the Net with pics of ladies on bikes half naked and call it "chic."
That term needs to be redefined to include lots of ladies on bikes. To me any lady biking, be it in heels or bike gear is a chic lad
- November 6, 2009 at 7:50 AM
- Libby Maxim said...
last word in last post is LADY not lad
- November 6, 2009 at 7:51 AM
- Paul Peterson said...
Your post ended up on Streetsblog.net the day you posted it. The headline no doubt drew a lot of eyes :)
And chic just means fashionable. Where do you get that it means sex or skin? Just curious. The site where that photo came from - Copenhagen Chic - really are just random, normal women in Copenhagen.
- November 6, 2009 at 12:07 PM
- Velouria said...
Libby - Do you not see the irony of it when you talk about "showing skin"? The lady on the racing bike you posted is wearing far less clothing than the lady in a skirt on the upright bike. The racing bike lady is exposing her midrif, wearing skin-tight mini-shorts that highlight her buttocks, and a bra. And she cycles this way on the streets - one might say flaunting her body to any man who sees her. Now, you probably look at the way she is dressed and think "normal cycling outfit", because you are accustomed to it and do not associate it with sexual flaunting despite its skimpiness. To me however, it's "Wow, if that stuff didn't have logos on it, it would be bra and panties! She must really be looking for attention."
So consider for a moment that women who dress in skirts and heels feel the same way about their clothing - "normal clothing for a woman who enjoys fashion", while you politicise and criticise it, because it seems strange and "other" to you. Again, it's all about open mindedness and considering others' points of view, others' preferences.
I am not a proponent of the so called "cycle chic" and do not use that term on my website for a variety of reasons. But I am a proponent of being yourself, on a bike. And whether a woman's "true self" is a mini-skirted waif, a middle-aged soccer mom in sensible shoes, or a tri-athlete, it's all good and who am I to judge.
- November 6, 2009 at 1:32 PM
- 'Xander Labayen said...
my view on cycle chic,
it isn't a movement, it just is.
its putting on anything and riding
but looking good to yourself and maybe others.
i have to admit, as a fan and photographer of cycle chic, the fact that I happen to photograph someone i consider "chic" is purely selfish.
i'm not an advocate for cycling, and i couldn't care less about the lack of bike lanes or safety issues. However i do feel that when i don't ride i've missed out on something. and i feel most cyclists share that with me.
there's a time and place for every type of fashion, style and bicycle
but the people i've captured riding coudn't care less that i was watching them.
cycle chic is not a movement, its an experience.
- November 6, 2009 at 10:00 PM
- Catherine said...
I see the cycle chic thing as more of a "hey, bikes are a mode of transportation just like anything else, and you really don't need special gear for it" type of thing. I think you've just generally misunderstood the whole point. These women aren't getting dressed up to go cycling. They're getting dressed up to go wherever it is they're going. They happen to be getting there via bicycle. In the US in the 70s/80s, for whatever reason (I have a few theories) cycling went from "transportation" to "recreation", and was suddenly (nearly) exclusively a sport with often-expensive gear.
Many sports are niche activities and thus went cycling in the US. But not in parts of Europe. I see the photos from there of everyday women on non-sport bikes, wearing what they'd wear if they were driving or taking public transport inspiring. Now, depending on what part of the US you're in or if you're in a city, suburb or rural area, these may not be "everyday" women around you. If you look at ALL the photos from Copenhagen Cycle Chic (which is where the photo you posted is from), most women are not in tight minis and stiletto heels, and actually reflect a fairly broad spectrum of clothing styles for an urban area (looks actually very similar to the streets around me).
I further think that one of the major reasons the high heel thing gets pointed out a lot is that most men and many women find high heels somehow intimidating, or an ultimate expression of impeded mobility. Same goes for skirts/dresses. Personally, I hate this. I DO see how heels can be viewed that way, particularly for those people with flat feet/weak ankles etc, but really, it's not a big deal to wear them. And I resent the idea that wearing a skirt impedes mobility in any way--that's just some stupid hangover from "girls can't do anything" days. You can do anything in a skirt that you can do in pants, particularly if you don't mind the possibility of showing a little leg accidently (and why should I, my body is nothing to be ashamed of!). Anyway, I think the reason the skirt/heels thing gets pointed out is that the authors are playing to most peoples' perceptions of the "weakness" of traditionally-female clothing.
Finally, I think that cycle chic images can serve to get more women on bikes in addition to, not instead of the niche sporty women. So what's wrong with it?
- November 7, 2009 at 1:25 AM
- Stacy said...
This is not a feminist issue. To echo many previous points, commuter biking will thrive when people feel like they don't need to wear a special "get-up" to get on a bike. Some people like to dress up, some people (like me) are slobs. The dressy people are going to look dressy on a bike if they're wearing their everyday clothes. What's the problem with that? People should wear what they want...and bike!
- November 7, 2009 at 5:42 PM
- BeeRich said...
"Helping women"? C'mon. I would like to think that women know the ramifications of choosing different types of shoes. For decades now, they have chosen make-up and fashion as a regular event. You should give some credit to women.
I think Oprah's message is "do what you want, and it's ok to dress like a sexy woman". Here in Toronto, women are either in some kind of destructive fashion (Emo's or whatever you call it), pole dancers (you know the type), or frumpies. To find a textbook attractive woman that isn't afraid of the presence of stereotypes, that feels allowed to be anything she wants, is very rare indeed. Insecurity is completely rampant in this town, and it makes for a very difficult social environment.
Oh, as an aside, I love heels. Women know that men love heels. Oh am I so glad that they know that.
- November 9, 2009 at 4:39 AM
- Colleen Carboni said...
I ride for transportation. My destination determines what sort fo clothes I wear, not the bike. I think that is the whole point of the web site. These women are wearing clothes for their life, not for biking. Don't judge, a snap shot of a person does not tell you if that person is about objectifiying herself for men.
Don't tell me I have to put myself in spandex, expose my midrif and and look tough to be taken seriously. I refuse to be forced into a pigeon hole because of someone's view of what woman is suppose to wear or act.
Lighten up-the website is a light hearted response to the prevailing attitude that a person can only ride a bike with expensive bike gear. Let's get out of our molds!
- November 9, 2009 at 9:25 AM
- Unknown said...
I think that there are two distinct issues here, which need to remain separate rather trying to tackle them both at once. The first is that society (myself included) finds heels attractive, the second is that heels are used for most aspects of life - riding to work included. I think that the real issue is that heels aren't cool, regardless, not that they are worn while biking.
Most of us have experienced the pain of heels - they give you back problems, impede your ability to walk, squish your feet, cut circulation to your toes, and essentially date back to Chinese foot binding and other ancient methods used by men to control women and literally slow them down if they tried to excape. Clearly, this is not longer the case, but the heel, unfortunately, still has sex appeal. THIS is the essential problem. Rather than lashing out at chics on bikes with heels, we should question why heels are promoted and accepted in such a way.
- November 12, 2009 at 5:57 AM
- BeeRich said...
Sex sells. It's that simple. Frumpy also was sold, but nobody bought it, nobody appreciated "comfortable shoes".
- November 12, 2009 at 6:57 AM
- Quinton Mosley said...
I wouldn't confuse the pleasure that some women take from looking good and a phony love of bikes. Appearance is important to some folks and while it is pretty silly to wear high heels on a bike, at least bikes are getting their due attention. Better to have all types riding bikes than a limited few. Maybe she was going to an interview?
Fortunately, I find women attractive and bikes are cool to me. I fail to see the downside to anybody biking. Health reasons... glamor reasons... it's all good. I agree with everybody saying it's about the biking and not a social standard issue.
Regardless, I'll turn to Mr. Rogers on this one and say everybody is special in their own way.
- November 12, 2009 at 9:50 AM
- Brendan61 said...
Who gives a crap what anyone else wears riding a bike. Cycle Chic is about the clothes, not the cycling. Mikael is a clever guy who has combined his fashion photography sense and love of bikes into an interesting blog. Wear what you want. Let others wear what they want. But let's not kid ourselves, just about everybody likes sex. Everyone spends a lot of time within their gender assigned roles and their own self image, trying to get sex. Dress it up in fashion, or bikes, or music, or sports-whatever, we're all just trying to get laid! The more I see the more I believe that this is the driving force behind all the marketing schemes that allow people to be enslaved by things like cars. Also ironic that somehow a fit athlete on a Cervelo bike is sexy to Libby. Just as surely as the women who slavishly follows fashion rules, the Cervelo rider too is a victim of marketing that plays on the self esteem issues of the consumer
- November 13, 2009 at 9:21 AM
- Sarah H said...
I assume the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog is at the center of your cycle chic angst, but CCC features lots of women in flats and jeans getting around by bike. There's nothing exclusively high heels about the blog, though high heels are of course not difficult to come by on the blog.
I think you're missing the point of the blog. As a livable cities advocate, I love this blog and others like it because they fly in the face of the usual objections to using a bike to get around the city on one's daily errands. I hear from women all the time that they won't ride a bike because they don't want to sacrifice fashion or change the way they dress at all in order to get on a bike. They don't want to sweat. They don't know how they would carry things (like a Cello, perhaps?). They don't want to spend a lot of money on a bike. Etc and on down the line of excuses for staying in their cars. CCC is extremely productive in countering these ideas people have of cycling as only for athletes or for exclusive communities of rebellious young people. It's extremely useful to have a strong voice out there telling people they don't need to change anything fundamentally about themselves to get on a bike and ride. I adore that about CCC and I'm happy to see blogs like this one proliferate.
As a cyclist who sometimes bikes for sport in spandex and sometimes bikes for transport in jeans (or a skirt), I think you're comparing apples to oranges by presenting a time trial cyclist as a "real" cyclist as opposed to the women on CCC. I'm an active bicycling advocate, and I advocate for all kinds of cycling (road, mtb, transport), and so predictably, I despise the pitting of one group of cyclists against another. As a female bicycling advocate, I'm especially disappointed when one group of female cyclists is pitted against another group of female cyclists. It should be obvious that this sort of spiteful commentary is not helpful to either cycling or women. (I should point out here, that I also do not like it when livable cities advocates trash on cyclists who wear spandex while riding. I have the same criticisms of such statements. Apples to oranges, ppl. Can't we all just get along?)
As someone else pointed out above, the actual wearing of heels by women and the appreciation of heels by men (and, arguably more so, by women) is another issue altogether separate from these cycle chic blogs. I don't wear heels because I can't, and that doesn't disappoint me too much because I'm a full-time pedestrian and I love to be as mobile as possible, and heels work against mobility. And I don't feel a loss of attention from men or from cycle chic blogs (yep that's me!) as a result of my abstention from heels. But the world being what it is, other people will feel differently and behave differently, and part of being a grown up is seeing this yet not reacting in fear and hatred and spiteful commentary.
- November 13, 2009 at 1:19 PM
- Libby Maxim said...
my latest blogpost
This has to be some kind of record for comments on a blog post, holy cow! glad to see all the posts and glad to hear all the different points of view, where I live, I have to bike 20-40 miles on roads just to get anywhere, so fashion is not an option for me, plus I can only afford one bike, and that is my road bike, do not have an assortment of bikes for different terrains.
Wish i could and wish I could bike in a city like Copenhagen, I cannot even imagine it. Living in a city as beautiful as Copenhagen, well I hope you natives wake up each morning and count your blessings. I have never traveled except in a few places in USA, I have biked in FL and CA as well, both sons lived in those areas, that was fun, CA is all about the sport of biking, FL as well, racing bicyclists every where on high tech bikes with high tech gear
The bike in those states is strictly for sport and exercise, triathlons being the rage in both states. Aerobars are popular and large groups of racing folks take over the streets.
Pennsylvania, where I live, is rather hostile to cyclists on the roads. Not so bad around the large cities, Phila and Pittsburgh, but forget biking in spandex in northern PA, better cover up in a plaid shirt, ya might be safer.
Bike chic seems to be for those who live in cities with support for biking. Flat terrain and easy access to nice roads. Many cities in northern USA are hilly and have brick roads and roads filled with potholes as well.
So chic is not for me. Right now I am biking in gloves, shoe covers, tights and Windstopper jackets. But for you chicks lucky enough to live and work in a city that loves the bike, enjoy yourselves. Many of us will never have that opportunity and many of us will never see the scenic cities of Europe and Sweden.
Some day in my dreams I will bike in Copenhagen.
- November 13, 2009 at 6:23 PM
- akugel said...
wow. it's clear the biking subculture is stunting the transformation of the bicycle as a legitimate, clean mode of transportation in the city.
- February 26, 2010 at 9:09 AM
- April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden said...
Akugel - I wish you would explain what you mean, and why you think that the bike "subculture"...which one?...is endangering the idea of city biking. Do tell.
- February 26, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Adding to the beauty and detial of the dreamcycle,the brown saddle and grips are embossed whith hiniscus graphics,giving it a fun and elegant touch Comfort Bikes.
cruiser Bicycle
- August 26, 2011 at 4:58 AM


