This article was written by Mike Panic

It is difficult to overstate the potential of an effective calendaring solution to increase productivity. Not only are personal and business goals at stake, but lives and even nations may indeed hang in the balance! A look back through history will reveal how crucial it is to have a working calendar solution, not only for yourself but one that communicates with friends, colleagues and customers.

Exxon Valdez: One of the worst environmental human-caused disasters occurred shortly after the Exxon Valdez left the southern terminus of the Alaska Pipeline on March 23, 1989. The actions of Captain Joseph Hazelwood have been scrutinized heavily and he was acquitted of the charge of being drunk at the time. But what is not disputed is that, within two hours of the departure of the vessel, Hazelwood left the wheel house in the charge of a Third Mate and another member of the crew. These two had been scheduled to receive their mandatory 6-hours off-duty before beginning a 12-hour shift. But because of a scheduling mixup, they went back on duty and were bleary-eyed at the helm when the Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef shortly after midnight on March 24th, less than 3 hours into its journey to Long Beach, California. It is quite likely that, had the intended schedule been kept and had these men received the proper time-off, this rookie error would not have occurred and 10.9 million gallons of Prudhoe Bay crude would not have been dumped into the waters and pristine coastline of Prince William Sound, which resulted in the deaths of 500,000 seabirds, at least 1,000 sea otters, 300 harbor seals and 22 killer whales, and the decimation of countless other fish and coastal life.

Hindenburg: The iconic Hindenburg disaster almost certainly would not have happened, or with so much loss of life, if the schedule had not been put out of whack by weather-related delays. The Hindenburg left Frankfurt, Germany on May 3, and on the morning of May 6th  it was about six hours behind schedule when it achieved land over Boston on its way to the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Manchester, New Jersey. Its landing was further delayed by stormy weather at Lakehurst, and so the airship took a tour of Southern New Jersey coastline while waiting for the storm to pass.

But the tragedy to come could not have been foreseen by the ground crew called to muster at the docking point. Sadly, they were not ready to perform their critical duties as the fated ship pulled into the station for the first time, after having been delayed almost 12 hours from the original scheduled landing. So the ship took what then seemed to be a harmless stroll around the airfield to get in position again in 15 minutes, by which time the crew would be ready to tie the ship down and unload the passengers. Those 15 minutes turned out to be the last 15 minutes of the lives of the thirty-six crew and passengers who perished in the fiery wreck. Had the crew been ready to receive the ship when it first arrived, the death toll may very well have been just a fraction of this total.

Titanic: The Titanic’s original maiden voyage was March 20, 1912. But during the last year of its construction, its sister ship the Olympic sustained damage from an encounter with HMS Hawke due to poor scheduling of the shipping lanes in the Solent, the stretch of water separating the Isle of Wight from the English mainland. What began as a simple scheduling error cascaded into a tragedy of colossal proportions. To repair the Olympic, many of Titanic’s construction crew were diverted for work on its less-ill-fated sister ship. This ended up postponing the Titanic’s maiden voyage by three weeks, until April 10, 1912.

Most of history’s iceberg shipwrecks have occurred in the months of April - August, when the glaciers are calving at the height of their season. A March launch could have seen the Titanic move through its transatlantic trip without incident. Rather, on its maiden voyage, the Titanic’s captain and its owners were determined to wow the watching world with a speedy trip for a ship of its size and status. The ship’s captain, believing the advance publicity of the unsinkability of his ship, took few precautions as the Titanic blasted through the iceberg-laden waters of the North Atlantic. In his confidence, the captain retired to his bed while his pilot and crew entered the treacherous and ultimately fatal portion of their final journey. Of course, we know that the iceberg struck the starboard side of the ship, and slashed open the four chambers that, as they filled, sealed the doom of the not-so-unsinkable ship. But had the Olympic not been at the wrong place at the wrong time months before, it would not have sustained the damage that delayed the construction that delayed the launch that doomed the ship that ended the lives of 1500 passengers and crew.

