Thanks to a streak of non icy and slushy days I’ve been enjoying my daily bike commute uninterrupted for the past two weeks or so.

Robert Hurst, author of “The Art of Urban Cycling,” and “Road Biking Colorado’s Front Range” has a new blog:  The Industrialized Cyclist.

Robert shares my interest of urban geography and utility cycling.  In his blog, among biking articles and news, are some excellent photos of Denver landmarks, buildings, trip reports, and trail info.

If you want to see a cycling outlook beyond the sterile paths of Lodo and Riverfront Park check out Robert’s site and his books at theindustrializedcyclist.com

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I occasionally take random photos of things I find interesting, strange, cool, or just catch my eye. Such as Chicago’s Roosevelt Metra station, this frightening U-haul, or a crap filled Target. As is the motto of Rob at Cockeyed.com “Always have your camera.”

On Tuesday, February 12th, my two co-workers and I were driving up Monaco Street in southeast Denver to lunch. At 6460 East Yale I saw this little Safeway gas station. I had never seen one before - and for some reason was fascinated that it looked just like a “BIG” Safeway. I found this structure cute in a Christmas village elf like way: The design, windows, overhang, and trim are identical to a full scale Safeway - and the disproportionate letters and logo give it an even more miniature appearance. Yes I’m a dork. I realize its just a friggen gas station, and that would have been the sum of this post. Except for what followed:

To appease my elation co-worker M.P. pulled in for gas, allowing me to step out to take a few shots. As I scouted out a good angle employee A.J. walked up to me, blocked me by standing in FRONT of me, and tersely asked what exactly I was doing. I didn’t stop to converse, but said that I just liked the building and thought it was interesting.

He became agitated at my bland answer, and I then realized that if I continued I would most likely face harassment by doing something as benign as taking a few snapshots of a gas station - the same harassment occasionally faced by those who enjoy photographing more majestic objects like bridges, airliners, and trains. Quickly processing this I then realized that in an attempt to block the sun I was actually standing on the CURB of the street, just OFF of Safeway’s lot on public property. Now it was clearly a non-issue.

Meanwhile A.J. walked back into the mini-me Safeway. I wrapped up and walked to the car as M.P. finished pumping his gas. As he started the car A.J. walked up to me on the passenger side, just after making a show of writing down my friend’s license plate number. He said that he had just spoken with his security officer (inside the “big people” Safeway I presumed,) and demanded that I delete my photos or he would confiscate my cell phone. I politely and firmly said “No. My photos were taken from the street. And while I don’t need to explain or have reason for taking photos my intentions are not nefarious.”

A.J. then said since I was not cooperating with his requests he would be forced to call the police. Um, yeah…

Hi, Denver police - some guy is taking pictures of our Safeway gas shack. Please hurry.

My other co-worker in the back seat couldn’t contain his laughter anymore, and I finally said “Go ahead and call the police. I can take a photo of any goddam thing I want from public property including you, your gas station, the sky, a bird, and your mom. Good Day.” We drove off, and thankfully there was no further escalation. As of today, February 13th, the police have not contacted my friend M.P.

This unexpected event gave us a charge jolly for the rest of the afternoon - but it bothers me that someone would actually THINK that they could prohibit one from taking photos on a PUBLIC sidewalk or street. I completely understand a business restricting photos WITHIN their private property. Usually this isn’t for knee-jerk security reasons, but rather to prevent collection of price data and retail design. For example if Target had told me to knock off these shenanigans I would comply without question. Another example is a gym extending their logical right to ban camera phones for the privacy of their members. And I haven’t argued yet about government restricting photography of self labeled “sensitive” areas like customs facilities or INSIDE high profile government buildings.

However no one (A.J.) should DARE tell someone they can’t stand on PUBLIC property and take a picture of a commercial establishment. General photography of airports, bridges, skyscrapers, and Safeway gas stations do NOT fall under the category of “security threats.” If I find something architecturally stimulating I’ll take a damn picture if I want to.

This morning I called Safeway and spoke with general manager Greg Burk. I asked him why on earth his employees would impede someone’s activity on adjacent PUBLIC property? And why your employee demanded that I surrender my personal property, (my camera phone,) and threatened me by calling the police?

Greg Burk was aware of my visit yesterday, and agreed that A.J. was out of line in asking I surrender my camera phone. However Greg explained that A.J. acted appropriately by considering police action, and that the security officer who authorized his actions was not aware that I was on public property. When prodded in further discussion he agreed that A.J. should not have harassed me or asked for my phone.

