What the hell is a Critical Mass?
If you’re wondering what the commotion is about, visit these websites
Anthony Augustine
Critical Mass— www.critical-mass.org,
www.critical-mass.info
— It’s unfortunate that it took two separate violent
clashes between Critical Mass cyclists and police to bring a number
of important discussions into the mainstream. Much of the focus
has been on the methods used by the police to try and disrupt
the obviously nonviolent protests, and the reason Critical Mass
exists has been largely ignored. In a car-dominated city such
as Winnipeg, a more detailed examination of the arguments behind
the movement might help people understand what’s going on.
With rising fuel costs, increasing environmental concerns and
volumes of research coming out around the looming ‘peak
oil’ crisis, the ideologies and mandate behind Critical
Mass are even more important than ever. It’s interesting
to note that none of the 36 recommendations made in the Active
Transportation Study, a $100,000 paper adopted as city policy
in January, has been implemented so far by city council. With
a civic election looming, transportation may become a lightning-rod
issue this year. The next Critical Mass ride is June 30.
Trailer Park Boys — The Movie—
www.tpbmovie.com
— The groundbreaking TV program Trailer Park Boys has recently
been picked up by BBC America and has become a popular choice
for torrent downloaders, but the show is still largely a Canadian
phenomenon. All that may be about to change with the October release
of the official TPB movie. During the abbreviated sixth season,
Ricky (Robb Wells) and Julian (John Paul Tremblay) managed to
stay out of jail and avoid many of the problems that have plagued
them in the past, but the boys are still battling Jim Lahey (John
Dunsworth) and Randy (Patrick Roach) for control of the park.
Now it looks as though Lahey will be able to get his old police
job back after evidence reveals that he wasn’t drunk when
his cruiser was found crashed into a trailer. With Lahey back
on the force and the boys back in the dope business thanks to
a customized grow op in a recently converted trailer... There
were a few rough patches in the writing this past season (which
can probably be attributed to the rush to get the episodes done),
but this still has to be one of the most anticipated movies of
the fall.
Wagerline’s CFL Contest— www.wagerline.com/sportscontests/index.aspx
— The CFL season is in full swing, and the Bombers almost
pulled off a huge Week 1 upset against Montreal before starting
quarterback Kevin Glenn folded under the pressure. This scenario
is becoming all too familiar to Bombers fans, who have witnessed
far too many fourth-quarter breakdowns over the past three seasons.
The CFL is heading into Week 2, but you can still sign up for
Wagerline’s annual football contest. Each week you can make
your picks (point spread and over/under) and track your progress
against other users on the site. Keep in mind you don’t
have to make picks on every game, and it might be smart to fade
the Bombers until they show they can finish the job in the fourth.
My picks will be posted each week under the user name alloneword.
Anthony Augustine is a freelance music and pop culture writer
who spends way too much time in front of the computer. He also
hosts a weekly two-hour electronic music program on CKUW 95.9
FM Got a site you think he should see? E-mail him at anthony.alloneword@gmail.com. |
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