Lincoln’s Assassination: President Lincoln had come out of his wartime depression, and was unusually cheerful and upbeat on the morning of April 14, 1865. All the news from the war lately was encouraging, and it seemed as if the Confederacy couldn’t last much longer. He and his wife Mary had plans to attend Ford’s Theater that evening. John Wilkes Booth, an actor, had stopped by Ford’s during the day to collect his mail, and he overheard the news that Lincoln and General Grant were to be attending the theater together. This was the chance he had been looking for; killing both Lincoln and Grant in the same attack would deal the Union a mortal wound that might give the Confederacy time to recover. (As it turns out, Grant did not plan to attend.)

The first schedule mishap that evening almost prevented the President from attending the play, which would have saved him. Missouri Senator John B. Henderson came to the White House to personally appeal for a pardon for a Confederate spy sentenced to die. Lincoln had more compassion on this Confederate than he was later shown by Booth, and he granted the pardon, his ironic, and yet fitting, final presidential act. Arriving late to Ford’s theater, the play already in progress, Lincoln and his wife were installed in their box seats before their bodyguard showed up. This second schedule mishap was the crucial one; the bodyguard assigned to protect the President came late and left early from his appointed station outside the President’s box. He therefore offered no impediment to Booth, who likely would not have been able to succeed in his fatal intentions if he had been met with threatening force.

The Sack of Rome: Alaric, King of the Goths, sought to use the threat of violence rather than actual violence as means to get his way with Honorius, the Roman Emperor from 395-423. Twice before he ultimately sacked Rome, Alaric had entered Italy with his troops, but Goth compromises and Roman promises kept the barbarians on reasonable terms. Alaric had, in fact, allied himself and his armies with Rome in service of both his people’s need for food and Rome’s. Alaric had originally supported Attalus to replace Honrius as Emperor, but when Attalus proved indecisive, Alaric returned to Honorius to discuss his re-establishment as Emperor.

But the peace that would have ensued never came, because a scheduling error prevented the meeting from ending felicitously. Honorius, not knowing in advance of Alaric’s offer toward him, sent a rival Goth, Sarus, to attack Alaric’s men. Having double scheduled both the attack and the reconciliation, Honorius was in a poor position to receive Alaric’s offer. Alaric’s men repelled the attack and Alaric withdrew from Honorius. Bent out of shape as people who are double-scheduled upon often are, Alaric was no longer inclined to show mercy on Rome. He and his marauding Goths entered the city on August 24, 410 AD, and he allowed his men to have a free hand to rape, pillage and burn. As they left the city they left behind tens of thousands of dead bodies and broken spirits, hundreds of piles of rubble, and an empire in shambles.

Each of these deadly calamities could have been averted with powerful calendaring and collaboration software as is now widely available. Let us now fast forward to modern times. Do you have any scheduling disaster experiences to share with us? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Filed under: Events, Diasters, Scheduling | Post a comment

This article was written by Mike Panic

I’ll preface this article with the simple statement that I am somewhat of a bag whore, I like bags for specific purposes and they continue to pile up, but they all get used!

More then a year ago I picked up road cycling and shortly thereafter I started to commute to work by pedaling.  There are no showers at my job, so I had to take a change of clothing, lunch and a few other things in case I caught a flat, along w/ a pocket full of change.  For the time, an existing backpack that I had been using to go to the gym with would due, but there were a few things that I didn’t like about it for cycling.

Messenger bags have been the in thing for a few years, whether you rode a bike or not, but I never much liked how they felt and couldn’t get them to sit on my back properly, so backpacks have always been my preferred method of carrying stuff.  When the opportunity came up to review the 2010 Commuter Backpack from Banjo Brothers, I was stoked!

Banjo Brothers is a staple in the cycling community, especially for those who commute.  Their panniers are legendary as with all their bags, but the addition of backpacks not so long ago to help feed a growing desire from the cycling world for two straps instead of one really interested me.  The bag does not disappoint.