Greg was very courteous, and during my recorded call was generous enough to talk to me for almost 10 minutes. He gave expected rational for being AWARE of odd activity. But I explained that my “suspicious” behavior should also be balanced out by the fact that I was in a CAR, with a license plate, (which A.J. wrote down,) and my friend also used his credit card to pay for gas. Those elements would make it quite easy to track us to our evil lair. Furthermore any building detail could be easily viewed by the naked eye, or via Google Earth or Google Street View.

I told him its one thing to be AWARE of odd behavior, but another to overstep your bounds and harass and threaten a person with no legal grounds. For the most part we agreed, and I appreciate his attention.

It’s mortifying enough to photography hobbyists and enthusiasts when they’re wrongfully told by police and private security that they can’t photograph public structures like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Eisenhower Tunnel. Niche groups or buffs who enjoy studying things like roads and airplanes do not deserve harassment. When your personal hobbies and activities, however banal, are challenged and limited under the pretext of security - that’s just wrong.

Did I mention this is a gas station? Perhaps they should build a tiny Safeway jail for security threats like myself.

by James Van Dellen

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I’ve been studying up on The Netherlands in preparation for an upcoming March trip.   As noted in my previous post I’ll be staying for two weeks in The Jordaan neighborhood, and if things go as planned we’ll be enjoying our stay in a quiet canalside apartment.

One book I’ve found is “The UnDutchables: an observation of the Nederlands, its culture and its inhabitants.”  The UnDutchables is a collective written about life and culture in Amsterdam and throughout The Netherlands.   There are several editions, each updated regularly since 1989. Through a humorous look the writers take on such stereotypes as wooden shoes and tulips, and tell stories of daily life, how to assimilate and how not to.

I’ll admit I haven’t started this book yet as I’ve been busy with some other guidebooks and maps.  But I’m looking forward to reading the idioms, stories, tips, and advice.  It’s been highly recommended on Amazon for anyone spending time in the The Netherlands, no matter how brief.

More on their site at www.unDutchables.com.

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“Hey do like maps? Me too! Those are some great maps you have on your wall.” Sorry that’s an excerpt from an inside joke. Prompt me and I’ll explain.

Mapping London - Making Sense of the City is a 288 page hardcover featuring over 200 historical maps of the city of London. With detailed photos and writing the city’s changes are shown year by year and through generations, including historical events such as London’s great fire, the Plague, the two World Wars, and even future planning for the 2012 Olympics.

If you’re interested in cartography and history this is a must read.

From Black Dog Publishing:

The maps in this comprehensive survey are allowed to speak for themselves, revealing not only their political and social context, but also the dreams of their makers and the drama of their creation. The maps are often objects of great skill and beauty themselves, with the names of the greatest of their makers still revered today.

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Yearning to change up the old dishes for your holiday parties and office potlucks?   Who wouldn’t like to serve some alternative fare to the standard gingerbread cookies and eggnog? 

I recently perused Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s book “The New Art of Japanese Cooking.”  This Hiroshima native established his own restaurant at age 25, then moved to Manhattan to become head chef for several restaurants, and eventually opened “Morimoto Restaurant” in Philadelphia.

Although the foundation of his recipes and flavors are based in the traditional Japanese foods, Morimoto adds European and American elements to his dishes to create a blend that’s his own creation and style.  If you want to try something different in the kitchen this book is an excellent primer for Japanese cooking.  It’s well written, easy to reference while prepping and cooking, and the pages are full of sharp designs and colorful food presentations.

More about Chef Masaharu Morimoto at his personal site:  chefmorimoto.com

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I saw Eric Durchholz’s promo on the Gawker artists list.  Durchholz is a Nashville artist who primarily works in photography and 3D images.  His upcoming show “gameboys” gives homage to the overlooked segment of gamers:  gay guys.

For Durchholz, gaming is sexy. He considers himself a hardcore gamer. “I don’t watch much television, nor do I read many books. I do play a lot of games and most of my gay friends play games and I wanted to reflect some of that culture into my work. Most people are shocked to hear that gay guys play games. In my world, gaming and gay go hand in hand and I realize that not everyone sees that way. Hopefully this exhibit can help change the perception that just straight teenage males play games and some games with specifically gay content will start to be developed.”

Durchholz has published a full coffee table book titled 3dboys, and also heads up Concrete7, a small group of Nashville artists who, as explained on their site, “make cool stuff.”

Gameboys shows for two weeks beginning October 2nd at Tribe Nashville,  1517 Church Street, Nashville.

