Live Small and Prosper: The 5th anniversary of the Blackout is 5 days away

Part 4 (Saturday’s advance edition]

Two hours after the blackout on August 14, 2003 my wife and I shared a romantic candle-lit supper cooked over a roaring propane stove.

By seven o’clock the romance was over.

We needed to tidy our porch for visitors.

Recently I learned that while we tidied a reader took a worrisome journey.

Smarmoofus wrote:

I was sitting on a subway train with my sister in midtown Manhattan when The Blackout hit. Our host lived in Brooklyn. The subway was down, buses were packed like human sardine tins, roads were gridlocked, and there wasn't a cab to be had... So my sister and I started walking.


It took us about 6 hours to get to my friend's flat in Brooklyn... My friend, sadly, never heard from us 'til we showed up at his door. His relief was as great as ours... We were so glad we made it to the apartment safely. [unedited story here]


Shortly after 7 p.m. our own guests arrived.

Stay tuned for Part 5.

[Click here for Part 3]

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Motorcycle Miles: Postcards from the Side of the Road

While biking toward the New Sarum Diner recently I spotted a telephone pole that held two dozen glass insulators.

I wished I had a ladder.


And wasn’t afraid of getting zapped while snagging another insulator for outside my workshop door.


Click here for more postcards and a link to a location where you can show off some of your recent photos.

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Live Small and Prosper: The 5th anniversary of “The Blackout” is 6 days away

Part 3

The historic blackout that hit Ontario and much of northeastern U.S. on August 14, 2003, causing millions to feel the unpleasant effects of one big problem leading to many others, brought my neighbourhood closer together.

On the one hand, Giovanna Leonardo, who was waiting in line with 200 people for a Staten Island bus, said, "I'm scared. It's that unknown ‘What's going on?’ feeling. Everyone's panicking. The city's shutting down.” (CBC News Online)


[Photo - Toronto skyline: CBC News Online]

On the other, closer to home, Margie, a neighbour in London, Ontario spotted a group of men (including me) sipping beers on a nearby porch while listening for news on a crank radio and asked, “When will the hydro return?”

We wondered the same thing and also debated the following:

Should we have another beer before supper?

Because my neighbour’s supply was gone I offered to play host on my front porch after a make-shift meal.

After quick good-byes I walked home to look for candles.

Stay tuned for Part 4.

[Please read Part 2 for context]

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Postcards from Niagara Falls, Ontario

Please visit Written Inc. if you enjoy sharing your camera work (or play) with others.

You’ll quickly discover that Carmi, the site’s creator, presents a unique opportunity for teachers and students of photography.

His theme this week at Thematic Photographic relates to - patterns.

Lemme see what I can scrounge up from my recent trip to Niagara Falls.


A stairway to a restaurant near the falls


A butterfly is worth a thousand words


More butterflies, more words

[Click here to see earlier, related shots.]

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Live Small and Prosper: The 5th anniversary of “The Blackout” is 7 days away

Part 2

On August 14, 2003 because of the blackout that hit Ontario and much of northeastern U.S. many neighbours became my friends.

Shortly after 4 p.m. the lights went out at London’s downtown YMCA, the treadmill I was on stopped running and so did I - very abruptly.

Many days later CBC News Online reported:

The cause of the blackout, according to Canada-U.S. joint task force, can be traced back to FirstEnergy Corp. of Ohio. FirstEnergy's EastLake plant shut down unexpectedly... triggering problems on its transmission line that triggered a cascade effect that caused the blackout.


[See photo in context]

After showering in the dark (and in the nude as I recall) I biked home on my Raleigh 5-speed and noticed the blackout’s effects had cascaded onto my neighbour’s porch.

“Drink this before it gets warm,” he said, and handed me a beer.

Ten minutes later two friends arrived carrying more beer and a crank radio.

Stay tuned for Part 3

[Read Part 1 below for context]

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Live Small and Prosper: The 5th anniversary of “The Blackout” is 8 days away

Part 1

On August 14, 2003, because of a hydro blackout, I enjoyed a most pleasant evening on two front porches in Wortley Village.