The 2010 model shown here is the same as previous models in build quality and dimensions, but white has been added to the line.  This feature alone has me beyond thrilled.  For whatever reason, bag manufacturers make bags in black or dark navy blue, terrible for commuters who are actually going to use the bag on the road in traffic and want to be seen.  I’d much rather wear this 1500 cubic inch white with vertical reflective silver stripes bag then a 3″ blinky light on my seat post.  Making the bag even that much more amazing is that they actually put a loop at the lower right corner for a blinky light too! When I pedal in traffic I want to be seen, it decreases the chances of being hit and I check my need and desire to color coordinate my attire or to be fashionable in favor of being visible and staying alive.

On with the details.  The commuter bag is, as mentioned previously, 1500 cubic inches (a larger size is also available) and measures 17×12x8″.  Bag measurements have always confused me when looking online, so as a reference, the bag is about the size of a brown paper bag from your grocery store, if your grocery store still has / uses them.  Like a brown paper bag, the Commuter Backpack features a roll-top with strap, this makes the bag waterproof, something most messenger bags can’t offer.  A top flap then comes down and buckles to ensure everything really stays dry.  Because of this feature, you can carry rather odd sized objects very easily inside.

Made of two layers, the outside is ballistic nylon, it has a feeling unto it’s own, but also seems to be very easy to keep clean, even on this white bag.  Should some water get inside, there are two drain holes at the bottom, but don’t fret, there is an inner liner that is designed to be taken out, cleaned, replaced and ultimately should keep everything dry unless you plan on swimming with it.

On the left side (when wearing it) is a large pocket, designed to hold a U-Lock while under the rain flap is a zippered pocket, velcro pocket and a few pen holders.  I wouldn’t put anything sensitive to water there as I’m not sure how waterproof that part of the bag really is, but they are functional.   The bottom is made of cordura, since that typically sees the most abuse.

The straps are ergonomically shaped and feature a chest strap, padded back support, a top handle a removable waist strap.  Also, a cell phone / radio pouch comes with it on the right shoulder (easily moved to the left).

So I’ve used this bag on and off for the last few weeks in a variety of different circumstances, both on and off the bike.  On the bike, it fits really well, feels comfortable without being too tight and was designed to sit slightly lower on the back so it’s easier to look over your shoulder.  The chest strap does exactly what it’s supposed to do for me, but for model Nikki, even with the strap all the way out and the bungee portion of it drawn taught, she couldn’t get it around her, err, lungs.  Neither above or below.   I also found the waist strap to be kind of pointless, almost an add-on.  It’s not shown here in the photos because it was the first thing I removed off it.  The anchor points are great, but it almost seems like a last minute add-on feature that is nothing more then nylon webbing with a buckle.  Not wide enough to be comfortable enough on its own and no padding to it, so I’m glad it was removable.

The Commuter backpack also saw some travel as I took it on a few trips to New York City.  Because of the top loading, no divider inside the bag can be configured to hold nearly anything.  I took the camera divider out of my Tenba Messenger Bag that holds my DSLR, two lenses, light meter and a few other things and it was a perfect fit in the bottom!  Behind that, to where my back was going to be I slid my Macbook in a sleeve and then two days worth of clothing filled up the rest of the space.  I rolled the top down, buckled the rain flap and went on my way.

Bearing in mind that it’s a top loading bag, meaning, I wasn’t getting my camera out for the bus ride to NYC or on the subway without first unloading my clothing, the bag worked great!  It felt comfortable walking through the streets and navigating the subway system, wasn’t overly big and held everything I wanted it to.

Due to the nature of the material making up this bag, it is somewhat stiff, I don’t think it will ever break in the way a traditional messenger bag does over the coarse of time.  This isn’t a negative feature mind you, I’ll gladly take the padded back (which also aides in airflow) over a non-padded messenger style bag any day.  Also, the lack of compression straps means that the bag, even when empty, is somewhat large.  I’m torn whether I’d like to see them on future models.  Part of me would want to cinch it smaller if it’s not packed full, part of me hates un-needed straps flapping around in the wind.

