My first wedding, on a bicycle
My roommate was getting married on Friday. Looking at my clothes on Thursday morning, I had the thought of investing in a new jacket. I didn't really have one. The last one I bought was 10 years ago, when I was doing job interviews within an undergrad Coop program. A friend of mine told me that every guy should have at least one suit. I thought this was reasonable.
The day of Thursday went by as well as Friday morning. Time was running out and the wedding ceremony was at 5:00 PM.
2:30PM, I finally take my bike and ride downtown in the quest of finding a cheap black jacket. I go straight to a store on Pender and Granville. The vendor quickly make me understand that the full suit was going to be cheaper than the jacket only... Well new pants won't hurt as well! Let's go for the full suit then. 3:25, I found jacket, suit, tie, but alterations are needed for the pants. They will make them right away, but I needed to come back at 4:30.
I ride back home, ironed my shirt, check on the Internet how to make a tie knot, it is 4:20.
How am I supposed to get back the to store at one corner of down town, and then go to the wedding, which is in west-end, near English bay? My date is supposed to arrive in a minute and we planned to take a cab there. I don't want to miss the wedding ceremony of my roommate, which became like a sister, over the years of living together... Traffic will be terrible at that time in downtown and it was also the last Friday of the month, with the critical mass folks invading the streets in a moment. 4:22, my date called, she is late, in fact she lost of driver license and will meet me there!
Good, I'm taking my bike. 4:40, I am on the road. 4:58, pick up my suit, fit it in my back pack, hoping it will stay nice. 5:10 I am at the hotel. I had to reach the 35th floor. Got there a litle bit sweaty, but no smell, at 5:15 and the ceremony didn't started yet! Time for the washroom, removed the jeans, put pants and jacket on! Here I am! Just on time! My roommate got married, everyone cried, including me!
After 6 hours of party, it is time to go home. I am tired and I have my bike with me. You can look cool coming to a wedding on your bike, but if you plan to not come home alone, biking is not that cool. Well, I am alone that night, so it is not an issue. Also, you need to pray that no drunk drivers will not be speeding on your path.
So biking is the solution for quick wedding commute in cities? or just go shopping the week before?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
When the Right talks about Sustainability
When the Right talks about Sustainability: (no worries, this is not in Canada)
David Brooks, a moderate conservative and colonist at the NY Times, is talking about the Obama’s stimulus plan that will spend billions on infrastructure. Without mentioning the “s” word for sustainability, he talks about building town square, community center, farmer markets in suburbs to create communities… He argues that the first draft of Obama’s plan is only to rebuild the existing network of roads and bridges that created the infamous car dependent suburbia…
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/opinion/09brooks.html?_r=1
David Brooks, a moderate conservative and colonist at the NY Times, is talking about the Obama’s stimulus plan that will spend billions on infrastructure. Without mentioning the “s” word for sustainability, he talks about building town square, community center, farmer markets in suburbs to create communities… He argues that the first draft of Obama’s plan is only to rebuild the existing network of roads and bridges that created the infamous car dependent suburbia…
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/opinion/09brooks.html?_r=1
Exciting Politics
Exciting Canadian Politics!
For the first time in months, I found Canadian politics amazingly interesting at the point to see the American’s insignificant and the Québec election a simple distraction!
Last Thursday was a huge blow on the pro-coalition. Prime minister Harper convinced our Governor general to prorogue the parliament. National polls said that a majority of Canadians disapprove the coalition Liberal-NDP, supported by the Bloc… Harper won a battle, but not the war.
I found the coalition idea totally refreshing. Parties with different views and opinions will have to compromise, put ideology aside, and find consensus policies, where a clear majority of Canadians would be the winners. Our votes would make much more impacts. Canadians would get more interested in politics and the quality of our politicians will have to improve.
Quebec just had an election this Monday: the participation was the lowest in history with a small 56%. The last federal election were also historically low, at 59%. We need to do change the system, because when democracy loose, we all loose.
If you didn’t support the coalition yet, please sign the petition on the website.
http://progressivecoalition.ca/
For the first time in months, I found Canadian politics amazingly interesting at the point to see the American’s insignificant and the Québec election a simple distraction!
Last Thursday was a huge blow on the pro-coalition. Prime minister Harper convinced our Governor general to prorogue the parliament. National polls said that a majority of Canadians disapprove the coalition Liberal-NDP, supported by the Bloc… Harper won a battle, but not the war.
I found the coalition idea totally refreshing. Parties with different views and opinions will have to compromise, put ideology aside, and find consensus policies, where a clear majority of Canadians would be the winners. Our votes would make much more impacts. Canadians would get more interested in politics and the quality of our politicians will have to improve.
Quebec just had an election this Monday: the participation was the lowest in history with a small 56%. The last federal election were also historically low, at 59%. We need to do change the system, because when democracy loose, we all loose.
If you didn’t support the coalition yet, please sign the petition on the website.
http://progressivecoalition.ca/
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Canadian Coalition!
Wow… things are moving so fast this week.
For the first time in months, I’m finding Canadian politics amazingly interesting at the point to see the American’s insignificant and the Québec election ridiculous! (Pardon my excitement)
This Thursday is hugely important, Prime minister Harper will go to governor general Michaelle Jean to ask her to prorogue (basically shutting down) the parliament until January 27th. At that time, the opposition will surely says that they don’t trust this government and we will be back in election! Harper doesn’t want to see a coalition with NDP and liberals and bloc together, so he is trying to buy time.
I found the coalition idea totally refreshing. They even think about including the green party in the government. The coalition government will represent more than 60% of the votes, what a win for our democracy! Party with different views and opinions will have to compromise, put ideology aside, and find consensus policies, where all Canadians will be the clear winners. The coalition parties all support strong measure to fight climate change and finally we could see something happening in Canada!
We need the support of everyone to make this coalition a reality.
What to do:
1. Please sign the petition: http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/
2. Go to a Rally this Thursday night:
a. In Vancouver, there is a rally at the Convention Center, near Canada Place, from 5 to 7:30PM
i. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=99064915261
ii. I’ll go from UBC around 5:00PM, join me if you can
iii. If you are in another city, find out if you have an event there:
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/regional.php
b. Put a candle in your window if you can’t go to the rally!
i. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=55449301160
This is very exciting! Let’s make history and change the way politics are done in Canada!
Alexandre
Comment this newsletter on our blog:
http://chbe-sustainability-club.blogspot.com/
For the first time in months, I’m finding Canadian politics amazingly interesting at the point to see the American’s insignificant and the Québec election ridiculous! (Pardon my excitement)
This Thursday is hugely important, Prime minister Harper will go to governor general Michaelle Jean to ask her to prorogue (basically shutting down) the parliament until January 27th. At that time, the opposition will surely says that they don’t trust this government and we will be back in election! Harper doesn’t want to see a coalition with NDP and liberals and bloc together, so he is trying to buy time.
I found the coalition idea totally refreshing. They even think about including the green party in the government. The coalition government will represent more than 60% of the votes, what a win for our democracy! Party with different views and opinions will have to compromise, put ideology aside, and find consensus policies, where all Canadians will be the clear winners. The coalition parties all support strong measure to fight climate change and finally we could see something happening in Canada!
We need the support of everyone to make this coalition a reality.
What to do:
1. Please sign the petition: http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/
2. Go to a Rally this Thursday night:
a. In Vancouver, there is a rally at the Convention Center, near Canada Place, from 5 to 7:30PM
i. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=99064915261
ii. I’ll go from UBC around 5:00PM, join me if you can
iii. If you are in another city, find out if you have an event there:
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/regional.php
b. Put a candle in your window if you can’t go to the rally!
i. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=55449301160
This is very exciting! Let’s make history and change the way politics are done in Canada!
Alexandre
Comment this newsletter on our blog:
http://chbe-sustainability-club.blogspot.com/
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Coming back from the AASHE Conference
I had the chance to participate at the 2nd biannual Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education conference, in Raleigh, North Carolina last week. It was in an interesting timing with the presidential election still hot in the air and delegates hugely supportive of Barack Obama. (We took a picture with all student delegates cheering “Yes We Can”). It was quite refreshing to see hundreds of Sustainability Coordinators coming together, from every part of the States and Canada. The conference gathered impressive keynotes speakers and all of them spoke about the huge tasks ahead to solve the climate crisis.
The grassroot movement is well alive in the United States, and now with a president that understands the issues and wants to act; a lot of thing will change in 2009. I’m hoping that Canada can at least jump into the wagon of changes; our leadership role has been lost for a long time already.
The grassroot movement is well alive in the United States, and now with a president that understands the issues and wants to act; a lot of thing will change in 2009. I’m hoping that Canada can at least jump into the wagon of changes; our leadership role has been lost for a long time already.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Canadian for a Progressive Coalition
Let’s week, a friend of mine ask me to translate documents in French for a very interesting campaign. Bringing the Bloc Québécois, NDP and Liberals together to form a coalition government. With the Greens includes, all those parties represent more than 60% of the votes during the last elections. However, to my great discontent, we still have a right wing government in Ottawa. With the economic crisis striking all around the globe, I’m confident that Harper’s government will use it as an excuse to avoid any meaningful climate change actions or international leadership roles.
All the center to left parties have a lot in common to fight climate, and yet differences. But I will argue that more will happen with a coalition government that with the current one.