text:
Britain braces for possible copycat attacks
- Wednesday%27s bloody attack was captured on video
- There is an increase in chatter on extremist sites
LONDON (AP) — Britain is bracing for clashes with right-wing extremists and possible copycat terror attacks after the brutal slaying of a young soldier.
London's Metropolitan Police said more than 1,000 officers will be sent to potential trouble spots with armed response units. Only a fraction of Britain's police officers are armed.
Wednesday's bloody attack was captured on video by passersby and made for gruesome viewing — one man is seen with his hands stained red and holding two butcher's knives as he angrily complained about the British government and troops in foreign lands. A lifeless body is seen on the street behind him.
Terror analysts say the attackers wanted the publicity to inspire copycat attacks, and that they are already seeing an increase in chatter on extremist sites calling for such attacks.
"We can see the tempo being raised," said Maajid Nawaz, a former jihadist who is now with the London-based anti-extremist Quilliam Foundation.
"One of the reasons why these guys acted in this theatrical way was because of the propaganda effect so others would be inspired to do the same thing. The nature of these attacks are that they are so easy to do, and we have definitely seen an increase in chatter calling for such things since the attack."
A British government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the ongoing investigation, confirmed the increase in chatter since Wednesday's attack but said no specific or credible plots had been detected at this point.
Britain's terror threat level has remained unchanged at "substantial" — the middle of five possible rankings.
Right-wing extremists, meanwhile, said they would be holding demonstrations over the coming weeks. Several dozen gathered the night of the slaying to protest.
Britain's domestic spy agency of MI5 has long warned of the difficulties in predicting self-starter attacks, or attacks that are inspired — not necessarily organized — by larger groups.
With the weakening of al-Qaida's leadership structure in Afghanistan and Pakistan, there has been an increase in lone-wolf attacks, which are low-tech and relatively easy to pull off.
Both suspects in the soldier's killing were on the agency's radar for as long as six years. Video footage showed one of the men at a 2007 rally with Anjem Choudary, the former leader of the banned extremist group al-Muhajiroun.
But the men weren't necessarily the focus of any specific investigation, said the British official who spoke on condition of anonymity. There has to be compelling intelligence to suggest a real threat before suspects are put under surveillance.
"It is a democratic right to protest in this country," said the British official. "Not everyone who shows up at a demonstration, even though they may say or believe in things that we don't, will turn to violence."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When going through the questions asked at SO, there is a huge load of questions that's being asked by people that do obviously not really participate in the site. I mean
- no upvotes ever
- just registered to ask a question and never come back
- only asking (bad) questions without answering a single one
- never accepting an answer
and so on. Questions asked by these guys often tend to
- be closed because of Duplicates
- get downvoted because there's no information about the real problem in the question
- do not be edited by their posters although they were asked to clearify their problem
- And the users never come back to SO once their question was answered (less bad because in that case, we have an answered question that could help others)
So, what I'm thinking about is: Should asking a question on SO only be allowed if the user shows that he actually participates in the community?
My first thought would be to allow asking only if the user has given at least one upvoted answer.
What do you think about that? Would this not really improve the quality of questions that are being asked on SO?