This roll-top, waterproof, attention getting backpack is a great alternative for cyclists who actually commute and aren’t bike messengers.  It’s also versatile enough to be a multi-purpose bag for college, or just traveling.  The white version seen here should be available in early 2010, black is currently available in 1500 cubic inch or the larger 2000 cubic inch models here.  MSRP for the two bags is $79.99 and $89.99, a price point hard to beat when comparing build quality and functionality with single strap messenger style bags costing two and three times the price.

For me, this bag has proven to be my go-to bag for commuting by bike and short trips.  It stands out on the road and would be hard to miss as a carry-on for a plane ride.  I would maybe like to see Banjo Brothers develop a removable divider system for the inside and / or a built in laptop pouch, and rethink the waist strap, but those minor details don’t interfere with the overall quality and positive  experience this bag has provided me.

Filed under: Bicycles/Cycling, Review, Backpack, Bag | Post a comment

This article was written by Tracy

I should start by noting that theater has never much been my thing. I’ve seen Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Avenue Q etc. etc. and I enjoyed them to be sure, but not enough to pay the exorbitant price tag that inevitably goes with them. Here, in New York, I have discovered the masterpiece of theater for those of us whose goal is to drink and have a good time; Flanagan’s Wake.

Flanagan has just died and the citizens of his hometown (and you, as a great deal of the play is improv and interactive) have come to speak of the man’s life and mourn his death. The set is simple and comfortable with a pea green paint job and grainy old pictures circling the casket which is conspicuously upside-down. The actors are never without a bottle of Guinness in hand and the bar boasts Guinness on tap. The Guinness is a little steep at $8 a pint, but is a great addition to the atmosphere; they keep the prices simple and no matter what you order it’ll be between $7 and $12.

The actors are required to take audience suggestions as to Flanagan’s favorite song, his life dream, his favorite story and how he died. They do so with excellent good humor and more than once I nearly laughed myself out of my chair. The participation aspect is incorporated well and does not encumber the play with embarrassment or discomfort on the part of the audience members. Suggestions and participations are quick and often simply shouted one word answers to actor’s questions.

If you happen to be in Times Square on a Friday or a Saturday between 5:45 and 6:30 the play is running a bagpiper followed by Flanagan’s casket through the neon madness. I managed to capture a video of it; the man dressed in the priest outfit in front of the casket is Father Murphy, by FAR my favorite character! The fellow at the front of the casket is the play’s producer.

They are currently running promotional tickets for $25, though I do not know how long this will last; regular priced tickets are $49.95. I would inquire through the website directly. http://www.flanaganswakenyc.com/

All in all, this is a brilliant beginning to a drinking night out on the NYC; the show ends around 9:15pm with a bellyful of beer and laughs and there are at least a dozen Irish bars within 2 blocks so if you want to continue with similar thematic elements you will not have any trouble.

Filed under: Events, Funny, New York City, Review, Site Related, bagpiper, casket, comedy, flanagan, flanagans, humor, irish, manhattan, new york, nyc, square, theater, times, wake | Post a comment

This article was written by Mike Panic

Online apparel store Cutdrop.com switches gears to become a virtual pop-up shop with a charity twist.

Beginning on October 19, 2009, Cutdrop.com will exclusively host one clothing or accessories brand each week. In that span of time, the site will offer items at a discount price and donate a portion of the profits to the charity of the brand’s choice. Cutdrop.com will also work with the individual brands, their respective charities and over 300 of the site’s online affiliates on marketing initiatives for the duration of the week.

Cutdrop.com will launch with a sale featuring Seneca Rising, an up-and-coming women’s contemporary line by designer Andi Ballard. A portion of the proceeds will go to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The sale will begin at 9 a.m. EST on October 19 and run until 11:59 p.m. on October 25. Upcoming sales include Lorick, Grey Ant, Society For Rational Dress and House of Cassette.