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Today I read the entire Summer 2007 edition of Elephant, a Boulder published magazine devoted to organic and sustainable living and conscious consumerism.

Elephant is not to be confused with the other Elephant Magazine, the internet site published by “Friends of the Elephant Foundation” and devoted to the awareness and care of actual animal elephants.

I’ve never read the Boulder Elephant before. The magazine appears deceptively trite from a brief glance of the cover. Many specialized living magazines are nothing more than a vehicle for ads, with a few paltry articles qualifying as content. Wait that’s almost every major magazine. But surprisingly Elephant features very in depth and detailed writing on a variety of subjects, including travel.

The summer issue features articles on juicing, composting, eco-friendly home renovation, a primer on hip L.A. Westside activities, and of course a passion of mine: bike commuting.

Elephant is chock full of good writing and content. Best of all the ads (most featuring short haired female yoga practitioners,) don’t overwhelm the articles themselves.

Elephant Magazine is all over Boulder, select coffee shops in Denver, and at themindfullife.com

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Living in a townhome I don’t have much yard space, which I’m thankful for as I have enough household chores to do without mowing grass and trimming trees.   However should I acquire a lawn someday, or get off my butt in the spring and stake out a plot at one of Denver’s many wonderful community gardens, then H.C. Flores “Food not Lawns” will be one of my reads.

Given the photo on the cover you can bet that this book gets quite preachy about the subject of consumption and land use - and while I probably agree with almost all of Flores points, harping on the same “our cities are miserable” to the choir gets a bit overdone. 

For the record I may not be a gardener but my neighborhood IS the wonderfully close knit community that new urbanist and environmental authers pine for.   I’d love to learn how to garden, but I don’t see myself uprooting the hot tub and jackhammering my patio anytime soon.

Amazon reviews

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A year ago I read the book “Tearing Down the Streets: Adventures in Urban Anarchy” by former Denver resident Jeff Ferrell. I was reminded of his book while biking past the Flour Mill Lofts recently. In his book Jeff rails against the “Disneyfication” of American Streets, as well as the privatization of public spaces in order to establish control over them. This is an issue I agree with Jeff on, and something that needs to be closely watched.

I agree with most of Jeff’s views, even if some are taken to an extreme. Responsible development is necessary to create a vibrant economic climate. But I concur in that handing over parcels of city land to private companies we share in the common the loss of “free spaces”. Also this tends to drive away the small independent entrepreneurs via large corporations buying up parcels of city blocks to create THEIR vision and ideals. Through this they control who shops and lives near their properties, and discourage less than preferrered clientele from being there through arcane codes and quasi legal laws.

One urban project detailed in Jeff’s book is the “Flour Mill Lofts” on the west side of downtown Denver. During the 1990s this area was transformed from a transient “off the grid” area on the fringe of downtown to a healthy area of condos, modern high rises, light retail, and parks. I don’t feel this is all bad. The Platte Park area along Little Raven Street is a beautiful and green part of the city. Bikers and runners along the two rivers and sitting on the hills drinking over just people watching with the skyline in the background makes for a wonderful way to spend a weekend. In 15 years this area has been transformed from the urban blight to one of the most inhabitable areas of the city.

However In Jeff’s book he almost goes so far as to say the squatters and the homeless had a RIGHT to occupy the Flour Mill Lofts, and even fantasizes about them taking over the multi-million dollar condos at Flour Mill and reclaiming it for themselves. Strange concept. But, when you think about the difference between homeless and squatters versus those on fixed income occupying a piece of land that developers are salivating over, the difference really isn’t that great. Especially when developers are wooing city leaders for eminent domain rights in order to TAKE their land.

The Cherry Creek retail area near my home in Congress Park started with a population of World War Two bungalows and eclectic artist establishments. Following the Cherry Creek Mall’s inception in the 80s the area has continued to cater to a higher and higher dollar. Even the famous Tattered Cover Bookstore moved out last year to a less expensive location a few miles away. Now the area is furriers and jewelry stores, save for a few decent food joints like Cherry Cricket and Java Creek.

Another scary concept is the propagation of privately owned streets and city blocks. Again in Cherry Creek - there’s a block on Clayton between 1st and 2nd Street where you’ll find a Marriot and a steakhouse. This entire block is OWNED by the development company. Meaning if I wanted to hand out political flyers, fly a kite, or just be a bum I could legally be asked to leave. Having public streets run by private companies is a bad bad thing. I agree with Jeff on this entirely.