text:
A great (and classy) idea for carved pumpkins flanking a walkway on Halloween night.
Thanks, Jesse!
Check out The Haunted Gallery blog - "a repository of spooky artwork, music, writings, and miscellanea."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Village Of Sleepy Hollow
A great (and classy) idea for carved pumpkins flanking a walkway on Halloween night.
4 comments:
- Civ said...
I love it!
- September 28, 2010 at 10:43 PM
- Unknown said...
I know this is unrelated, but I'd like to hear whats happening with your wind witch! Are you still going to hang her by a highway, is she even finished. I am starting work on my own wind ghost and am desperate to hear about yours! thanks.
- September 28, 2010 at 11:11 PM
- Rot said...
Civ, when I saw them, you were the first person that I thought of.
So, when are we going to see some new pics? : )
- September 29, 2010 at 6:06 AM
- Rot said...
The Wind Witch is done actually.
I ended up using black plastic table covers from a party supply store. As suggested by ShadowFarm..so I really appreciate that. Thin and black and weatherproof. And not that heavy. I'll take some pics of her soon. Currently she's on the porch, swinging in the wind. But I wanted a better backdrop, more fitting for a witch. And I'll take some video of her too.
- September 29, 2010 at 6:09 AM


text:
- Home>
- Browse by region>
- Skipton
Counselling Organisations in Skipton, BD23
12 results within 30 milesWe only list professional counsellors
The Grove Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice
The therapists at The Grove Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice work independantly offering private short term and longterm therapy to individuals, couples and adolescents.We also offer clinical supervision and clients who are supported by their...
Headspace Leeds
Need some headspace? Headspace is an independent centre of excellence providing counselling, CBT and Psychotherapy by 15 highly trained qualified Members of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. Headspace offers short and long...
Life Change Counselling and Psychotherapy
Our counsellors believe in the unique value of each individual, encouraging each client to explore their life issues in a safe and nurturing therapeutic relationship.Integrity and confidentiality is always assured. We help the client to apply the...
The Horsforth Centre For Counselling, Coaching, CBT & Psychotherapy
Welcome to The Horsforth Centre. We offer Counselling, Coaching, Psychotherapy and CBT therapy in Leeds. We also offer supervision to practicing therapists and training and CPD courses in Leeds & Sheffield.Training and Supervision in Leeds West...
The Counselling Rooms
We know that sometimes life can get difficult. We offer a tranquil environment in which to explore any difficulties you may be experiencing. We are approachable and professional Counsellors who can help with a wide range of issues. We have...
The Orchard Therapy Centre
The Orchard, in Horsforth, North Leeds, is one of the largest counselling and complementary therapy centres in West Yorkshire, with over 2,000 bookings per month.A team of experienced, registered and fully qualified therapists including Counsellors,...
Wellspring Therapy & Training
Wellspring is a Counselling Centre based in Starbeck working to restore hope, develop resilience and facilitate positive change.
Yorkshire Children's Trust
We provide a warm, accepting & confidential environment. Where clients can be comfortable in sharing their experiences at their own pace whilst feeling heard and understood. We also offer concessions please make the first step and contact us today.
Crisis Pregnancy Care
We offer crisis counselling for anyone pregnant or who has recently been pregnant, new parents support, grief/loss therapy for stillbirth/miscarriage and abortion, counselling support for those who have lost children or at risk of losing children,...
SEND-Together Counselling Services
We offer person centred therapy, this includes children and young people with SEND and their families. Our 'unique' approach allows both C&YP and adult sessions to run at the same time, with individual counsellors. Sign language available.
Search help
For the most accurate results, please enter a full postcode into the search box so we can determine your exact location. If you type in a town name or the first part of a postcode the results will be ordered by distance from the centre of that town.