If you share my view, please sign the online petition and join the facebook group.
Petition
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=21013685&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=27949758238&ref=mf
To avoid catastrophic climate change, we don’t have a lot of time to stop the growth of global greenhouse gas emissions, about ten years. Anything help!
All the center to left parties have a lot in common to fight climate, and yet differences. But I will argue that more will happen with a coalition government that with the current one.
If you share my view, please sign the online petition and join the facebook group.
Petition
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=21013685&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=27949758238&ref=mf
To avoid catastrophic climate change, we don’t have a lot of time to stop the growth of global greenhouse gas emissions, about ten years. Anything help!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Merve Wilkinson
A very emotionally rich week! First, I have to say that I feel sorry for the millions of Canadians who lost tons of money and saw their retirement plan melt like ice cream on a patio… However, there are positive things with this economic storm: Harper’s team is loosing steam and Obama is on the rise! That means a lot for meaningful action on climate change in the future. It is still very, very important to vote strategically on October 14th, so please check one of those websites if you care about the issue.
www.voteforclimate.ca
http://www.voteenvironment2008.ca/
http://www.avaaz.ca/ca/stop_harper_pledge/?cl=135350169&v=2254
I would like to start a ‘hero’ series. We sometime have the chance to meet amazing and inspiring people. That happened to me in August, while I was attending the Youth Action Gathering, organized by SYC and the BCCCN. The event was held at the Wildwood EcoForest, near Nanaimo, where I met an extraordinary person, Merve Wilkinson.
In 1938, Merve Wilkinson bought 137 acres of land in a hope to start an agro business. The soil was too poor and Merve decided in 1945 to do forestry instead. Decades before the concept of “sustainability” was emerging, Merve applied the principles on his land. He developed sustainable logging practices, observing and preserving the ecosystem; logging a little bit less than the measured forest growth rate, keeping his forest “multiage, multiheight and multispecies”.
The next paragraph is extracted from: http://managingwholes.com/merve.htm
“In 1993, the MacMillan Bloedel company, a major licensee operating on crown land, refused to abandon its plans to clearcut a significant portion of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. In August 1993, Merve and his wife Anne took part in a protest blockade of the access road. Merve convinced many of the demonstrators to protest clearcutting rather than timber harvest per se. (Merve thought that since he was able to change the position of environementalists, but not the logging company’s, he decided to stand with the protesters and get arrested.) Merve and Anne were arrested (along with 850 others) for ignoring the British Columbia Supreme Court injunction against interference with MacMillan Bloedel’s plans. During the trial, Merve told the judge, “My Lord, it is not necessary to destroy the forest to extract timber. It is a matter of method.”“
The Clayoquot Sound resistance got a lot of media attention and was a major step towards changing logging practices in BC.
Merve is now 95 years old, I believed, and still live in a wooden house on his land and will welcome any visitors. I can guaranty that a visit there will be legendary.
www.voteforclimate.ca
http://www.voteenvironment2008.ca/
http://www.avaaz.ca/ca/stop_harper_pledge/?cl=135350169&v=2254
I would like to start a ‘hero’ series. We sometime have the chance to meet amazing and inspiring people. That happened to me in August, while I was attending the Youth Action Gathering, organized by SYC and the BCCCN. The event was held at the Wildwood EcoForest, near Nanaimo, where I met an extraordinary person, Merve Wilkinson.
In 1938, Merve Wilkinson bought 137 acres of land in a hope to start an agro business. The soil was too poor and Merve decided in 1945 to do forestry instead. Decades before the concept of “sustainability” was emerging, Merve applied the principles on his land. He developed sustainable logging practices, observing and preserving the ecosystem; logging a little bit less than the measured forest growth rate, keeping his forest “multiage, multiheight and multispecies”.
The next paragraph is extracted from: http://managingwholes.com/merve.htm
“In 1993, the MacMillan Bloedel company, a major licensee operating on crown land, refused to abandon its plans to clearcut a significant portion of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. In August 1993, Merve and his wife Anne took part in a protest blockade of the access road. Merve convinced many of the demonstrators to protest clearcutting rather than timber harvest per se. (Merve thought that since he was able to change the position of environementalists, but not the logging company’s, he decided to stand with the protesters and get arrested.) Merve and Anne were arrested (along with 850 others) for ignoring the British Columbia Supreme Court injunction against interference with MacMillan Bloedel’s plans. During the trial, Merve told the judge, “My Lord, it is not necessary to destroy the forest to extract timber. It is a matter of method.”“
The Clayoquot Sound resistance got a lot of media attention and was a major step towards changing logging practices in BC.
Merve is now 95 years old, I believed, and still live in a wooden house on his land and will welcome any visitors. I can guaranty that a visit there will be legendary.
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