Back to “pushing out the little guy:” On a larger scale has anyone planned a Las Vegas trip lately? In the late 90s when I lived in California I’d frequently drive up on the weekends with friends. We’d get a cheap room, play some cards, consume $6 steaks and free drinks and have a great time. Now it’s difficult to find a weekend room for under $200. I don’t share any special bond with tacky old casinos, but watching 70 year old former cocktail waitresses tear up over a casino implosion is the same feeling I get when I see a “tear down” or “scrape off” every few weeks while biking to work - pictured left. (See my articles here about teardowns.)

Close to my home in Denver - the area of Colfax Avenue between York and Colorado is undergoing major transformations. High rises are going up near City Park, home prices are rising, and more money is coming in. That’s a wonderful thing for me, my home value, and ultimately my financial security. But if it’s at the expense of losing the “red headed stepchild” businesses such as tattoo parlors, dusty used bookstores, and independent food joints, I’d think I’d give up some of the glamour in order to keep the original fabric of my neighborhood.

Should cities, retail districts, and economic plans include ALL levels of income? I’m a person that promotes “infill”, meaning that instead of building and sprawling OUT to the exurbs, we take existing city blocks and parcels that can be utilized in rejuvenated as vibrant new places to live, work, and shop. But where do the people go that sparsely occupy these places go? The homeless may be an easy group to relocate, but others surviving on low means, without political clout, have a legal right to their space. THEY are a complex issue when it comes to redevelopment issues - as well they should be.

You can check out Jeff Ferrel’s book Tearing Down the Streets here.

Left: Flour Mill Lofts detailed in Jeff Ferral’s book. Right: Platte Park Area of Denver.

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I vist the Denver Book Mall once every few weeks, or whenever I’m on South Broadway and have some time to kill.  What makes the Denver Book Mall unique is that it’s not just a used bookstore, but a collection of local booksellers working on consignment in one location.

The friendly staff will always notice you and say hello, and if they’re not at the front desk the creaky wood floor will certainly alert them to your presence.  Books are categorized by retailer, but the staff can recommend a certain “store” to visit in order to find subjects and titles.   I usually never have anything specific in mind, but always walk away with something when browsing.  There’s a collection of old magazine and reference books in the small south room of the store.

They’re located at 32 South Broadway, on the east side just north of Ellsworth.  You can check out a list of current booksellers at their site   dim.com/~bkmall

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On my train trip from Munich to Prague I read the book “Seeds of Doubt” by local Denver author Stephanie Kane.   Jackie Flowers is a successful defense attorney who takes in, (yes to her house), a young woman accused of murdering a little boy.   Antics ensue with her friend and detective Pilar while the plot revolves around suspect Rachael, her brother Christopher, and love interest Dennis.

I wasn’t completely thrilled or disapointed with Seeds of Doubt. I found it an average easy read, perfect to follow amid the distractions of the beautiful German countryside.  Funny though how all but one review on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles paint this book as the best prose since Hemingway.  

The part that kept my attention was that the primary scene is literally set in my backyard.  I live in Congress Park, near the soccer fields where the little boy, (in the book), was found dead.  Kane describes the hills, berms, and soccer fields perfectly - and I’m wondering at what point she was parked in my driveway roaming around taking notes.  The “Toody Froody” ice scream shop is obviously Liks on 13th, and she describes other neighborhood characteristics perfectly.  

Here’s something a bit odd:  I went to Stephanie Kane’s website at www.writerkane.com and found her “reading groups” page.  Turns out that if you’re reading Stephanie’s books for your book club, she wants to BE THERE for the follow up discussion.  

“I enjoy participating in reading group discussions about my books. If you would like me to be a part of your next meeting, please contact me.  Click here to hear from Reading Groups who have invited me to their meetings.”  

I am happy to provide you with Readi Group Guides for any of my books. These guides can be a kick-off point for discussion and questions at your next meeting.
 

WTF?  This isn’t a book signing - she actually wants to come to your living room while you’re discussing her books.  Do I really need a guide for a paperback mystery fiction book? Does anyone else find that a bit weird?  How can you be critical of a book with the author sitting right there eating your cookies?   Anyway I’m sure she has the best of intentions, and Stephanie if my non-existent book club ever gets around to this one you’re invited.  You know where I live.

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Well it’s been days since I’ve written a post.  I’m certain that my few readers have long since abandoned me.  However Munich and Prague we’re smashing!   I had planned to post a daily report with photos - but we were so busy exploring the utopian streets of Munich via foot and bike that there was no time left. Pictures and trip report coming soon. 