text:
Regular price
This Paw Patrol clipart is suitable for creating invitations, thank you cards, for Party Supplies, for printing on T-shirts (Paw Patrol T-shirt Transfer), bags, and also on backpacks!This listing is for an instant download. NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE SHIPPED.**** Files of PNG are intended for work in the program a photoshop, for scrapbooking, for creation of invitations, thank you cards and Party Supplies, and the T-shirt Transfer ******* Here are unique cliparts not found in other digital stores ****Set includes ** 45 ITEMS ** (45 figures and 1 logo)- 45 Cliparts 6"-11" each - 150-300 DPI - Zip Files*** 100% 150-300 DPI - high resolution of each figure **** All cliparts has been professionally selected, resized and sharpened for professional results ** All cliparts in transparent background ***HOW IT WORKS?**1. Purchase this listing and check out via Paypal.2. Payment will be confirmed.
3. I will send the files to your email.4. Please extract files before printing (press with the right click of the mouse on the file and than press extract files here).*** Important ***1. For personal use.2. You can't resell, or divide these images as your own digital images.
** More Cliparts here ***


text:
Coverage & Results
Live streams, results, videos, and photos from across the state.
Comprehensive Rankings
State & National rankings for every event viewable by class, league, and more
Kolin Overstreet
Lamar High School
Savannah Schmidt
Lutheran South High School
Lance Ward
Carl Junction High School
Johnny Brackins
Lee's Summit High School
Courtney Williams
St. Louis Blues
Martin Strong
St. Louis Warriors
Reagan Ulrich
Branson High School
Rachel Homoly
Liberty High School
Madison Hulsey
Lee's Summit West High School
Drew O'connor
Lathrop High School
Gabrielle Hoke
Warrensburg High School
Brandon Miller
Ultimate Speed Academy
Marshall Swadley
Willard High School
Makenzie Hooton
Staley High School
Michael Jenkins
Ultimate Speed Academy
Donovyn Fowler
Joplin High School
Jaden Wiley
Kickapoo High School
McKinlee Morris
St Louis Track Club
Kayelyn Tate
Ultimate Speed Academy
Lance Ward
Carl Junction High School
Brianna Utecht
Marshfield High School
Cheyenne Melvin
St. Louis Blues
Madison Hulsey
Lee's Summit West High School
Sydney Juszczyk
Ultimate Speed Academy
George Monroe
Hickman High School
Kiara Strayhorn
Blue Thunder Track Club
Nick Cimmarusti
Francis Howell High School
Kayelyn Tate
Ultimate Speed Academy
Jake Freidel
Centralia High School
Ben Schneider
Savannah High School
Caleia Johnson
Park Hill High School
Johnny Brackins
Lee's Summit High School
Akilah Heffner
Ultimate Speed Academy
Colder Evans
Putnam County High School
Madison Hulsey
Lee's Summit West High School
Emma Puetz
Rolla High School
Brooke Moore
Ultimate Speed Academy
Johnny Brackins
Lee's Summit High School
Grant Brawley
St. Louis University High School
Jadarius Pigg
Poplar Bluff High School
Lauren Taylor
Ultimate Speed Academy
Lee Steward
Ultimate Speed Academy
Donovyn Fowler
Joplin High School
Macy Schelp
Lutheran South High School
Lee Steward
Ultimate Speed Academy
Micah Manning
Lee's Summit High School
Rebekah Stucker
Odessa High School
Courtney Williams
St. Louis Blues
Jack Crull
Helias Catholic High School
Leah North
The Doors Track Club
Training & Technique Videos
Take it to the next level with instruction from Olympians, World Champions & Pro Coaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with a subscription?
A PRO subscription unlocks the following:
- State & National rankings
- Athlete race history & progression
- Live events
- Event replays
- Training and technique videos
- Event photos
- Event results
- Team rankings
- Breaking news
- Compare athletes
- Virtual meets
Do I get access to content from other sites?With a universal subscription, you gain access to all MileSplit original content, athlete profiles, interviews, rankings, and live events PLUS unlimited access to every other FloSports sports website, including FloTrack!
Can I change plans or cancel anytime?Yes, you can cancel anytime from Account Settings.
If you would like to change plans, send our Customer Support team an email at firstname.lastname@example.com and they'll handle that for you.
More questions?Feel free to Contact us.


text:
Charm City gives on #GivingTuesday
Charm City gives on #GivingTuesday
Stacy M. Brown | 12/3/2013, 5:57 a.m.
BALTIMORE At least 15 businesses and nonprofits are doing more than just encouraging Charm City residents to open their hearts and wallets; they are joining forces to help raise $5 million to benefit Baltimore charities on GivingTuesday— better known as #GivingTuesday.
The second annual #GivingTuesday initiative, which takes place on December 3, 2013 seeks to raise funds to benefit local charities and to make the city, whose slogan for the 2013 event is, "Bmore Gives More," the most generous in the nation on that day.
"Our mission at GiveCorps is to build an army of givers to power their communities. We're creating a culture of contribution in our beloved hometown of Baltimore, and in the college and university communities we serve," said Jamie N. McDonald, the founder and president of GiveCorps, which provides institutions of higher education the power to motivate connected constituents to give, act and share.
GiveCorps officials are leading the "#GivingTuesday" effort and have brought together a diverse group of organizations, including The Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore; Constellation Energy; the United Way of Central Maryland; Maryland Nonprofits; and the office of the Mayor and Business Volunteers Maryland, to raise awareness for the initiative and to help reach the $5 million fundraising goal.
The initiative started nationwide in 2012. Following the pattern of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, Henry Timms, the deputy director of the Jewish Community Center 92nd Street Y, and Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation, came up with the idea to create a national day of giving, "When we learned about the inaugural '#GivingTuesday' campaign last year, we were motivated by its mission to generate as much passion for giving during the holiday season as there is for shopping," McDonald said.
"The funds raised had a real impact on many Baltimore charitable organizations, providing much-needed resources to serve those in need. And we were not alone, across Baltimore; organizations launched '#GivingTuesday' campaigns. In fact, our colleagues at The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore led the country as the biggest '#GivingTuesday' fundraiser, raising $1 million," she said.
The campaign kicked off on October 25 during the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore's Fall Fling at the Inner Harbor.
The $5 million goal might be ambitious, but it's achievable, and it will make a difference for those in need, McDonald said.
"Baltimore City is proud to stand alongside GiveCorps and its partners as they rally Baltimoreans to donate on one single day to raise money to benefit our local charities and programs that do so much good for our community," said Baltimore City Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "During this season of giving, I encourage those who can give, consider donating to the cause or program that means the most to them on December 3 to benefit those in need," the mayor said.
On December 3, residents are asked to visit: www.bmoregivesmore.com, to
select the nonprofit they want their donation to benefit on #GivingTuesday. In return, those who make a donation to a nonprofit on the GiveCorps site, will receive a thank you from participating local business in the form of discounts and coupons that will be continually updated throughout the day to encourage repeat donations. Participating businesses to date include: Tapas Teatro, Birrotecca and Gertrude's.


text:
Call 800-788-7885 or your travel agent and book your trip today!
Or... Select one or more travel options:
or your travel agent and book your trip today!
Select one or more travel options, then click the "find your trip" button below.
» Clear Selections
Please wait while we generate your custom trip planner
Please fill in the form below to view your free Tauck eBrochure!
To speak with a Tauck Reservations Counselor, please provide your name and phone number as noted below. To better assist you, please also note tour or destination questions.
* Required fields
Your request has been received.
There's no better way to cruise Italy and Sicily than aboard the three-masted yacht Le Ponant, on a 7-night voyage plus one night on Malta and two nights in the heart of Rome on the fabulous Via Veneto – featuring a Tauck Exclusive, an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums. You'll call on the Amalfi Coast, remote Aeolian Isles and Sicily's historic treasures as your Tauck small ship cruises the southern Mediterranean. Explore Siracusa's Greek Theater... Segesta's unfinished temple... Valletta and Lipari... and one of the world's most breathtaking locales, the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy traditional Sicilian entertainment, a spectacular night sail past Stromboli, a visit to Herculaneum's ruins and so much more!
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll make sure you get the most relevant information.
New to Tauck
A Past Tauck Traveler
A Travel Agent


text:
Stricken. There's no other word for what a panic attack feels like.
Did you know that before lightning strikes the air sizzles? I can't say that it happens every single time, but I've felt it enough to know that's what probably usually happens.
That's what it feels like, for me anyway.
It starts with just being uncomfortable most of the time. It takes a little longer than the lightning's sizzle but it grows and intensifies like a burning that starts in my blood and spreads under my skin and in my organs and fills my lungs.
I always start by breathing.
As long as I can breathe I know I will be OK.
Slow deep breath in. Pause. Slowly exhale.
You can do this. This moment will not last forever. Just keep breathing.
Then the moment strikes — instead of being trapped by a moving train in downtown Elkin Thursday afternoon, the train had stopped.
And so had breathing.
As long as I can breathe, it will be OK. But now I can't breathe.
Great Spirit I cannot breathe!
That's when the war really begins.
The thoughts race uncontrolled through my head running everywhere from visions of suffocation and memories of darkness descending, to the people who have outright condemned me for my panic.
That's why even once my brain automatically kicks in with all the breathing exercises I've practiced the war is still only beginning.
The shame at my weakness is almost more overwhelming than my fear in the moment.
It does not matter how many times my mind tells me that the things that I went through are every bit as worthy of these reactions as anything anyone else survived, my spirit cannot seem to accept it.
Normally I am grateful to be able to maintain long enough to go home and have a good cry. After that my sensible brain will kick in and I will be able to adjust my perception and see the bright side of things.
Thursday not so much.
Maybe it is remaining calm through several confinements in the past couple of weeks and several intense minutes with multiple unexpected fly-overs, but this one was been different.
The train moved before I had a complete meltdown and I was able to get to the office to have a good cry.
That should have been the end. For several years now that's the way it has been: trigger, panic, cry, rest and keep on going.
My chest started hurting as I approached my car to leave the office later.
I was crying by the time I forced myself to turn the key and I knew if I didn't pull out right away I wasn't going to be able to go at all.
I cannot go through this completely alone!
You should have seen me when I approached the train tracks.
I almost cheated and took the other lane and, although I will probably stick to the escapable lane in the future, it was important to take that fear head on.
I know I am going to have to make it a point to do that when there is a train coming again, but that ain't going to be today folks.
Because I cried all the way home, which is currently not the short trip it had been, and when there was a car behind me, I could not figure out how to both breathe and drive.
I only had to pull over a couple times.
I sit in the car and I struggle with telling myself that this is silly and this moment is absolutely no different than the last time I was here and that I am perfectly safe.
Yes, that's right. I said I was still in the car. Because now I was terrified to get out of the car.
This car is one of my few familiar places left over from my previous life so I imagine there is some kind of subliminal comfort to sitting here with the doors and windows open.
I am truly blessed to be able to be here.
I am blessed to be surrounded by trees and sunlight and no people except those I choose to invite into my space in this moment.
I am blessed to have this place where I can sit here and be in this state where the singing birds and the soft breeze can remind me why I am here.
I am blessed to be able to reach out to individuals who don't ever need to know why I require it, but will offer any comfort they are able and are the reason why I chose to remain in this community.
So if I am going to be trapped someplace where better than between Jonesville and Elkin?
I can do this, and I can do this because I know that here I am blessed to have exactly what I need in any given moment.
Thank you for giving me the strength to become my better self.
Beanie Taylor can be reached at 336-258-4058 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TBeanieTaylor.
J. Cole offers discount Dreamville music festival tickets to military, veterans
Sons of Confederate Veterans to gather this week in Raleigh. Protesters tried to stop it.
News Archive
To improve your search results use quotation marks when searching for a specific phrase.
For example, if you search for substance use, a search WITHOUT quotation marks would find listings that include the words
"substance" OR "use." A search WITH quotation marks ("substance use") would find listings only with the whole phrase "substance use."
Are you sure you want to delete this item?


