Comments for armchairmayor's Weblog

Comment on Leaning on the horn in the Idiot-Driver Capital by Bradley Kerr

Bradley Kerr — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:54:32 +0000

I can’t believe the hostile replies towards you Mel, I have noticed a lot of cyclists and drivers here are very entitled. People justifying cycling in oncoming traffic because they run the risk or a tire blowout on gravel are idiotic. You know what I do when I come across an area where I can’t cycle? I get off my damn bike and push it until I can ride again.

I empathize with you concerning transit drivers, I have stated many times in many different public forums how much of a menace the bus drivers are. I have been nearly run into countless times by transit drivers who think that my little Ford Focus is invisible.

Comment on Your Kamloops blog ranks right up there by Arjun Singh

Arjun Singh — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:11:35 +0000

Hi Mel,
In all my craziness the past six weeks, I neglected to thank you for this kind mention. thanks.

Comment on How do we know how many swine flu cases there are? by gandolph

gandolph — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:14:37 +0000

For a look at swine flu cases in the US and worldwide, check out:
http://www.peterdolph.com/2009/10/how-many-swine-flu-cases-are-there.html

Comment on A lot of hot air about railway ties by Mike Williams

Mike Williams — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:41:51 +0000

Jim Bridges – Pro-incinerator expert testified for tobacco companies years ago – We didn’t believe the tobacco lobby in the 70s…….should we believe the pro-incinerator lobby today?

Maybe you should also include that Metro Vancouver paid Jim Bridges to come and speak on Pro-Incineration.

“His credentials may look impressive but he’s playing pretty loose with the facts,”

Save Kamloops did not pay Dr.Paul Connett. Makes a difference. Try to get Jim Bridges to come to Kamloops to hold a Town Hall Meeting without paying him. In fact, Dr. Paul Connett said he would come back and have an open debate with ACC and any expert they want to bring in.

Mel, you are obviously a big proponent for this plant and are using your paper for this purpose. Putting this plant in are valley is just not the right place for it. Why Kamloops? There are many other places that it would be better suited, Like Black Pines or Winnipeg.

Comment on Why I feel lousy today by Lianne Milobar

Lianne Milobar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:43:49 +0000

Mel, I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved dog, Cheyenne.

Comment on Leaning on the horn in the Idiot-Driver Capital by Jen Bonar

Jen Bonar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:29:23 +0000

I don’t know if you have ever ridden a road bike…I am assuming not based on your ignorance towards them, howvever, with the extremely skinny tires, riding on gravel is almost more dangerous than staying in the line of traffic, knowing that with the MVA and how it responds to cyclists, we will be safe. On gravel, we could blow a tire and go down, with the risk of getting severely injured. We could lose our balance, because the tires are meant for ROADS, and again, fall and become severely injured. OR, we could stay on the road, and hope that the drivers around us are courteous enough to respect that we have just as many rights to the road as they do. Your option was NOT to end up in the river. You could have just as easily slowed down and pulled over and courteously allowed the cyclist to continue on his or her path. Would you rather the cyclist dodged you by swerving onto terrain they were uncomfortable with and ended up so injured they were out of their profession, or sport, or pleasurable hobby for weeks to months on end? You should be PROUD that Kamloops, the city that you apparently love and respect, appreciates and respects those of us that care enough about ourselves to get off the couch and do something physical. That is Kamloops. We are a city that respects and appreciates the outdoor activities. It is not our fault, as cyclists, that we have so few designated bike lanes that we have to ride in places that do not have such lanes. I am disgusted by your rant towards the cyclist, regardless of what you had to say about other drivers, and I hope that one day you try riding a road bike in this city, and see just how difficult it is to get vehicular traffic to respect your rights as a cyclist. He had every right to finger you, and I am happy he did. You are clearly very ignorant towards the sport, and considering we have hosted the Tim Horton’s Cycling Road National Championships, I would expect you, of all people, to understand our rights to the road. Yes, you are a car, and you are right, you could have plowed him, or any one of us over on any given day, but what satisfaction would that have given you?? Yay I am a big car and can run over a cyclist? That’s great. I hope you sleep well knowing that your car can run over someone enjoying life, living for their passion, staying active and healthy, and protecting themselves from injury. Be proud, be very proud. But never say that you are a host of our city. I am embarassed to say that you were ver mayor.

Comment on Why I feel lousy today by Sue

Sue — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:57:45 +0000

Mel,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog Cheyenne. That bond between us and our pets is so very special. Our family has been thru this loss and we sympathize with you.
Cherish the time you had with her and those pictures and pleasant memories ~ they will forever be in our hearts.

Comment on Leaning on the horn in the Idiot-Driver Capital by Mel Rothenburger

Mel Rothenburger — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:22:16 +0000

Well, “backing down” would have been an option if one had a wish to drive off the road and into the North Thompson River. But I think you protest too much, Mike. I am concerned about your apparent hostility toward drivers. I understand it to a point, since you may have noted the column also expressed my own frustration toward Kamloops drivers, not just cyclists. Rather than advocating warfare between drivers and drivers, or drivers and cyclists, I’m attempting to advocate for some courtesy and common sense. Ride safely. Mel.

Comment on Leaning on the horn in the Idiot-Driver Capital by Mike Fisher

Mike Fisher — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:46:59 +0000

It takes 2 to play a game of chicken. You should have backed down you could of killed the person on the bike. You had plenty of time to see the person on the bike.

If you had a chance to avoid a collision and you chose not to and take your chances you are as much to blame.

Sounds like you are just a hostile driver. Relax!~

Comment on Why I feel lousy today by keekahoney

keekahoney — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:20:58 +0000

I am sorry for your loss.