The idea is the digital off-shoot of Cutdrop co-owner Neil Jackson’s downtown fashion industry event Taco Tuesday, which has been going strong since 2005. Companies who have participated in Taco Tuesday include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, ELLE magazine and Levi’s. “Through Taco Tuesday, I have realized that every brand has a cause they want to support, “says Jackson. “The year has been rough for everyone, but people are still tremendously generous and all about giving back to the community. We thought this site would be a great way to continue supporting the brands that we love and promoting awareness of the charities that they support.”

About Seneca Rising:

Named after the street in Virginia that designer Andi Ballard grew up on, the collection is brimming with details that characterize her history, and easy silhouettes she swears by today. As a young girl Andi combined thrift store finds with her older brothers hand me downs to create the girly tomboy aesthetic that is the backbone of this collection.  With nostalgic overtones and a no fuss sensibility, Seneca Rising was born in August 2008.

About Fashion Targets Breast Cancer:

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Foundation, marshals the goodwill and services of every element of the fashion industry to raise public awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause, in the U.S. and internationally. Currently, FTBC campaigns are ongoing in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.  With the proceeds from these worldwide campaigns, the CFDA Foundation offers meaningful help to all women concerned about and diagnosed with breast cancer, by providing access to reliable health information and health care, and by supporting the distribution of innovative information, education and outreach that impacts the broadest number of women possible.

www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org

Filed under: Charity, Fashion, Breast Cancer, cancer, Clothing | Post a comment

This article was written by Lauren Oujiri

I just came across this article with video on The Huffington Post regarding the egg industry, where male chicks are instantaneously euthanized daily because they have no production use due to being male, and there’s no profit in them in other industries either. The industry acknowledges that killing of male chicks by a huge grinder is a standard practice supported by the animal veterinary and scientific communities.

The video was shot by a undercover member of Mercy for Animals who worked in the egg hatchery. The question at the end of the article, for me, is the potent one: Does the killing of millions of male chicks every year as part of the production process so consumers can have cheap eggs make it right? It is depressing to think we have not been able to come up with alternatives (to this and the other horrifying issues that plague animal ‘processing’), and that as usual, it’s profits above all else that matters. I wish I had the answers, but surely we can do better without sacrificing this amount of life, and creating that amount of waste for the environment.

I know that the human species will never entirely stop eating animals and animal products or stop consuming the byproducts of animals, but this has just reconfirmed my vegan beliefs and choices.

Filed under: Animals, Awareness, Business, Environment, Food, Health, News, Vegan | Post a comment

This article was written by Mike Panic

With all the good that NetBooks bring, they still need some accessories to help accomplish tasks better and faster.

1. Case Logic’s Urban Messenger Pak

It doesn’t look like a computer bag, yet holds a NetBook, accessories, phone and more in a stylish package.  An adjustable shoulder or hand strap lets you carry the bag on your back or in your hands.

2. MoGo Presenter Mouse X54

This Bluetooth device gives you the freedom of having a mouse to use since most netbooks compromise the trackpad / touchpad space, without the bulk of standard size mouse.  It also includes a presenter function, allowing you to control your NetBook for slideshow presentations.

3. NeatReceipts

This mobile scanner allows you tame all of those loose scraps of paper you accumulate on the road. Its OCR technology captures text into a searchable PDF format for easy archival and retrieval. It’s also great for scanning business cards, since its software easily exports to MS Outlook. Best of all, it’s a small device that is not tough to carry around with you.

4. IOGEAR’s USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer

An essential device used to connect your NetBook to a desktop computer for screen sharing and file transfers.  KVM, or keyboard, video, mouse switch traditionally allows two computers to share the same peripherals, the IOGEAR product also allows file transfers via an on-screen menu system.  This small accessory is a great way to utilize your full sized desktop monitor instead of the netbook’s smaller screen and is essential for fast file transfers and backups.