text:
Password needs to be a minimum of 6 characters.
Thank you for registering an account! With this account you will be able to save items to your favorites, place items in a cart, and share your digital images with others.
by creating an account, you agree to our Website Policies and Privacy Policy
Due to variances in monitors, the colors and patterns displayed may vary slightly from the actual product. Physical samples should be ordered prior to specifying.
Water Street draws inspiration from the space-dyeing fabric technique, a process that produces a beautiful bleeding effect from one color to another. Styled with subtle nuances and tone-on-tone versatility, Water Street will complement a variety of interior furnishings while dramatically transforming a space.


text:
Time to Push Navarro From the Rays Nest
Sometimes I can visually see vividly in my mind a few of the Tampa Bay Rays staff inside the dugout tunnels or near the clubhouse during games banging their heads against the wall in regards to the antics and misadventures involving Rays catcher Dioner Navarro over the past two seasons. The mire fact that Navarro is still on the Rays 40-man roster even at this moment just baffles me to no avail.
Navarro in my mind is one of those professional baseball players who just seems to be more of a heavy albatross around the neck of this franchise than any measure of a good omen. It just seems to me personally that Navarro must have had a few unflattering photos or video of someone somewhere within the Rays organization. I guess that is the rationale I have to put into my mind to explain how Navarro still has a coveted spot upon the Rays 40-man roster.
Soon the Rays front office could end all of this mind boggling insanity and possibly non-tender Navarro, thus setting set him free upon the rest of the MLB. Or could the Rays be hoping and praying for someone to be willing to trade even a few minor league prospects for their catcher who now seems to have his Rays days numbered.
Why in heck is this guy still got even a hint of possibly securing another year with the Rays after his blatant disregard for his own club after he walked away from the Rays on October 7th because his name was omitted from the American League Divisional Series 25-man roster. How in his mind could Navarro really think he deserved a ALDS roster spot over the more productive pairing of current Rays catchers Kelly Shoppach and rookie John Jaso?
Could his agent have possibly diluted his mind to such a state that Navarro took the omission as a disrespectful move by the Rays instead of the right personnel move considering Navarro's 2010 track record? Might that roster omission by the Rays fueled Navarro's frustrations and made him implode and pack up catching gear and leave the Rays clubhouse for maybe the last time?
Or was this another visual outburst of denial by Navarro of the ever increasing valley between the team and himself after Navarro spent his time from June 24th until his call-up on August 31st with the Rays Triple-A affiliate in Durham, North Carolina. The fact that Navarro openly told the team on October 7th that he was "going home" instead of staying with the club and working out in case of an injury to any of the Rays catchers' should have pushed him beyond the confines of Rays Manager Joe Maddon's doghouse and given Navarro an instant exit from the Rays 40-man roster.
But still, the Venezuelan catcher still sits upon the 32 names currently resting on the Rays 40-man roster this off season. Isn't this the same Navarro who became certainly expendable in the Rays minds back during Dec 2009 when the Rays first had thoughts of trading away Navarro, but the return was not considered beneficial to the team's future. Wasn't Navarro the figure on the Rays roster who should have been more aware and concerned for his job when the Rays traded one of the Rays top farmhand pitchers Mitch Talbot to the Cleveland Indians for Shoppach.
Shouldn't that transaction by the Rays during the off season been a clear signal to Navarro that his Major League job might be in deep jeopardy? Instead it just seemed like Navarro, who had seen the Rays bring fellow backstop Gregg Zaun late in 2009 did not seem to heed the warning signals. Instead it seemed that Navarro just tried to do just enough to again hold onto one of the Rays two catching positions.
Even during the Winter of 2009 when teams like the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays were hunting for catching options, the slow-footed Navarro did not peak anyone interest farther than a casual phone call to the Rays. During the 2009 off season the Rays did think long and hard about non-tendering the arbitration eligible catcher, but again he somehow had enough believers in the Rays staff to fend off his departure.
More and more in 2009 and early 2010 the Rays faithful had to witness the extreme casual attitude behind the plate when Navarro basically saw balls hit the dirt in front of him and he mysteriously missed the balls and had to chase them around the Tropicana Field backstop. It was if Navarro had stepped into a hole defensively that he could not get himself out of in time to save his starting job.
But now as another arbitration time is quickly approaching it is time for the Rays to send a loud and clear message to their one time All Star catcher. It is time to cut the string between Navarro and the Rays and set him along towards another team. With the emergence of Jaso and the stability of a contract with Shoppach for another season, it would be ill advised to hold onto an arbitration eligible Navarro who could demand a $ 2.9 million salary even with his demotion during 2010 to the minor leagues.
It is time to let the slow-footed catcher makes his way out of the fold of the Rays and into the glaring sunlight to see his true worth around the Major Leagues . They say a mother bird sometimes has to push a baby bird out of it's nest to make it realize it has to fly. It is time for this bird to definitely get pushed out of the Rays fold. Some might call it a reality check for Navarro, but I consider it more a relief of catching albatross from around the necks of the Rays. Fly away little Navi, Fly away!
12 Comments
Still remember when the Rays were trying to acquire Andy Marte from the Red Sox about the same time.
Funny how things kind of work out for one team, and the other has to take the stress and pressure of watching a good player melt in front of their own eyes.
Shoppach might not be a huge upgrade in comparison to Navarro some days, but he at least tries and dives on every ball and has a better work ethic.
Rays Renegade
The Indians have pushed Andy Marte out of their nest. They outrighted him and he is now free to latch on with anyone. He has underachieved ever since being acquired by the Indians in `06. That was the same deal the Indians acquired Shoppach.
I guess the Yanks were right to send Navarro away! I was always fearful that he'd develop into an All-Star catcher with another team. Seriously, I wish him the best and I hope that he has success wherever he ends up next year. My team is apparently going with a rookie catcher next year so I have my own catching woes to worry about. With all seriousness, I wish there was a way the Rays would come up with the money to pay Carl Crawford and Rafael Soriano. While I don't want the Rays to win, I like the competitiveness of the team.
It's a shame about Navarro. He was such an integral part of the Rays at one time so you hate to see a guy like that go bad in terms of attitude and ability.
The Rays could come up with the money to pay Crawford and Soriano, but there would only be 10 players on the roster.
That would make Rays Manager Joe Maddon's job a lot harder.
But in this region we have seen this happen before with the franchise, or Edwin Jackson and a few others in the past like Joe Kennedy or even Bobby Abreu would of had some sort of longer Rays related careers.
Rays Renegade
I like that the Rays have no problem getting rid of cancerous players (Hamilton, Delmon Young, etc)… good for them to have confidence like that!
Most people forget that the Yankees first signed Navarro, and for years he was going through the Yankees system before they decided to use him in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Every year the Rays brought in a veteran catcher, but somehow Navi kept them at bay and stayed as the usual starter, until 2010.
Maybe it is just time for a change in scenery and a change in environment for Navarro to re-discover his catching skills.
Rays Renegade
Actually Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes might have been the cancerous duo. Josh Hamilton's exit from the Rays roster was an attempt by then rookie GM Adrew Friedman to try and slip Hamilton through the Rule 5 Drfat without someone claiming him.
Friedman might have thought with the past drug situations and Hamilton only playing for a few months most of the other MLB teams would shy away…The Cubbie snapped Hamilton up and traded him to Cincy.
Rays Renegade
That was not cool what Dioner did.
Dodgers have their own problems with catching. Rusell Martin had a sub-par performance. He could be traded or non-tendered.
I can understand the frustration, but I also think the action was far wrose than just facing it like a man and waiting for your next chance.
The Rays would have probably non-tendered or let Navi go no matter what, but now they have to do it to send a clear message.
Adios Navi, do not let the door hit you on the way out!
Rays Renegade
Sounds like a change of scenery for Navi may or may not do him good but would definitely do some good for the Rays. I find it easy to forgive performance issues when players have a good attitude, are team players and are trying to work through the issues. But I find it very hard to forgive a bad, selfish attitude, especially when part of the attitude problem is a lack of hustle.
Considering the garbage that Navarro's agent and the foolish antics of his wife during Rays home games over the years both the Rays and the St. Pete Police Department and the Tropicana Field Security will not be sad to see Navi's family move onto another team.
Some people just get caught up in a sea of bad karma and it overtakes them from head-to-toe, even into their workplace.
A new locale might do wonders for Navarro's attitude and aspects for the restof his career….But it will be his fourth stop and possibly his last chance.
Rays Renegade


text:
Flat Out Formula 1 with Team Up Events - Turners
28 April 2015
Facilitated by Catalyst Global partner's in New Zealand, Team Up Events, teams from Turners joined at lakeside Villa Maria Estate and were challenged to build a life size Formula 1 racing car out of cardboard in under 3 hours.
Using a specially designed flat out cardboard kit, instructions, tools and axels each team collaborated to design a strategy that would enable them to work together involving all team members to quickly, accurately and effectively construct an F1 racing car.
Once each team had successfully constructed the car they set about to decorate their vehicles with branding and choose a driver for their vehicle!
The cars were at the starting line, participants dressed in racing garb, the checkered flag flew and teams raced their cars along a 120 metre dash to the finish admit cheers and squeels of delight!
Teams gathered under the finish arch and reflected on what had been an amazing team effort to transform a pile of cardboard into a replica of a F1 car.
Contact us to find out more about having Flat Out F1 for your next conference, staff day out or team building event.


text:
I heard these in person and commented to Al how great these were, and could not believe the retail price of these. These sounded much better than speakers at the show costing $5k-10k or more. I would consdier buying these in the future. Great bass, excellent dynamics and depth.
High-Performance Affordable Speakers from DCM
HE 2007 had, as expected, some very expensive equipment being demonstrated, but there were also some modest-priced and still very–good-sounding systems. One of these was the system in the DCM room, based on the DCM TFE 200, a substantial floor-standing speaker priced at just $1000/pair. With a Jolida CD player and integrated amp, the total price for the system was under $3000—and that was including $200's worth of cables from Esoteric Audio. The Man in Black is Al Congdon of DCM.
Submitted by Albert Hom (not verified) on September 19, 2009 - 7:50pm
After listening to many speakers that day priced over $10,000 a pair, these sounded really, really good. I would definitely consider a pair of these if I were looking for speakers under $1,000. My friend agreed that these were terrific speakers for the price.


text:
A Transaction forms a unit of work. The Transaction manages what happens within that unit of work, and when an error occurs the Transaction can roll back any changes performed. There are the following types of transaction.
Pessimistic transactions are the default in JDO. They are suitable for short lived operations where no user interaction is taking place and so it is possible to block access to datastore entities for the duration of the transaction.
By default DataNucleus does not currently lock the objects fetched in a pessimistic transaction, but you can configure this behaviour for RDBMS datastores by setting the persistence property datanucleus.SerializeRead to true . This will result in all "SELECT ... FROM ..." statements being changed to be "SELECT ... FROM ... FOR UPDATE". This will be applied only where the underlying RDBMS supports the "FOR UPDATE" syntax. This can be done on a transaction-by-transaction basis by doing
Transaction tx = pm.currentTransaction(); tx.setSerializeRead(true);
Alternatively, on a per query basis, you would do
Query q = pm.newQuery(...); q.setSerializeRead(true);
With a pessimistic transaction DataNucleus will grab a datastore connection at the first operation, and maintain it for the duration of the transaction. A single connection is used for the transaction (with the exception of any Identity Generation operations which need datastore access, so these can use their own connection).
In terms of the process of a pessimistic (datastore) transaction, we demonstrate this below.
So here whenever an operation is performed, DataNucleus pushes it straight to the datastore. Consequently any queries will always reflect the current state of all objects in use. However this mode of operation has no version checking of objects and so if they were updated by external processes in the meantime then they will overwrite those changes.
It should be noted that DataNucleus provides two persistence properties that allow an amount of control over when flushing happens with datastore transactions.
Optimistic transactions are the other option in JDO. They are suitable for longer lived operations maybe where user interaction is taking place and where it would be undesirable to block access to datastore entities for the duration of the transaction. The assumption is that data altered in this transaction will not be updated by other transactions during the duration of this transaction, so the changes are not propagated to the datastore until commit()/flush(). The data is checked just before commit to ensure the integrity in this respect. The most convenient way of checking data for updates is to maintain a column on each table that handles optimistic transaction data. The user will decide this when generating their MetaData.
Rather than placing version/timestamp columns on all user datastore tables, JDO2 allows the user to notate particular classes as requiring optimistic treatment. This is performed by specifying in MetaData or annotations the details of the field/column to use for storing the version - see versioning for JDO. With JDO the version is added in a surrogate column, whereas a vendor extension allows you to have a field in your class ready to store the version.
In JDO2 the version is stored in a surrogate column in the datastore so it also provides a method for accessing the version of an object. You can call JDOHelper.getVersion(object) and this returns the version as an Object (typically Long or Timestamp). This will return null for a transient object, and will return the version for a persistent object. If the object is not PersistenceCapable then it will also return null.
In terms of the process of an optimistic transaction, we demonstrate this below.
Here no changes make it to the datastore until the user either commits the transaction, or they invoke flush(). The impact of this is that when performing a query, by default, the results may not contain the modified objects unless they are flushed to the datastore before invoking the query. Depending on whether you need the modified objects to be reflected in the results of the query governs what you do about that. If you invoke flush() just before running the query the query results will include the changes. The obvious benefit of optimistic transaction is that all changes are made in a block and version checking of objects is performed before application of changes, hence this mode copes better with external processes updating the objects.
Please note that for some datastores (e.g RDBMS) the version check followed by update/delete is performed in a single statement.
See also :-
DataNucleus allows the ability to operate without transactions. With JDO this can be enabled by setting the 2 properties datanucleus.NontransactionalRead , datanucleus.NontransactionalWrite to true (they default to true). DataNucleus supports these allowing the ability to read objects and make updates outside of transactions. Persist and Delete non-transactional updates are committed to the datastore at the end of the operation, so are in the datastore when control returns to your application. Any other non-transactional updates are committed to the datastore by the subsequent transaction , with the updates being queued until that point.
When a transaction is committed JDO will, by default, run its reachability algorithm to check if any reachable objects have been persisted and are no longer reachable. If an object is found to be no longer reachable and was only persisted by being reachable (not by an explicit persist operation) then it will be removed from the datastore. You can turn off this reachability check for JDO by setting the persistence property datanucleus.persistenceByReachabilityAtCommit to false.


