minneapolis, one step closer to canada

The Nice Ride Minnesota bike-sharing program, based on Montreal's BIXI bike-sharing program, debuted in Minneapolis earlier this week. The system allows users to take a bike from any kiosk with the swipe of a card and return it to any kiosk by simply pushing it into a dock, which locks automatically. A subscription is required to use a bike and the first 30 minutes are free. The bikes are designed to be ridden by people wearing regular clothes and include full fenders, lights, and a cargo rack. They are perfect transportation option for short trips short trips in the city, such as across downtown for an appointment or a quick trip to the store, which in turn reduces pollution and congestion

The BIXI system is a high tech bike-sharing service. According to Nice Ride, "Advanced bike-share systems have been operating in cities like Paris and Barcelona for several years now. The engineers at BIXI learned from the successes in these cities and built a bike share system that is elegant, rugged, and simple to use. Time Magazine recognized BIXI as one of the top inventions of 2008, right behind the Mars Rover."

The bike-sharing system is a perfect fit for Minneapolis which was recently named the most bike-friendly city in the U.S. by Bicycling magazine. Making this honor even better, Minneapolis unseated Portland, Oregon, a city that held the title for many years. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, a bicycling advocate, said the program will have multiple benefits, including improving users’ health, helping the environment and increasing drivers’ awareness of bicyclists on the roads.

Solar-powered kiosk

BIXI announces its little "little brothers"
http://www.bixi.com/news/full/the_first_bixi_unveiling_U-S_city/

so many things on my mind, so little time to blog

I've been writing this blog for three years and it's a lot more work than I had anticipated. I have great ideas that are churning in my head about things to blog about but very little time to sit in front of a computer and post. Intentionally, much of my free time is spent outside away from a computer. Essentially I've become a slacker blogger. I've mulched over the idea quitting this blog, but still have some good stuff to share and post. 

anti-war valentine's day

My cheesy Valentine's Day poster.

icy luminaries

In this dark cold time of the year ice luminaries make the outdoors look beautiful. I was inspired to make these luminaries by the New Year's Eve candlelight walk at Fort Snelling State Park.

How to make
1. Get two containers for the ice mold. One should be a smaller size to use for the inside of the mold.
2. Use the bigger container first. Fill up about two inches with water and let it freeze.
3. After the bottom freezes put the smaller mold in. Put stones in the smaller mold to hold it in place. Allow enough space for ice to freeze around it. If the smaller mold doesn't stay in place, put a little water the bottom of it and let it freeze to the base.
4. Add water to the mold. If you want you can put berries in the mold or other things you like.
5. Wait for the mold to freeze.

Containers for the ice mold (left) a frozen ice mold (right)

6. After it's frozen, bring the container inside (or to a warmer place) to thaw. To speed up the process I took out the stones from the smaller mold and used boiling water to thaw the inner mold. After the inner mold is removed the outer side of the outer container will melt.

happy 2010!

I would like to start 2010 with a pledge to the earth. Come on and say it with me. "I pledge allegiance to the earth and all the life which it supports. One planet in our care, irreplaceable, with sustenance and respect for all."

Let's love mother earth and each other in 2010.