There was a home invasion in my building

On November 24th, there was a violent home invasion in my apartment building at 180 Lees. Two men forced themselves into a unit, bound a women occupant and then violently assaulted a male. I can only surmise it was drug or gambling related....

The most surprising matter in this whole incident, is that I did not hear any word about it from the management, Paramount Properties. There were no posters put up warning others, there are no plans to upgrade security, no reasonable steps have been taken. I was upset about this so I spoke to the property manager and he said they, "didn't want to alarm residents"... Seriously? They didn't think it would have been prudent to warn people that this type of stuff is going on our building and to be careful?

Anyways, keep you're eyes peeled Ottawa.

Cycling in Ottawa: GO

I am moving back to the Nation's Capitol for school tomorrow, and I am bringing two bicycles.

The first is a steel, British racing green Surly Pacer. The group is a mix of Shimano 105 and Ultegra 6800, while the remainder of the components are Easton. I had this bike assembled this summer at Speed River Bicycles, after spending three years buying parts all over Guelph, Ottawa, and online.

I selected the components on this bike so they would last me a long time; especially the steel frame which glides over the roughest gravel roads. It is no carbon fibre featherweight, but it is relatively light (<20 pounds, no water). I especially love how the steel combined with the carbon components and 28cc tires provide an incredibly smooth ride and track excellently while cornering downhill.

2012 Green Surly Pacer, photo taken in Eden Mills, Ontario

The second bicycle I am bringing to Ottawa is a white KHS Flite 100. I do not remember when I bought it, but it was before 2012. I have since swapped all the components except the bottom bracket, head set, cranks, and seat post.

I built this bicycle to be versatile. The fixed gear platform is excellent for building many types of bicycles to fit a rider's needs. I use my Flite as a commuter, however in a pinch I have done ~70km road rides without swapping the rear sprocket. I am going to install a rack on the back with a basket once I get to Ottawa. In the future, I plan to upgrade the bottom bracket, cranks, and head set. I need something that doesn't need to be taken apart and cleaned every season.

2009 KHS Flite 100, photo taken on the Guelph Lake Dam

My experience riding my Flite in Ottawa last winter was mixed. The cycling infrastructure in Ottawa is satisfactory by my standards even in the winter, and drivers are generally respectful. The downside to cycling in Ottawa is simply the weather. The City does an excellent job snow plowing but that does not stop damp cold from seeping into your shoes and clothes.

I plan to post more photos of my cycling around Ottawa during the school year. Hopefully, sharing the process will encourage me keep up the biking.

Rob Ford needs self-awareness.

I am ambivalent towards Rob Ford. I constantly flip-flop between love and hate for his repugnant caricature. We all know of his widely publicized exploits; the rampant alcoholism and drug use, the misogynistic remarks, and halting the gravy train (apparently, the train stopped and dumped it’s load on  his mashed potatoes).

But one aspect of his persona the media has not touched on is his never-ending supply of white privilege and self-entitlement. His IS entitled to be the Mayor of Toronto, according to him anyways*. Every misstep and gaff he commits can always be remedied by apologizing, and pointing out that he IS human after all*. Now the world watches as he enrolls himself in an overpriced attempt to get clean. A recent article in the Toronto Sun, quotes Ford as saying after a week in rehab, “Rehab is amazing!” and that it, “reminds him of football” when he was younger. To me, these statements mean that Rob Ford does not get it. He misses the point. Rehab is not supposed to be a jubilant time akin to a child’s sports camp. It is almost as if he is asking to be declared a hero for getting himself clean. No Mr. Ford.  You’re not a hero for doing the most basic things everyone expects you do to do.  Rehab is not grown-up camp for drug users. And to simply throw down the money does not entitle you to bask in the glory of “getting on the right track”. And besides, what legitimate rehab centre allows its patrons to give media interviews one week into the program?

This all begs the question: What difference will it make to the city of Toronto with him away from city council, secluded in group therapy sessions, and discussing how badly he f*’d up with other affluent people? What difference will it make to the day-to-day running of Toronto?
            None. The mere fact that the city of Toronto continues to function, albeit without being interrupted with mention of scandal and drug use, just goes to show that the city is better off without him. At some point, even his supporters have to stop loving the oaf, and realize what he actually is: A bad human being. We wouldn’t tolerate his behavior if he was a guest at the neighborhood BBQ, so why do we tolerate it as the top dog of Canada’s largest city. Wake up Toronto!

*sarcasm