text:
1979 Township Drive
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-536-0100 • Directions
Dial 9-1-1 for Emergencies
Internal Affairs
For information call 732-536-0100 Ext. 1117
Internal affairs has an obligation to investigate or review any allegation of employee misconduct that is a potential violation of the agency's rules and regulations or which indicates that the employee is unable, unwilling or unfit to perform his or her duties. The obligation to investigate includes not only acts of misconduct that are alleged to have occurred while the subject officer was on-duty, but also acts of misconduct that are alleged to have occurred outside the employing agency's jurisdiction.
If someone would like to discuss any particular matter of police misconduct, we ask that they call the Chief's Office at 732-536-0100 ext. 1425.


text:
Loaded Indians trucks set to hit road for Arizona
Skipper Francona's scooter, club's equipment ready for journey to Goodyear
CLEVELAND -- A worker came whirring around a corner in the Progressive Field tunnel, rolling by on the red scooter that belongs to Indians manager Terry Francona. Tito's famous form of transport was quickly loaded into one of the Tribe's two equipment trucks.
With the scooter on board, it became official: Spring Training is almost here.
The ballpark's loading dock was buzzing with activity on Friday morning, when the Indians' trucks were being prepped for the roughly 2,000-mile journey from Progressive Field to Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona. A handful of Cleveland's players have already arrived to the team's spring facility. All of their gear will be joining them soon.
"This is a great day," said Marty Bokovitz, the Indians' assistant home clubhouse manager. "I think it signifies spring. Spring is here."
That is a warm thought for folks in Cleveland, who have braved the extremely frigid temperatures that have overwhelmed much of the country over the past few weeks. There is snow around Bob Feller's statue by Gate C and covering the Progressive Field diamond, but there will be plenty of sun to be had for the Indians in a couple weeks.
Cleveland's pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 11, with their first workout planned for Feb. 13. The full squad will be required to report on Feb. 15, leading up to the Tribe's first team-wide workout on Feb. 17. Cleveland opens its spring slate against the Reds on Feb. 26 and will head to Oakland for Opening Day on March 31.
Bokovitz said the goal is to have all the equipment unloaded and set up at the Tribe's Spring Training complex as swiftly as possible.
"We do all our player sets -- jerseys and pants," Bokovitz said. "We have those prepackaged and ready to go, so all we have to do is hang them in their locker. With the amount of guys who start showing up the first of the year, it's essential that when we get there, the setup is as fast as possible. It's basically a day until we're fully functional."
Ed Fisher, who has been driving an equipment truck for the Indians for seven years, plans on heading through St. Louis before hitting Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico on the way to Arizona. The entire trip usually takes four days, meaning the trucks should pull into Goodyear on Tuesday. Everything will be unloaded on Wednesday morning.
The trucks were loaded with workout equipment, bicycles, uniforms, equipment bags and plenty of personal belongings. Bokovitz estimated that around 300 bats (roughly half the team's spring total) were aboard the trucks, as well as more than 250 cases of bottled water (Cleveland gets a local discount).
"There's also a half-pallet of stadium mustard," Bokovitz said with a laugh.
Among the odd requests from over the years, Bokovitz said the late Feller used to put empty boxes on the equipment trucks.
"His wife used to like to bring stuff back when we were in Tucson," Bokovitz said. "Other than the empty boxes, [Francona's] scooter is probably one of the more interesting ones."


text: =========================================================================== == _ _ __ ___ _ == == /\ |\ /| || // /\ == == / \ | \ /|| ||(< __ / \ == == /--- \| / || || \_||/--- \ == == /______________________________\ == == / \ == == Amiga Report International Online Magazine == == September 5, 1995 Issue No. 3.16 == == Copyright 1995 FS Publications == == All Rights Reserved == =========================================================================== Views, Opinions and Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors and staff of Amiga Report International Online Magazine or of FS Publications. Permission to reprint articles is hereby denied, unless otherwise noted. All reprint requests should be directed to the editor. Amiga Report and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. However, translation into a language other than English is acceptible, provided the editor is notified beforehand and the original meaning is not altered. Amiga Report may be distributed on privately owned not-for-profit bulletin board systems (fees to cover cost of operation are acceptable), and major online services such as (but not limited to) Delphi and Portal. Distribution on public domain disks is acceptable provided proceeds are only to cover the cost of the disk (e.g. no more than $5 US). CD-ROM compilers should contact the editor. Distribution on for-profit magazine cover disks requires written permission from the editor. Amiga Report is a not-for-profit publication. Amiga Report, at the time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. Amiga Report, its staff and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained there from. Amiga Report is not affiliated with Escom AG. All items quoted in whole or in part are done so under the Fair Use Provision of the Copyright Laws of the United States Penal Code. Any Electronic Mail sent to the editors may be reprinted, in whole or in part, without any previous permission of the author, unless said electronic mail is specifically requested not to be reprinted. ===========================================================================