Marlin Banned-O

Fisherfolk angle to keep marlin off of menus Hoping to smack down commercial fishing operations that are decimating Pacific marlin...

Bike commuting fashion tips

Took a long ride in the pouring rain a couple days ago to deliver some engineering drawings and test out some new gear. I'm looking for novel ideas to facilitate bike commuting. A commuter should be able to step off the bike and head straight for the coffee machine without having to change clothes or take a shower.

The key to that is an electric hybrid bike, but clothing is also all-important. Although I'm confident I'd look real fine in spandex, it doesn't fit my stated design parameters. But if you must wear it, do not repeat the mistake made by the Polish bike team a few years ago. Make sure the shorts are black, not red. Word of warning to all you nerds out there: Spandex bike clothing will one day go the way of the mullet. Don't be the last one wearing it.

Knock that junk off

Washington state is one of a half dozen states considering legislation this year to create a "do not mail" list for residents, similar to the feds' popular "do not call" registry.

And like the telemarketing industry's cries that it would be utterly destroyed and millions of contented telemarketers would be out of a job, similar forces are mobilizing against the "do not mail" bills, including the Direct Marketing Association, the mail carriers' union, and others who argue that junk mail is simultaneously essential, irreplaceable, and innocuous.

Bollocks.

That’s not gonna stop us from talking about it

It’s kind of funny — no matter how many times Gore and his people issue the exact same bland non-denial...

It’s in the movies

I enjoy the DeWittian sting of James Wolcott's writing as much as anyone, but even a good critic can go wrong sometimes. He underestimates Little Miss Sunshine, which resonates far beyond its modest means -- even on an environmental scale.

Here's why:

They Put the Heat in Heath

Australian leaders suggest water recycling to address ongoing drought As evidenced by Heath Ledger, Australians are hot — so hot,...

Take a magical tour of discovery!

Ugh. I’ve got about 50 things stacked up to write about, but I’ve finally been struck by the illness that’s...

It’s coming, and it can’t be stopped

Ah, Valentine’s Day — are we still pretending anybody likes this holiday? Single people feel insecure and excluded; people in...

How far has the movement come in the last 20 years?

Quick, name a historic moment from 1987. I’ll wait. Well, yeeessss, that was the year that gave us timeless songs...