5. Western Digital’s My Passport Elite 500GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive

The perfect accessory for NetBook users who need to carry lots of data with them.  Most NetBooks come installed with very small hard drives and those with SSD drives are usually 32GB and under, but this slim, fashionable device can carry most anything you’ll need.  Transfer at full USB 2.0 speeds and enjoy the multitude of colors it’s available in to match or clash with your NetBook.

6. Targus Laptop Chill Mat

You need this device to  help keep the heat out of your NetBook and off your lap.  NetBooks are small, that’s what makes them attractive, but they still generate heat and that is computer components worst nightmare.  Utilizing the USB port on your netbook for power, this slim, lightweight mat sits under your computer with two powerful fans to keep your netbook running cool all day long.

7. Samsung SE-S084B Slot Loading Slim 8x DVD Burner

Most NetBooks don’t have room for burners in them, but sometimes you need to either burn something or utilize a CD / DVD drive to load new software.  This slim, slot-loading 8x burner is built for netbooks and laptops and can be completely powered by a USB source, no need to carry a bulky AC adapter to use.

8. IOGEAR’s Wireless USB Hub and Adapter Kit

This USB adapter is perfect for setting up in your home or office (or both) to connect your printer, scanner and other USB devices to, then plug the USB adapter into your netbook to utilize those devices wirelessly, up to 30 feet away.

9. Logitech Alto Cordless Keyboard

For NetBook users, this is the Ferrari of accessories to have at home or the office.  If you utilize your netbook on a fulltime basis, having a full sized keyboard is a must-have.  Additionally, the Alto comes with a stand to hold your netbook at a comfortable viewing angle to reduce neck pain.  Cord management is also integrated to keep everything nice and tidy.

10. SanDisk Ultra II SDHC memory card

A common feature on NetBooks is a built in SD memory card slot, which is perfect since most point & shoot digital cameras on the market utilize the SD technology.  Additionally, it’s a simple way to easily expand the amount of data that can be stored in the netbook without an external hard drive. Sandisk offers cards from 2GB to 32GB to fit almost any budget and need.  Read/write speed is 15mb/second so you won’t wait long for files to transfer.

Utilizing these 10 accessories will allow you to maximize your new NetBook for everything it has to offer, and then some.  Best of all, these are all small enough to carry with you almost anywhere you go.

Filed under: Computers, Technology, Computer Accessories, Netbooks | 2 Comments

This article was written by Mike Panic

This is a guest post by Jana K. Hoffman, the editorial assistant at Lehigh Valley Style and freelance fashion writer. You can also read her stuff on BettyLife.

Nearly two months ago I wrote a post about my favorite iPhone 3G App. Well, I am happy to report a lot has changed in two months. I am now currently (and probably forever will be) obsessed with ShakeItPhoto. It’s a digital Polaroid in your pocket, and you have to buy it. For only $0.99, it’s completely and utterly worth it!

As a Polaroid camera owner myself, I thoroughly enjoy each photo that pops out in all of its graininess glory. Keepsake photos, as I like to call them. I tuck each away in a specific Polaroid-photos-only album.

But now, with ShakeItPhoto, I can take Polaroid-esque images with my phone and upload them to my computer, onto Facebook and send to friends.

The App’s uniqueness encourages you to shake your phone and watch as the photo develops on your screen. You can now even take your existing photos and instantly turn it into a Polaroid. I truly cannot get enough! Sorry, Remote, but you’ve just been demoted.

Filed under: Photography, Apps, iPhone | Post a comment

This article was written by Mike Panic

This is a guest post by Markus Goldman, a DJ at WMMR in Philadelphia.

The other day I interviewed Oderus Urungus of GWAR and had a blast talking to him. Oderus spoke very gleefully about the Depravity of Philthadelphia and why he loves visiting our fair city.  Gwar’s new record, Lust In Space, is available on CD or via download on August 18th. You can pre-order the CD at www.gwar.net or www.metalslave.com and you will get an autographed copy of Lust In Space.  Gwar will be on the road with Lamb of God for four months starting this fall. As no Philly date is set yet, Oderus expects a November or December Electric Factory show. Keep checking www.gwar.net and their MySpace page for updated tour information. Enjoy the brilliant insanity of Oderus.

Stream here or download and listen:

Filed under: Music, Review, Gwar, Interview, Markus Goldman, Oderus Urungus, podcast | Post a comment

This article was written by Mike Panic

This is a guest post by Kendra Greaves, a professional aerialist, circus performer and avid biker who lives in and commutes around Philadelphia by bicycle.

Yay! It’s summertime. I’m so happy that you are outside biking, walking, running, rollerblading, walking with your kids, walking your dog…. whatever you might be doing. I have a few comments and suggestions to make everybody’s (mainly mine, I guess) journey more enjoyable.

First. This might seem simple, but for most people, this seems to be a concept unimaginable. Get out of the middle of the path. Not so hard, really. This counts no matter if you are biking or on foot. This is especially important if you have music blasting in your ears. If I am saying “on your left” over and over while I am stuck behind you on the narrow point on Kelly Drive where I can’t pass you, I’m going to eventually get pissed and ride up directly behind you and literally scream. I have had to do this a few times. It’s great you are running or biking slowly. Really. Your fat ass thanks you (but maybe you might want to not wear spandex just yet….). But if you are going at a snail’s pace and I have to get somewhere, or I am just sick of staring at your jiggling white thighs, I will scream at you until you hear me. Then I will most likely curse at you, and consider pushing you into the trees. Turn down your fucking music, or better yet, stay to the right of the path.

Which brings me to my second point. You are not from England, or Australia. I hear that South Jersey accent. I know you are from the tri-state area. So stay on the right side of the fucking path. Seriously. And when I glare at you because I barely miss hitting you, do not get mad at me. You know the rules of the road. Oh, wait…. you drive like an asshole too? My bad. I just assumed people who walk or drive can do it the proper way. I guess I was wrong.

That said - if there is a tiny narrow curve in the path (there are quite a few - some of them even have lines painted down the middle, and signs saying “go slow”), do not pass the person in front of you just yet. Because you can’t see who is coming in from the other side. Stay over as far as you can or you will probably get hit. You can wait an extra 8 seconds before you swerve out and potentially hit me, who is staying on the proper side and going slowly in tight areas. Because let’s face it, you aren’t going that fast anyway.

If I yell “on your left” and start to pass you, do not jump in front of me. You don’t have to move at all in fact. I have taken into account passing you by the time I tell you that I am. You’re fine.

Do not let your dog, horse, or small child lunge in front of my bike. If I do miss hitting them, I will narrowly miss them, and you will yell at me and get upset, and little Bobby will start to cry. Hold them. Hold their hand or their leash (leashes are for your dogs though, not your child). Get off your fucking Blackberry. Stop texting your friends. Pay attention to your kids. Otherwise they will wind up writing angry posts like this one in 25 years.

Please do not swing your fishing poles around. If one hits me again, I will take you and throw you into the river after I break your fishing pole over my thigh.

Do not walk three or four abreast. I don’t care how cool you and your friends are. You do not deserve to take up the entire path. It is not the Yellow Brick Road.

Look behind you and see if someone is approaching if you need to suddenly get to the left side of the path. Not so hard, but people never seem to do this. Likewise, if you suddenly must stop dead in your tracks, get over to the grass or something.

A few random bits I would also like to mention:

• Spandex is not for everyone (I am repeating this because I feel strongly here)
• Unless you are biking up Shurs Lane, keep your elbows straight when you bike. You look like and idiot. And you are going slow. It’s not helping you
• Change your gears from time to time. I laugh at you when you are pedaling your ass off and not getting anywhere. If you don’t want to change gears, do what I do, and ride on a track frame
• If you must listen to music, turn it down. Or just listen in your right ear
• Wear a helmet

I’m sure that I can continue on here, but those are the major things that I would like to mention.