CBC News Online reported the incident in the following manner:

At 4:11 p.m. ET on Aug. 14, 2003, Ontario and much of the northeastern U.S. were hit by the largest blackout in North America's history. Electricity was cut to 50 million people, bringing darkness to customers from New York to Toronto to North Bay.


[Photo in context]

Streetlights went out, subway trains stopped mid-tunnel and refrigeration equipment went dead. And while some electricity consumers had service restored by early the next morning, many areas remained in darkness well into the next day and even the one following. [Aug. 20, 2003]

It was for many a serious incident.

On my street, however, the blackout is remembered fondly.

First, my next door neighbour called me over to enjoy a beer before it got warm.

[Stayed tuned for Part 2]

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It Strikes Me Funny: How would you like unlimited miles per gallon?

What would you say if I put a gallon of gas in your car and you went as far as you wanted - for years?

You’d say, amazing deal, right?

And what would you say if, after years of driving, I came back for my gallon of gas and it was still in the can I stashed in the trunk?

Impossible, you’d say.

Mais, non, bon ami.

It is possible - and you don’t have to drive Fred Flintstone’s car.

But you would have to drive an electric or alternatively fueled car.


I posted the above photo yesterday, asked “what is it” and mojo commented:

“I think it's called an EZ-Go. Last time I saw something like that was at a golf course.” [original post]

Well, if we can ride it around a golf course we should be allowed to drive it around a city.

Then it would be no more EZ-Come EZ-Go with our gas money.

Would you drive one?

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Live Small and Prosper: Enjoy things close at hand but don’t fall in

It’s summer time, it’s hot, the back of your neck’s feeling dirty and gritty and you’d like a wee vacation.

Hey, me too.

And just last weekend I drove my wife and a friend to Niagara Falls, a stellar natural wonder, on less than one tank of gas.

The trip included two stops at craft and art shops in Six Nations south of Brantford.

Our friend purchased a book he had not seen since he was a child and if he’d not been visiting from the Czech Republic would have purchased 30 pounds of craft supplies. Maybe 35.


In Niagara Falls traffic was crushing but the fresh air next to the falls was exhilarating.


Next time I’ll take a ride on Maid of the Mist.


“If there is a next time,” said my wife. “What if you fall in?”

Then she grabbed my butt.


Okay, evidence proves she grabbed my shirt but... in my mind...

More brilliant photos below.

And more.

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Zoom w a View: Niagara Falls - one of Canada’s wonders

On Saturday my wife and I took Eduard (a citizen of the Czech Republic) to Niagara Falls to show off one of Canada’s top wonders.

During the ride there he said in halting English that he was impressed not only with my driving and Ontario’s roads but the tidy picnic area I chose for our lunch break i.e. a small parking space in front of an abandoned building and beside an old car that had caught my eye.

Just wait ‘til he sees the falls, I thought.

Shortly after we arrived Eduard started taking the first of 130 photographs to send home to his family.

The green space and stately trees near the falls are spectacular.


The Maid of the Mist IV parked for 5 minutes in front of the mighty Horseshoe waterfall.


Blue raincoat rentals are appreciated, I’m sure.


Have you seen the falls from the deck of one of The Maids?


Tell me of other amazing views.

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It Strikes Me Funny: Small electric cars have a big place

While in Niagara Falls recently I spotted a car that struck my fancy.

I immediately wanted one.

Though I don’t know its name I do know there are two and three wheeled vehicles with similar styling as well.


Sure, I could walk or ride my Miele road bike more often but there are times when a tiny vehicle is needed to help me bring home more than a couple of bags of groceries and four-pak of Guinness. Or Kilkenny Irish cream ale as a change.

At any rate, London’s greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation are through the roof and, as Mayor of Wortley Village, I’d like to encourage anyone who drives a lot of miles inside an urban setting to consider trading in for something really small with very low emissions.

Like that car in Niagara Falls.

I know I’m in the market.

But does it have a name?

[And how can people be enticed to buy electric? Click here to comment.]

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It Strikes me Funny: Don’t wear curlers or Argyle socks during the Olympics

The Olympics begin shortly and Beijing residents have been given an etiquette booklet to help them greet the world in appropriate style.

