a book you folks should check out for sure

Hi. I am a teacher, and I sometimes write book reviews which our

library posts on its blog. Below is a review of a compliation of

short stories called metatropolis, edited by John Scalzi. Definitely

worth checking out with the unique bike references.

Rick

metatropolis

I'll start right off by highly recommending this compilation of five
futuristic, eco-agro short (roughly fifty pages each) stories. Two
are set in locally in Cascadia, described as a corridor extending from
Portland north to Vancouver.

Fortuitously, reading these short stories with Straphanger (in
particular, the chapter on bike use in Copenhagen) fresh in my mind
was a real bonus. Three of the stories feature bikes as the preferred
mode of transport because most citizens simply cannot afford
fossil-fueled or electric vehicles In one, there is a bunch of
bike-riding eco-terrorists laying siege to Detroit: their strategies
reminded me of the Critical Mass demonstrations we often see on
Vancouver's streets.

Another aspect of this compilation which left its mark in my
imagination is the way certain motifs/references flow through the
stories despite radical differences in setting and character. The
editor, John Scalzi, shares interesting info on the group
brainstorming/editing sessions the authors engaged in through the
writing process.

Check it out! With all the discussion currently surrounding the
Enridge Pipeline, making very clear the fact that fossil fuels are not
going to disapear from the energy market any time soon, this
collection gives us an intriguing, albeit pretty darn bleak, glimpse
into what future generations of Earthlings have to look forward to.

~Thanks so much for the review Rick! I'll be sure to check that out. Super, I want more book reviews on this blog :-) It reminds me we haven't even mentioned Critical Mass San Francisco's 20th Anniversary this past September. I think Chris Carllson must have put something out to commemorate that. Sorry for the dereliction of duty, CM readers, I'll be sure to let you know when I check that out.

I'm not sure how Critical Mass could resemble "eco-terror" but that will be interesting to see that story. I do hope it's not a bleak dystopian future. Those books are a bit of a tired trope... though something that our Christian based culture certainly enjoys: (Depeche Mode Lyric) Everybody's waiting for Judgement Day, so they can go, "Told ya so!"  (A guilty pleasure of mine for instance is reading Douglas Coupland describe post apocalypse Vancouver locations that I personally know)

One of my favourite things about Miriam Webster's 1998 novel, The Age of the Bicycle, is that it is not dystopian even though that is the genre. From Chunk 666's manifesto (I highly recommend their fun zine): "People think that the post-apocalyptic world will be all rough and tough, hard living and scrabbling for survival, but that's not true at all..."

~RUSL

The man who lived on his bike.

This is a pretty fun video.

THE MAN WHO LIVED ON HIS BIKE from Guillaume Blanchet on Vimeo.

Bikes Inside dance party this Friday @ W2 Storyeum

In case you missed it on Facebook:
This Friday Feb 25 is Bikes Inside! A bicycle-themed dance party at the huge indoor space at W2 Storyeum (151 W Cordova). Indoor bike polo tournament starts at 6pm, the party starts at 9pm and goes until the wee hours of the night. $10 at the door. Projected video, art and photography, performances by the B:C:Clettes, Gastown Sprints, DJs and dancing and more!

Check out http://www.bikesinside.com/ for all the details and invite
your friends on the

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162322220486909
Please spread the word (and the bike-love)!

Fun Saturday Bike Events Tweed Ride!

Alleycat, Bike Polo, Tweed Ride and other fun rides this weekend, all on the velopalooza calender:
(Also, People's Prom is on Monday night!)

VALENTINE'S 2X2 POLO TOURNAMENT
Under the cambie bridge, Marinaside Crescent and Cooperage Way, Vancouver, BC
10:00am - 5:00pm
East Van Bike Polo is hosting a Valentine's day 2x2 tournament on Saturday Feb. 12th. Prizes for best dressed, kiss to make it count rule :)


VANCOUVER'S SECOND ANNUAL TWEED RIDE Link 19+
The circle on the seawall near the Stanley Park Rowing Club, Stanley Park, 2:30pm
Leisurely cycling for Ladies and Gentlemen alike around the wall of Seas ending at a venue for Tea of upmost nostalgia (location TBA).
Rational dress and natural fibres (wool) are encouraged.
Tweed riding is sweeping the continent. We invite bicycle lovers, fashionistas, historians, steampunks, environmentalists, and everyone else who enjoys a spirited afternoon of riding and a hot cup of tea to join in on the days adventures in Vancouver.
ph: 778...227-l893


17TH ANNUAL ST. VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE Link 19+
Crab Park (aka Portside Park), 149 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC
3:00pm Come enjoy the Oldest alley cat in North America
$5 and Clothing donation for the homeless(full bag)
No bullshit, no sponsors, just str8 up $500 for 1st place
Brought to you by Jeff Fucking Curry

Build it and they will come

Come to the VACC Member's Party & Art Show - Dec. 12

Join Us for the 2010 Member Party and Art Show!

Having trouble viewing this? Click here

The Vancouver Area Cycling
Coalition is incredibly proud of the year 2010 has been, and we know
that we couldn't have done it without your support.
In celebration of a year of good work, and in appreciation of you and
all our members, we're pleased to invite you to our annual member
party, and our first ever art show.
Come by the Britannia Community Centre on
Sunday Dec. 12, from 6:00 - 9:00pm and help us celebrate a
wonderful year. If you've got art lovers on your holiday gift giving
lists, keep them in mind while you check out our selection of
bike-themed art. The commission on works sold will support our Bike to
School 2011 Program and we're pleased to have a small collection of
photography, painting, and mixed media pieces.
Most importantly, we want to share our success. We've passed each other
on the bike routes, and waited together at stop lights, now we have a
chance to chat over a glass of holiday cheer. If you'd like to bring a
dozen cookies for the table, we all know how hungry cyclists appreciate
them! ;)
Don't forget, volunteers with Bike to Work this year get a free drink
ticket, and if you haven't bought or renewed your membership yet, you
can stop by and do so at the door. Gift memberships will also be
available.
All the best for the season to you and yours. Happy New Year, and
hopefully, we'll see you Sunday!

Sincerely,

VACC Board & Staff

VACC
Member Party & Art Show

Sunday,
Dec. 12, 2010
6:00PM-9:00PM
Britannia Community Centre
1661 Napier St, Vancouver