So please, be considerate so I can get back and forth between work and home without wanting to run someone over.

Filed under: Awareness, Bicycles/Cycling, Rant, commuting | 4 Comments

This article was written by Sarah Sweets

This article is not as sadistic as the title implies.  Knowing how to make your dog vomit could save his or her life.

Dogs are natural scavengers.  Unfortunately this may mean that will scavenge for food in your kitchen or garbage which could lead to deadly consequences.  There are many foods which are safe for humans that are highly toxic to dogs.  If your dog eats these items, it will be imperative that you are able to induce vomiting in a timely manner in order to avoid poisoning or harm.

Foods to avoid (below is a partial list of foods that are poisonous or harmful if ingested by your dog):

Grapes / Raisins (contain a toxin that can lead to kidney failure)

Onions (a large amount consumed at one time or over several days can lead to anemia as well as gastrointestinal problems)

Corn Cobs (can cause intestinal blockage)

Fruit Pits (can cause intestinal blockage)

Uncooked bread dough (the years can continue to rise in the dog’s intestine causing blockage or rupture)

Xylitol (in many gums and candies and can cause liver damage with extended or large quantity ingestion)

Macadamia Nuts (can cause locomotion difficulties)

Avocado (contain Persin which can cause vomiting, diarrhea or heart congestion)

Salmon / Trout (can contain parasites that are harmful to dogs)

Chicken Bones (can cause intestinal blockage)

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (most medicines are harmful to your dog)

Chocolate (contains Theobromine which can cause seizures, irregular hearbeats, and difficulty breathing)

Coffee / Caffeine (similar in chemical make-up to Theobromine, can cause seizures, irregular heartbeats, difficulty breathing)

If your dogs ingests one of these items, you should induce vomiting.  Time is of the essence, so it is important that you induce vomiting immediately after consumption of the dangerous item.

Ways to induce vomiting in your dog (you should do this outside or in a tub for easier clean-up):

Hydrogen Peroxide: this inexpensive solution is available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.  A bottle can cost between 50 cents and a dollar.  To induce vomiting, pour 2-3 Tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into your dog’s mouth, coaxing him or her to swallow it.  After about 5 minutes, your dog will begin to vomit and will continue to vomit until his or her stomach is empty.  Depending on the size of your dog, this can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

Salt: 1 Tablespoon of salt can also make your dog vomit.  This is a little messier than hydrogen peroxide as it is sometimes more difficult to force your dog to swallow a tablespoon of dry salt.  You can try mixing it with 2 Tablespoons of water in order to pour it more easily into your dog’s mouth. Vomiting will occur within about 5 minutes and will last 5 to 15 minutes.

Syrup of Ipecac: This was previously a common household item for people with small children, but new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics are no longer recommending every household keep a stock of Ipecac.  Regardless, this remedy works for dogs.  Syrup of Ipecac can be purchased from most drug stores and is slightly more expensive than Hydrogen Peroxide (about $3 for a bottle).  Follow the directions on the bottle for dosages.  Pour the syrup into your dog’s mouth to induce vomiting.  Wait several minutes for it to take effect.  Your dog will vomit the contents of his or her stomach in a span of 5 to 15 minutes.

Of course, NEVER induce vomiting if your dog has ingested a caustic substance, seek immediate medical help from your veterinarian.

If your dog is showing signs of poisoning such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool or vomit, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, difficulty urinating, lack of thirst or hunger, etc. seek IMMEDIATE medical treatment from your veterinarian.

Keep a stock of Hydrogen Peroxide, Salt, and/or Syrup of Ipecac on hand for emergencies should they arise and always contact your veterinarian with any health questions.

You can also check out these How-To videos for more specific instructions:

How to Make a Dog Vomit -- powered by eHow.com

Another video can be seen here.

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