For example, the booklet advises against the following (among other things):

“(wearing) too many colours, white socks with black shoes and parading in pajamas.” [Full article - click here]

In my opinion the booklet should have gone further and addressed all nations in an attempt to rid the world of a multitude of sins.

E.G. No one should wear Bermuda shorts with Argyle socks to the knee unless the Olympics are held in Bermuda or Argyll, Scotland.

No one should be seen outdoors wearing curlers and a tattered housecoat.


Or indoors.

Whereas Beijing residents have been instructed not to “ask foreigners their age, marital status, income...”, everyone should refrain from asking:

“Do you like my new haircut?”

“Do you think these jeans fit?”

Anything else?

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Zoom w a View: This is me trying to be artsy-fartsy

It wasn’t easy getting these brilliant photographs.

First, I had to agree to drive to Niagara Falls yesterday on short notice and on one of the heaviest traffic holidays in Canada.

Second, I had to turn right on the wrong seldom-used backroad near Smithville.

Third, when my passengers and I stopped to eat egg salad sandwiches in front of an abandoned building next to a used car lot (after I spotted the 1950 Chevy and did a U-turn in front of a truck loaded with chickens) the weather didn’t co-operate.


When safely parked I opened my car door, camera in hand, and it began to rain.

When I closed the door for another bite of egg salad the rain stopped.


I tried again - it rained. Closed the door - it stopped.

Open - rain. Close - stop.


Eventually the desire for photos drew me outside.


PS The car has issues but the owner still wants $12,000.

Is it worth it?

[Click here to see a 1964 VW]

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Motorcycle Miles: Postcards from the Side of the Road

Please visit Written Inc. if you enjoy sharing your camera work (or play) with others.

You’ll quickly discover that Carmi, the site’s creator, has created a unique opportunity for teachers and students of photography.

His theme this week at Thematic Photographic relates to - signs.

Lemme see what I can scrounge up from my recent or dusty files.


The power of seven.


What the heck’s a chilerellenos?

The store was closed so I never found out.


This store was open but I didn’t need grocery, milk, hardware, ice or worms.

Especially the worms.

[Click here to see earlier, unrelated (but still brilliant) shots.]

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It Strikes Me Funny: As Mayor, how do I entice drivers to switch to electric?

I don’t know about yours but our city’s CO2 emissions related to transportation are through the roof and not coming down.

Good news is on the horizon, however, because our province’s transportation minister said the following recently about low speed electric vehicles:

“I certainly want to see them (i.e. Zenns and Nemos) used in Ontario.” [full article]

As unelected Mayor of Wortley Village (if elected I will not serve - unless Guinness is on tap) I know that people will initially see the Zenn only as an expensive second car because of its low speed and short range.


But I still want to encourage many drivers to use one in order to cut emissions.

What can I do?

Provide a designated green lane for LUVs (limited-use vehicles e.g. electric cars, scooters)?

Offer free parking spots to send the message that low emission vehicles are preferred on our streets?

Coupons for a free car wash?

Cookies?

[There's more to this story]

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Live Small and Prosper: A long history with small cars and bikes

In 1969 I visited Bermuda with a friend instead of holing up in our apartment near the university and studying for final exams.

I flunked Economics 21 but fell in love with VWs and scooters.


[GAH on Main Street, Hamilton, Bermuda, April 1969: photo by Scott Bradford]

As I recall Scott and I hit most of the pubs in Bermuda while skimming around on 50cc Honda scooters. ‘Twas a blast.

In 1970 I purchased a ’64 bug of my own for $400.


[1964 VW in context]

I paid it off in 10 monthly installments and learned how to steer with one hand while scraping ice off the windshield with the other.


[1964 bug interior in context]

“I’ll get the defroster fixed next week, Dear!”

My second favourite car is the Honda Civic. We’re now driving our third.

Though my 125cc Yamaha Vino was amazing I yearn for a 250cc Honda scooter.

Its weight and range are more appealing after two years on a 1000cc Virago.

Click here to read: Do you drive a car that sips gas slowly?]

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It Strikes Me Funny: I’m on a roll - I’ll soon be digging for buried treasure

On June 18 I asked Liberal leader Dion to explain his carbon tax and Green Shift program and he’s now holding town hall meetings in order to comply.

