That's because there's no oxygen up there, pal. But, yes, i really like "Funeral" and "Neon Bible" is... different, but still quite good. More thoughts on it later, as well as on Kristin Hersh's new album.
Did you know that 'Arcade Fire' is just an alternate spelling for 'Even less interesting and more hyped Decemberists, even though you didn't think that was possible'?
I would award the maker of that sign a brass star, because in Virginia and West Virginia, I've seen an even stupider alternative -- putting handicapped spaces in parking lots that only served rugged hiking trails. See also "Wheelchair ramps in the high alpine zone" (http://www.newcriterion.com/weblog/2003_07_01_cano.html). I'm conflicted about the ADA, but clearly it can turn into self-parody.
One of the problems with overemphasizing disabled access is that every time you change the environment to make it easier for people to drive or take the elevator than to get around on their own power, you create more people with weight problems. Far more Americans could benefit from more exercise than could benefit from more elevators.
Yep -- and then the fatties come here and wheel themselves down our footpaths bowling little old ladies over! Rarrrgh!
In the meantime, this was all just an elaborate ruse -- I went to the States, put that sign up where I knew Rone would be travelling, and sat back and waited -- just to troll Rone into typing "vista".
We don't have anything like the stupidy of ADA -- just voluntary access ramps for places that feel that way inclined, plus I think mandatory access to government buildings where practical (eg, not my old 108 year old physics building). Still, the public observatory I used to work at installed an access ramp, without giving much thought into enabling wheelchair bound viewers access to the eyepieces.
I used to see about one death a year at Mount Rogers and an injury or death every two years or so at Rock Castle Gorge where the trail head was at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At Mt. Rogers, people could drive to 4,000 feet and then walk up through a spruce and fir forest to the highest elevation in Virginia which had freezing weather every month of the year.
And in your state, a guy in a wheelchair has been doing the Pacific Coast Trail or trying to get up Mt. Whitney. I'd have to dig up my copy of Backpacker to remember all the details.
no subject
Date: 2007-03-12 09:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-12 09:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-12 09:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-13 12:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-13 05:26 am (UTC)One of the problems with overemphasizing disabled access is that every time you change the environment to make it easier for people to drive or take the elevator than to get around on their own power, you create more people with weight problems. Far more Americans could benefit from more exercise than could benefit from more elevators.
no subject
Date: 2007-03-13 05:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-03-13 09:50 am (UTC)In the meantime, this was all just an elaborate ruse -- I went to the States, put that sign up where I knew Rone would be travelling, and sat back and waited -- just to troll Rone into typing "vista".
We don't have anything like the stupidy of ADA -- just voluntary access ramps for places that feel that way inclined, plus I think mandatory access to government buildings where practical (eg, not my old 108 year old physics building). Still, the public observatory I used to work at installed an access ramp, without giving much thought into enabling wheelchair bound viewers access to the eyepieces.
We needed one at Rock Castle Gorge saying "not high heel accessible"
Date: 2007-03-13 12:49 pm (UTC)And in your state, a guy in a wheelchair has been doing the Pacific Coast Trail or trying to get up Mt. Whitney. I'd have to dig up my copy of Backpacker to remember all the details.