journal features

cycling light with a backpack.

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2014.10.31

I've decided to forgo my pannier and rack, for a while, in favor of a water-proof backpack. My nice, light, new bike doesn't deserve all that ungainly weight at the back!

Curiously, the lift bridge on Cherry street was up for a third time this week. That's still only three times in the 20 years since I first moved here, but the charm is beginning to wear off.

Happy Hallowe'en! I'm going to be the man in the yellow hat to The Girl's "Curious George".

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering