Alternative transportation

Say what I may about the Greater Phoenix Suburbopolitan Area, the city of Tempe, embedded in the midst of this vast empty town, actually does things right on occasion. I'm not sure if I posted about this at the time, but a little while ago I attended a town meeting where the major item on the agenda was the implementation of a set of five free, local shuttle routes--the Orbits, as they're called. Apparently a few years ago Tempe residents passed an initiative in support of a transportation tax to improve the alternative transportation systems in the town, and the shuttles are an implementation of the tax.

Anyway, there had been a lot of controversy surrounding the creation of one particular shuttle route--neighbors living on one section of the proposed route are adamantly opposed to having the shuttle run there. I strongly supported that route (it would actually allow me to reach the library and arts center without having to either bike there or take an hour-long bus ride to get there), and that's why I went to the town meeting. Ultimately, that shuttle route was approved for a six-month trial period, followed by an evaluation and second round of decision-making. That particular route goes into effect in January, and many of us can hardly wait for it to start. In the meantime, two of the other routes are up and running already.

Despite my support, I had never actually ridden on any of the free shuttles until this morning. But what with not feeling all that energetic and yet wanting to see my friends at coffee, today was the day to try a route out. One of the shuttles stops a mere half-block from my house and it took me most of the way to my destination. It was also an incredibly pleasant ride, and although I hadn't originally envisioned myself using the shuttle that often, I can suddenly see its utility. Especially on days when it's not all that pleasant to walk because it's too hot and the walk's not all that gratifying. Or on days when I wouldn't have made it because I'm still not feeling all that fantastic. The bus system around here leaves a number of things to be desired, but the shuttles look to be great.

So: new shuttle system: 1. cars: -2000.

Why I dislike disposable beverage containers

Here's a little list of litter picked up from around waterways. Note that although cigarettes are number one, various forms of disposable beverage containers figure prominently on the list.

Reuseable containers, people. Reuseable. Or at least multi-serving containers poured into reuseable cups or bottles. Make it a habit.

Another thing that REALLY ruffles my feathers

An editorial about the media's response to Hillary Clinton's physical appearance reminded me of a visitor to my high school. I don't remember much of what the visitor said, except that one of her messages boiled down to, "When people watch a man on TV, they remember a message or idea. When people watch a woman, they remember what she wore or looked like." She was so right, and it's horrible to think that women are so superficially judged (to borrow MLK's terms) on appearance rather than on the content of their character. Of course the worst feature of this problem is that it's usually other women who are the harshest judges of appearance.

Of course, this is only the beginning of the challenges and stereotypes that successful female leaders face.