The bicycle, besides being one of the most environmentally friendly and healthy forms of personal transport, may also lay claim to having done much for the civil rights of women. In the late 1800s, when cycling became fashionable for middle-class European women of the period, it caused an outrage. Even when women were able to … Read more
“Your turn,” an angel said to Paul. Nathalie grasped Paul’s hand and squeezed it for a second, then released it as Paul stepped forward. He instantly felt the gaze of the evaluator on him and he waited, shaking slightly with fear of his judgement. The evaluator held the gaze for a few seconds before shaking … Read more
The comradeship which comes from taking part in an event like the WNBR, fighting for a common cause, also seems to bring out the best in people. Many will also be helping with the presumably onerous task of putting body paint on each other, for instance.John O’Connell describes how one WNBR participant was at the … Read more
Polly had sore paws from running over sharp rocks along the river chasing sticks. She had lots of fun, but paid the price for my ignorance and her enthusiasm with several sliced pads. The following days we took it easy and used paw protectors so she could still come along on our hikes. Very dapper, … Read more
In times past there were protests against cynical technological improvements from the working population which were suppressed with immediate violence. Never forget that the people in power would be happy to do this today, and still do in some countries, to you and to me, except that they fear the power of visibility and answerability; … Read more
It is clear that our lives are defined by the space between the two camps of; firstly, our thoughts on our own actions; and secondly, by our fear of what other people might think. Never mind Shakespeare, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius pointed this out some two thousand years ago: “All is as thinking makes … Read more
All of us tend to take for granted the current freedoms, education, future prospects, lifestyle choices, which we (it is hoped) enjoy, but each freedom has been hard-won, and is always in danger of being lost by inaction. The WNBR stands for our rights to push boundaries, to cast aside social convention, to protest in … Read more
The first WNBR held at Golden Bay, Australia, was supported by a woman suffering from cancer who had a breast removed, and she was determined to let people see that she was out riding her bike just like everybody else. Exercise was an important part of her recovery and healing process and she was willing … Read more
Do you wonder about the future of paperbacks with the advent of eBooks? Lincoln Michael has an interesting and thought-provoking article which discusses Amazon, eBooks, traditional format: paperbacks and the rest. This is one of his shout-outs, which describes the current state of play very well: The Future of Books Is Hypertext! No. It’s POD! No. … Read more
Two things immediately took Nathalie by surprise. Firstly, that Angela was so muscular. Secondly, she was now completely naked.“Oh, you haven’t kept your underwear on,” Nathalie said, somewhat taken aback by her openness.“Why would I?” replied Angela as she sat down on the examination table. “This is a medical examination after all.”“Yes, yes, of course” … Read more