I saw a display of books by Daab at the “Palace of Books” on Wenceslas Square in Prague.  Daab highlights the best design of various life such as airports, clubs, restaurants, lounges, and streets.   They also showcase ethnic themes including Spanish and Arabic design, and have a photo series on the architecture and design of various cities.

Check them out:  www.daab-online.de  Photos from “Aircraft Design” and “Hotel Design”

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I’m reading “Deadman’s Poker” by James Swain.  Swain writes a series of books based on the Tony Valentine character, a retired cop from Atlantic City now living in Florida working for casinos as a cheating consultant.  They’re fun and easy to read, and you get a fix of casinos, pokers, the mob, and other nefarious dealings without needing to leave your bus seat.

Although Swain is only moderately guilty of this, an amusing yet annoying habit of some writers is to over explain step by step every process of computer operations.   Often times an entire paragraph is devoted to: He sat down at his computer and turned on the power.   He opened his e-mail program and read three new messages.  He hit “respond”,  and wrote back to…

You’d never read:  He opened his car door, sat down, turned the key, etc, etc.  Unless those details were truly pertinent to the storyline.  Editors take note:  Basic computer operations need not be overexplained.   This hasn’t been necessary since 1997.

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I’m currently reading.  Well it’s more a “browsing coffee table book”, so I guess I’m paging through “I Like You - Hospitality Under the Influence”  by Amy Sedaris. 

This came out around the holidays and is a spoof of a Martha Steward entertaining primer.  Only Amy Sedaris can combine a real cookbook with quirky party tips, (bring your host butter, not wine. Everyone needs butter).  There’s a chapter on entertaining the elderly, written in 18 point font. And it’s a useful cookbook too, with real recipes scattered about. 

From the publisher: Are you lacking direction in how to whip up a swanky soiree for lumberjacks? A dinner party for white-collar workers? A festive gathering for the grieving? Don’t despair. Take a cue from entertaining expert Amy Sedaris and host an unforgettable fete that will have your guests raving. No matter the style or size of the gathering–from the straightforward to the bizarre–I LIKE YOU provides jackpot recipes and solid advice laced with Amy’s blisteringly funny take on entertaining, plus four-color photos and enlightening sidebars on everything it takes to pull off a party with extraordinary flair. You don’t even need to be a host or hostess to benefit–Amy offers tips for guests, too! Readers will discover unique dishes to serve alcoholics (Broiled Frozen Chicken Wings with Applesauce), the secret to a successful children’s party (a half-hour time limit, games included), plus an appendix chock-full of arts and crafts ideas (a mini pantihose plant-hanger), and much, much more!

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The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America by Dave Gilmartin looks hilarious. I want it for my coffee table.

Book Description

The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America surveyed thousands of Americans to find the fifty dirtiest, smelliest, most miserable cesspools, armpits, and tourist traps that make up this great land of ours. The “winners” of this awful distinction include the likes of:
Atlantic City, New Jersey—Come for the slots. Stay for the gang warfare and fourth-rate prostitutes.
Gary, Indiana—Like a sewer populated by 100,000 people.
Carson City, Nevada—Perfect for folks burned out on the high culture of Reno.
Fairbanks, Alaska—Take the most horrible place you’ve ever been, then subtract the sun.
Jacksonville, Florida—Possibly the foulest-smelling city in the Western hemisphere.
Camden, New Jersey—Once the proud home of America’s first mass murderer, it’s been all downhill since then.

Perfect for your friends unfortunate enough to live in Baltimore or Houston, The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America is an uproarious look at the dregs of our otherwise wonderful country.

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I just finished reading “Prey” by Michael Chrichton. You won’t mind me spoiling it because it’s not worth reading.

Summary: Hard working scientist wife becomes distant to hard interviewing laid off stay at home Dad. Wife is secretive, hubby suspects affair. Baby suddenly gets ill, hubby gets job at wife’s super secret desert research facility. Wouldn’t you know genetically engineered micro nanobots are evolving by the nanosecond are taking over their desert habitat. Turns out wife and suspected lover have in fact been taken over by the black nanobots as well. They lowest point is when Julia and Ricky, (the lover), kiss, and the swarms erotically pass through their mouths.

I loved Chrichton’s “State of Fear”, but why this is a best seller is beyond me. Half the book is spent setting up the premise of their marital dysfunctions, which can be summarized in a chapter. Finally Jack’s sister conveniently steps in to watch the home and kids, so Jack can track the nanobots out in the desert. Pass.

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