It Now Looks Completely Different

December 18, 2008 at 1:12 am · Filed under Now Seriously, Signs and Wonders

Remember this viewers?

See below – the space appeared like this a fortnight ago for the Human Powered Cycles opening par-tee. That is, if you’re standing in the opposite corner of the image above and obviously not standing on a ladder.

Presently it’s got a newly painted charcoal-grey floor and my back still hurts slightly from painting it on Sunday and many lovely bikes either to be picked up from repairs, courtesy bikes and those sexy Gazelles.

Have I managed to mention yet that The Bloke (above)  is opening a cafe in the large adjacent space next to HPC? If not, you’ve been told now!

Current ETA for your Macchiato, Ristretto and Flat White orders should be in January 2009. Apparently I’m going to be a trainee barista. At some point in time. Could prove interesting to say the least, as I’ve always shown more promise as an amateur Barmaid.

And as Mae once said …..

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Bicycle shops, Bicycle cafes, Bicycle radio, Bicycle brain …

November 20, 2008 at 12:52 am · Filed under Now Seriously, Signs and Wonders

Fig A: This large space already looks rather different. It will look even nicer when we remove the archaeological levels of sawdust.

We’re rather busy up here on Beer Can Hill. The Bloke is hard at work organising and planning his contribution to the new Human Powered Consortium just up the road. Needless to say, I just love the idea of having a 2-group coffee machine loitering about the place,  just it ain’t plumbed in as of yet.

Did I mention that YarraBUG Radio is finally on air and spreading little sparkles of bicycle lurve and mirth across the airwaves of Melbourne? I’m on now and again, so listen for the one who sounds like Minnie Mouse with a strine.

And I think this recent email is from  agents acting for those troublesome Somali pirates:

I have a project I want you to run with us. It involves exportation of 100,000 barrels of crude oil daily from Kirkuk, Iraq. If you are interested, email me. Mr. Yan.

Am I reading too much into that?

In less happy news, the Melbourne City Council has fallen back on its so-called “pledge” to move buses from Swanston Street in the wake of Carolyn Rawlins tragic death in September. Todays Age article reads like a rather pathetic example of mixed messages, ulterior motives and plain ol’ convenient expediency.

So if you haven’t realised as of yet, those coaches will not be moved by Monday 24 November, but instead by, hopefully, whenever, maybe, hold your mouth the right way …………. March 2009.

Which proves if you’re not standing for re-election, it seems that a outgoing incumbent can promise any old shite to keep the plebs happy. However I don’t believe the plebs are going to be very happy or accept the umpires decision on such a  poorly and insensitively managed process.

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Peace

October 6, 2008 at 11:33 pm · Filed under Signs and Wonders

Find more photos like this on Melbourne Cyclist

The Age: Blessed are the bike riders

On any given Sunday, it is not unusual to hear the solemn ringing of historic church bells. But yesterday, a chorus of different bells rang out across Fitzroy for a different religious service.In what was claimed to be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, about 100 cyclists gathered at Fitzroy’s Edinburgh Gardens for an ecumenical service where they and their bikes were blessed by an Anglican bishop, a Buddhist venerable and a Muslim imam.

The service was held partly in response to the death of a female cyclist last month during peak hour in Melbourne’s CBD. Many participated by ringing the bells of their bikes during the messages and prayers of the speakers, which included pleas to deities for cyclists to be kept safe while riding and that cyclists be granted the “resilience to brave the elements and enjoy the sport”.

Geri Kelder, of Brunswick East, said while she was not religiously affiliated, she had enjoyed the service and thought it important.

“I think it’s a good thing to celebrate bicycles in Melbourne (and) I think it’s a lovely idea to bless cyclists and bikes in this ceremony because it’s a really important message to say that it’s unsafe, sometimes, to ride on a bike,” she said.

“I quite like the idea that it was not just one denomination — if it was denominational, I don’t think I would have come and the fact that there was quite a few different representatives of different religions I think (made it) a very open event.”

I had a few words in the media earlier in the week, but Geri said it much more nicely.

Peace.

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Cyclovia – Tour de Moreland

April 17, 2008 at 1:15 am · Filed under Signs and Wonders

Find more videos like this on Melbourne Cyclist

Here’s a little video I created via the mobile, showing a slice of Sunday afternoons entertainment on Sydney Road. More photos here. Not a good selection, as twin horror of a flat battery & full card on the Other Camera thwarted my planned pictorial of the event. Read the rest of this entry »

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Smile you miserable bastards

April 10, 2008 at 2:49 pm · Filed under Signs and Wonders

Messrs. Frigswell and Digby Caesar-Salad Esq. of West Kunting do the “Blue Steel”. Even the hunting hounds back then had stiff upper muzzles.

Why does everyone from n00b commuters to weekend warriors feel the necessity to tear along shared paths and roads as if they’re racing for sheep stations? Folks, calm down and enjoy the ride. The PB attempt can come later, at a more appropriate venue like the Hawthorn Mellowdrome, Biatch Road or a local crit. Here’s a tip: Read the rest of this entry »

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