One week ago today I said the following in a brilliant post:

“I’ve read we build small cars [like that] in Canada but don’t allow them on the road - yet (i.e. the Zenn). Are we making progress?”

Yesterday Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Transportation Minister delivered this message:

“I certainly want to see them (i.e. Zenns and Nemos) used in Ontario.” (Quebec and British Columbia already allow the environmentally cars and trucks on its roads.)


[Click here to see photo in context]

I can’t believe I may actually get something else I asked for.

(I close my eyes).

“Now I’d like to find treasure in my back yard when I replace the deck outside my shed.”

Three times is the charm, eh?

[Click here to read my recent weekly column: It Strikes Me Funny in The Londoner]

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Motorcycle Miles: Postcards from the Side of the Road

Did I see what I thought I saw?

Yesterday at noon I slowed my motorcycle about one mile north of New Sarum and did a u-turn.

Coffee and lunch at Shutters at the Beach in Port Bruce could wait for 5 more minutes.

One hundred meters away stood a lone telephone pole.

No hydro or phone wires were attached to the pole but there were other things on it that caught my eye.


[Wanted: 25 glass insulators in very good condition]

All I need is a friend with a ladder and we could collect enough insulators to make 50 bucks at a yardsale.

Maybe 75 if we pulled in 3 bucks apiece.

Got a ladder?

[Click here to see other monochrome photographs]

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My Point of View: I have a few questions for Mr. Dion about CO2 numbers

I hope Liberal leader Stephane Dion not only continues his town hall meetings in Ontario as part of his effort to explain the necessity of a carbon tax and the fundamentals of his Green Shift program but makes it as far as my front porch.

And he might make it here to London - if he continues far enough west on the 401 after he’s finished answering questions in Belleville.

Though I agree when he warns “greenhouse gas emissions are threatening our relationship with the planet” I wonder if he and I agree with certain numbers.


For example, in a recent column I said CO2 emissions are not at the point of no return “unless industrialized countries such as Canada are unwilling to make unprecedented reductions in the burning of fossil fuels and stabilize carbon in the atmosphere at 350 parts per million, a point we’ve passed and are leaving in our wake.”

Is 350 a healthy goal?

Should we cut deeper?

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It Strikes Me Funny: Mr. Dion is bringing his Green Shift to my front door

In my June 18 column I asked Liberal leader Stephane Dion the following:

“Will a carbon tax affect the price of bread, milk, eggs and cheese?”

I wanted him to explain the tax and Green Shift program as fully as possible because I eat hearty breakfasts on a regular basis.

To show him I’m just your typical concerned Canadian I also asked:


“What happens if I buy a new toaster, TV, CD, pair of jeans, shoes, underwear, T-shirt and new socks? Sure, I’ll look and smell better - but what else?”

Readers, it appears Mr. Dion not only read my article but in response to my brilliant questions is now holding town hall meetings in Eastern Ontario (e.g. Kanata, Cornwall, Belleville).

If he bears west another 300 kms. on the 401 highway he'll likely hit Deforest City in the next week or so.

Looks like I’m getting what I asked for.

I’d better go sweep off the porch.

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The Simple Life: Bird houses and wall art for the next generation

Got lemons?

Make lemonade, save the seeds, plant one in a small pot. Encourage it to grow. Enjoy.

Got scrap lumber?

Make birdhouses with 1 - 1.5 inch holes and a clean-out door. Nail them to fence posts. Encourage the next generation of seed and insect eaters and songsmiths.


[21 birdhouses ready to deliver. Five were rubbed with linseed oil. Ever tried it?: GAH]

Or make LP album holders, hang your old albums in the hallway and remember the days when bell bottoms and polyester ties came in matching colours and paisley was a word on everyone’s tongue.

Ouch!


Got smaller scraps now?

Make CD holders and show people what music is ‘now playing’.


My old radio is now playing ‘Ruby Tuesday’ by the Rolling Stones and I’m still singing along.

Next up - Kodachrome (written by... anyone? Anyone?)

[See below for more monochrome pictures.]

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